Well I've gone from having very little to do to having quite a lot to do, but I'm not complaining. I have begun embedding with a Jordanian unit some distance from Amman and that has been an adventure unto itself. I am unfortunately not able to provide a lot of observations right now but later I will tell you what I can about the things I'm seeing. For now, suffice to say that they are quite different from us in a number of ways. They want to be much better, but change is slow because their ways are deeply rooted in old customs and their systems are not what ours are back home. Since I am living with them several days out of the week, this is a great opportunity for me to listen to their stories, practice my language skills, and hopefully make a positive impression for the U.S.

I've also been gearing up for the Dead to Red Ultra Marathon Relay, which kicks off at the Dead Sea this evening. We will be relaying for 24 hours (less, hopefully) until we finish in Aqaba on the Red Sea, 242 km (153 miles) away. Should be a great time but with all the other business I'm feeling drained already. I'm sure we'll do fine and I hope to grab some good pics and video for you.

After I return from staying with the Jordanians next week, its time to pack for my first regional travel trip to Egypt. We are planning on spending about two and a half weeks there and seeing as much as possible. I can't give the trip details here, but you'll surely read about them when I return!

More later... time to get the last minute errands done!