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a glimpse of egypt

It is hard to believe the end of summer is upon us! Though I’ve been home for months now, I still feel the pains of adjusting to what now has become foreign to me. With school close at hand, I feel an urgency to connect with you and express my appreciation for your support.

My experience in Egypt was far from what I expected. Although it was an extremely challenging time, the depth of learning that took place could not have been accomplished in any other way. I feel that my heart and my eyes were open to the way God sees the world. Though the West has often been elevated to a place of prominence, I discovered how much we, as the West need to learn from these communities. Even now my heart longs to be with the people who live so simply and love so fully. We can so easily complicate life, when indeed we are called to this simple life of loving God and others.

It is impossible to effectively communicate all that went on in Egypt. I was fortunate enough to be able to update many of you, but for others, communication was lacking.

Due to my challenging journey, I gained an increasing appreciation for you, those who committed to praying for me. I was confident that it was not my abilities that kept me safe, but the hand of God, who cares even for the small sparrow. Though taken through the valley, His plans for my life are still good, pleasing and perfect. I know that His hand remains on my life, as I continue to process and seek direction for my future.

This is just the beginning of our relationship together. I cannot express enough my appreciation for your presence in my life. As we continue on this exciting journey, I hope to walk honestly together.

a closed door

From reading my last update, you may assume that I am currently writing to you from Sudan. Not so!

Last week, as I prepared to leave Egypt, I was stopped. I wasn't completely at peace about going. I wasn't sure why; I've been waiting for this time for years now. I was really seeking His will for my life. He promised that He will go before me, no matter what. I was still not completely at peace. The morning before my intended departure, I received a call from Canada and a huge answer to prayer. I wanted to get on that plane; He wanted something else for me. Still in Egypt, I see a place for me here. He has my heart in His hands, and although I will not be moving onto Sudan, I know I am secure.

When I arrived, I asked for His heart for these people. He has changed my heart. I have been taken through much, looking into new vision, through new eyes. Though my plans were to move onto Sudan, my plans need to conform to His plans. I am returning back to Calgary May 10, with my eyes fixed on Him and my heart in this part of the world. I return with uncertainty; I know it will not be an easy road at home. I hope to finish school by December, but even that rests in His hands.

I now look forward to having coffee with dear friends, embracing loved ones in a much cooler summer than I was expecting!

Thank you for your support through it all. The journey does not end here!

knocking on the door

Time seems unstoppable right now. With less than a month left until my country switch, the minutes in the day are just not enough. Three months in Egypt has allowed me to finally open my eyes. Looking back, I can see that I had blurred vision for the majority of the first two months. Though adjusting to the lack of familiar never stops, I feel that I am finally getting into the rhythm of life here. Things that used to frustrate me now bring me joy, as I truly embrace the people around me. Although the metro is still stuffy, getting hotter (and smellier!), I am seeing the metro as quite an opportunity. People still stare, but instead of feeling uncomfortable, I am finding ways to start conversations. Just yesterday I made good friends with two little girls. They came right up to me on the metro, grabbed my hands, and insisted that I sit with them. For the rest of the train ride, I couldn't keep the smile off my face - neither could the people around! The simple joy in these little girls had us waving at each other for many blocks after we got off the metro.

This past month, I had an opportunity to go to Alexandria for two full weeks. Just being by the Sea brought much needed refreshment. Beyond being by the Sea, He had bigger plans for me. The first week I attended a pastor's conference at a quiet retreat centre. Pastors from all over Egypt, as well as from other North African countries attended. Suffering and persecution were the main themes; the message I received was, "don't give up". Previously, when tough times arose, I had the attitude that I was only here for a short time. Now I can see His hand through it all, that my eyes should not be on the finish line, but on Him.

With the approach of Easter, many things have been put on hold or ended. Teaching English has come to an end, though I hope to continue going out to the school. April is our Kuku Kaka Smile Month; we will be educating the children at the school more about dental hygiene. Along with the teaching, we will hold contests who has brushed their teeth the most! While at the conference in Alexandria, I was connected with a Canadian team who is here short term. We hope to partner together on this project. With Spring break, Baby Wash has also been put on hold. I can't wait to go back; being away in Alexandria had it's benefits, but I was sad not to be at Baby Wash.

This past week, I was able to spend some time at a Boy's Orphanage here in Cairo. It was amazing to see the result of real love. There was a certain brotherhood among them, as they learned English or praised Him together. They really take care of each other. In comparison to the child homelessness that engulfs Cairo, it was a very encouraging time!

Preparation awaits me, as travel arrangements need to be worked out this month. Although Sudan has similarities to Egypt, there are so many things that will not be so readily available that I need to prepare for. It seems odd to think about packing again, though I feel a bit more prepared now that I am so close. It will feel strange to arrive in Sudan after such a short flight!

Please pray that His hand would direct every part of my transition to my new city. I do not feel ready to say goodbye to Egypt yet; pray for His peace. I am just knocking on the door of Sudan now, waiting for Him to open it.

Thank you again for your emails and your encouragement! I had really intended to write earlier; a mix of little time and no Internet has caused this to be delayed!

I really appreciate you all.

--
Heather

on the edge of something tremendous

Armundy, speaking with Enaya

The winds are changing, as winter is coming to an end. It feels like I am standing closer to the edge of something tremendous.

I was finally able to get connected with an organization here in Cairo which does much work with refugees (especially from Sudan). With such little time left here in Cairo, I have been given the responsibility of gathering information on each arm of their organization, and 'reporting' it in a magazine sort of thing. There are many different facets to the organization, and funding is present; it is the workers who are few. Right now, the opportunities are not known. I am quite excited to be apart of each program, observing, learning and telling stories! It will just be up to me to get organized!

The teachers of Kuku Kaka Primary School are continuously teaching me more and more everyday. Though I have English to offer; the teachers have so much more, not simply potential. I really believe that we are working among the most educated from Sudan! When asked to explain one thing they'd like to accomplish in their lifetime, their answers were overwhelming. Philip wants to return to university, to achieve his Masters in International Law. Armundy (the director of the school) wants to bring education back to South Sudan; “before I die, I want to help my children, my family, my people”. Coming from the Nuba Mountains, war has destroyed their community. Though peace talks are in the air, rebuilding is yet to happen. Generations of war has left these people dependent and uneducated. Learning to speak English is one of the many needs in South Sudan. How do you rebuild a country?

Initially, I was resistant to teaching English; not being trained as a teacher, and also feeling as though much of culture is retained in language. Due to the North and South split in Sudan, the South needs to be united. They no longer want to speak Arabic, as that is the language of the North. Between tribes in the South, there are hundreds of languages. The English language is uniting the people of the South; it is now necessary. No issue is black and white.

I am slowly gathering a better understanding of the Egyptian people, and how they interact with different cultures. Though Cairo is not a mono-ethnic city, I feel very different wherever I walk. Young boys practice their English as I walk down the street, or travel on the metro; “welcome to Egypt”, “what's your name?” Girls on the metro are also very curious of everything about me it seems. This is becoming difficult for me, as my desire to just “fit in” or blend is continuous. Sometimes it feels as if I may be famous; attention that I am not looking for. This is a struggle for me.

The Baby Wash is continuing to be a source of joy; it seems as though we speak the same language! With so little, a difference is being made. Please pray that the mothers would recognize Christ's love.

Being in Cairo, it seems as though I am crossing a few language and cultural barriers. As I become better friends with my roommate, my Spanish is also improving! In any given day, I will be speaking in three languages (obviously some better than others!). The mind is an amazing, amazing thing. It gets a bit confusing when I automatically think in Spanish, to respond to the Arabic I understand... Crazy, I tell you!

With less than two months left in Cairo, I am truly being intentional in all things that I do. This is sometimes hard when plans get canceled last minute... all the time... But I need not worry, for He is in control. Some days I have spent the whole day in transport... from one canceled event after another! I am learning!!

All in all, I have much to be thankful – especially for no longer being sick! Praise the Lord! It was really exhausting, as some of you know. Thank you so much for praying for me, and for Egypt. These people are making their way more and more into my heart.

I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you to all that email; it has been a great encouragement to hear from you!!!

Heather

This week Baby Michael came in with his mother. He was born 4 weeks ago, and has never been washed. He was premature when born; so he now weighs in at 2.99 kg. You can barely see in the picture, just how small he is, but his little arms and legs are swimming in his new outfit. He really felt like a newborn.

His mother was so scared to wash him, as he is so little. She was extremely concerned when she came in; hesitant for Michael to be in the water. Each lady who works at the Baby Wash played with Michael, as I dressed him.

No matter the language, true love was felt.

Michael's mom walked out with a shy smile on her face. Can't wait to see them back in a couple days!

This is our biggest, cleanest, happiest baby (he's usually laughing...)!

He is so strong, he no longer fits in our tubs. He is really fun though; we always play. As you can see, our hat didn't even fit him!

Oh, and be gentle... this was our third day without water. This Monday, I was almost ready to jump in with these little guys!

This one's a little camera shy...

I love the look on this little girl's face.

What can I say? Not a fan of water... or pictures I guess!

fishers of men

Just today, this picture struck me with spiritual significance. As I looked to out onto the sea, I was thinking how Jesus calls us today.

Gently waiting; so patient.

baby wash

The Baby Wash Program has been entirely satisfying, through and through!

For many Egyptian women, washing their babies is a terrifying experience. I have found many are afraid of getting water in their ears, washing their hair… and it is almost a taboo to wash the… essential parts. We have had babies that haven't been washed in weeks! One mother came in with her three week old son – who had never been washed since birth.

It is a four week program, where we allow both the babies and moms to get comfortable with bath time. We are able to screen for problems with babies, as well as educate the moms on proper nutrition and care for their little ones. This past week, I was really able to see the progress of some of the moms! Both baby and mom are comfortable with the water, having fun and even laughing! Usually, the room is filled with screaming babies.

An interesting thing this week was a pair of twin boys came in with thick, thick black eye liner on (like in the movie Prince of Egypt). They put the eye liner on to ward off evil spirits... but oh man, it is so hard to get off!! A lot of time it's charcoal… you can imagine how good that is for the eyes! I did not take any pictures of the twins… as they were already getting much unwanted attention.

Although my Arabic has not improved enough to be able to really communicate with the moms, you’d be surprised how much body language and a smile is understood. I am really having such a wonderful time washing these smelly, smelly babies!

i came as a learner; but am finding i’m educating!

It hardly feels that I am coming up to a month, living in Cairo. The sights are familiar enough where I live… but I find that I need to continually remind myself that what I am seeing is real. At times the needs around me seem so unreal. Abject poverty seems to surround me wherever I turn; yet I am not overwhelmed by it. A hope exists that is not my own.

When I first arrived in Cairo, I was connected with a retired nurse, from Canada. The week I arrived, I was involved in helping ‘screen’ over 2000 Sudanese children. This involved checking their eyes, ears, weight, height, breathing, blood pressure, as well as distributing vitamins and a meal. The Canadian nurse also organizes a drop-in clinic every Sunday for Sudanese refugees. My time here was to be devoted to the continuation, as well as follow-up of the many Sudanese children here in Cairo, as well as helping out in the clinic. However, many things ended up changing, and I ended up teaching English and First Aid to Sudanese adults. Although enjoyable, my team and I decided that there were better suited opportunities for me in Cairo.

This past week was basically putting the brakes on that project, and changing directions completely. With all the great needs that exist in Cairo, there are many different organizations and opportunities here! It is quite wonderful to see God’s team working. No matter background, nationality or organization affiliation, all people work together for a common purpose. I have been reminded that things move much slower here. I am not frustrated, as much as eager to get my hands dirty…

By the sounds of things, I will be getting my hands clean! There is a Baby Wash Clinic located behind the Giza Pyramids, in the very poor area that exists there. This Monday will be my first time, and I am very much looking forward to my time there! The program was officially established in 1991, and has seen thousands of babies and mothers! I will have a better explanation for you, as I experience it myself!

I am continuing to teach English to the teachers, out at KuKu KaKa Primary School in Arba’a Wa Nuus. The school is made up entirely of Sudanese refugees, wishing to build the infrastructure of education while in Egypt, to bring home to Sudan in four years “in sha' Allah” (God willing). My team is becoming more and more involved out at Arba’a Wa Nuus; it seems like the vision is bigger than all of us! It is such a special place, full of special, hopeful people. I will hopefully post pictures of Arba’a Wa Nuus soon.

Although learning Arabic is proving very challenging, I am making great progress! I am encouraged now, when I go to the market to buy fruits and vegetables. People still laugh, but at least they understand me!

Thank you so much for being part of this journey – He’s definitely leading me!

Heather
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The picture above is the front door of KuKu Kaka Primary School (which means Boys and Girls Primary School in their heart language). The little boy belongs to the owner of the building - he never has pants on.

khan el-khalili

Dating back to 1382, Khan El-Khalili is full of exotic charm and smells! I have now gone twice, and had a ton of fun both times. Each experience was new, and each provided chances for me to practice bartering... and all of my new Arabic vocabulary!

With great finds, and new friends, Khan El-Khalili is breath taking. It is a continuous maze of narrow alleys, leading sometimes up steep, uneven staircases...

Pictures just do not do any justice - any my attempts are lacking by far!! These are just a few to try to give you an idea.

Enjoy.

nile adventures

The first time I saw any rain in Cairo... and the last (so far!).

I just really love this archway... hidden by all the goods that are being sold in Khan El-Khalili

Just check out the beauty that hidden inside Khan El-Khalili

Looking down one of the many alleyways at Khan El-Khalili

Looking around, as we ate our meal outside Khan El-Khalili

... only in Cairo

And to think there is one of these on almost every street corner... Some much more beautiful than others..

The view at just outside of Khan El-Khalili

This is Mary Carmen, as we enjoyed a rest from the hustle and bustle of Khan El-Khalili!

arba'a wa nuus

Sitting in limbo on Cairo's margins, an hour from city centre, Arba'a Wa Nuus is a very poor area on the Northern outskirts of Cairo. The poorest and most marginalised refugees live here. The needs are very great indeed.

For the past few years refugees, mostly from Sudan, have made their way to Arba'a Wa Nuus because rental prices are lower than in the city. It is one of the few places where refugees have assembled in numbers large enough to make a visual difference. Most have little hope of leaving and still less to hope for if they stay. No one seems to know exactly how many people fleeing Sudan have ended up in Cairo.

Every Wednesday, Mary and I will drive out to Arba'a Wa Nuus to teach English to the teachers at the Sudanese refugee school. Today was my first time out; we interviewed each teacher to assess their level of understanding and usage in English.

One of the questions we asked, was for them to tell us about their family. The entire time I was sitting there, I was on the brink of tears. Each story riddled with pain, separation from family, from everything. There was no end to stories about the Janjaweed, who either destroyed, stole or killed everything in their lives.

Today I prayed, "Father, give me your heart for these people". His heart is overwhelming.

This is a very sad day for me.

masakin al shorta

This is the community I now call home.

My roommate Mary Carmen; she is from Queretaro (the most beautiful city), Mexico!


In front of Nama's shop on our street. Nama is the cutest lady there is; she speaks absolutely no English. The only thing I can really say to her is "shukran" (thank you); I've got that one down pat! I hope to have tea (shay) with her soon. There are often many people in front of her shop. This is where I buy water (mayya) and eggs (beid).











Many boys play football on the street, often oblivious of cars until the last second. Notice the tree to the left. In the middle of the night, we heard a loud crack; this is what we saw in the morning. I thought it was funny.











These tracks carry cars full of garbage (how it's collected here). There are often many men that roam these tracks. I walk this way to catch the metro.












This is our front gate to our home. My team leaders (and family) lives upstairs, while Mary Carmen and I live in the downstairs apartment. What is missing from these pictures are the millions of stray cats you will find on any given street. They are afraid of people... I am not too friendly with them... :S
















Our door is straight ahead, while our team leader family's door is above.
















This is my new kitchen! I love to do the cooking for Mary Carmen and I. Breakfast is really my thing, as Mary Carmen is not a morning person (and I really am here!). We have hot water (which is amazing), a small fridge to the right and our propane cooking stove (similar to a camping one) to the left.

Arabic coffee (ahwa arabie) is my new found favourite drink.

arrived at last!

At such an early hour, I should be sleeping. However, I feel far too rested to sleep any longer. Awoken by the call to prayer, resounding from the nearby mosque; it doesn’t seem so foreign anymore.

The actual trip to Cairo went well. I found myself extremely exhausted, experiencing dizzy spells as I tried to unpack. Flying into Cairo felt like a dream. Looking out my peep hole of a window, I could see the desert sand rush towards us. For a moment, it seemed like we would touch down on that sand. In just enough time, asphalt appeared under the landing gear, and we came to an abrupt halt. Once inside, we were ushered down uneven marble stairs, into a narrow hallway. The narrow hallway opened up into a large room full of lineups and activity. Welcome to Cairo!

Driving in Cairo is something else! In some places, there are lines. No one uses those lines however. Even on more major streets, four lanes quickly become five or six. The horn is used regularly, as a means for traffic control. Both very new and very old cars are full of dents!

Thursday marked my first day working with the clinic. I met my mentor Ruth and her husband Jon. This week, a few clinics were set up all over Cairo. I participated by examining children’s eyes at the Maadi Community Church. The moment the first group of children walked through the gates, I felt my heart grow ten sizes! I can’t explain why; I felt so full, even though I had yet to do a single thing! Maybe this is what it means to be walking where He leads. In many ways, this is the beginning of making my dreams reality. He has placed these people in my heart, and I can already feel His love for them (if only a portion).

Many shops are closed on Friday, some all day, while others only during prayer and the message (which is played over the loudspeaker at the mosque). This is also our “Sunday”. We attend a church called Maadi Community Church (MCC), which is a conglomeration of believers from all over the world. The service is in English – you cannot know how thankful I am for this!! It was fantastic to praise Him with so many from around the world. You can see more on their website: http://maadichurch.com/

It does not seem like I left home almost a week ago. I have found my little place in my community. This week, I tried my best to tidy things up to make them feel like home. We have so much potential in our little apartment. I will try to post pictures of our community later.

Thank you for holding me up in your prayers! It means so much to be part of the functioning Body!

Heather