September 22^nd, 2009

 

Cultural Activities Update:

Dabka and Belly Dancing Class: Cultural activities are a blast- I won a keychain for “Best Girl” in the Dabka dance class yesterday- every week they will have a little prize for best guy and best girl dancer- One of the teacher’s name is Fox - I love group dancing and the music is amazing- Dancing is a passion always and Forever.

 

Weekend Trips:

 

After 8 hours of a long and cramped bus we arrived at Mt. Sinai (Gabel mose- moses mountain?)) in darkness 2 AM. Greeted by the Bedouin tribes with camels all over the place. Every few feet it seemed there was a Bedouin guy asking us if we wanted a “camel” or a “blanket, mattress, blanket” because it was cold.  We hiked Gabel Mose for 3 hours to catch the sunrise- hundreds hiking along with us. It was beautiful, dark, and clear night with stars and a full moon out as our flashlight. Stunning.

 

At Dahab we were very relaxed- basically food and beach; mango lassies and Moroccan. The Red Sea (Ahmar Bahr) was so beautiful with a deep blue color. I waded out past the shore outside the restaurant Funny Mummy, slipped and fell backwards right on my bottom- Ha! Talk about graceful!

 

The fish were beautiful- deep corals, red and blue- rainbow fish, parrot fish, silverfish- what a contrast of the colorful lively ecosystem in the ocean to the brown barren homogenous colored mountains right outside. The water so warm- and that was the best view of Saudi Arabia I will ever get- mountains in the distance.

 

We had the craziest jeep driver yelling and screaming the entire way!

 

Enjoyed solitude on the 8 hour bus ride back- with reading and silence-

 

Luxor: Phaoronic Temples

 

Iftar and Ramadan:

 

I celebrated Iftar with my friend Radwa and her family- 3 hours of Arabic speaking people and me catching only about five words in one sitting.  It took an hour taxi ride to Nasr City by myself- first independent adventure. Her family liked me though, they were very gracious to pay for my meal, hospitable, and consider me apart of their family, it also helps cause I sort of look like them (as long as I don’t speak, there is a little less hassle when I am alone). Christians and Muslims go out to eat together even during the Iftar.

 

 

Ramadan is a forty day fast where no food water, or sexual pleasures are enjoyed from sunrise until sundown. Iftar is breakfast- where people eat and celebrate- take in about 3 meals in the evening. Even as Christians, it is impolite (and looked down upon) to eat or drink in the middle of the street. Many shops are closed and people rest indoors and then party in the evenings!

 

I got lost on my taxi ride home from Maadi- I felt safe and was trying to direct in Arabic with hand motions just like them “khosh yimeen” turn right “ala tuul” go straight. Don’t have to chose to talk to taxi driver if I do not want to, some are nice, other times they try to ask what your name is etc. Better not to speak.

 

Egyptian Friends:

 

My favorite part of this experience! I almost always am longing to hang out with Egyptian people. It makes me feel as though I live here- it is a little easier without school and traveling, but it just means I have to come back. I was so excited to hang out with Maged, Nardeen, Wael, Pier, and Erine yesterday.

 

They are Coptic Christian (Egyptian Orthodox- tattoos on their wrist) I feel very comfortable with them, they are family in the Lord. Maged and Wael are particularly easy to joke with and watching Maged handle an issue with a disgruntled taxi driver over paying less than what he wanted for having Americans in the car, was interesting. He was self-assured, and firm- It is very gracious of them to spend time with us, some people see foreigners and automatically can make things a little more tricky for the locals.

 

We went on a Felucca ride  (Nile boat with disco lights and Arabic music) with about four other friends from MESP- it was so fun!

 

Then we walked and talked about life and politics and fun and love!  On the way, there were so many people out for the Iid (eed) celebration that Ramadan is done (goes on for 3 days where people eat cakes and cookies). It was nice to see what life is like normally.  I like it. Had a mob of teenage boys surround our group hassling us somewhat, and being oblivious I  did not register that it was slightly precarious, but our friends were very protective and ushered us forward quickly.

 

After that we had Syrian Food- sooo good the feta-!! And mango juice asiir manga- with good laughs.

 

I learned not to dance in the street…even a little hehe

 

Soccer game:

Local Football (soccer) rooting for Zamalek against  (alsay?) I forget their names. But they were the away team. There was a ton of people- Gives me an entry into the man’s world here. Then again, sports are similar everywhere when it comes to men I think lol (Not to hate on women, I am just researching a debate on the role of women and human rights here in the Middle East and the role religion, tradition, and politics and customs plays).

 

I loved the energy of the Cairo Stadium, music and drums and chanting kept the crowds going for 3 hours. Four teenage boys spoke to us in Arabic and English about the game. There were police doubly lined up protecting everyone especially the away team fans, in case of riots. I bought a Zamalek flag – Zamalek lost unfortunately, but it was a great way to immerse oneself in the culture.

 

Schoolwork

 

Writing 3 papers and 1 debate-pray for me

Researching the legacy of Imperialism on the Middle East

Debating that religion plays a role in Human rights and women’s rights here in ME (although, I do not think it is only that reason)

Need to research what the Koran says about the end of Jesus’ earthly life for my Islamic Thought and Practice Class.

 

Just heard one of the best lectures by a Reverend here in Egypt on seeing how to incorporate Christ in the eyes of the Muslim culture- through loving people, preserving middle eastern culture and still exalting Jesus. I will say more on that later

 

Hardship:

*Please pray as my Uncle Michael passed away this past week- It was a difficult week. I wrestle and rest with these two verses: “Jesus wept.” And that’s it, it doesn’t say he kept on doing stuff, it pauses showing that it is okay to grieve for a moment- and then the verse about dead burying the dead- showing that life must keep going- Uncle Michael is with Jesus now, and that is an assurance I can rest in.

 

Jesus:

 

Is faithful, the only Begotten Son of God, my refuge and my life, my salvation and my hope.

 

Some in my group are not assured of their salvation- it seems to be up in the air. I have come to say- I am assured that in Christ I know I am forgiven, being sanctified and going to heaven and will live forever. I cannot judge how the rest of the world will go, God knows who are His in every country. I know I am called to be faithful and to hold to the truth I know, while being humble and learning about others beliefs.

 

For me, its either I trust fully in Jesus’ words (or there is no point to attempting to follow religion) otherwise I would just go do my own thing- if its all about works and saving myself by being good.  But I believe there is redemption and God’s truth revealed in every culture (including my own). I am still processing everything.

 

 

 

Camel Rides at the Giza Pyramids

Giza Pyramids & Sphinx- Camel Rides and Belly Dancing

Talk about cultural experience- I cannot believe I got to spend the day being in awe at the splendor of the Pyramids- I am soooo grateful- They were massive, the best part was the camel ride. my camel was sooo grumpy, every time I got on, she growled and mumbled, nipped my foot, and nipped at the other camels. Grouchy pants- I guess I would not like if I had to carry someone on my back in the hot hot sun in the dry desert day after day- Sheesh- But the desert was wonderful, arid, and just like Arabian nights. Cairo city comes right to its borders.

Classes are good and long. I spend many hours studying and learning Arabic- there are a lot of controversial issues being discussed- I will be doing a debate on women's and minorities rights in regards to religion here in the Middle east

Today-- Belly Dancing class and Dabka- my exercise outlet- I for sure want to continue those classes in the U.S. because I am passionate about dance- our instructor was pretty fast and slightly intimidating though- I start Dabka tonight- for those who don't know- its Palestinian dancing with men and women,

I love my Arabic instructor- she is so great and I can read some Arabic words now- its empowering. I love it.

Went to an evangelical church with egyptians- the whole sermon in Arabic- Best tasting communion of my life with soft bread and sweet wine- its all about Jesus- people enter and leave throughout the service as they do in mosques and it is not uncomfortable and you do not feel condemned for it either...I wonder how I would be living in a culture where christianity is the minority of religions- in america we are faced with secularism and exalting knowledge about faith- so we have to fend for our faith in that environment- but when two faiths have similar social settings and functions in an environmEnt- knowing the distinction is crucial- like I said it all boils down to who Jesus is- 

then hung out with Egyptians with good food and conversations. That is what I long for- to get to know those who live here- 

I will talk more about politics later

We have an event to meet egyptians our age tomorrow evening- and we tour Mosques!

Night Life during Ramadan- The market where men call out to you "How can i take your money" "You have Egyptian woman, you get it for free" Shisha smoking area too- Cultural memo: Muslims smoke, no drink, Christians can drink, but no smoke...

“Experience without processing is tourism”

The Hospitality of the Egyptians:

My favorite moment this week, was after going on an walking adventure with the girls from my flat to Metro Market the grocery store one evening, we arrived back to our neighborhood and a lady stepped out of her car. Simultaneously, the fellas met up with us, and while talking, I looked over and greeted the woman saying “Ahlan” meaning “Hello.” She warmly shook my hand and I asked her name in Arabic, “Inti ismik eh?” She respond Karima. A man named Hamman came and translated for her, and they told me I should get my hair done- he was a hair dresser- he was glad to make our acquaintance and very respectable, for she invited us up to tea at her house and Hamman did not go up to the flat with us- honorable thing for a man to do here.

 

When we arrived on the 7^th floor- there were about five kids there, a father, another, and an aunt and grandma- the whole family under one roof- such liveliness. They were not expecting us, but were very hospitable and most happy to welcome us. I love that we are strangers and they invited us in so quickly- I wish it were that easy to welcome and trust strangers in the US but alas, it is not as easy and our culture does not seem teach us that- does it seem that we fear the stranger all to often? But of course, foreigners are always fun in any culture, even in ours I suppose…I love it being about relationships…

Anyways- We spent almost two hours late that evening learning to speak Arabic, playing with Siif (3 yrs) and Reehim (2 yrs) kids are such a blessing- I love families

 

Funny story- I kept saying “zaay tuul…” trying to pronounce “How do you say ____?’ buy they were hearing zany toun… which means “olive”- So they were confused and started explaining to me about fruits- apple, banana etc. We did not figure out that I was talking about fruits the entire time, until I simply asked, How do you say, “how do you say?” Then Achmad (the father responded) izzay tu’uul and we realized that everyone had been misunderstanding each other, but it all made so much sense- The family and friends laughed so hard…

 

We checked out a coptic monastery and this little girl followed us and held our hands everywhere- I love her! 

Garabage City from last post:  I love the colors of clothes hanging out of the window

Prison: Another language exchange for an hour while waiting to go see prisoners-

A girl was going through language book teaching me words- I love learning and am not ashamed to jump into attempting to speak the language so I may make a fool of myself…

God is doing a work amongst the Christian prisoners- many are in their 20 yrs+ and for life - I could not imagine- I spoke with the only Russian prisoner there too who had interesting thoughts on prayer and public…he was more to himself- but I like him

 

He said “if the Christians did not come to the prisons and give them stuff, the other Christians in prison would not pray” he said it critically- but I think to myself how discouraged I may get if my brothers and sisters around the world did not come to visit or pray for me and I was in there for life…

Classes: Great- I am coming here to be more informed- I still ask myself what am I doing here- I am a Biology major? I feel so disconnected from current events from the past 3 years, but then I tell myself, I came here to learn and to be a little more informed about the world I live in.

 

 

The Westmont 3: Typical Ratio even in Cairo! Ha! I think this group is going to be precious to me.

Discussion on God: 

 

In a discussion I had with a friend last night about God’s justice and mercy- she expressed frustration in an inconsistency of God’s character in the Old and New testament- somewhat Universalist-

 

I could understand the frustration- I don’t have everything down- but this was the thought I feel most important- I told her- it all boils down to “Who do you say I am”-Jesus- who do we say Jesus is? A prophet, a good man, God/son of God- because the importance of the cross shows God’s character being consistent-

 

In Christ God’s justice and mercy expressed in the OT are fulfilled in Christ- God does not get weaker and more soft in the New Testament- He is both just and merciful as He ever was…even if I can’t reconcile or understand all of history or His Word which is pivotal to our understanding of Him.

 

Simple Things in life:

Love Mangoes! Love Middle Eastern Food and Music, love the Night life, socialness, and Ramadan. Heat!

Garbage City!

We went to a town in Cairo called Garabage city today.
Sisters of Charity- part of mother theresa working with orphans and elderly- Egyptian babies are ridiulously cute with beautiful eyes- I think I need to marry an Egyptian so I can have kids that look like them (sluightly kidding ;) ) .

The people sort through and recycle garabage for a living- Though it is impoverished, the jobs are respectable, the society is normal and functioning. A lot more Christians live in the town, than elsewhere around Egypt. This kind of living is diferent from the poverty I saw in India because people work, a city is there, and there is not many lame or ill people seen begging on the streets in Garbage city. They look happy and were very welcoming.

I want to go back there just to visit and get to know the people.

We also went to a Coptic monastery- It was beautiful- ancient looking! We had a 9 yr old girl Neevan hold my and Katelyn's hand the entire way- She was fun and spunky, like every little girl, got upset when i didn't let her carry my backpack- hehe

Visited a textile place as well to use recycled materials.

2. Commitment service tonight- basically the group starting off school commiting to be open etc- it was very nice- Henna on our arms and legs-

3. I am going to start my Tuesday service project tomorrow- I will be visiting prisoners every tuesday - 4 students go here- we have other students in other service projects elsewhere

4. I will be taking belly dancing and Dabka- palestinian dancing for men and women- God willing- Here they say inshallah (both christians and muslims alike).

5. We have amazing weekends lined up for us beyond our travel component to Jordan, syria, turkey, and israel- Including- Mt. sinai, Luxpr pharonic sites, Siwa a desert oasis and sand dunes, and red sea and alexandria- yay!

6. Jesus is faithful- Beloved book of Hosea still my favorite- I am open to what the Lord will teach me this semester- pray as I start arabic etc on Wednesday aye ya! Deut. 10 is wonderful too

6. Pictures will be uploaded once I get a regular schedule going and have time- things are jam packed....

Learning for God's glory only- in CHrist=

K.K.

Oh yea they call me KK here rather than Kristin Ha- I started that...

Gender Issues! Shopping! Nile!

So pictures will be uploaded soon! We have had some interesting interactions regarding gender;

For example: I am adjusting to looking past people, like looking through them rather than drawing attention to myself- its perceived the wrong way to make eye contact with men, it is both confining and empowering - it helps one practice self control and modesty- which is a very valuable skill- I see my power as a woman in a new way- its interesting to work through-



2. Tonight we went to a market- loved the merchants calling out to us- my favorite line tonight was "You have an egyptian woman, so all of this is for free" He called me egyptian (I am the only one in my group with that skin tone of course) so it was an honor, but also hillarious that they mistake me for being sudanese or arab - another line said trying to get us to buy things was "How can I take your money from you- they are great salesmen no joke-

I liked how crowded it was because I could look at more people's faces-

I looked at spices smelled saffron, cardamon, lemon, jasmine, mint teas- the lights and lanterns were hanging throughout the bazaar crowds of people come out at night because it is Ramadan so they fast during the day. Egypt is my kind of town because of the night life. It is like their Christmas season.

3. Tonight we played tourist- some smoked shishassh (hookah) and had a boat cruise down the nile river with egyptian music, pink neon lights, amazing sandwiches and good conversation. moses went down this nile.

4. I am more accustomed to crossing the crazy frogger steets after our scavenger hunt today to get our barrings on the neighborhood
I am more comfortable and used to seeing people with head scarves= while it is modesty, it is also cultural, and fashionable, I could see why they are liked- they are beautiful.

I love it- though I am nervous for academics lol - never enough free time to write in depth- will share more later- forgive my spelling errors....

After 35+ hours of plane/airport time I finally anded into Cairo!! I feel under the weather currently, but its looking up. I slept as much as I could on the planes- Meeting the new group was very exciting, we have some gregarious ones but as time went on, we all got tired and teh conversations lulled. Being in Cairo has been similar to India, in some ways such as teh crazy driving, horns honking, and scenery. Much different though in other ways- I am learning to look in a distance as I walk along. I am really interested to learn about gender etiquette and how to respect and adapt to their customs. Arabic will be an exciting challenege. I wish I could speak it right now, because then I could speak to the girls in the shops who were very friendly- Perhaps media has a role to play in every culture's misconceptions of the world- she asked me if I had been pregnant before wedlock because I was from America lol- here they call it Amreeka-. La'a means No.

I knew I was living in Cairo rather than vacationing, when the shower flooded the bathroom and I had to clean it up Ha! There are 8 girls in my flat(an apartment)! I am rooming with two others. Food is wonderful already. Last night I woke up at 2 after falling asleep before 9. I couldnt sleep for another 3 hrs (12 hour time difference from Hawaii). When i reawoke I realized I had two consecutive dreams about Donkey Kong- random.

Tomorrow we go to a Mosque- we bought headscarves today. I am the only Biology major in this group- I have some catch up to do on things of the middle east- but I am anticipatory of the semester and meeting new people and trying new things. Will write more and it will all make sense once I am fully coherent!

Preparation Underway!

Hi Everyone! Its me Kristin!

I am new to this whole blogging thing, but thought I would attempt to give it a shot for my new adventure in the Middle East where I will be studying abroad!

For those who do not know- I will be dwelling in Cairo, Egypt for some time this Fall semester learning Arabic, politics, religion, and studying about the culture and peoples of the Middle East, all God willing.  This entire trip is God willing. We hope to travel to Israel, Jordan, Turkey, etc....

This may be one of the riskiest and most challenging places I have ever gone to. Be prepared for me to have an intense and emotional reverse culture shock coming back! Ha! :) Perhaps I can give some insight on my perspective as a woman, as a follower of Christ, and as a foreigner in their land. I go wanting to love and learn with an open mind and a heart humbled. 

I like the title of my blog" Krist-in-MiddleEast." It technically means Kristin in the Middle East- but it works such that its "Christ in Middle -East." Where He goes, I am to follow, and He has allowed me to go here.

I hope to keep people posted with events as I can here and there so that even though I am not there in body, I am with you all in spirit. I hope to be real, open, and make it fun  afor you all to read.

I ask that you keep me in prayers from time to time- Our Lord is faithful. I hope I can be faithful- and hopefully being consistent in blogging is one of the ways I can be....school always is busy, you know! So please pardon me beforehand (*giggle)

I leave August 25th....

My writing address will be on my facebook account if anyone attempts to write a letter which is always welcomed, though delivery is not always guaranteed! Ha!

You all mean so much to me, which is why I wanted to include you in this. God bless you!

This is just the beginning....

In service, devotion, gratitude, and obedience to Christ- my Redeemer who has forgiven me and loves me

K.K.

or you can address me as - K.King, Kristeface, Kris, Kristin...Gertrude....your choice