Mother's Day

Mother's Day in Jordan is on the 21st March. It seems to be highly celebrated. Students even came up to me after my lecture at the university to wish me "Happy Mother's Day"!

The following day was a special celebration at Kira's school. I arrived at the school hall and greeted the mums who were already there. As is the custom, as each new mum arrived, she went round shaking hands and kissing all the other mums!

The children processed into the hall and Kira gave me a little wave as they took their seats on the stage. Then the children stood up and some music played. I soon realised that the other mums had stood up too and I was the only one left sitting down. It dawned on me that perhaps the music was the national anthem so I quickly stood up too!

Kira did really well joining in with the Arabic and English songs for Mother's Day. This was followed by the sports teacher leading the children and the mums in a little "zumba" workout! This was a cross between dancing and exercise and it was fun to see even some of the very conservative mums joining in wiggling their hips!

Kira gave me a special door hanging she had made with a flower and poem. Then we tucked into a fine spread of pizza, hummous, falafel and vegetables, followed by strawberry or chocolate cake. It was interesting that they made such a big celebration of the day!