Ammani Life for a Central Montanan

So I just moved in with my host family yesterday. I have spent a total of one night with them, and so far they are great.

The Ammani lifestyle is different from that of Central Montana. First off, there are a lot of people. People keep reminding me that Amman really is not that big, that everyone knows everyone and it is really easy to find your way around. However, these people have yet to realize that I come from a town with a population of less that 7,000 people that has a total of four stoplights.

Amman:
Traffic is interesting, to the point of exciting for an adventurist. What are designated traffic lanes anyways? I mean, really. And crosswalks--whatever, just cross the road...

It is also going to be quite different living in a place where the closest spot to play soccer, hide 'n seek, or even dodgeball is the living room.

But, I got to say, the ability to throw fire crackers out of the kitchen window onto the sidewalk is entertaining.

Now, none of these thoughts or comments are meant or should be taken negatively. I do find them to all be part of the experience. When I say "experience" I do not mean as a tourist or an adventure seeker. I say "experience" to mean a way to understand how millions, correction, billions of people are living today. Now, not everyone in similar circumstances have the same experiences, but my time in Amman is meant to try to understand in part what society and culture is like in a life so different from my own. Already, I have begun to learn.

I have learned that humility is huge. Also, contentment is just as big. In a place where everyone knows everyone and hospitality is crucial to the culture, people are always present. To make the best of every situation, one must find a balance of humility and contentment. Now I may wish and desire and utterly long for the chance to walk out my back door and lie in grass where the closest neighbor is half a mile away, but the truth of the matter is, at this moment myself and billions others are unable to do this. I alone have no room to talk because I chose come here (which I am very grateful for the chance to do so).
Having the ability to be content and humble with all that one is given and receives makes life...good.