Often when I meet people in both the US and Jordan, the same question is asked. Why would you choose Jordan?

After over two decades of working in the US and establishing myself in my career and community, leaving the familiar to head to the unknown didn’t make sense to many but they haven’t been to Jordan. Jordan is a land rich with history and full of amazing and beautiful people. What Jordan lacks in natural resources-water, oil and fertile land- its more than makes up for in hospitality and possibilities.

Jordan is….

A land I have fallen in love with over the years. Jordan has become home.

It is a place where I can head out and converse with dozens of people from dozens of backgrounds.

A land where cups of hot tea are shared by strangers in little shops across the city who soon become with friends. Where soon after, these same people, people of all backgrounds and heritage become family.

Jordan is a melting pot of the Middle East. A land of hope and safety and promise. But it is also a land struggling to keep up with the demands of more than doubling in size since 2000.

A home to millions of people who have lost their homes in neighboring nations. In the last decades, she has opened her borders to millions of people that have so much to offer, but have been affected by wars and conflict and who have sought refuge in this small landlocked nation.

A land of hope and new beginnings. As Jordan welcomes the world to her borders, we are afforded a unique opportunity to stand side by side and offer resources and encouragement to all that she has welcomed.

Why Jordan….

Jordan is a nation of peace and a home to many who have fled their native lands

Jordan is a nation of diversity

Jordan is a nation re-shaping and impacting the Middle East and the world.

Jordan is a nation of 9.9 million residents with over half under the age of 24

Jordan has ONE lending public library

Books and More is the ONE public lending library in Jordan

The Royal family of Jordan is a champion for peace and hope and empowering the people of Jordan through literacy and education.

“Learning to Read and write changes lives; it means jobs, money, health and dreams fulfilled”

“The youth are a catalyst for real change”

“Educate a woman and you change her family. Educate a girl and you change the future”

-Queen Rania of Jordan, Author of the children’s book “The Sandwich Swap”