i believe this statement to be true. after attending many nights out on the town, or in the comfort of home, i feel the most social and content after a satisfying meal. it may be as simple as the local ice-cream parlour, or as lavish as a four course meal complete with two kinds if meat, rice, veggies, fruit, dessert...need i go on? living is easy when the people are so hospitable. but it is more than simply making sure one's belly is full, but a theology of living.

it is a big part of Egyptian culture I'm learning. they would give everything they had, even the last, to show their love and kindness towards another. from bread in the freezer, to a place to sleep, and even an everyday treat of Cola or Hoho from the canteen. I'm learning to give more of myself, and care less about things, as it's the relationship which is important. taking care of one another and serving one another throughout the everyday life is a focal point in maintaining good relationships. they're never to busy to ask if i need anything, or are available at the drop of a hat, never wanting me to be left alone, as they themselves find comfort in fellowship.

this is one aspect of the egyptian culture i hope stays with me forever. the expressions of love for one another both in words and in action.

I can't believe how quickly the time goes by. Four weeks of Arabic lessons later and now I'm feeling a little more confident in my abilities to communicate in this new culture!

Time in Cairo seemed to fly by, though the daily routine of waking up at 6am for 9am Arabic lessons will not be missed too greatly, but the afternoons and evenings was time well spent. From the amazing daily power nap, to spontaneous trips to get roz bill leben (rice pudding) and the exciting weekends when everyone would come together for some other touristy events. It was very nice to spend time getting to know the other MCC service workers, but near the end I was ready to begin my adventures in Assiut.

With another successful train ride, (made it only in a little over 5 hours, whereas the trip might take up to 8!), upon arrival I was whisked away to my apt for the next year and was pleasantly surprised, almost to tears! Everything was so wonderful, although I don't know what I'll do with an apt so huge!

The schools where I will be volunteering at are also very wonderful. The teachers are very warm and friendly and very excited for me to be there. I can't wait to be in the classroom with them, and to get to know both the students and other teachers.

Well that is it for now I suppose, this next week brings the end of Ramadan, so it will be filled with vacation and feasting for all! I must go and prepare my fridge for such events.

take care

time in Asyut, was unfortunately short lived (however I greatly anticipate my return in t-minus three weeks) but Cairo is turing out to be oh so much fun. But here's a recap...

The first two weeks of my Egyptian life year, were spent in Asyut, where I got to know some fellow MCC workers fairly well, as I was temporarily residing with them, and also some fellow English teachers in the Salaam Schools. While it was rather low key, there were highly interactive Arabic lessons everyday (except for two) and many random adventures out to Dair Dronka or to the Nile or even just in and around the Asyut neighbourhoods. I was very excited to meet some new friends and familiarize myself with the city. Probably one of my favourite adventures took me along with my Arabic tutor, to her local hair dressers. They loved my "blonde" hair and couldn't wait to wash it and curl it. I was equally excited to be so pampered for once, although I couldn't understand hardly a word they were saying, it was still a fun experience which I plan to participate in again sometime soon, Insh'allah.

Cairo is big, beautiful and full of excitement. Formal arabic learning began today and I guess my tutoring didn't quite pay off as I was placed in a beginner class. Ah well, it will be good review and I can help those who were not as fortunate as I to have a head start on the language.

As for the social aspect, night life is the usual, and tonight even, a spontaneous trip out around 11pm was greatly rewarded as the mowz bill leden, or similarly rice pudding, was quite satisfying to our hungry bellies. mm, thank goodness its only 3 minutes away and 1 and 1/4 pounds! a tasty treat can be appreciated anytime....mentally noted for the future.

well my friends, it is almost midnight and I shall arise early with the sun to begin a new day to further become a great Arabic scholar.

until the next time,

Tesbah Ala Khier
(Good night)

Day one...

August 16th, or is it the 17th, or perhaps together, I would consider it to be the longest day of my life. Ever stop to wonder how it is that we are able to fly half-way around the world, say on a 7 hour flight, but end up in the local time and it being more like 13 hours later? Where has the time gone? It seems to have disappeared, never to be spent, but lost. however one might view time, it is precious and a gift and I intend to get lost in it, and with my surroundings. Perhaps in my current state of disillusion, or maybe that's just the lack of sleep (12 hours over the course of three nights), I'm just trying to cope with my current surroundings.

Our party arrived in Cairo around 3pm this afternoon. I was taken to a flat where I'll be staying during my langauge training and went exploring with my cousin. After a wonderful dinner with the other SALTers in Egypt and MCC Cairo workers, we roamed for a bit and came back for some fresh mangos. hm...so tasty is the food grown near the Nile.

After that, we departed our ways as sleep's draw has finally overcome us.

until the next time

Today may indefinitely be the last day I work on my vineyard. Growing up in southern Ontario, provided great opportunities for participating in the local food industry, especially when it came to fruits and vegetables. Needless to say, the past few summers, as I was in limbo between school terms, I found myself fulfilled spiritually and physically through the hard work and intensive labour of the farm. While this is not my first time away from the farm for such a period of time, I've come to relish those early morning sunrises, and sweltering humid afternoons, and also the awesome power naps after lunch.

I am my father's daughter, but as I seek out new horizions, I'm excited for what God and the future hold for me. I can't wait for my time in Assiut, Egypt to begin. Helping teach English to kids of all ages is a great way to get to know the different culture and develop a deeper understanding of their life style and religions.

So as I begin packing this week and my thoughts and feelings are conflicted, I know and have faith that in all my experiences, God is ever present. I'm very excited for all the new adventures I will have.

take care,

rachel