Time Flies!

Ashley is definitely right. Our stay is going by sooo quickly! We've already been gone a whole week and I feel like I just got here! There has been so much to do everyday that I definitely feel like we are making the most of our trip. Unfortunately because of the issues with data collection at TTU we will have to move to Yarmouk in the morning. We're definitely all very excited to visit their university and actually begin our research, but it's heartbreaking to have to leave all our new friends so soon! Today was a good way to end our stay in Tafila though. We began our day with lunch with Khalil at the university at 2 (we're still having an issue adjusting to the time change and getting up on time.... well I am at least!). As always the food was delicious. I'm a vegetarian and I greatly appreciate how accomodating everyone has been. In the U.S. it's usually a hassle going out to eat because there are never many, if any vegetarian options, but the people of Tafila have made sure that I never go hungry! After lunch we picked up Rahel and headed to Karak to visit the castle and do some shopping. The castle was gorgeous and we climbed all the way up to highest point! Wafa(I think that's how you spell her name? If not I'm very sorry!) was our guide today and she was extremely protective of us, so we were completely safe while climbing up and down. My favorite event of the day definitely was visiting the Dead Sea. I had been looking forward to this since I found out we were going to Jordan. We got there just as the sun was setting so the water and sky were absolutely beautiful! Getting down to the water from the road was a bit of an adventure but luckily no one fell or was hurt, suprisingly enough since no one was wearing proper footwear for such a hike. The water was nice and warm and the feeling of floating, regardless of whether you wanted to or not, was quite unique! Heidi made the mistake of submerging herself in the water, causing her eyes to burn. Needless to say I made sure I kept my head above water for the remainder of our swim. We ended our day with an amazing dinner at the home of Rasha's family. We met Rasha back in the U.S. and she graciously offered for us to visit her home during our stay. It's too bad that she wasn't able to be there as well, we all greatly enjoyed spending time with her. Her family was extremely welcoming and prepared quite a feast for us! I was going to describe my favorite food but I can't even decide since they were all so delicious! Khalil also came to the dinner which pleased us all. I think we all agree we're going to miss him while we're in Yarmouk! He has been so helpful, making sure we had everything and anything we could possibly need as quickly as possible. He's definitely a large part of the reason we have felt so welcome in Jordan! Well I suppose I should go start packing and head to bed! Less than 8 hours till moving time!