homesick in jordan

i’ve been here in amman for 4 full days
and have cried or been close to tears just about every one of them.
i’m definitely going through an adjustment.
it’s not just the language.
it’s the entire culture i’ve got to get introduced to/acquainted with.
i homesick for the familiar,
knowing where to go to get what i want/need.
how i long for a CVS, an ikea, a target.
most of the stores here look like dollar stores in the US
as far as organization and space.

then there’s our flat.
it’s a 2 BR 1.5 BA with an eat-in kitchen.
there’s a washer, but no dryer.
i’m told those are rare in amman.
today is the first day i washed anything.
the dryer is OLD and small.
i could fit exactly one comforter cover, 2 pillow cases and a fitted sheet in it.
now it’s drying on a rack in the house.

in addition, the flat is heated with diesel.
it’s got central heat,
which means radiators in each room that are turned on and off in by a central control.
and since diesel is expensive we only turn it on a few times a day.
so, i’m cold most of the time.

it should be better in the summer
cause there’s a little veranda and garden.

i can deal with that.

the stove is OLD.
so old we’ve got to light it with matches or a lighter.
and we’ve got to buy a cannister of gas and physically attach it to the stove via a tube.

i’ve got to remember
no tissue in the toilet.
amman’s plumbing system just can’t handle it.

on the flip side
the masjid is down the block,
literally.
it’s wonderful to hear the athan daily.
i can even hear the khutbas on friday from our flat.
the school, qasid, is up the street.
the place were sanaa and maybe rahmah will spend some of their time
is around the corner.
there are shops for the basics down the street.
and from what i’ve heard our flat is warmer than most apartments in amman.
ishaq spoke to some folks who have a big apartment,
but because it’s so spacious, the radiators do nada
cause the building are made of tile and cement block.
when it’s cold outside,
it’s cold inside.
when it’s hot outside,
it’s cool inside.
can’t wait for spring or summer…i think.

plus all the building are shades of cement block.
i’m already missing the colorful pink, green, blue, even purple houses of DC.

anyone know where i can find shae butter in amman?!

it’s only been 4 days
i have to remind myself,
but it seems that it’s been longer.

it just takes time, right?
i think once i get into my studies i’ll be distracted…i mean, better.