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