opportunity knocks (loudly)

we aren't accustomed to having good financial opportunities fall into our laps. we aren't those people who have cool things happen to them all of the time. we just plug along and trust that Allah will take care of us. that's how we made the decision to come here. we don't have much, but we have enough, and faith that we are worth at least a few sparrows to Him. here is the story of how Allah has provided for our every need in the last month or so:

1. Substitute Teaching @ The American Community School - we have become basically part-time employees at this school that uses an american curriculum and requires its teachers to have a north-american teaching certificate, as is accredited in the states. its like wandering into america when you pass the security office at the entrance. we have friends who teach there who informed us that substitute teachers don't need a certificate or a degree, which means both jessey and i can substitute there. jessey administered MAP tests for 2 straight weeks, full-time, and we both have subbed for teachers at least 2-3 days every week since we got signed up to sub.

2. Tutoring - through ACS, we have been placed on a tutoring list for families that want native-english speaking tutors for their children, usually in english. we have started tutoring 2 children of a wealthy family on the other side of town, to the tune of 20JD per hour (app. $30 per hour). the opportunity is great for us, not only because of the obvious, but because this family has needs that we can meet, both mental and otherwise (get the hint). the boy i am tutoring is the oldest son, and his father went to the university of texas and is an engineer. there is a lot of pressure on him to succeed. the mother also wants jessey to teach her some english, and the doors just keep opening wider with them to have a significant impact on their lives.

3. HZE - i'll try to make this long story as short as possible. through a friend, jessey was made aware of a company that was looking for someone like her to fill an assistant position. we met with the owner of the company over a 160JD meal ($240, which is more than our rent!) at a hotel bar, and he laid things out. its a company that makes environmentally safe landfills and pipelines and other things throughout the middle east. although the deal hasn't been finalized, yet, he did tell jessey that she could name how much she wanted to make. and its part-time. if all goes well (insha 'allah), this job will provide for all of our financial needs along with giving jessey residency in jordan, meaning she won't be required to leave the country to renew a visa, and, more importantly, will be able to visit petra for 1JD (there's a deal for residents).

some things to pray about. and to thank Allah for.