Weather was beautiful today for the celebration. Beautiful tents were put up on top of the tell for program speakers and reception table with lots of fruit, sweets, and coffee/Beduoin tea. Heard several dignataries speak of the history of the work on Tell Hesban by Andrews University, Department of Antiquities director, etc. and royalty. Prince Raad spoke – he is the son of the former King Hussein of Jordan, and brother of the current King Abdullah who could not come. Since I knew Dr. Larry Geraty, co-founder of the site in l968, he introduced Milton and me to the Prince and we had our picture taken with him! Great fun. Milton had a slight fever last night – better now but sleeping this afternoon while I help register artifacts with the archaeologists. Sunday we will tour several desert castles of Lawrence of Arabia fame, and board Royal Jordanian on Monday. See you soon. We love you all!

Just to let you all know we are still safe and sound.  Spent the weekend at Petra – incredible.  Hiked two days there – rode camels (wonderful when just walking) – explored tombs/caves.  Did some shopping in the little town.  Sand bottles made from the natural sandstone at Petra are sold everywhere.  Milton continues to dig at the site.  I have been recording numbers on artifacts that are kept for study and publishing purposes by the archaeologists.  It is interesting to watch them read the finds and decide which ones to keep – some ceramics, metals, coins, charcoal, potsherds – all have meaning to learning about the ways of the people who put them there many years ago.   Milton and I are going to dinner at Kan Zaman tonight with the dig director and his wife.  40th anniversary of Tell Hesban is this Thursday.  They expect about 300 for program and tour of site.  King of Jordan is unable to come, so a Prince and his wife will be there along with other Antiquities Department dignitaries.  One more week – we leave next Monday.  We will post if we get another chance.   Love you all!!