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
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
on the edge of something tremendous
Saturday, February 24, 2007
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!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
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.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
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!
Thursday, February 1, 2007
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.
Friday, January 26, 2007
khan el-khalili
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.
