Still, the camp has been the focus of what the International Rescue Committee called "unending criticism from its occupants." Refugees have endured harsh cold and flooding that not only made life miserable by swamping tents, but also made it difficult to deliver water and supplies, UNICEF said.

McDonnell acknowledged that tensions have sometimes run high in the camp, especially during bad weather. But she said most families are just glad to be out of Syria.

"By the time the refugees arrive to Jordan, I think they're extremely grateful for the safety," she said.

146 killed in fighting in Syria; Patriot system started in Turkey

Back in Syria, the opposition group Local Coordination Committees reported that 146 people, including 15 children, were killed Wednesday in fighting. Twelve injured Syrians were taken across the border into Turkey for treatment, but two of them died of their wounds, Turkey's state-run news agency TRT said.

Syria's Health Ministry said Wednesday will order public hospitals to treat the injured quickly and for free as part of an ongoing health project, according to the state-run news agency SANA.

Also in Turkey Wednesday, the installation of the Patriot air defense system began in the southern city of Kahramanmaras, according to the semi-official news agency Anadolu.