University of Jordan

My wife met with her new colleagues at the University of Jordan which is really big, modern, and covered with trees; a rarity here and a treat for the eyes. As we stepped from the car, by chance, two men were at curbside. They took one look at us and said, "Dr. Terry?" This was just the beginning of an extremely friendly welcome. They took us to meet the Dean then afterward whisked Terry away to meet everyone while I waited in Terry's new office, the Dean's former office, which was very large, with a table and chairs for conferences, comfortable padded chairs for visitors that I thoroughly enjoyed, and a well stocked library. The Dean also left Terry coffee and tea and other amenities. Afterward Terry returned and sat at her desk to get her bearings. As we sat in her office talking there was a steady stream of faculty stopping by to introduce themselves, offer to help in any way, and invite both of us to dinner or lunch at their homes. One was an invitation for mansef, the Jordanian national dish of rice, yogurt, and lamb. We can't wait. Terry is already editing manuscripts, scheduled for guest lectures, and preparing to teach her doctoral students. We are returning to the campus tomorrow so she can attend a Jordanian Nursing Council conference. Of note culturally is that when a male faculty member wanted to signal Terry he does not shake hands with women, he entered her office with his right hand over his heart, indicating sincerity of intent. Also of cultural note is that when we told the other professors we have only one child, they seemed confused and asked what the reason was behind not having more children. The cultural note I will end on is when Terry used Arabic words, sentences, or phrases, the faculty warmed right up to her and reactions varied from smiles to hugs and kisses. My wife is impressive on many levels.