Hi from Jordan

[harma]

Hi everybody, not posting very much at the moment, but I do read now and than. I hope you are all doing well (and your relatives, I read about your brother Polly and I was really surprised how he is doing and that things, considering circumstances, are going quite well, it was just one of those examples to me, that it is always important if things look impossible, they still may be possible, I am so happy for you and I hope things are still going ok with your brother).

One of things I heard recently, when you just one letter, an a, to impossible, it makes I am possible.

I am still in Jordan, a lot of things will going to happen the next weeks, first I have to move again, on Monday I will move out this temporary place to another place, where I can stay until April next year (I have to take it that long) and probably can stay longer if I want to, it's not far from where I am living now. It's a nice place, ground floor with a small garden with a lot of privacy. The people I will be renting it from also seems to be very nice. I haven't met them yet, I am taking over a rental contract of a friend. I hope this please will become like a home to me, that is what I start to miss.

Than Monday I will fly to Holland for a three and half week stay. Really looking forward to it. My house is empty, so I can stay in my own house. I have made the choice to stay here long term. I am going to sell my house in Holland. It's a big decision, but I just know I don't want to return there. Renting out, covers the costs, but does not make my any money and long term it will cost my money, you know house need to be painting again, some other maintenance and being so far away, for me it is only stress.

Feels good booking flights now Amman-Amsterdam and back, instead of the other way around.

There are still a lot of things not settle here, I am still on a tourist visa, I am running out of money I will survive until christmas and than (if my house doesn't sell, I am in trouble). It's a huge risks, making longer term commitments here, giving up security and properties in Holland. But that is what this whole adventure has been from the beginning.

My job finding, company starting business, for already two years I have had the feeling not getting anywhere (coming to Jordan is of course a huge step, but still inside what I am really wanting to do, stays foggy). For two years I have started to solve this myself, but I am going in circles. So there also enough is enough, so I contacted a woman I know quite well, who helps people to transform their dreams, talents, skill, values into a money making business. Another investment.

My Arabic is improving, after 4 weeks intensive course. Still can't really talk, but understanding more and more words when people talk. It's a big improvement compared to a year ago when I arrived here.

And my bowels, the flare is over, food I seem to react on in my flare are ok now again. I am back on my 10 ingredient diet Only keep on having problems with C now and than.

[MaggieRedwings]

Morning Harma,

You are definitely the poster child for the slogan "Follow Your Dreams." I am happy that you have found a long-term rental and that you like it and admire your decision to cut your ties to Holland and stick with the plans for Jordan. A job and security will follow with the positive attitude you have and all the work you are putting into your long-term stay.

Please keep us posted and again I have to say, I totally admire you and your ability to adapt and keep positive.

Love, Maggie

[sarkin]

Harma,

I just read a great quote that you are exemplifying - it said that most people live their lives backwards, first trying to get the security and resources together and then doing what they want to do - where instead first you have to be who you are, and then do what you have to do, in order to have what you want.

Congratulations on moving into this new life, and I'm so glad to hear your flare is over. I definitely find that when I have symptoms, I have symptoms - and some foods are just fine when I am well, and not at all once I'm heading in the wrong direction. I am working to figure out what that means...

--Sara

[Gabby]

Harma,

You have so much courage. You are an inspiration. Glad your flare is over. That must be a relief for you.

Take good care,

[Polly]

Hi Harma,

It is always a treat to hear from you! I feel like I am on your journey with you in some small way. You know, your experiences, observations, and deepest thoughts are always so refreshing and REAL to read. Have you thought about writing a book about the actual process of following your dream? Sort of like an "Eat, Pray, Love" book? It would have such human appeal, I think.

Thanks for the good wishes for my brother. Yes, it has been amazing. He came home exactly one week after Whipple surgery - on no pain meds, tubes, or insulin (he was warned that surgical diabetes can result after much of the pancreas is removed, but so far, so good). Two days later we went to Target for a shopping spree! He did have some cancer spread to 5 out of 12 of the lymph nodes removed and examined, but hopefully the chemo and radiation will help with that. His pre-surgery tests (including PET scan) showed no evidence of spread, so it must be fairly early, luckily. He is learning how to eat with a shorter GI tract, which can be a challenge. The only problem he is having is swollen legs/ankles, due to protein depletion from not being able to eat properly for so long.

Hooray that the flare has subsided, and have a wonderful visit to Holland (I almost said "home" but it appears that home is now Amman!).

Love,

Polly

[Gabes-Apg]

Harma
you are only in the opening chapters of this book of adventures, hope your trip home and time with your family, and the house sale go well.

love your FB posts

take care