Stephen's Visit from Qatar: Day 1 Part 2: Baptismal Site

After the Dead Sea our GPS took us to the Baptismal Site of Jesus at the River Jordan.  

 The lovely clear water of the Jordan River.  It was nice to see so much green for a change even if the water was the same color as the trees. 

 For some reason, of all the places to choose the baptismal site of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church thought it wise to choose the place along the river without a lick of water left in it.  There were still some neat mosaics from many churches built over and over again on this deemed sacred spot of ground.  

 There is Israel, just 12 feet away and a little more popular than the Jordanian side.  If you get too far in the water, I think the guys carrying M16's wont hesitate to get you back on the right side.   It really was a lovely place, though. 

Our beautiful view on the drive home.  The sunset's light cast a gorgeous warm hue over the hills. 

Stephen's Visit from Qatar: Day 1 Part 1: Dead Sea

A couple weeks ago we were blessed to have Michael's brother come to visit us.  It wasn't too far of a trip for him as he currently has a study abroad in Doha, Qatar.  We both had time off for an Islamic holiday so it was a perfect time for his visit.  All the places we took him were new to us too.  It was quite an adventurous few days.  First day was the Dead Sea:

Stephen was almost too skinny even to float in the Dead Sea. 

 There's Israel in the background.  It was a beautiful day. 

 I think I could have spent all day there.  First of all it was amazing to be able to float practically on top of the water.  Secondly, the water was so soft dense at the same time.  My skin felt amazing after our dip.  It was quite relaxing.  Just don't open your mouth, or your eyes.  It really was the nastiest thing I had ever tasted.

 We all had a blast here, acting like little kids.  We might even start our own Olympic Dead Sea Synchronized Swim Team.  You should have seen our routine; quite professional. 

 These boys are standing straight up in the water, but not on any ground.  Just floating! 

 Look ma! No hands! or feet!

I exfoliated my feet right there on the beach.  Check out all that salt! 

After the boys had their fill of the oily, salty water we jumped in the swimming pools on location.  You would have thought we never learned how to swim, because it sure felt like it.  It was such an odd feeling to swim in normal water after so much time taking it easy in the Dead Sea.  We all sunk like rocks and were dead tired when we got out.  It was just too much work to tread water.  I would choose floating any day. 

Our Arab photographer trying to be artsy... I think. :)

It truly was the lowest place I have ever been in my life. (and that is in meters!)

Stephen's Visit from Qatar: Day 2 Jerash

The next day we took off for Rome.  It was only about a quarter hour away, too.  

 About every 1/8 mile we had every opportunity to buy pomegranates out of a Toyota right on the side off the road.  'Tis the season. 

 And here we are at Rome! Well actually this is Jerash, but from what we have heard from friends who have been to Rome, Jerash has more well preserved ruins.  History of Jerash.  

 The McConnell Boy Band

 The architecture was spectacular.  This is the arena where chariot races probably took place. 

 Speaking of chariot races! 

 And they're off!

 Champions! (Hard to loose against yourself).

 We liked to explore all the nooks and crannies we could find.  

 The ancient theater. 

 Did you know that the Arabs actually invented the bagpipes? If you are really curious to find out more: History of the Bagpipes.  I think they were playing Yankee Doodle in this picture.  

 Kiya: "Stephen, do I look fat?"

Stephen: "uh... no...."

Kiya: "Are you sure? Do I look fat or pregnant, cuz there are only two options."

Stephen: " ha.... .ha.............................."

We had been dropping hints since he got to Amman about me being pregnant.  It took him till the third day to say, "So, I've been getting some subtle hints that Kiya is pregnant?"  Subtle? :)  We love you Stephen. 

 When looking out at this ancient city, I was struck by two things:  One, how much of this city still lies under the ground with just capitals of columns peeking up from the earth, waiting to be discovered, and also how close you are to the modern city of Jerash.  The ruins actually split the city in half.  What a contrast between the two civilizations. 

 The biggest centipede I had ever seen; full of protein.  I wonder if the ancient inhabitants lived off these creepy crawlies.  They were everywhere!

 This column is made of solid granite. 

 The owner of this shop at Jerash wrapped me all up in this scarf and told me I looked just like a Bedouin.  Needless to say, I bought the scarf.  How could I not?  "It keeps you warm when it's cold and cool, when it's warm."  I fell for it.  

Another great view at the end of the day.  

And... We're back!

Hey everyone.  So sorry for my absence, but don't worry, I'm back.  Since it has been so long I decided I had better make this post worth reading. It's about time that Michael and I make this announcement...

Yes! We are expecting our little one on May 6th. 

I am now about 16 weeks along and everything is going great.  I have been extremely blessed with a wonderful pregnancy.  I haven't been sick much at all and by the size of my belly you can see that my appetite has only increased.  I know "feeding for two" is not exactly true seeing as how that second person is only the size of a lemon, but I sure do like my food.  And mustard.  I tend to prepare dinners according to what goes good with mustard.  And I have been a little too creative with that; Michael would probably say.  For you Zauggs out there I have been craving those Zaugg pancakes like crazy and have even converted some friends.  If you want to try here's how you do it:  pancakes with peanut butter, a fried egg (yolk a little runny) dill pickles and maple syrup.  Delicious, fulfills any craving!

We went to the doctor on Saturday and were able to hear the heartbeat.  It was incredible.  I wasn't expecting to find out the sex of the baby for a few more weeks, but the doctor said that if it was a clear ultrasound then we could probably find out.  According to the doctor, it is "obviously" ...a BOY!
Here is an ultrasound from my last visit: Little Lemon

Ali and Duwa

Our neighbors, Ali and his daughter Duwa invited us over for dinner.  They served us Maqlubay, cucumber and tomato salad, and beef wraped in eggplant with a tomato sauce.  It was delicious! Every time we eat at someones house we can barely move by the end of the meal.  The more you eat, the happier they are, and every time you finish your plate, they throw on another heaping helping.  They are the nicest people we have met.  Ali doesn't speak any English, but he sure does love Michael.  This night has been one of the best opportunities Michael has had to practice his Arabic.  

Yasmine, Robin, Michael, Me, Lamise and Duwa

Ali and his daughter, Duwa are from Iran.  His wife and other daughters currently are living in Australia.  He is here in Jordan, waiting until he can join them.   Duwa is visiting from Australia for a few months. She told me she doesn't want to go back though, because it has been hard for her to find friends in Australia. 

Lamise and her sister Yasmine are from Palestine and they have both lived in the states for a number of years.  Yasmine speaks very good English with next to no accent and Lamise and Duwa are very fluent as well.  Lamise is halarious.  She is one of the most liberal Muslim women I have met, and also one of my favorites.