10 April 2011

Home is the sailor, home from the sea

I have safely arrived from Egypt - thank you for all your prayers! I certainly saw ample evidence of God's goodness, grace, and guidance on this absolutely amazing and indescribable adventure!

There are two reasons I came to Jordan. Oh, I know I talked about wanting to learn the language and meet people and experience the culture, but really I am here only because of two people. These two men have had a large and unexpected impact on my life and have shaped it in ways I never could have expected. They are two true characters for whom I early felt a deep affection. It is strange to think that such small encounters and chance words, one's life should be forever molded and taken in a new and unexpected direction.










Really, I came to Jordan solely because of Tutankhamen and Aladdin. 




(Whom else were you expecting? Really.)



We covered Tutankhamen and the basic history of ancient Egypt when living in Britain; I was fascinated by the writing system and the story of his tomb's discovery. My interest in Tutankhamen eventually passed; but not before led to my love of Nat Geo and my current interest in languages. In the thick of it, however, I might have even passed through a tiny phase in which I was obsessed with hieroglyphics and the details of mummifications and in which I wanted to be an Egyptologist....but then, who doesn't? I might have also passed through a tiny phase in which I swore I would legally change my name to Jasmine as soon as I turned 18 and was convinced that flying carpets and genies were real.....but then, doesn't everyone?

So, although Egypt was not the place I wanted to go originally for break, it is little surprise that I did end up there. I was able to achieve several life goals - see the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, and Karnak - and call myself Yasmine the entire trip. 

Now, when anyone asks me how spring break was, all I can think of are the lyrics to "A Whole New World":

Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling.....
A hundred thousand things to see....
I've come so far
I can't go back 
To where I used to be
A whole new world
With new horizons to pursue
Every moment red-letter
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you.


So, now I am in the midst of writing up a weeks worth of posts to share with you. It may have been a completely amazing and indescribable adventure - but believe me, I'll try anyway!

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