Here in Jordan we celebrate Easter at the same time as the Orthodox church, meaning that Easter Sunday will be this Sunday (April 27th).

Last Sunday was Palm Sunday and everyone was dressed up and came to church bringing woven palm branches decorated with flowers and bows. During the church service we each were given olive branches and all of us walked in a procession around the church, singing an Easter hymn. It was fun to see and take part in a new-to-me Easter tradition.

Since I've been terrible at posting and figure most of you are wondering "What are you doing in Jordan?" I figured I'd answer by giving you a rundown of a day in my life:

My day starts when my German roommate/fellow volunteer Miriam and I get picked up by the school bus. When I arrive at school I hurry to English class (in 1st, or 2nd grade)where I assist the English teacher in giving the lessons and help the children complete activities.

After several English classes I head to the Kindergarten where I work specifically with the blind and visually impaired students. I may practice Braille Arabic letters with them, have them complete tactile puzzles, play matching games or play outside to help them develop their motor skills. I also eat lunch with them. In all activities I encourage their independence and help to teach them skills like washing their hands and opening and closing their school bags.

Later, depending on the day, I have more English lessons, or Miriam and I work with the blind kids in the 2nd and 3rd grades to develop their mobility and orientation(amazingly some of them still do not know how to find the washroom by themselves). Then I spend some time in the office, uploading photos I've taken of the school during the week, making powerpoint presentations and sending emails and letters to English speaking supportors of the school.

At the end of the school day, Miriam and I ride in the school bus with the children for about 1 1/2 hours, acting as "bus teachers".

Once at home we usually spend the rest of the day cooking, cleaning, playing with our cute little host nephew Musa, doing prep work for school, watching TV, or hanging out with our host family.