There were two phrases overused and drilled into my head that summer of 2004 when I became a New York City Teaching Fellow. “Crux of it all” and “teachable moments.”

I’m writing to you from the absolutely gorgeous, inspiring, and friendly country of Jordan. There’s a saying I subscribe to which is, “if I haven’t been there, it’s on the list.” Surely that is true for Jordan.

I love markets! I don’t really care what they are selling. I just love markets! Thursday was my day, market day. 

I found myself buying a knife I didn't need from an old man today.  

The vendor was a tall, thin but not fragile man wearing traditional clothing - a colorful textile wrapped around his midsection, clunky big sandals made out of old tires with the classic and colorful knitted hat decorated with an ostrich feather poking out the side. I didn't need the knife but it was a better option than the bow and arrow sets he was also showcasing.

My favorite ladies remembered me. They smiled and said, ‘Nachap!’  I respond proudly in the local language, ‘Yes, I return.’ 

I'm rooting for the women's day contest winner who plants a tree with hope for her future. I’m rooting for the girls.