We arrived the palace grounds about 10:25am, and were escorted by Khadijeh Siraj (Princess Sarvath's personal assistant) out of the royal offices through their gates to the Prince Hassan residence. A beautiful home (which actually very old) but refects the experience and dignity of the royal family. We were escorted to a library room where there were chairs a couch and side chairs. Room was filled with pictures of the royal family, and many of the dignitaries and heads of state they have hosted over the years. ...and there we were!
Anyway, Cliff and Clay set up in the lights and cameras. While we were waiting for the princess, her husband HRH Prince Hassan popped into the room and briefly intruduced himself and wished us well. That was an unexpected pleasure for sure!
Siti Sarvath arrived about 11:10am, and after being seated and miched, she responded to my first question and gave a wonderful 20 minute talk about her beginnings with the royal family, her efforts to help the poor handicaped of her country almost 30 years ago when beginning the YMWA center for the mentally challenged, and later the Amman Baccalaureate School. She discussed the timeline of Mr. Herbert Armstrong's presence in Jordan meeting with King Hussein and ultimately with Princess Sarvath and her husband. She spoke very fondly of the Ambassador Foundation volunteers in the past and how their example of attitude and character were central to the unique contribution they made to the schools and to the Jordanian people.
She came across as a confident, experienced woman that has a determined committment to helping her people and has the leadership qualities and vision needed to get the job done! It was an impressive talk and much appreciated. To our surprise, right after the interview, she invited outside to the garden patio to visit. After she insisted we have a refreshing drink (they are fasting...as it's Ramadan, but she wanted to host us graciously) of hybiscus tea, lemonade, or iced tea, we talked for well over 30 minutes about everything from the world conditions, conflict and selfishness between peoples, family, and even Tine Banda! She was truly engaging and having that short time with her was a wonderful blessing.
That afternoon, we were driven to the RHSC offices where we met the new director, Hasan Ali Nimah. While Ambassador Nimah was only recently appointed the new director of the RHSC, our talk and his interest in our program led to a wonderful disussion on globalism, conflict between peoples, and the deep values of volunteerism. We also met with and interviewed Dr. Muslih Najjar--the outgoing former director who came to value the work of our own Tine Banda last year. Tine's work led to her being asked to work in the royal palace the past 5 months!
Our day ended with an evening at the apartment of Tine Banda and a wonderful meal prepared by Tine for myself, Clay, and Clint. We had a 30 minute interview with Tine which told her inspiring story of her education, her dedication to the United Youth Corps, leading to her current role in the royal palace. An inspiring story and wonderful interview! Tomorrow a "day off" travling 3 1/2 hours south to Petra at 6:30am!
~D. Horchak
1 comment:
It is wonderful that Princess Sarvath mentioned what fine examples past volunteers were during the Ambassador Foundation years. Our daughter Stephanie was there in the early 1990's.
And now Tine is still there as well as the new volunteers.
Post a Comment