Middle East Travel Seminar: Little Petra and glamping(?)

  1. Our Middle East Travel Seminar has landed!
  2. Middle East Travel Seminar: A great day in Amman
  3. Middle East Travel Seminar: Surprising spiritual moments
  4. Middle East Travel Seminar: Petra and an epic storm
  5. Middle East Travel Seminar: Little Petra and glamping(?)
  6. Middle East Travel Seminar: Our trek from desert to sea
  7. Middle East Travel Seminar: Sacred ground above the Dead Sea
  8. Middle East Travel Seminar: Scrolls, mud, salt and temptation
  9. Middle East Travel Seminar: Entering the stomping grounds of Jesus
  10. Middle East Travel Seminar: Following Jesus around the Sea of Galilee
  11. Middle East Travel Seminar: Our incredible journey in Galilee continues
  12. Middle East Travel Seminar: Turning toward Jerusalem 
  13. Middle East Travel Seminar: Diverse cultural perspectives in Roman-era Zippori
  14. Middle East Travel Seminar: A day of memory, history, hope… and sweets!
  15. Middle East Travel Seminar: The Western Wall, Temple Mount, and Dome of the Rock

BY KELLY CONNELLY

Hello from Wadi Rum! What a whirlwind these last 48 hours have been. For those of you who haven’t heard, we had quite the adventure yesterday. If you haven’t read Dr. Adams’ post, I encourage you to do so. In short, the day was SO. WORTH. IT. Our tour guide Niam even said “Not everyone who goes to Petra gets “petrified” like that!” After an exciting Friday, we looked forward to an easier and laid back Saturday. This morning after breakfast we headed to what is known as “Little Petra.” However, we quickly learned that there is nothing little about Little Petra. It’s more of an extension of the amazing views we saw yesterday. There, we were surprised to find more hiking and exploring opportunities, and even more surprised that we were willing to give them a try after yesterday! All the hard work was definitely worth the Koinonia (community) factor and the breathtaking views (The pictures do NOT do them justice!).

 

Hiking to Litte Petra

 

Little Petra

After a delicious lunch and a scenic drive, we arrived at Sand Rose Camp in Wadi Rum, Jordan. We drove through the desert, our amazing bus driver powered through the sand and we arrived right in front of our home for the evening. This experience was described to us as “glamping” (glamorous camping).  I would say the jury is still out, but either way I know we are in for a wonderful experience filled with Koinonia, breaking bread and laughter.

glamping?

Tonight we experienced a traditional Jordanian dinner outside and saw how our food was prepared in the sand! (Yes you’re reading this correctly.). As soon as dinner wrapped up, a major disco dance party started in the middle of our campsite! (Shoutout to Anna and Blake for being the ONLY brave ones to join me on the dance floor). The night is still young here in Jordan, and we plan to enjoy the full moon, the clear skies and some stargazing. As for tomorrow, we look forward to camels, Jeeps and desert adventures. For now, we rest, we eat and we love.

We have experienced the greatest hospitality in Jordan. I think I speak for everyone when I say it will be quite difficult to leave in a couple of days. Many thanks to all our supporters back home, but even more thanks to our fearless leaders Carson and Sam. We’ve gone through some interesting “faith testing” experiences this week, and they have been our rocks the entire way. For those of you who are thinking about a Jordan visit, buy your tickets now. Come and see the Koinonia.

Kelley Connelly is a Master of Divinity student at Union.