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!