Day 5 in Cairo

Okay so my last blog was a little bit on the negative side, but I was feeling very blue as I didn't have any luggage and everything was so new. I didn't have much culture shock, but was pretty much just down and not knowing what to do.

So anyway, I've been kind of sick. Yesterday was my second day of class and I had a horrible stomach ache. I took some nausea medicine before class not realizing that it was drowsy so staying awake was a real task. Once I got back to my hotel, I slept about 4 hours and then was able to get back to sleep around 11pm.

The third day that I was here two girls from Tel Aviv University showed up and they are both enrolled in my class at the Fajr Center. I've been thanking God everyday for these companions. We may not always know that God is present in our lives, but sometimes he shows up and presents us with the smallest things that make life easier. He knew that I was having a hard time and I honestly think that He put these girls in my path to help me out. As they say in Arabic "al-hamdu-llilah" thanks be to God. And one of the girls is going to pick me up at the airport in Tel Aviv when I get there and show me how to get to Bethlehem. God is definitely watching out for me.

Another small blessing...or should I say HUGE blessing is that my bag got here today. I walked out of the hotel today and the van with my bag pulled up. I knew immediately that it was in that van. I tell you, we often take our "things" for granted, but when you are without for even a few days, you realize how grateful you should be for everything that God has given you. If I ever had any doubts about the greatness of God, I am forever sure of it now.

I am much more sure that my stay here in Cairo is going to be great. As soon as I take some pictures I will put them on-line for everyone to see. And this Thursday, I am going to the see the Pyramids and the Sphinx and a cruise on the Nile. How exciting.

Love to all!
Angie

Parental Advisory

Okay so last night I was ripped a new asshole by some stupid french woman. So, I ran out of small bills and couldn't help pay for a taxi. Why in the world did this woman not have change either? She looked at me and said, "okay, it's your second day in Cairo, you should know you need small change." And of course it was said in this really thick french accent. And she kept going on and on about it. Finally I looked at her and said "I have a mother, and you're not her, so lay off." I'm not about to be berated like that by anybody.

Other than that, everything is good. I met a very cool guy yesterday who owns a perfume shop. None of the perfume has any alcohol in it, it's just pure extract. Of course he got me to buy some, so now I smell like papyrus. It's strong and covers up my B.O. which I think is stronger because of all the caffeinated (I can't spell) beverages I've been drinking. I brought my deoderant, just in case...but it's in the suitcase that has never arrived! If it's not here by tomorrow, I'll have to go buy more stuff!

But anyway, about this guy. He was super nice and he introduced me to this girl, Hannah, from Sweden and we sat around and drank tea and smoked sheesha. What a good life! It was an easy day to do those things as it was Friday and everybody was praying most of the day.
So far so good. When I got back to the hotel last night, Atef (the hotel owner) told me that two girls showed up from America who will be studying at the same place as me. al-hamdu-lillah! I've been throwing that around a lot lately.

But anyway, this is a big enough note...I should mention that I walked across the Nile last night. HOLY BIG RIVER!!! I was so excited about this...and I kept saying, this is the same river the great Pharoahs sailed down, the same river that flooded every year to provide rich silt for the Egyptian crops. It's too bad that Cairo/Egypt is way too overpopulated. I think the place has probably lost some of its magic. Oh well, it's still pretty amazing!

Photos soon, I promise!!!

Day 2 in Cairo

Hello everyone!
Day 2 in Cairo, so far so good. I met some really cool people last night and ended up at the Citadell of Salaadin for a FREE "fete du musique." It featured an act from Algeria and a group from northern Egypt who performed typical wedding music. Very cool, with belly dancers and lots of different instruments. And in the background was this enormous mosque...I cannot remember the name! It was such a random thing to do, but so worth it.
So, I've taken Arabic for a year, but I tell you what; it didn't help me at all. I cannot understand a WORD of Arabic. Okay, that's not true...but still.
Things I've learned so far: 1. always carry small bills, people don't like to make change. 2. Never look a taxi driver in the eyes, and you determine the price BEFORE you get in the cab.
Well, that's all I have for now. Hopefully my bag will show up because I want a variety of clothes to wear rather than the few t-shirts I have in my other bag.
Talk to you all soon!
Angie

The day is HERE

Oh my goodness is the thought that keeps running through my head. Oh, and "WHAT AM I THINKING?" I'm all packed, have a heavy backpack, and I'm ready to go. I'm so nervous right now, but that's okay. Only 24 hours til I'm in Cairo.
I'll update my blog then.
Thanks to everyone again for your support!
Angie

Coffe Fellowship

Today I hosted the coffee fellowship at church and provided information about my upcoming trip. Gloria Isles approached me and told me that the Breakfast Haven had agreed to donate $300 to my trip...so cool, I almost cried. Then later during the coffee fellowship, Noel Fulkerson and Stan Jones had the men's club donate $100. A few years ago I don't think this would have happened as I never went to church and led a pretty depressing life. It feels so great to part of a community and one that shares my beliefs on God, and one that supports my goals. I'm so grateful for the people at church and appreciative of all their support. This trip is going to be amazing and an experience I'll never forget. I just can't believe it, it's finally going to happen.

Thank you so much to everyone that has helped me, I love you guys!
Angie