Something that I struggle with here is always feeling like you are being cheated just because you are a foreigner. I am slowly starting to realize just how much. Getting in a black and white taxi at the beginning and paying 10LE for a ride and then getting into a white metered taxi and finding out that same ride should have only been 5LE. Getting in a taxi to go to the same place you have been several times before and you know the way but yet the driver thinks you have no clue, so they drive you in circles or way out of the way to run up the meter. Going to a fruit stand where all the numbers are in Arabic and having the guy ask for more money just because he thinks you do not know how much you owe. Eating in at a restaurant, getting your bill, paying and then not getting the right change back. Which by the way they bring you your change with no receipt and somehow you have to convince them that you gave them a 200 LE note and not a 100 LE note. All because your waiter or waitress want to pocket the remainder of what ever they can. Getting a taxi in any tourist area or any major shopping center where you have to get a taxi because you have way too many bags, so they know that they are your only hope of getting home, so they triple the price and refuse to turn on the meter. I have had several drivers leave me on the side of the road because I ask them to turn on the meter.
Where does it end...Oh and did I mention if for some reason a grocery store does not have change they used to pay you in candy or matches but now they just round up and give you no change. It may only be 50 piasters (Which is a half a LE) or so but after a while that adds up and at the end of the day these people are pocketing all that extra money. You also have to check your receipt and make sure you are not being charged for more items than you have (I wish I could count how many times this has happened) I now check my receipt before the person behind me can go. They may get annoyed at me but I am tired of being overcharged! Oh and the museums that are 2 LE for an Egyptian, but 50 LE for a foreigner, come on now I never heard of this going on in my home country. Yes students always got a discount which is why college students try to keep their ID for several years after they graduate but because of where you are from?!
It may not be a huge amount of money for a "foreigner" but when you live here, it adds up fast. I have to constantly be on guard and always watch my back. I had to learn very quickly...Everyone here seems to be out to get whatever they can from you especially if you are a blonde haired blue eyed American. They can spot me from a mile away. I need to learn more Arabic!!!
I do love living here and I want to make my life here for as long as I feel called but some days I get SO frustrated and it can dip in to how I treat people here. I feel myself rude at times because the last person lied or cheated. I try to be Christlike in all that I do here and show Gods love but on some days it is just HARD. I try to remember that not everyone is exactly like the next but here it is very few and far between that you find that honest cab driver, waiter or cashier to wait on you...
Egypt is a great country to live in and if you can get over things like this, life can be good just sometimes a little frustrating.
Kolo tamem!
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
He is over all, through all and in all
I have been reading "Practicing the Presence of God" and trying to keep in the forefront of my mind to seek Him in everything throughout the day in all moments and in any circumstance.
So I was on the Metro the other day headed to a friends house who lives about ten stops away. About a 40 minute ride. I was looking around at all the people and their faces. Everyone looked so depressed and so sad. I am not sure I saw one happy person on that metro. As I sat there a lot was going through my mind. I like to sit on the metro and just pr for those around me. And I felt like crying out to Him and say "G, where are you in this" these people are so lost. They need you, where are you...
So anyway, I am sitting there deep in thought and then the metro jolted at the next stop, drawing me back to where I was and as I look up this local lady is getting on with this huge picture of "Him." I am not sure where she got it or why she had it but all I know is she had this huge smile on her face and she looked straight at me and our eyes met and she smiled at me. It was the neatest thing. It was almost like "Hey look, I AM here." I almost burst into tears...It was a sweet reminder that He is everywhere, He is over all, through all and in all.
He is good all the time! :-)
So I was on the Metro the other day headed to a friends house who lives about ten stops away. About a 40 minute ride. I was looking around at all the people and their faces. Everyone looked so depressed and so sad. I am not sure I saw one happy person on that metro. As I sat there a lot was going through my mind. I like to sit on the metro and just pr for those around me. And I felt like crying out to Him and say "G, where are you in this" these people are so lost. They need you, where are you...
So anyway, I am sitting there deep in thought and then the metro jolted at the next stop, drawing me back to where I was and as I look up this local lady is getting on with this huge picture of "Him." I am not sure where she got it or why she had it but all I know is she had this huge smile on her face and she looked straight at me and our eyes met and she smiled at me. It was the neatest thing. It was almost like "Hey look, I AM here." I almost burst into tears...It was a sweet reminder that He is everywhere, He is over all, through all and in all.
He is good all the time! :-)
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Oh me, oh my, it is another taxi experience
Hmmmmmm SOOOOOO I have been told that I need to blog more often. But SOMETIMES life just gets really busy here!
So today I literally thought I stepped out of reality and into a disco club with the taxi I got into today. I have my share of taxi stories both funny and a little scary. Which I never blogged about my crazy taxi experience that was actually pretty scary. Back to the later....So anyway disco club...I finally was able to hail a cab after about ten minutes of waiting after school today. I was so tired and had so much to carry home that I was not going to walk the 35 minutes home, so I decided to be lazy and take a cab. The cab that finally stops, is blaring music, it has mardi gras beads hanging from the mirrors and strung throughout the cab. Then he had flashing blue lights somehow rigged to the inside of his car that were giving me a headache. If that wasn't enough he had "bling" dangling from every nook possible and to top it off a tissue "cover" of a couch that said have a comfy ride! LOL. Why did I get in you ask? Well...Did you miss the part that I had been waiting for ten minutes and I was tired! Oh the taxi's in Cairo. Never seem to be dull or boring. You either have a crazy taxi drivers in the white cabs that love to drive as fast as he can so you can get to your destination anywhere in Maadi in under 60 seconds or you have the drivers who drive the black and whites and know the white cabs get all the good business so they spruce up their cab as much as possible to catch the eye of the on lookers. It's like they have a contest to see who can stuff the most decorations in their cab and still get business! LOL. I think I have seen it all...From my disco cab today to a taxi covered in blinking lights inside and out from bumper to bumper as it flashes on the way down the road!
As far as my crazy, scary taxi ride. Here it goes...
I went to Heliopolis to meet up with a couple friends for dinner. After dinner we watched TV and then realized how late is was. It is really hard to find a taxi to go to Maadi as the hours go on. So Kenny (HIm and his wife are from Tulsa!) walked me downstairs to get me a taxi. He is fluent in Arabic and was going to tell the guy how much I would pay and where to go. First mistake: Telling him I would take a black and white taxi. (It's all we could find) Second mistake: Getting in the taxi! Third mistake: It was 10:00PM at night.
So anyway I get in and we made a deal. 40 LE, which by the way is TOO much but it was late and I was tired. So the driver started off in the right direction but we hit major traffic. (Hello it's Cairo, if you are not used to this by now, DON'T be a taxi driver!) Anyway he was getting irritated by all the hold up so he flips a u-turn and goes back to where we came from. Then he decides to go off on a side street that takes us out to a deserted area. Tons of buildings but they had all been abandoned. NO other cars were around and we were hitting big potholes left and right. I thought, oh great we are going to get a flat and be stuck out here in the middle of no where! After about 15 minutes of this we finally saw civilization again! (Not sure where we were but at least people were around) Then the taxi driver proceeds to ask everyone in sight how to get to Maadi. One answer was not enough. He literally asked someone on every block! I should have counted. It's like he knows they are not for sure but give you directions anyway.
We finally made it to a familiar place and I was trying to tell him where to go and he would not listen. He kept stopping and asking like I didn't know what I was talking about. FINALLY he listened to me and I made it close enough to walk home (at this point it is 11:30PM.) I was tired, frustrated and I was a little worried but I paid the guy his 40LE and he actually apologized and I walked the rest of the way home. I never thought I would go off roading in a taxi.
I wish I could grow wings and just fly everywhere I need to go. I do not missing having a car payment and insurance but days like this I do miss having a car!
So today I literally thought I stepped out of reality and into a disco club with the taxi I got into today. I have my share of taxi stories both funny and a little scary. Which I never blogged about my crazy taxi experience that was actually pretty scary. Back to the later....So anyway disco club...I finally was able to hail a cab after about ten minutes of waiting after school today. I was so tired and had so much to carry home that I was not going to walk the 35 minutes home, so I decided to be lazy and take a cab. The cab that finally stops, is blaring music, it has mardi gras beads hanging from the mirrors and strung throughout the cab. Then he had flashing blue lights somehow rigged to the inside of his car that were giving me a headache. If that wasn't enough he had "bling" dangling from every nook possible and to top it off a tissue "cover" of a couch that said have a comfy ride! LOL. Why did I get in you ask? Well...Did you miss the part that I had been waiting for ten minutes and I was tired! Oh the taxi's in Cairo. Never seem to be dull or boring. You either have a crazy taxi drivers in the white cabs that love to drive as fast as he can so you can get to your destination anywhere in Maadi in under 60 seconds or you have the drivers who drive the black and whites and know the white cabs get all the good business so they spruce up their cab as much as possible to catch the eye of the on lookers. It's like they have a contest to see who can stuff the most decorations in their cab and still get business! LOL. I think I have seen it all...From my disco cab today to a taxi covered in blinking lights inside and out from bumper to bumper as it flashes on the way down the road!
As far as my crazy, scary taxi ride. Here it goes...
I went to Heliopolis to meet up with a couple friends for dinner. After dinner we watched TV and then realized how late is was. It is really hard to find a taxi to go to Maadi as the hours go on. So Kenny (HIm and his wife are from Tulsa!) walked me downstairs to get me a taxi. He is fluent in Arabic and was going to tell the guy how much I would pay and where to go. First mistake: Telling him I would take a black and white taxi. (It's all we could find) Second mistake: Getting in the taxi! Third mistake: It was 10:00PM at night.
So anyway I get in and we made a deal. 40 LE, which by the way is TOO much but it was late and I was tired. So the driver started off in the right direction but we hit major traffic. (Hello it's Cairo, if you are not used to this by now, DON'T be a taxi driver!) Anyway he was getting irritated by all the hold up so he flips a u-turn and goes back to where we came from. Then he decides to go off on a side street that takes us out to a deserted area. Tons of buildings but they had all been abandoned. NO other cars were around and we were hitting big potholes left and right. I thought, oh great we are going to get a flat and be stuck out here in the middle of no where! After about 15 minutes of this we finally saw civilization again! (Not sure where we were but at least people were around) Then the taxi driver proceeds to ask everyone in sight how to get to Maadi. One answer was not enough. He literally asked someone on every block! I should have counted. It's like he knows they are not for sure but give you directions anyway.
We finally made it to a familiar place and I was trying to tell him where to go and he would not listen. He kept stopping and asking like I didn't know what I was talking about. FINALLY he listened to me and I made it close enough to walk home (at this point it is 11:30PM.) I was tired, frustrated and I was a little worried but I paid the guy his 40LE and he actually apologized and I walked the rest of the way home. I never thought I would go off roading in a taxi.
I wish I could grow wings and just fly everywhere I need to go. I do not missing having a car payment and insurance but days like this I do miss having a car!
Monday, 27 September 2010
So I survived my first week of Pre K! As the week went on more and more of my kiddos tried to test the waters a little bit. My class is still very sweet. I hope it stays all year. The most common line I hear in my classroom right now is "Miss, miss me finished." It is so cute. Miss Reynolds is hard for them to say. I try to remind them how to say my name, they will get it eventually. I spend so much time trying to get activities prepared and it takes them about 5 minutes to complete it! The week went very well, though it felt very long. Two out of the five days I came home and took a nap. The good thing about my schedule is I have at least two 45 minute plan times a day, plus a 45 minute lunch 4 times a week. (I have duty once a week) So I have a lot of time to complete all the little things that I need to cut out and prepare. The only thing I work on at home is my lesson plans. I got to walk out the door everyday last week by 3:30pm. It is amazing! It seems as if there will be no more late nights! I have a wonderful assistant who helps out so much! I hope to have a great school year :-)
Your tidbit for the week, if you are caught making out on the streets of Egypt, you can be sued. It is rare to even see couples holding hands out on the streets! All of their TV blocks any "sex" scene, "kissing" scene or any other "romantic" type scene you can think of! The kids here actually grow up a lot more innocent.They don't learn as early about adult issues. I like this about Egypt. Especially since I am a teacher!
Monday, 20 September 2010
School has started!
I survived my first day of Pre K yesterday. I absolutely love my little ones. They are so adorable. They are such a great class. Of course this was the first day. Today a few of them came out of their shell a little bit more but got right back into shape when I asked them too. I think the hardest thing was getting the parents out of the room that first day! It is definitely a whole new world for me compared to 2nd grade but I actually really like it. My kids are also a lot smarter than I thought they would be. I was told they would not know very much English, their alphabet or how to count. Mine understand me most of the time, now when it comes to speaking that is a different story. They can sing their ABC's and almost all of them can count to at least ten in English some a little further! I give them high fuves when they do something right so they know. At times when it is really hard and some of them are not listening, I give stickers to those that are and the others straighten right up! I have one little one that has been testing the waters since the first day but today he came in and was a lot better. I am thanking the man upstairs for this class. They seem to catch on fast and have good listening skills. Of course it is only the second day but I am still thankful :-) It will make my first year is Egypt a little bit easier.
I have also enjoyed getting to know the staff/ We have had lots of great conversations. I have had the opportunity to share what I believe a little at a time. I am doing my best to build those important relationships at work. The staff is huge! I am focusing on getting to know the Elementary part of the school for right now, and the people on my floor the most. They are all so great. I can't wait til the holiday season so I can bake them all cookies :-)! Anyway all around great things happening here. Every time I turn around I have an opportunity to share things that I believe and to be a light to those around me. It is just so different here.
I was telling my roommate tonight that the first time I went to church it reminded me of those stories you hear, that when people are in church and outsiders storm in with firearm and start asking those around if they are believers or not. And then they start taking them out. The only reason I was reminded of this is because when our church is in service, we have about a dozen armed guards around our church standing there just staring as we go in. And I know they are there for us to feel "safe" to worship in a non-believing country but it gave me the chills the first time, all it takes is for one of them to decide that they do not want believers in their country anymore and go off. Shortly after I was here, I heard the story of the former pastor from MCC. He was "accidentally" pushed out of a window several stories up and died. It was a real heartbreaking time for the church. It makes me think of how free we are to worship, share and pr@y in the states. It is so different in others places in the world but it was not something I thought about on a regular basis.
I have also enjoyed getting to know the staff/ We have had lots of great conversations. I have had the opportunity to share what I believe a little at a time. I am doing my best to build those important relationships at work. The staff is huge! I am focusing on getting to know the Elementary part of the school for right now, and the people on my floor the most. They are all so great. I can't wait til the holiday season so I can bake them all cookies :-)! Anyway all around great things happening here. Every time I turn around I have an opportunity to share things that I believe and to be a light to those around me. It is just so different here.
I was telling my roommate tonight that the first time I went to church it reminded me of those stories you hear, that when people are in church and outsiders storm in with firearm and start asking those around if they are believers or not. And then they start taking them out. The only reason I was reminded of this is because when our church is in service, we have about a dozen armed guards around our church standing there just staring as we go in. And I know they are there for us to feel "safe" to worship in a non-believing country but it gave me the chills the first time, all it takes is for one of them to decide that they do not want believers in their country anymore and go off. Shortly after I was here, I heard the story of the former pastor from MCC. He was "accidentally" pushed out of a window several stories up and died. It was a real heartbreaking time for the church. It makes me think of how free we are to worship, share and pr@y in the states. It is so different in others places in the world but it was not something I thought about on a regular basis.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Red Sea- September 9-13, 2010
So yeah I need to get used to not being to things on time. Egypt is very laid back and I am an ON TIME kind of person...That is hard to be that kind of person here. I think this has been the hardest transition. So anyway the red sea...I am sure you all want to hear about this...I hope!
We had bus tickets to leave downtown Cairo at 10:00pm. We made it for this time because, the school was supposed to be open to work. But then they changed there minds so I hung out at home until we left. So remember the on time thing well our bus was an hour and a half late so we didn't leave until 11:30pm. Remember in my last blog how I talked about eating Koshari (which by the way I spelled wrong in my last blog, several times!) Well I had eaten it off of a cart in downtown Cairo. Well my stomach did NOT like this. So I was sick to my stomach the whole trip, which was only supposed to last 6 hours...but remember the one time things well...It took us about 8 hours to get to Hurghada instead of 6. We arrived at around 8am the next morning. On the bus there was no sleep because of being sick, plus they blared the TV all night long. So no sleep!
When we finally made it to the hotel, we checked in, after a quick breakfast, I found the bed and was out until about 3pm. After a nice time out by the pool and then it was off to "Tourist" strip. We had a nice dinner at the Hard Rock cafe. After a well needed, long night sleep we got up the next day and paid to go to one of the beaches off the red sea. Relaxing on the beach, breathing in clean air (Cairo has a lot of smog) and taking in the beautiful view. The spot where we were at started off very shallow, so I took a long walk out to where it was a little deeper. I sat in the water and just closed my eyes and imagined the wonderful things that happened there.
The next day I got to spend snorkeling. The company was supposed to pick me up at 8am at the hotel, they came at 8:30am. The boat was supposed to leave at 9am, we left at 10am and then the boat we were on broke done so we had to turn back and we had to get on another boat! So, tardiness is a way of life here and a little frustrating to get used to but slowly...I am ! So anyway we finally made it to the first island. Shallow water, but beautiful things to see! I had a one on one tour from one of the guides. I felt a little safer going further out with him! The next stop was just out in the middle of the sea next to a reef. There was a reef on one side and open water on the other. THIS is where I had a small panic attack, which I have never had before! We swam a ways from the boat and saw lots of cool things. When I stuck my head out of the water and realized how far we were and how deep the water was and saw all the strange eel like creatures I started to freak a little. Thoughts went through my mind of all the things could be in that deep, open water! But I also thought, hmmm if there is a shark I can at least faster than one of these people! LOL. But I swam back to the boat pretty quick!
The last stop (Would have been four, but we left late) was also kind of in the middle of the sea, I got in for a little bit, but at this point was very tired and sunburned. Here I saw some of the biggest fish I have ever seen. I really think they were as big as me! Again, I almost had another freak moment! But I survived! And I had an absolute blast. I met a really cool couple from London and we had good conversations.
The last two days we spent at another beautiful beach and watched the sun set. All around great vacation!!! I had a lot of great conversations with people and started to build some great friendships with non-believers. There are so many opportunities to share with people here. Lots of times have come up and I get to start sharing a little about what I believe. My goal is to build good relationships first! I did get home very late or early Monday morning (4am) which ever way you look at it. But it was totally worth it, even if I did have to go to work early Tuesday!
Red sea=AMAZING!
We had bus tickets to leave downtown Cairo at 10:00pm. We made it for this time because, the school was supposed to be open to work. But then they changed there minds so I hung out at home until we left. So remember the on time thing well our bus was an hour and a half late so we didn't leave until 11:30pm. Remember in my last blog how I talked about eating Koshari (which by the way I spelled wrong in my last blog, several times!) Well I had eaten it off of a cart in downtown Cairo. Well my stomach did NOT like this. So I was sick to my stomach the whole trip, which was only supposed to last 6 hours...but remember the one time things well...It took us about 8 hours to get to Hurghada instead of 6. We arrived at around 8am the next morning. On the bus there was no sleep because of being sick, plus they blared the TV all night long. So no sleep!
When we finally made it to the hotel, we checked in, after a quick breakfast, I found the bed and was out until about 3pm. After a nice time out by the pool and then it was off to "Tourist" strip. We had a nice dinner at the Hard Rock cafe. After a well needed, long night sleep we got up the next day and paid to go to one of the beaches off the red sea. Relaxing on the beach, breathing in clean air (Cairo has a lot of smog) and taking in the beautiful view. The spot where we were at started off very shallow, so I took a long walk out to where it was a little deeper. I sat in the water and just closed my eyes and imagined the wonderful things that happened there.
The next day I got to spend snorkeling. The company was supposed to pick me up at 8am at the hotel, they came at 8:30am. The boat was supposed to leave at 9am, we left at 10am and then the boat we were on broke done so we had to turn back and we had to get on another boat! So, tardiness is a way of life here and a little frustrating to get used to but slowly...I am ! So anyway we finally made it to the first island. Shallow water, but beautiful things to see! I had a one on one tour from one of the guides. I felt a little safer going further out with him! The next stop was just out in the middle of the sea next to a reef. There was a reef on one side and open water on the other. THIS is where I had a small panic attack, which I have never had before! We swam a ways from the boat and saw lots of cool things. When I stuck my head out of the water and realized how far we were and how deep the water was and saw all the strange eel like creatures I started to freak a little. Thoughts went through my mind of all the things could be in that deep, open water! But I also thought, hmmm if there is a shark I can at least faster than one of these people! LOL. But I swam back to the boat pretty quick!
The last stop (Would have been four, but we left late) was also kind of in the middle of the sea, I got in for a little bit, but at this point was very tired and sunburned. Here I saw some of the biggest fish I have ever seen. I really think they were as big as me! Again, I almost had another freak moment! But I survived! And I had an absolute blast. I met a really cool couple from London and we had good conversations.
The last two days we spent at another beautiful beach and watched the sun set. All around great vacation!!! I had a lot of great conversations with people and started to build some great friendships with non-believers. There are so many opportunities to share with people here. Lots of times have come up and I get to start sharing a little about what I believe. My goal is to build good relationships first! I did get home very late or early Monday morning (4am) which ever way you look at it. But it was totally worth it, even if I did have to go to work early Tuesday!
Red sea=AMAZING!
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
I got to experience my first worship night in all Arabic. It was amazing. It was a church in downtown Cairo that I was invited to by my friend Joanna from Ireland. It was a 2 1/2 hour music service only. There was so much energy in the room and you good really feel the big man upstairs moving! I had the goosebumps pretty much the whole night and it wasn't because I was cold. I absolutely LOVED this service and I cannot wait to go back! One of my favorite things to do in another country is go to a local church and listen to worship in another language. It gives us a good picture of what it will look like one day, every tongue, tribe and nation together singing praises. We sang three songs in which I recognized the beat, so while they sang in their language, I sang in English! I just can't describe how amazing this experience was in words and I cannot wait to go back.
After, we met up with lots of Egyptians who knew English. They wanted to take us out to eat for Kosher. We walked about 10 minutes through downtown Cairo and got to see mass craziness. There are so many people and cars out late. Everyone is walking the streets. Then you have this group of Egyptians (guys and girls) walking with two blonds through all of this. It was definitely an experience in it self. We finally got to the place where we were going to eat. It was a little street cart with lots of Kosher. We stood around in the street, had our bowls of food and fellowship! It was an amazing time. I am so grateful that I met some local believers. They are SO sweet. They would not let us pay for anything. They even offered us a ride home and one of the guys gave us some pretty white roses, which was so sweet.
Egyptians are so nice. Believers or not. They are so willing to help in anyway that they can. Although I have been given the wrong directions before, but that is because they want to help, even if they do not know where you actually want to go. So when you get lost you just ask someone else until you find your way. A smile is the same in all languages. So is laughter. This experience was amazing, I wish I could describe it better in words but in the moment you just had to be there. I am going back next week! I am even going early because one of the girls I met is going to take me to get a pedicure at her place she goes to. A pedicure is needed once a month here because of all the walking around I do in the dirt, in sandals. It is so great to meet locals. I have been around Americans a lot but I really wanted to start meeting more locals. I have now, at this place and at my school! Amazing, amazing, amazing. I can't say that enough. Well it is 1 am I need to go to bed. I was tired when I wrote this but I could not wait to blog about it! It is cultural here to stay up really late. I am in the living room right now and I can hear lots of children still playing outside! I love you all and I wish you guys were here to experience some of these things! He is so good!
After, we met up with lots of Egyptians who knew English. They wanted to take us out to eat for Kosher. We walked about 10 minutes through downtown Cairo and got to see mass craziness. There are so many people and cars out late. Everyone is walking the streets. Then you have this group of Egyptians (guys and girls) walking with two blonds through all of this. It was definitely an experience in it self. We finally got to the place where we were going to eat. It was a little street cart with lots of Kosher. We stood around in the street, had our bowls of food and fellowship! It was an amazing time. I am so grateful that I met some local believers. They are SO sweet. They would not let us pay for anything. They even offered us a ride home and one of the guys gave us some pretty white roses, which was so sweet.
Egyptians are so nice. Believers or not. They are so willing to help in anyway that they can. Although I have been given the wrong directions before, but that is because they want to help, even if they do not know where you actually want to go. So when you get lost you just ask someone else until you find your way. A smile is the same in all languages. So is laughter. This experience was amazing, I wish I could describe it better in words but in the moment you just had to be there. I am going back next week! I am even going early because one of the girls I met is going to take me to get a pedicure at her place she goes to. A pedicure is needed once a month here because of all the walking around I do in the dirt, in sandals. It is so great to meet locals. I have been around Americans a lot but I really wanted to start meeting more locals. I have now, at this place and at my school! Amazing, amazing, amazing. I can't say that enough. Well it is 1 am I need to go to bed. I was tired when I wrote this but I could not wait to blog about it! It is cultural here to stay up really late. I am in the living room right now and I can hear lots of children still playing outside! I love you all and I wish you guys were here to experience some of these things! He is so good!
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
September 5-7, 2010
The blogs will definitely slow down even more when school starts. I hope I do not stop altogether because I am also using this as a journal. I have been going to school since Sunday to have meetings and start setting up my classroom. So not that we are in the Dinosaur age or anything but yeah I have to trace letters and then cut them out. There is no going to the teachers lounge to di-cut on the Ellison machine or going to the local teacher supply store to buy the newest bulletin board set that goes along with what theme you are teaching. So as you can see I am in the process of recreating the wheel and making my own stuff! And with school starting so soon, I am running out of time. I would LOVE to bring some work home with me but the construction paper is HUGE pieces and I have to walk or take a taxi home, so it is hard to bring everything I would need home with me.
But....Today...I met my assistant! She is AMAZING! I cannot tell you how much I already love her! She has been a Pre K assistant with the teacher I took over for. She was one of three that I could have gotten. Everyone begs and asks for her and I didn't think I had a shot but guess what I think the man upstairs knew I would need some help this year, especially with no years under my belt with 4 year olds. She is bilingual, but not really allowed to speak to the kids in Arabic because it is supposed to be total immersion. Of course if a kid comes up and says they need to use the bathroom, she can help me with that. She sat right down and started helping me with ideas and things that they used last year.
But she knows her professional boundaries and she always asks me if she can do something., I think she wants to make sure that I know she is not trying to take over. I told her that I welcome her help. She is just so sweet. She also said she would help me with my Arabic. So that was awesome! I think I am really going to enjoy this year more than I thought. 12 kids, 2 plan times, an assistant and a great staff. Which by the way, today I met the entire staff of teachers. Being a Pre K- 12th grade school, the staff is very big. I will not remember all of the names but I will work of the elementary half at least. Eventually I will learn them all. Plus there are a ton of support staff as well.
I went to a woman's coffee tonight with the ladies at the church and learned a little bit more about the town I live in. I also learned about a refugee school here. I almost broke down crying listening to this story. This is a school that the church I go to supports. They meet in a basement of an apartment building. There are about 3 kids in a room about the size of a bathroom. They only have desks. No room to put anything on the walls. No real teachers. Just about 18-19 year olds who have a heart for children that escaped their country with these kids. They have no supplies, these kids have not shoes, socks, ect. Vitamins, toiletry items and the list goes on of things they do not have. Not to mention school supplies or books. I am setting up a visit to check it out. There is just so much need in this country and my heart can be stretched in a million directions. I need to really take time and decide where I really want to volunteer and where I feel the man upstairs is leading me. I also need to remember not to stretch myself to think too fast. It seems so easy to do here!
Anyway there is so much whirling through my head right now. And so many possibilities here. If anyone ever wants to experience Egypt or get involved in a short "work" trip there are plenty of possibilities here! I am sure I am missing something I wanted to share but it is late and I am very tired.
Miss you all!
But....Today...I met my assistant! She is AMAZING! I cannot tell you how much I already love her! She has been a Pre K assistant with the teacher I took over for. She was one of three that I could have gotten. Everyone begs and asks for her and I didn't think I had a shot but guess what I think the man upstairs knew I would need some help this year, especially with no years under my belt with 4 year olds. She is bilingual, but not really allowed to speak to the kids in Arabic because it is supposed to be total immersion. Of course if a kid comes up and says they need to use the bathroom, she can help me with that. She sat right down and started helping me with ideas and things that they used last year.
But she knows her professional boundaries and she always asks me if she can do something., I think she wants to make sure that I know she is not trying to take over. I told her that I welcome her help. She is just so sweet. She also said she would help me with my Arabic. So that was awesome! I think I am really going to enjoy this year more than I thought. 12 kids, 2 plan times, an assistant and a great staff. Which by the way, today I met the entire staff of teachers. Being a Pre K- 12th grade school, the staff is very big. I will not remember all of the names but I will work of the elementary half at least. Eventually I will learn them all. Plus there are a ton of support staff as well.
I went to a woman's coffee tonight with the ladies at the church and learned a little bit more about the town I live in. I also learned about a refugee school here. I almost broke down crying listening to this story. This is a school that the church I go to supports. They meet in a basement of an apartment building. There are about 3 kids in a room about the size of a bathroom. They only have desks. No room to put anything on the walls. No real teachers. Just about 18-19 year olds who have a heart for children that escaped their country with these kids. They have no supplies, these kids have not shoes, socks, ect. Vitamins, toiletry items and the list goes on of things they do not have. Not to mention school supplies or books. I am setting up a visit to check it out. There is just so much need in this country and my heart can be stretched in a million directions. I need to really take time and decide where I really want to volunteer and where I feel the man upstairs is leading me. I also need to remember not to stretch myself to think too fast. It seems so easy to do here!
Anyway there is so much whirling through my head right now. And so many possibilities here. If anyone ever wants to experience Egypt or get involved in a short "work" trip there are plenty of possibilities here! I am sure I am missing something I wanted to share but it is late and I am very tired.
Miss you all!
Sunday, 5 September 2010
September 3-4, 2010
I had my first experience on the metro. It was not as bad as people describe. It only cost 1 L.E to go any stop. That is about $0.18. So super cheap! Alanna, Meg and I took it yesterday and went to visit the Coptic area. It had beautiful churches. We got to see the famous hanging church, its name comes from its location on top of the southern tower gate of the old Babylon fortress with its nave suspended above the passage.It was really neat to visit all of the different churches. After visiting the Coptic area, we headed for downtown. We had lunch and just had a quick look at the Nile and some of the shops.
After heading back to Maadi, we went home to freshen up (which is needed if you walk just a mile in this heat!) and then we headed to our church picnic, where I saw several familiar faces and then also met some new people.
Today, I finally had orientation at my school. I got to meet the rest of the new teachers and got to start setting up my classroom. Carolynn and I (she is the other new Pre K teacher) got to go through tons of dusty boxes of supplies and tried to sort through everything. It is not like in the states, if you are missing something, you can go to Target or Walmart and buy it. They do have a lot of stores here but not really places to buy "teacher" or "office" supplies. We were told to make a list of things we think we need (more of a wish list) they called it. So this means I guess we may or may not get it. So I will have to make due with what I have!
It is definitely going to be a different kind of learning experience, both a new grade and a new place. But it will be fun :-)
After heading back to Maadi, we went home to freshen up (which is needed if you walk just a mile in this heat!) and then we headed to our church picnic, where I saw several familiar faces and then also met some new people.
Today, I finally had orientation at my school. I got to meet the rest of the new teachers and got to start setting up my classroom. Carolynn and I (she is the other new Pre K teacher) got to go through tons of dusty boxes of supplies and tried to sort through everything. It is not like in the states, if you are missing something, you can go to Target or Walmart and buy it. They do have a lot of stores here but not really places to buy "teacher" or "office" supplies. We were told to make a list of things we think we need (more of a wish list) they called it. So this means I guess we may or may not get it. So I will have to make due with what I have!
It is definitely going to be a different kind of learning experience, both a new grade and a new place. But it will be fun :-)
Friday, 3 September 2010
September 3, 2010
Well today was fun, what else can I say. I went to the pyramids and had the tour on a camel! First we went in a taxi and met the boys we were going with (Peter and Billy) somewhere in downtown Cairo, then it was off in another taxi to head to Giza. When we are almost to Giza we picked up what we came to find out was our tour guide off the side of the street. He sat in front seat on Peter's lap. It wasn't until we got to the gate that we realized he was our tour guide. We waited around and then our camels and horses showed up. Into the Sahara desert we go. Luckily it was a pretty nice day, no sand storm but a nice little breeze. Although I did come home with a red face.
The scariest part about riding the camel was going up and down to get on and off. I felt like I was going to fall off every time. I had a mini tour guide along with the other. Mohamed was an 8 year old little boy who was adorable as can be, sitting in front of me on my camel directing my camel and the camel behind me. We went all over the Sahara and saw the pyramids and the Sphinx. We got to get off several times to take pictures and also got a little mini tour of the tombs and got to climb a little up one of the pyramids to take pictures.
It was neat to see Cairo meet the Sahara. You look one way and see the city in the distance and you look the other way and it was all desert. I had so much fun today! look for pics on facebook!
After the long day in the desert we went for lunch and a break before church. Church was amazing!!!! I l have only been there twice but I absolutely love it!
The scariest part about riding the camel was going up and down to get on and off. I felt like I was going to fall off every time. I had a mini tour guide along with the other. Mohamed was an 8 year old little boy who was adorable as can be, sitting in front of me on my camel directing my camel and the camel behind me. We went all over the Sahara and saw the pyramids and the Sphinx. We got to get off several times to take pictures and also got a little mini tour of the tombs and got to climb a little up one of the pyramids to take pictures.
It was neat to see Cairo meet the Sahara. You look one way and see the city in the distance and you look the other way and it was all desert. I had so much fun today! look for pics on facebook!
After the long day in the desert we went for lunch and a break before church. Church was amazing!!!! I l have only been there twice but I absolutely love it!
Thursday, 2 September 2010
September 2, 2010
Another day to sleep in. The culture here goes like this: Get up in the morning, work all day, afternoon nap, stay up really late at night; (children are still playing outside our window at midnight) , go to bed, repeat. I am sleeping in, exploring all day, maybe an afternoon nap, staying up really late and then repeat! This cycle is going to HAVE to change when school starts!
I got to go up to my school again today and meet the superintendent that hired me. My roommate and I walked all the way up there! It took a while but I think I can make my school within walking distance, at least walking home after school to start out. I have blisters on my feet from how much walking I have been doing lately! But they will go away.
We took a cab to road nine after to meet a co-worker, who then took me a place to buy my bus ticket for our trip. I am going to get to go to Sharm el-Sheikh for a holiday that we have before school starts. It is a place to stay by the red sea! It is a 6 hour bus trip but it will so be worth it! I am surprised to have a holiday before school starts but it is right after Ramadan and everyone takes off and goes somewhere. I am hoping to go snorkeling. A
Anyway we also crossed the metro bridge today, which brought us into another part of Maadi. It was definitely a different place compared to the area I live. None of the stores are in English/Arabic. They are all in Arabic and you just have to know what you are looking for. We went to the best outdoor produce stand though. I got to get plums, apples, and potatoes, all really cheap. I enjoyed seeing another part of Egypt that has less foreigners in it. I definitely want to go there more often. It had a good feel.
I went into a used book store today and bought a "tourist" book on Egypt. I want to study and see all the history and culture that Egypt has to offer while I am here. I am not sure when I would have this chance again. It is amazing, when you look around, how much there is to learn and see. I have a couple years to do it in!
Funny of the night: So last night on my way to Heliopolis, I saw some ladies carrying huge bags of supplies on their head. And a teacher also told me that when our textbooks our delivered they deliver them this way and stack about 10 high. And I thought hmmmm this gives a whole new meaning to being hard headed!
I got to go up to my school again today and meet the superintendent that hired me. My roommate and I walked all the way up there! It took a while but I think I can make my school within walking distance, at least walking home after school to start out. I have blisters on my feet from how much walking I have been doing lately! But they will go away.
We took a cab to road nine after to meet a co-worker, who then took me a place to buy my bus ticket for our trip. I am going to get to go to Sharm el-Sheikh for a holiday that we have before school starts. It is a place to stay by the red sea! It is a 6 hour bus trip but it will so be worth it! I am surprised to have a holiday before school starts but it is right after Ramadan and everyone takes off and goes somewhere. I am hoping to go snorkeling. A
Anyway we also crossed the metro bridge today, which brought us into another part of Maadi. It was definitely a different place compared to the area I live. None of the stores are in English/Arabic. They are all in Arabic and you just have to know what you are looking for. We went to the best outdoor produce stand though. I got to get plums, apples, and potatoes, all really cheap. I enjoyed seeing another part of Egypt that has less foreigners in it. I definitely want to go there more often. It had a good feel.
I went into a used book store today and bought a "tourist" book on Egypt. I want to study and see all the history and culture that Egypt has to offer while I am here. I am not sure when I would have this chance again. It is amazing, when you look around, how much there is to learn and see. I have a couple years to do it in!
Funny of the night: So last night on my way to Heliopolis, I saw some ladies carrying huge bags of supplies on their head. And a teacher also told me that when our textbooks our delivered they deliver them this way and stack about 10 high. And I thought hmmmm this gives a whole new meaning to being hard headed!
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
September 1, 2010
Yeah so I slept in way too late today! 11am! Oh well. I had a slow starting day today. I walked out to road 233, which is near my house. I had to get a new sim card so when I went to jailbreak my phone tonight, it would work.
Then Meg and I took a 30 minute taxi ride to Heliopolis for dinner at Kenny and Ashlee Osborn's flat. They are actually from Tulsa. We did not meet though until we were at the Atlanta airport on my way to Cairo. So it was neat to meet people from the same town, who were going back to Cairo to continue their work there. They have a cute little 3 year old daughter who wanted to play with her as soon as I got there. She remembered me from the airport, so that was good. After dinner and good conversations, Kenny worked on my phone. I now have a working phone here! The taxi ride on the way to and from was a little scary but only because I am not used to the highways yet. So to keep it real I came up with some jokes to tell Meg on our walk home. But of course you may not understand them but I will tell you anyway.
Q. Why did the human cross the highway?
A. Because he lived in Egypt
Q. Why did the motorcycle go down the road with three people and a kid?
A. Because they were on a road in Egypt.
Q. Where did you see the donkey pulling the person and their crop blocking up all the traffic?
A. In downtown Maadi, Cairo Egypt
I love living here so far. I see things everyday that keep the humor in my life. I am not sure what I am going to do when I get back to the states, where I see people driving in lanes and obeying traffic laws!
Then Meg and I took a 30 minute taxi ride to Heliopolis for dinner at Kenny and Ashlee Osborn's flat. They are actually from Tulsa. We did not meet though until we were at the Atlanta airport on my way to Cairo. So it was neat to meet people from the same town, who were going back to Cairo to continue their work there. They have a cute little 3 year old daughter who wanted to play with her as soon as I got there. She remembered me from the airport, so that was good. After dinner and good conversations, Kenny worked on my phone. I now have a working phone here! The taxi ride on the way to and from was a little scary but only because I am not used to the highways yet. So to keep it real I came up with some jokes to tell Meg on our walk home. But of course you may not understand them but I will tell you anyway.
Q. Why did the human cross the highway?
A. Because he lived in Egypt
Q. Why did the motorcycle go down the road with three people and a kid?
A. Because they were on a road in Egypt.
Q. Where did you see the donkey pulling the person and their crop blocking up all the traffic?
A. In downtown Maadi, Cairo Egypt
I love living here so far. I see things everyday that keep the humor in my life. I am not sure what I am going to do when I get back to the states, where I see people driving in lanes and obeying traffic laws!
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
August 31, 2010
I got to tour my school today!!!! I was so excited that I finally got to look around my school. I also got to meet the final teacher that I had been talking to the last couple of months. I met lots of other staff members too who were so nice. I got to go to lunch with a co-worker who has been showing me the ropes and helping me out since before I got here. Crossing the street is like a game of frogger, except for in frogger you get multiple lives. So I am extra careful. After the tour of the school and lunch Alanna and I walked all of Maadi. We went to the Grand Mall and I bought some things I needed for my flat. She also showed me where I could get a lot of American type food at a grocery store but it is VERY expensive. A bag of Doritos were ten bucks. But I guess if you really miss it, it is possible to get it. I am trying to get used to the local food and brands. The taste is a little bit different with some things but I am braving it and eating it.
I survived my first power outage and it only lasted 30 minutes. I was surprised. I also had my first meal delivered today. They have a website here that has almost all of their restaurants on it and they all deliver. Just just place your order online and they bring it to you in about 30-45min. Groceries can also be delivered for a small price, which is nice because you are usually on foot. Though you could get a cab. You can also send out clothes to be pressed. Which will be good when school starts because a lot of my clothes were wrinkled from being in my suitcases for a long time. I mentioned to someone that it is easy to be spoiled here and she said in some ways you are but in others you are not. These services, of course are offered for everyone, so it's not like they are just for Americans. I was just surprised at what I could get here and what services they had. I guess having no expectations before you get here are good. Then when you find things out you are surprised.
All around great day. My favorite part was finally seeing the school. Pictures to come on facebook!
I survived my first power outage and it only lasted 30 minutes. I was surprised. I also had my first meal delivered today. They have a website here that has almost all of their restaurants on it and they all deliver. Just just place your order online and they bring it to you in about 30-45min. Groceries can also be delivered for a small price, which is nice because you are usually on foot. Though you could get a cab. You can also send out clothes to be pressed. Which will be good when school starts because a lot of my clothes were wrinkled from being in my suitcases for a long time. I mentioned to someone that it is easy to be spoiled here and she said in some ways you are but in others you are not. These services, of course are offered for everyone, so it's not like they are just for Americans. I was just surprised at what I could get here and what services they had. I guess having no expectations before you get here are good. Then when you find things out you are surprised.
All around great day. My favorite part was finally seeing the school. Pictures to come on facebook!
Monday, 30 August 2010
August 30, 2010
Today was a good day :-) After getting ready I ventured out to find the Maadi hotel to meet my principal and all the other new teachers. When I got there, the others were surprised about how much I already knew. Then the principal showed up and we got to meet her. She seems very nice. She gave us some info and then sent us on our way until a driver came to pick everyone up to go look at flats. During this time I went up to the roof of the hotel and got to see a very good view of the Nile river and the pyramids! I was so excited because this is the first "touristy" place I have seen since I have been here. There was also a pool on top of the roof...Interesting. Then we all went to lunch down the street and had good conversations and got to know each other. After, they all met the driver so they could go look at flats. I tagged along because I never had the experience of getting to go look at flats for rent since I already had my place. Some of the places were...interesting. But there were a lot of nice places too. Tonight I got to go out with this same group of people as well as some teachers who have been here for a while. We exchanged stories and laughed a lot. It was a great day of getting to know new people who were at the school for the very first year and also those who had been around for a while. I am really going to like my staff! They seem fun and they all love to travel, so it looks as if I may have a few travel buddies :-)
One sad thing though:
I saw a little one get hit by a car while on his bike. I wanted to stop my taxi and help out because the driver of the car and some others standing around were all arguing. they finally went over to help him. He was limping and didn't look like he was in too good of shape. My taxi went around all of them and kept going. I am not sure how much help I would have been but my heart still went out to him.
Speaking of taxi's. Every taxi I have been in so far, the driver knew enough English to get me to my destination or I knew enough Arabic to tell him where to go. So taxi's have been pretty easy to use, except for the whole game of chicken and no laws to follow thing. Anyway Love you all!
One sad thing though:
I saw a little one get hit by a car while on his bike. I wanted to stop my taxi and help out because the driver of the car and some others standing around were all arguing. they finally went over to help him. He was limping and didn't look like he was in too good of shape. My taxi went around all of them and kept going. I am not sure how much help I would have been but my heart still went out to him.
Speaking of taxi's. Every taxi I have been in so far, the driver knew enough English to get me to my destination or I knew enough Arabic to tell him where to go. So taxi's have been pretty easy to use, except for the whole game of chicken and no laws to follow thing. Anyway Love you all!
Sunday, 29 August 2010
August 29, 2010
After seeing a bill board for my school last night I was excited to know that my school was in fact somewhere in this town I lived in. So today I caught a taxi down the road and they took me out to the school.. It was about a ten minute taxi ride and eventually after learning my way, I want to walk. When I got to my school there were three ladies at the front desk who were there signing up new kids. But no one else was to be found. So I headed home and kind of felt like I wasted past of my day but at least I new kind of where my school was located.
Riding around in Egypt:
Like my roommate puts it "It's like a constant game of chicken." It was a little scary at first but then you get used to cars almost side swiping you, and driving so close to other cars, pedestrians and bikes that they reach out and touch the taxi you are in. If you happen to "hit" another car, which in Maadi cars here cannot go fast enough most of the time to do much damage to another car because the traffic is so bad (except for the highway) I learned that this was called the "Cairo kiss." Usually neither party stops and you just go on your way. In Maadi Traffic lights=non-existent. Stop signs= very few and far between but never even acknowledged! A car horn= used all the time! They never stop! I think it gets to the point where you almost do not even hear them anymore because you are trying to drowned them out.
Walking in Maadi:
Which is how I get most places! Was a little scary at first because the sidewalks are messed up so everyone walks in the streets with all the traffic. You get used to it after a while. People are constantly honking at you and driving really close to you.
Something I thought would be funny would be to go around and disable the car horns in all the cars and then watch people faces and the mass chaos and everyone wondering what happened! In America we drive with our eyes, here you drive with your ears!
I did find out that tomorrow I am meeting some other teachers and my boss at the Maadi hotel. So that was a good phone call because up until a few minutes ago I had no idea when I was going to meet anyone from my school!
Riding around in Egypt:
Like my roommate puts it "It's like a constant game of chicken." It was a little scary at first but then you get used to cars almost side swiping you, and driving so close to other cars, pedestrians and bikes that they reach out and touch the taxi you are in. If you happen to "hit" another car, which in Maadi cars here cannot go fast enough most of the time to do much damage to another car because the traffic is so bad (except for the highway) I learned that this was called the "Cairo kiss." Usually neither party stops and you just go on your way. In Maadi Traffic lights=non-existent. Stop signs= very few and far between but never even acknowledged! A car horn= used all the time! They never stop! I think it gets to the point where you almost do not even hear them anymore because you are trying to drowned them out.
Walking in Maadi:
Which is how I get most places! Was a little scary at first because the sidewalks are messed up so everyone walks in the streets with all the traffic. You get used to it after a while. People are constantly honking at you and driving really close to you.
Something I thought would be funny would be to go around and disable the car horns in all the cars and then watch people faces and the mass chaos and everyone wondering what happened! In America we drive with our eyes, here you drive with your ears!
I did find out that tomorrow I am meeting some other teachers and my boss at the Maadi hotel. So that was a good phone call because up until a few minutes ago I had no idea when I was going to meet anyone from my school!
August 28, 2010
My roommate and I went grocery shopping today and then had our groceries delivered. It only cost 3LE to have your things delivered, which is under a $1.00. But when you are on foot in the heat and you buy way too much for two people to carry then delivery is nice. They follow you home pushing their bike behind you and help you up the elevator with everything.
Let me tell you a little about this elevator. See I live on the ninth floor and I though "Oh cool, I can take the stairs, so I can get some exercise in." After doing that once, I am not sure it will happen again. Not because it was too far but because the stairway is not lit and the third day I was here I twisted my ankle a bit and it hurt for a couple days after. Since walking is the way you get to most places here, a twisted ankle is NOT good. So the elevator is the best option. You get in it and sometimes it takes a minute for it to work. There is no door that shuts on it so you are watching the floors go by. Sometimes it stops and the lights go off several times before you make it to the floor you are going. They are also very small. We had four people (which we barely fit) in one the other day and it stopped! Not a place you would want to be stuck in for a long period of time. It is hot and stuffy and you sweat from going from just one floor to the other, so it stopping for a while would not be fun!
Anyway, yesterday I was supposed to meet my roommate at the church so we could go to life group. Well I got turned around somehow, which is allowed, I have been here less than a week and had to ask for directions. This person I stopped to ask just happened to be going to the same place. We started talking and I found out that he is from Tulsa, Ok! Go figure. He is here with his wife and kids for the next five years for work. Small world! So random! Anyway I finally made it and then off to life group.
Life group consisted of young adults of all ages and nationalities. They were so welcoming and nice. We share a meal together every week, sing together, pr together and then we hear a message and discuss or do an exercise. Last night we talked about hearing the Father's voice and then we pr for one another on what we felt the Father was asking us to pr for, for that person. It was awesome to be around a group of people who were here from all over with the same goal in mind. It reminded me of how the body of Ch are all unified no matter where we are in the world. We all work for the same Father. I talked a little bit to the girl I was partners with about how I love the fellowship with other believers and having a place to come be filled up but how I desired to work and learn with the locals here. I know when school starts up and I start my regular schedule, it will be different.I'll have lots of opportunities. I just remember what someone said at the last Tribe I was at and how easy it is to fall into the western culture here and just be around others like you and spend all your time with them. I am anticipating school starting up and meeting my staff and all my little ones. I can't what to be alight in their lives and see their smiles :-).
Another great day here in Egypt!
Let me tell you a little about this elevator. See I live on the ninth floor and I though "Oh cool, I can take the stairs, so I can get some exercise in." After doing that once, I am not sure it will happen again. Not because it was too far but because the stairway is not lit and the third day I was here I twisted my ankle a bit and it hurt for a couple days after. Since walking is the way you get to most places here, a twisted ankle is NOT good. So the elevator is the best option. You get in it and sometimes it takes a minute for it to work. There is no door that shuts on it so you are watching the floors go by. Sometimes it stops and the lights go off several times before you make it to the floor you are going. They are also very small. We had four people (which we barely fit) in one the other day and it stopped! Not a place you would want to be stuck in for a long period of time. It is hot and stuffy and you sweat from going from just one floor to the other, so it stopping for a while would not be fun!
Anyway, yesterday I was supposed to meet my roommate at the church so we could go to life group. Well I got turned around somehow, which is allowed, I have been here less than a week and had to ask for directions. This person I stopped to ask just happened to be going to the same place. We started talking and I found out that he is from Tulsa, Ok! Go figure. He is here with his wife and kids for the next five years for work. Small world! So random! Anyway I finally made it and then off to life group.
Life group consisted of young adults of all ages and nationalities. They were so welcoming and nice. We share a meal together every week, sing together, pr together and then we hear a message and discuss or do an exercise. Last night we talked about hearing the Father's voice and then we pr for one another on what we felt the Father was asking us to pr for, for that person. It was awesome to be around a group of people who were here from all over with the same goal in mind. It reminded me of how the body of Ch are all unified no matter where we are in the world. We all work for the same Father. I talked a little bit to the girl I was partners with about how I love the fellowship with other believers and having a place to come be filled up but how I desired to work and learn with the locals here. I know when school starts up and I start my regular schedule, it will be different.I'll have lots of opportunities. I just remember what someone said at the last Tribe I was at and how easy it is to fall into the western culture here and just be around others like you and spend all your time with them. I am anticipating school starting up and meeting my staff and all my little ones. I can't what to be alight in their lives and see their smiles :-).
Another great day here in Egypt!
Friday, 27 August 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010- Although a little late!
Less than a week in Egypt and I can already pretty much get around Maadi, which is the I live in. I still have not been to my school but I hope that I will get to visit on Sunday, which is the beginning of the work week here. I think I am finally getting on a regular schedule. I am waking up at a semi- normal time and getting hungry for dinner at 6ish rather than 9:30pm! Today I went to a place called CSA today which is a place expats can go for help, classes, coffee and to workout. They also have free wifi, which is one of the reasons I went, plus I wanted to explore more. Jenna had to go to work so I walked with her there and after spending some time at CSA, I caught a taxi and went down to road 9 to try to get a cell phone again today. I tried yesterday but I didn't have my passport so I had to wait. Cell phone minutes here are different than in the states. You get little scratch cards and when the minutes run out you go buy another scratch card. Well I got the phone and a new card, got back and it didn't work. So I will traveling back to Mobinil again tomorrow for a third try at a working cell phone! It is a good thing that I have not got lost because I would have no way of calling my roommate to ask her how to get home but it has all worked out. She is surprised that I have done so much and went out on my own after only being here for a short time.
This evening I got to experience my first international church service at MCC. If we were new, we had to stand up and say what country we were from. There were several visitors and they were from all over. Kenya, Holland, Australia, and Ireland (yes Suz, Ireland!) just to name a few. There are so many nationalities represented in Egypt! I have met so many people! The worship, the sermon and the fellowship was fantastic. I was almost in tears after the first song because I was so overwhelmed and overcome with joy that the Father had led me to a group of believers in this new land. It will definitely help when there are hard times and also in times of joy and celebration. After church I went to my roommates uncles house who had a group of people over doing the draft for fantasy football and then we went to a game night filled with high school students. The people I was hanging out with are young adult church staff and they went to game night not only to have fun but for mentor opportunities too. I have been here less than a week and so many opportunities have been presented. From places to serve in the community (orphanages, refugee schools, to tutoring public schools here), places to serve in the church and also a great group of people to stand by me and help me when I need it. Not to mention the staff, parents and students that I have not met yet to be an influence on. My roommate and I have also kind of started talking about maybe doing something with all the children who live on our street, there are a ton! We both have a heart for children.
I am trying to keep in the front part of my mind to stay balanced and not go forward with to many things too fast. There is so much to do here and so many different ways to work with kids outside of school but I need to remember that I am here for the long haul and not to burn myself out like I have in the past. I need an equal balance of time with the Father, serving, time with friends, time for my job and a time to rest (which I am the worst at!) Pr for the many opportunities that are ahead. And pr that I keep my life in balance and do not become so busy that I will burn myself out. Thanks for reading. I miss all of you :-)
This evening I got to experience my first international church service at MCC. If we were new, we had to stand up and say what country we were from. There were several visitors and they were from all over. Kenya, Holland, Australia, and Ireland (yes Suz, Ireland!) just to name a few. There are so many nationalities represented in Egypt! I have met so many people! The worship, the sermon and the fellowship was fantastic. I was almost in tears after the first song because I was so overwhelmed and overcome with joy that the Father had led me to a group of believers in this new land. It will definitely help when there are hard times and also in times of joy and celebration. After church I went to my roommates uncles house who had a group of people over doing the draft for fantasy football and then we went to a game night filled with high school students. The people I was hanging out with are young adult church staff and they went to game night not only to have fun but for mentor opportunities too. I have been here less than a week and so many opportunities have been presented. From places to serve in the community (orphanages, refugee schools, to tutoring public schools here), places to serve in the church and also a great group of people to stand by me and help me when I need it. Not to mention the staff, parents and students that I have not met yet to be an influence on. My roommate and I have also kind of started talking about maybe doing something with all the children who live on our street, there are a ton! We both have a heart for children.
I am trying to keep in the front part of my mind to stay balanced and not go forward with to many things too fast. There is so much to do here and so many different ways to work with kids outside of school but I need to remember that I am here for the long haul and not to burn myself out like I have in the past. I need an equal balance of time with the Father, serving, time with friends, time for my job and a time to rest (which I am the worst at!) Pr for the many opportunities that are ahead. And pr that I keep my life in balance and do not become so busy that I will burn myself out. Thanks for reading. I miss all of you :-)
Thursday, 26 August 2010
August 26, 2010
I am still trying to get over a little jet lag. I was up today at 4:30am. I got online on my phone and played around for about 2 hours. It was WAY to early to be up again. I took something that was supposed to help me sleep through the night, but it didn't! I finally fell back to sleep but then slept until 1pm! Grrr. Most of the day was gone. Oh well. I got up and around and ventured out for my first time by myself and it was only day two. But I needed to change my money and learn my way around. So off I went to find a taxi and I the one I got in knew English so it worked out, although I am learning the taxi lingo in Arabic. I have learned about five words so far. I am keeping a journal of words I learn. I met two really nice people while shopping. One was from NY, she helped me find my way to the market and then while I was in the market I met an Egyptian lady who knew English very well that helped me find the right laundry detergent. Help is all around! I learned how to tell a taxi how to get back to my house and he dropped me off at the door. The Father has been so good and provided so much along this journey. I am meeting so many people and it is only day two. Things are definitely going well so far!! :-) I live near a mosque so I need to get used to the call of prayer that goes off five times a day. But it does remind me and put me in check as far as how much day. So it serves as a good reminder. While reading yesterday, the first verse that came to mind was Ephesians 2:10. What a verse to start out this new journey that the Father has placed before me!
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Arrival:
I made it! Cairo is huge! Flying over it was crazy! There is so much. Oh and riding home to Maadi=Scary. People drive where ever they want. No lanes and like five cars at a time driving next to each other! But we made it to my new apartment alive. I heard I would get used to the driving though. My apartment, I love it! It is absolutely beautiful! I have a huge room with lots of furniture and a bigger bed than I have ever had. After we were dropped off and lugged all of my 5 suitcase upstairs, Jenna and I talked for a little bit and then walked to dinner. Maadi is a cute little suburb and seems like it has a lot of little shops around. I was so tired but had a good meal and I have not been asleep since 4am Monday, Cali time! So two straight days without sleep because sleeping on the plane was NOT working! SO I am very tired! The weirdest thing about the day was coming into my apartment and feeling like it was home...When I was unpacking, I felt like I was unpacking from a long trip. It was crazy, but I had skyped with my roomie and chatted with her starting in May. It was really neat. I think it was not only knowing Jenna but spending the last couple weeks in Tulsa all over and then three weeks in Cali and traveling there, it was like I was finally home!
Day 1:
I woke up at 4am...I do not like jet lag. I was wide awake and wondering what I should do. I laid around til a little after 5 and then just got up and started unpacking. My roommate was surprised to see me up. Then around 10am just as I was finishing up with setting up my room, it hit me! I was back in bed asleep. My plan was to get up and skype with my mom at 2pm my time, 4am her time. It didn't happen because I was asleep. I finally woke back up around 3 and had lunch and got ready for the rest of the day. Tonight I went to a going away party at the church for two high school students. I met LOTS of people from all over the world. Everyone was so nice and answered some more of my questions. Things are great so far and they are getting better. Now tomorrow I will venture out on my own to explore, find a place to change over my money, buy some essentials and look around. Pr that I find my way back to my apartment! It doesn't seem too hard though. Lots of love!
I made it! Cairo is huge! Flying over it was crazy! There is so much. Oh and riding home to Maadi=Scary. People drive where ever they want. No lanes and like five cars at a time driving next to each other! But we made it to my new apartment alive. I heard I would get used to the driving though. My apartment, I love it! It is absolutely beautiful! I have a huge room with lots of furniture and a bigger bed than I have ever had. After we were dropped off and lugged all of my 5 suitcase upstairs, Jenna and I talked for a little bit and then walked to dinner. Maadi is a cute little suburb and seems like it has a lot of little shops around. I was so tired but had a good meal and I have not been asleep since 4am Monday, Cali time! So two straight days without sleep because sleeping on the plane was NOT working! SO I am very tired! The weirdest thing about the day was coming into my apartment and feeling like it was home...When I was unpacking, I felt like I was unpacking from a long trip. It was crazy, but I had skyped with my roomie and chatted with her starting in May. It was really neat. I think it was not only knowing Jenna but spending the last couple weeks in Tulsa all over and then three weeks in Cali and traveling there, it was like I was finally home!
Day 1:
I woke up at 4am...I do not like jet lag. I was wide awake and wondering what I should do. I laid around til a little after 5 and then just got up and started unpacking. My roommate was surprised to see me up. Then around 10am just as I was finishing up with setting up my room, it hit me! I was back in bed asleep. My plan was to get up and skype with my mom at 2pm my time, 4am her time. It didn't happen because I was asleep. I finally woke back up around 3 and had lunch and got ready for the rest of the day. Tonight I went to a going away party at the church for two high school students. I met LOTS of people from all over the world. Everyone was so nice and answered some more of my questions. Things are great so far and they are getting better. Now tomorrow I will venture out on my own to explore, find a place to change over my money, buy some essentials and look around. Pr that I find my way back to my apartment! It doesn't seem too hard though. Lots of love!
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