peacelovelight, American expat in Jordan

peacelovelight

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American expat in Jordan

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American

Lives in Irbid

Speaks English, Spanish (intermediate), Arabic (learning more each day!!), and a little bit of : Korean, Swedish, Italian, Greek, Danish

Registration: 15 February 2010

About Activity

2009-Hi, I am a Californian, married my Jordanian husband 13 years ago. We met in South Korea. I have traveled the world many times and am so excited to be living in Jordan after spending the past 13 yrs in the U.S. We lived in his village for a year and-a-half in his village near Irbid with our two young boys ages 4 and 7. We just moved to Aqaba and are enjoying living by the red Sea and love the freer lifestyle here.I am a former homeschooler from Joshua Tree where I lived a sort-of "grassroots style living". We are Earth conscious and very much focus our life on a happy, uplifting positive, you-can-do anything attitude. We love: honesty, fun families, exploring, good food, good positive world music; all kinds, but love a funky, techno-house- style groove, love, freedom of thought and expression, tolerance, truth, equality, helping others, compassion, animals. nature, Roman ruins, water, earth....and FUN! Looking for like-minded folks (family's especially)to talk with

Interests: reading, metaphysical thinking, current events, spending time with two young sons, painting, Helping others, exploring jordan, graphic design,

Since Feb 2012

Irbid..in a village, Jordan

2012-UPDATE: I've been in Jordan 2 years now, and I must say, reading my above enthusiasm is a bit heart-breaking, as life here is not as easy as I had hoped. Things just do not roll easily and life changes directions minute-by-minute. I am still trying to remain upbeat, but in a country filled with traditions that are not always logical to a westerner, is can be quite disappointing. I am questioning why in the world I am here and how in the world I can regain my happiness when I am forbidden to even laugh or smile in public. My kids are now 6 and 9 and speak Arabic, which is wonderful. I am hoping that somehow the events in my life will turn and I can find some like-minded friends. It is very lonely not having friends and having the many restrictions placed on me that I would never allow in the US. I am giving this place another year of my life and if they don't change, that's it, I will leave, defeated, for the first time ever (in a major way). I have not experienced any freedom, travel, fun, laughter, or music like I explained above...only restriction and ridicule from being too open-minded...however, I am not giving up yet...it is also, very, very, difficult to make a positive influence on anything. All organizations I have contacted here and VOLUNTEERED my services haven't even had the courtesy to reply. My only hope is to find some other foreigners who maybe have some enthusiasm that will spread and bring back the life that has been sucked out of me....sorry to be so, down, but really, this is by far the most difficult and sad time I have ever experienced in my life...although I am strong, sometimes, I feel I should just give up and go to where the people are happy and free. If you feel like me, please contact me...all it takes sometimes to bring one out of the darkness of restrictions is the "forbidden" smile :) And to those westerners who are considering moving here with their spouse...think twice..really...it is far far more difficult than you would ever ever imagine, and frankly, it would be easier to live in a tent in the west than a castle in the east...freedom means everything, especially if you are a woman here. (And this does not apply to those who have the opportunity to live in Amman), my experience is in the village and from living around male family members who enforce "Muslim ways" whether you are used to a life of freedom of expression or not. Hopefully you would not have these restrictions enforced on you, and mine are really moderate compared to other families in my observations. But really, think twice!!!!

Since Oct 2009

Irbid outskirts, Jordan

I was called here for a number of reasons. The most important is my husband;s family, who had never met our 2 boys. Also, his Mom and Dad are getting old, and so, when the economy finally affected my husband's remodeling business, we jumped on the chance to move here. It happened so fast and although it was a lot of work, everything really came together...like it was meant to be. So, here we are. I am currently looking at different areas of which I can make the biggest difference...maybe education, children and women...various ideas...still checkin' it out.
I have a BA in Graphic Design from San Diego State University.... am a painter, illustrator, writer, & event planner
It's beauty and simplicity, lovely people, history, landscape, clothes, jewlery, furnishings, some music, food, and perfume.
Some traditions that are not in favor of freedom of expression. Litter and litterbugs The honking and unsafe driving Air pollution

Aug 2001 - Oct 2009

California, USA

Raising my family, Morongo Basin Fun-Schooling (our homeschool group), Joshua Tree Music Festival Kidsville Coordinator, photography, enjoying the beautiful quiet desert...
Home business Graphic Design; Atheena's Mind Husband's Secretary, All Home Repairs MOM
Everything!! This area will always be a part of my heart and soul...The land, sky and the people are very very special...a great group of minds and free spirits, many with families...and great art and music! Oh and the amazing Joshua Trees!
Nothing! I really loved everything...oh yeah, there were some litterbugs that used to dump their trash on the way back from the dump, because they started charging...that I didn't like very much.

Jan 1996 - Dec 1996

Seoul, South Korea

Having fun and looking for my love.
I was an English teacher at: a kindergarten, sll boys; middle school, 2 high school's, Seoul University, IBM, Samsung, Hyusung Industries, Hyundai, as well as some other private clients.
Freedom....(just had graduated University), foreigners in Hae Bon Chun/ Itaewon, Buddism, temples, food, clothes, younger people, the fact that it was so different....one of the funnest times of my life...and the most important, I met my husband!!
Ajumah's that won't let you try on the clothes, strictness of culture for women and children

Apr 1991 - May 1991

Tiberias, Israel

Ran out of money while traveling through Greece...stopped off here to work at the Tiberias Grill...no I am not Jewish or speak Hebrew
learned waitressing (was a student)
Swimming in the The Sea of Galilee
some of the men came on strong...i understand why now that i am older and married to a Jordanian...but just thought they were rude (not all of course)

Jan 1991 - Apr 1991

London, England

University of London, Imperial College, semester abroad through San Diego State University...lived in South Kensington, Earl's Court/High Street Kensington tube stop..learning British life and culture, studying Shakespeare and seeing all the history, musicals, plays, etc...ULU football Team (women's soccer)
student..and under-the-table ticket taker for World Cup at Wembley Stadium (plus the football season leading up to it)
History, adventure, being out of the USA for the entire Gulf War 1
The prices!!!! Ouch!

Jun 1986 - Dec 1986

Humlebaek, USA

After high school graduation trip...turned into
tutoring English in Fredinsbrog Primary School and Gymnasium
open minded people balanced lifestyle...equality of classes, food, healthy lifestyle
i met a lot of atheists...everything for a reason, but have never met so many in my life (i was 18 though)