Random Bread Sightings

So, while spending time in Jordan I began noticing a strange obsession with bread. It was never on the ground. It was never in the trash bins.

People hung plastic bags of bread on the sides of the trash bins and in the trees.

People would throw their coffee cup on the ground, but place the remainder of their bread on the fence.

… or some other elevated place.

Then, I started noticing people picking up bread that WAS on the ground, kissing it, and touching it to their forehead. What the heck? So – the inquisitive side of me decided to do some research. I began asking around, as well as consulting Mr. Internet. The most common response I heard from the Arabs and other Muslims was, “there is a Hadith (saying of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad) that says you must treat the bread well.” Well, I’ve been searching for that Hadith for three weeks now. If someone has it, let me know. The most relevant saying I have found is fabricated, saying: “Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): “Do not cut bread with a knife, but give it due honor by breaking it with the hands, for Allah has honored it.”” Okay – but still, bread is important in Arabic culture. One word used for bread in the Arabic language is “‘Eysh”, which is the same root as the word for live, sustain, or exist. Bread is the basic form of sustenance, so perhaps it does require some respect. Interestingly enough, while asking around – I discovered that Poland also has a tradition of kissing the bread. Like in the Middle East, bread is supposed to be consumed and otherwise treated with reverence. [This is relevant to me, because I'm Polish-American. There are many other cultures with similar traditions.] If one drops a piece of bread, they should pick it up, kiss it, and use it to make the sign of the cross. Often, peasants would even trace a cross on the bottom of a loaf before cutting it. I hope you all appreciate the fact that I’ve been that strange American, walking around taking pictures of dumpsters and discarded bread for the past week. Until next time…

Easter Weekend

I had the opportunity to spend Easter morning at the Jordan River. Pretty cool, huh? Anyways, classes are going well. Less than four weeks left of classes! We were given our exam schedule today. Presentation, presentation, quiz, exam, quiz, presentation, ahhhhh! I think I will have more "final" things in these three courses I'm taking than when I'm taking five or six separate courses. I'll be staying in Amman for approximately two extra weeks after my program ends. Top priority right now is securing a job for when I return to the United States. I'll be going back to my Grandma White at our house, my cousin's wedding, my brother's Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Graduation, and graduation party - all within about the first week. I think my family planned it like that to have an excuse to see me a bunch of times because they miss me so much. That's my rant of the day... I'll just leave you with a relevant Polish wish: "Smacznego jajka oras mokrego dyngusa"

Losing a Loved One

Well, sometimes life doesn't go quite the way you want it to. On Thursday morning, my dear cousin Renee passed away. I would say she succumbed to cancer - but she never quite gave up. Even in her last days, I was hearing reports of her trying to push Jeff (my lovely cousin, her husband) down the stairs. Renee was a fighter, a strong, ruckus-loving woman. Before I came to Jordan, I was hanging out at her house. She told me, "Mandi, if I got cancer so I would die and go to heaven so I could protect you while you're in Jordan, I will come haunt you." It's strange being so far removed from the "action". My family doesn't do funerals quite right... or perhaps they do them just right. Yes, people are sad at funerals, but at the same time a funeral is a celebration of life. I even remember teaching my friend how to play blackjack at a funeral once. Thanks to modern technology, I skyped into the funeral home to speak with some cousins and one of my uncles. Who says being on the other side of the ocean prevents an appearance? Of course, I skyped into the upstairs room where the 'kids' eat food, play cards, laugh and joke around. I don't mean to make a mockery of death - but I know Renee is in a better place. I also know there was a better reason than me that God wanted her back so soon... I haven't had a giant foot come out of heaven and kick me in the rump yet. Perhaps the angels needed a karaoke Queen. Rest in Peace NeeNee!