Christmas greetings, dear Reader!
How time has gone so quickly! I can't believe we are more than 2/3rds of the way through our time in Egypt. Thankfully this last part of our vacation is mostly down time. We have been staying home for a good part of our day with the exception of family gatherings (we have a lot of these!) and quick trips to the store and church. After being gone for a week away from the babies, I am really enjoying this time with them!
On a related note, our second honeymoon was amazing! We flew from Cairo south to Aswan, which is on the southern most end of lake Naser (a really big man-made lake, fed by the Nile.) Our accommodations were incredible! Amir reserved us a VERY nice cabin on a 5 star cruise ship. It was a beautiful boat with amazing food and warm, friendly people. It was a 3 day cruise north to Luxor, in which time we made many stops at tombs and temples.
The banks of the Nile are absolutely breathtaking. They reminded me of the illustrations in the book 'Where the Wild Things Are.' The deep murky color of the thick palm groves mixed with the cheerful sugarcane fields were quite a contrast. I let my imagination run rampant with all the possible 'wild things' that could be living in these thickets and might be spying back.
We stayed a day in Luxor and then we flew the Sharm il Sheikh. This beautiful city is located on the Red Sea on the Sinai peninsula. Our time here was much more relaxed. We had no schedule, just a list of things we may want to do.
The hotel booked was originally thought to be 5 stars. It turned out to be a 4 star in rating, but I would give it at most a 2 star if only because it is on the sea and had a nice pool. The food was comically horrible, along with the bar ( no ice, and they served everything with warm flat Pepsi or warm syrupy Tang.) Throw in a few thousand rude, unhygienic vacationers from Russia and it was quite the experience! However, I want to emphasize that these things were not able to distract me from the soul grabbing beauty of the sea or the wonderful companionship of my beloved husband. We could have slept under a 3 legged goat and I still would have had a fabulous time.
Benny and Joy didn't seem to miss us too much. When we got back they had gained 10 lbs. And we did pretty well without them, although the closer we got to home the last day, the more I realized how much I wanted to kiss their little cheeks!
That is all for today. I just ordered some KFC (yes, all fast food here can be delivered! and yes, ordering KFC in a city full of yummy Egyptian food might be grounds for smiting) I hope I can get over the guilt and enjoy it...
Love,
Sara (in Egypt)
P.S. - Pictures load very slowly on this site, but you can view a very complete moment by moment record of our time here by checking out my Facebook.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
This December – From the notes of an Egyptian Christian
The following is a note from Amy, my sister-in-law. It gives a good description of what this time of year is like in Egypt. Enjoy!
Well, here in Egypt, we don’t celebrate Halloween or even Thanksgiving. But as Egyptians, we do have other significant occasions. Today is the first day of the Muslim Feast, where they celebrate and remember the story of Abraham sacrificing his son. But to them the son he was going to sacrifice was Ishmael, not Isaac. Yesterday streets were full of cows and sheep on their way to be slaughtered.
As Christians, this is a significant day for us where we pray that our brothers and sisters, those “sheep from the other fold” would know who is the real sacrifice, the Lamb of God who was driven as a sheep to slaughter so that He would take away our sins. Every year in our Arab countries, blood is shed for the wrong sacrifice. Many Christians pray on this day, and in some places we have overnight prayers all through the night before the first day of the feast. We pray and intercede for those in darkness, that the light would dawn upon them and they would know and accept the real Lamb of God come to save our fallen and broken lives.
On another more joyful note, we as Christians celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, the Christ Child. We don’t see many outward displays of Christmas around us. The streets aren’t decorated in this Islamic country, though some shops, malls and hotels in Cairo are. But as Christians, this makes it even the more precious to celebrate our Lord and Savior coming to our world in this land (The Middle East where Christ was born). Now what could be more special that that?!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come, may earth receive her King!
Well, here in Egypt, we don’t celebrate Halloween or even Thanksgiving. But as Egyptians, we do have other significant occasions. Today is the first day of the Muslim Feast, where they celebrate and remember the story of Abraham sacrificing his son. But to them the son he was going to sacrifice was Ishmael, not Isaac. Yesterday streets were full of cows and sheep on their way to be slaughtered.
As Christians, this is a significant day for us where we pray that our brothers and sisters, those “sheep from the other fold” would know who is the real sacrifice, the Lamb of God who was driven as a sheep to slaughter so that He would take away our sins. Every year in our Arab countries, blood is shed for the wrong sacrifice. Many Christians pray on this day, and in some places we have overnight prayers all through the night before the first day of the feast. We pray and intercede for those in darkness, that the light would dawn upon them and they would know and accept the real Lamb of God come to save our fallen and broken lives.
On another more joyful note, we as Christians celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, the Christ Child. We don’t see many outward displays of Christmas around us. The streets aren’t decorated in this Islamic country, though some shops, malls and hotels in Cairo are. But as Christians, this makes it even the more precious to celebrate our Lord and Savior coming to our world in this land (The Middle East where Christ was born). Now what could be more special that that?!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come, may earth receive her King!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Honey moon..
I found out not too long ago (maybe 24 hours?) that Amir is taking me on out honeymoon trip tonight! Well, we actually leave at 3 am tomorrow.
We are flying down to Luxor and then will be heading to the Red sea afterwards, making a grand total of 6 nights away! I literally feel like a princess :)
This also means a week away from the internet. I think I can cope...
We are flying down to Luxor and then will be heading to the Red sea afterwards, making a grand total of 6 nights away! I literally feel like a princess :)
This also means a week away from the internet. I think I can cope...
Monday, December 8, 2008
Egypt receives Joy...
Now, I love Joy and I think she is quite wonderful, but I don't really understand this. What I am going to describe next is plain ridiculous!
Amir and I went to the mall here and we decided to take Joy with us.
As soon as we entered the mall, people would come up and smile and talk to her. I'm used to this, she is a people magnet.
Then, people started stopping us, blocking our way in order to see her. Alright, she's cute. I know.
At this point, they started coming up to her and pinching and kissing her cheeks. I was somewhat taken aback by this, but thought, 'Ok, as long as she isn't getting fussy. It's a cultural thing, I guess.'
However, THEN, I noticed people taking her picture, as well as having their kids and friends pose with her. All the while she wasn't really smiling, but was acting apathetic to the attention and would stick her tongue out every now and then like a lizard.
If this happens again, Amir and I are considering making Joy shirts and selling them for a nice profit.
Amir and I went to the mall here and we decided to take Joy with us.
As soon as we entered the mall, people would come up and smile and talk to her. I'm used to this, she is a people magnet.
Then, people started stopping us, blocking our way in order to see her. Alright, she's cute. I know.
At this point, they started coming up to her and pinching and kissing her cheeks. I was somewhat taken aback by this, but thought, 'Ok, as long as she isn't getting fussy. It's a cultural thing, I guess.'
However, THEN, I noticed people taking her picture, as well as having their kids and friends pose with her. All the while she wasn't really smiling, but was acting apathetic to the attention and would stick her tongue out every now and then like a lizard.
If this happens again, Amir and I are considering making Joy shirts and selling them for a nice profit.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
You Have Watches, We Have Time.
Hello Dear Reader!
The title of this blog is a wonderful saying the Egyptians have regarding their concept of time. Althought this is a very busy city, I have noticed that people always have time to stop and talk (or invite you in for dinner, coffee, dessert, or all of the above!)
Hospitality and overflowing gratitude are common here and a heart could easily get used to it.
The days here are longer. Not the sunlight, but from rising to sleeping is about 16 to 17 hours. Sometimes more. The businesses here open at 9 or 10 am and don't close until at least 10 pm. This includes everything from larger tourist shops to the smallest allyway bakery.
The prices here would be something of great interest to any outsider. Here is the current currency conversion:
$1 (USD) = 5 Egyptian Pound (EgLE) so 1EgLE = $0.20 USD
Most things here are very cheap, especially food and services. I got a full French manicure and pedicure for a little under $4. We are able to get full meals from local eaterys for around $0.40-$0.60 each.
However, things like homes, cars, and any imported goods are much more pricey. Even though they end up still being a little cheaper than they are in the U.S., the average person here make about 600-1,000 pounds a month. Public workers (government) are paid much less than that.
Here are some examples of prices:
McRoyal with Cheese Meal at McDs: $5.00
Redbull: $2.00
1 kilo of Oranges: $0.50
1 gallon of Premium gasoline: $1.24 (this is incredibly high for Egypt)
Starbucks tall mocha: $3.50
When I meet someone who speaks English well, their first question is one of the two:
How is your family surving the economic bailout?
-or-
What do you think of Barack Obama?
Regarding the first question: There seems to be an idea that the Americans are suddenly poor and struggling to make ends meet. This might be true for some, but I tell people that a majority of the people suffering from this recession are the ones who have been living way outside of their means. However, I know that as the layoffs keep coming, more and more innocent people with been deeply affected.
The second question is the one I find the most interesting. I am often cautiously asked who I voted for. When I respond I voted for Obama, I am met with excitement in their voice as they express their happiness for America.
I feel it is not because they strongly dislike George Bush, but they associate all of the economic trouble and wanton war with his administration.
That's all for now.
Love,
Sara in Egypt
P.S.- At the old market I was asked very broken English: "You American?"
I replied I was, and the man shouted, "oh, Howdy!!!"
The title of this blog is a wonderful saying the Egyptians have regarding their concept of time. Althought this is a very busy city, I have noticed that people always have time to stop and talk (or invite you in for dinner, coffee, dessert, or all of the above!)
Hospitality and overflowing gratitude are common here and a heart could easily get used to it.
The days here are longer. Not the sunlight, but from rising to sleeping is about 16 to 17 hours. Sometimes more. The businesses here open at 9 or 10 am and don't close until at least 10 pm. This includes everything from larger tourist shops to the smallest allyway bakery.
The prices here would be something of great interest to any outsider. Here is the current currency conversion:
$1 (USD) = 5 Egyptian Pound (EgLE) so 1EgLE = $0.20 USD
Most things here are very cheap, especially food and services. I got a full French manicure and pedicure for a little under $4. We are able to get full meals from local eaterys for around $0.40-$0.60 each.
However, things like homes, cars, and any imported goods are much more pricey. Even though they end up still being a little cheaper than they are in the U.S., the average person here make about 600-1,000 pounds a month. Public workers (government) are paid much less than that.
Here are some examples of prices:
McRoyal with Cheese Meal at McDs: $5.00
Redbull: $2.00
1 kilo of Oranges: $0.50
1 gallon of Premium gasoline: $1.24 (this is incredibly high for Egypt)
Starbucks tall mocha: $3.50
When I meet someone who speaks English well, their first question is one of the two:
How is your family surving the economic bailout?
-or-
What do you think of Barack Obama?
Regarding the first question: There seems to be an idea that the Americans are suddenly poor and struggling to make ends meet. This might be true for some, but I tell people that a majority of the people suffering from this recession are the ones who have been living way outside of their means. However, I know that as the layoffs keep coming, more and more innocent people with been deeply affected.
The second question is the one I find the most interesting. I am often cautiously asked who I voted for. When I respond I voted for Obama, I am met with excitement in their voice as they express their happiness for America.
I feel it is not because they strongly dislike George Bush, but they associate all of the economic trouble and wanton war with his administration.
That's all for now.
Love,
Sara in Egypt
P.S.- At the old market I was asked very broken English: "You American?"
I replied I was, and the man shouted, "oh, Howdy!!!"
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
MarHaba!
Hello dearest friends and family,
We are here! It is almost 5 am and I am wide awake... waiting for the rest of of our family to wake up too.
The trip went very well. The first leg of the trip (the shortest one- only 2 1/2 hours) was the most difficult. The babies seemed to have fun overall. Benny and Joy made about 20 new friends. I will catch you up on the trip details later.
We arrived at Amir's parent's apartment at around 4 am. There are no houses here, so most people own apartments. We have a whole flat to ourselves! Amir's Grandparents bought an apartment a floor above Mama and Baba's place and they are letting us use it.
One of the most peculiar things about being here has been the Muslim call to worship- 5 times a day. I heard it for the first time a few hours after we got in. I had just gone up stairs by myself(at 5 am) when I heard the whole city come alive with moaning and singing- from people in their homes to Imams calling over the loud speaker of their mosks. It is a very solem but passionate cry.
Even though it is a calling out to Allah and the prophet Muhammed, I can't help be moved very deeply by it. It is also a great reminder: ' Yup, you're in Egypt!'
Today we will go to Teta and Giddu's (Benny and Joy's great grandparents) and hopefully see a couple of Amir's friends.
I am absolutly in LOVE with everything here. True, I am easily swooned, but I am positive even the biggest skeptic would be won over by the food alone. Throw in the sweetest, most wonderful family and I don't think it gets any better!
I am going to work on my Arabic now...
Lots and lots of love,
Sara in Egypt
P.S. It was 86 degrees, sunny with a slight breeze yesterday :)
We are here! It is almost 5 am and I am wide awake... waiting for the rest of of our family to wake up too.
The trip went very well. The first leg of the trip (the shortest one- only 2 1/2 hours) was the most difficult. The babies seemed to have fun overall. Benny and Joy made about 20 new friends. I will catch you up on the trip details later.
We arrived at Amir's parent's apartment at around 4 am. There are no houses here, so most people own apartments. We have a whole flat to ourselves! Amir's Grandparents bought an apartment a floor above Mama and Baba's place and they are letting us use it.
One of the most peculiar things about being here has been the Muslim call to worship- 5 times a day. I heard it for the first time a few hours after we got in. I had just gone up stairs by myself(at 5 am) when I heard the whole city come alive with moaning and singing- from people in their homes to Imams calling over the loud speaker of their mosks. It is a very solem but passionate cry.
Even though it is a calling out to Allah and the prophet Muhammed, I can't help be moved very deeply by it. It is also a great reminder: ' Yup, you're in Egypt!'
Today we will go to Teta and Giddu's (Benny and Joy's great grandparents) and hopefully see a couple of Amir's friends.
I am absolutly in LOVE with everything here. True, I am easily swooned, but I am positive even the biggest skeptic would be won over by the food alone. Throw in the sweetest, most wonderful family and I don't think it gets any better!
I am going to work on my Arabic now...
Lots and lots of love,
Sara in Egypt
P.S. It was 86 degrees, sunny with a slight breeze yesterday :)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Itinerary!!
Travel Reservation Details
Date: Monday, December 1 Flight: NW 610 Departs: Spokane-Int'l, WA (GEG) at 12:45PM
Arrives: Minneapolis/St. Paul-Int'l, MN (MSP) at 5:34PM
Class of Service: Economy Class (T) Seat: 29-B, 29-CFlight Duration: 2 hours 49 minutes
Approximate Miles: 1,173Meal Service: Snacks Aircraft: Boeing 757-200Note: Operated by
Northwest AirlinesNote: Check in with Northwest Airlines
Date: Monday, December 1 Flight: NW 56 Departs: Minneapolis/St. Paul-Int'l, MN (MSP) at
9:30PM Arrives: Amsterdam-Schiphol, Netherlands (AMS) at 12:40PM on Tuesday, December
2Class of Service: Economy Class (T) Seat: not assignedFlight Duration: Approximate Miles:
4,155Meal Service: Aircraft:Note: Operated by Northwest Airlines
Date: Tuesday, December 2 Flight: KL 553 Departs: Amsterdam-Schiphol, Netherlands (AMS)
at 9:00PM Arrives: Cairo-Int'l, Egypt (CAI) at 2:15AM on Wednesday, December 3Class of
Service: T Seat: 37-F, 37-GFlight Duration: 4 hours 15 minutes Approximate Miles:
2,042Meal Service: Meal Served Aircraft: 74MKL Confirmation Number: Z4D6AQ
Date: Wednesday, December 31 Flight: NW 8584/*KL 554 Departs: Cairo-Int'l, Egypt (CAI) at
4:15AM Arrives: Amsterdam-Schiphol, Netherlands (AMS) at 8:05AMClass of Service: Economy
Class (T) Seat: 37-E, 37-DFlight Duration: 4 hours 50 minutes Approximate Miles: 2,042Meal
Service: Meal Served Aircraft: 74M
Date: Wednesday, December 31 Flight: NW 41 Departs: Amsterdam-Schiphol, Netherlands
(AMS) at 10:20AM Arrives: Minneapolis/St. Paul-Int'l, MN (MSP) at 12:40PMClass of Service:
Economy Class (T) Seat: 31-F, 31-G AisleFlight Duration: 9 hours 20 minutes Approximate
Miles: 4,155Meal Service: Dinner Aircraft: Airbus A330
Date: Wednesday, December 31 Flight: NW 615 Departs: Minneapolis/St. Paul-Int'l, MN (MSP)
at 5:15PM Arrives: Spokane-Int'l, WA (GEG) at 6:24PMClass of Service: Economy Class (T)
Seat: 14-A Window, 14-BFlight Duration: 3 hours 9 minutes Approximate Miles: 1,173Meal
Service: Snacks Aircraft: Airbus A320
Monday, November 24, 2008
An entry written a week ago:
Today my Grandfather died.
This is after nearly 50 years of battling MS and 3 days without treating his infections and no feeding tube.
I am not dealing with this confrontation very well.. and although my Grandpa is the one who just passed, I am mainly greiving the loss of my Grandma Carol. She died last May, also due to various complications with MS.
My understanding of her death still leaves me at a gaping loss as to why I can't have her back. I can't believe how ridiculous and unreasonable I am being! I am firm in my faith and belief of an afterlife, but it always comes down to this:
I miss her. a lot. and there is not one thing I can do about it.
I'm a somewhat logical person, but my mere-mortal understanding doesn't grasp how she used to be here, on earth, in my life, and how she is 'just not here' anymore.
Death in alienating. It is weird and I don't like it.
This is after nearly 50 years of battling MS and 3 days without treating his infections and no feeding tube.
I am not dealing with this confrontation very well.. and although my Grandpa is the one who just passed, I am mainly greiving the loss of my Grandma Carol. She died last May, also due to various complications with MS.
My understanding of her death still leaves me at a gaping loss as to why I can't have her back. I can't believe how ridiculous and unreasonable I am being! I am firm in my faith and belief of an afterlife, but it always comes down to this:
I miss her. a lot. and there is not one thing I can do about it.
I'm a somewhat logical person, but my mere-mortal understanding doesn't grasp how she used to be here, on earth, in my life, and how she is 'just not here' anymore.
Death in alienating. It is weird and I don't like it.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Garbage City, Egypt
Amir and I hope to use this trip to create a slide show or small documentary about a place called Garbage City, Egypt. It is just what it sounds like; a city of garbage. Garbage City is located inside Cairo and its population is 98% Christian. This is the only community in Egypt that is only Christian. Inside the city lives very poor people. They make their living by collecting the garbage in Cairo, sorting it, and recycling what they can. Garbage collecting is the lowest job one can perform. They have very little knowledge of sanitation, contraceptives and have a very high mortality rate.We hope to raise awarness, prayer and financial support for the ministries supporting this community.
I also hope to interview a Muslim who has converted to Christianty. The stories I have heard are beautiful, amazing and unbelievable! Muslim women are told that their god values them at only half of what a man is worth... and that they will never be considered good enough or worthy enough by Allah.
I know I often feel I fall short of what I should be... but only when measured by my own standards. I couldn't imagine believing my whole life that god feels the same way!
...but then imagine being told:
"You have captured the heart of God and He cannot bear to live without you! God's dream is to make you right with Him... and the path to the cross tells us exactly how far God will go to have us back..."
And dear Reader, I hope that you would read that last part twice, because it is for you too! If you don't believe it, that is ok.
Just know that He wants you to know Him more than anything... and no matter how raggity, scuffed or broken your life might be, the desire of His heart is for you to call Him 'Father.'
... and if that isn't where you are at right now, He will be there when you are ready.
That's all for now.
I also hope to interview a Muslim who has converted to Christianty. The stories I have heard are beautiful, amazing and unbelievable! Muslim women are told that their god values them at only half of what a man is worth... and that they will never be considered good enough or worthy enough by Allah.
I know I often feel I fall short of what I should be... but only when measured by my own standards. I couldn't imagine believing my whole life that god feels the same way!
...but then imagine being told:
"You have captured the heart of God and He cannot bear to live without you! God's dream is to make you right with Him... and the path to the cross tells us exactly how far God will go to have us back..."
And dear Reader, I hope that you would read that last part twice, because it is for you too! If you don't believe it, that is ok.
Just know that He wants you to know Him more than anything... and no matter how raggity, scuffed or broken your life might be, the desire of His heart is for you to call Him 'Father.'
... and if that isn't where you are at right now, He will be there when you are ready.
That's all for now.
Some points of interest about the Arabic language and Egypt
In preparation for the upcoming trip, Amir got me an online Arabic tutorial for our anniversary (He knows the way to my heart!) I have some prior education in Arabic under my belt, but this course will help me gain more momentum.
-The symbols we use in English to represent our numbers are actually Arabic. The Arabic language uses Hindi symbols. Why? I have not the faintest idea.
-Coincidently, the word for beef in Arabic is 'lahm bakary.' This is in no relation to the English word 'hamburger'... just a coincidence.
-Egypt is the media center of the middle east. Egypt also has a distinct dialect that thanks to its media industry, is fairly easy to undestand by most middle easterners. The dialect is MUCH softer and, in my opinion, more romantic sounding than other dialects I've heard.
-Egypt recognizes Christianity as a religion. Your religion is on your government issued I.D. There is not much discrimination for a person who is born into a Christian family. However, if a Muslim were to convert, that person would stand to lose their family, probably his or her job and would most likely be 'starting over' in life.
So these are just a few things off the top of my head. More to come!
-The symbols we use in English to represent our numbers are actually Arabic. The Arabic language uses Hindi symbols. Why? I have not the faintest idea.
-Coincidently, the word for beef in Arabic is 'lahm bakary.' This is in no relation to the English word 'hamburger'... just a coincidence.
-Egypt is the media center of the middle east. Egypt also has a distinct dialect that thanks to its media industry, is fairly easy to undestand by most middle easterners. The dialect is MUCH softer and, in my opinion, more romantic sounding than other dialects I've heard.
-Egypt recognizes Christianity as a religion. Your religion is on your government issued I.D. There is not much discrimination for a person who is born into a Christian family. However, if a Muslim were to convert, that person would stand to lose their family, probably his or her job and would most likely be 'starting over' in life.
So these are just a few things off the top of my head. More to come!
Friday, November 14, 2008
My feelings on the 2008 election
This current election season, I have found myself very sad over the state of our nation. Passionate hatred, the choice to be ignorant, and 'Fear and Smear' tactics have over come our country.
Being an American, I have a sense of pride in the progress we have made to embrace our differences. I kind of thought we were 'over' letting hate direct our decisions.
This isn't an argument in support of any presidential hopeful, but a mere plea to not belittle your faith by shoving it into a box marked Republican, Democrat, or anything inbetween. American policy isn't as simple as black and white, pro-life or pro-choice, and where an candidate claims to stand on the issue.
It is dangerous to assume you know a man's (or woman's) heart by their voting history, the church they attent or their family life. You can't know this. Maybe you will have the chance to get to truly know one, maybe two people's hearts on this planet. But don't trust in this as your sole reason for voting for a candidate.
"Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in man.Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in princes."-Psalm 118:8 & 9
So, as a follower of Christ, I actually have no hope in the current administration. Or the next one.
My hope is in the work that God is doing in people all around the world. I am voting and I am so thankful that I can.
Being an American, I have a sense of pride in the progress we have made to embrace our differences. I kind of thought we were 'over' letting hate direct our decisions.
This isn't an argument in support of any presidential hopeful, but a mere plea to not belittle your faith by shoving it into a box marked Republican, Democrat, or anything inbetween. American policy isn't as simple as black and white, pro-life or pro-choice, and where an candidate claims to stand on the issue.
It is dangerous to assume you know a man's (or woman's) heart by their voting history, the church they attent or their family life. You can't know this. Maybe you will have the chance to get to truly know one, maybe two people's hearts on this planet. But don't trust in this as your sole reason for voting for a candidate.
"Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in man.Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in princes."-Psalm 118:8 & 9
So, as a follower of Christ, I actually have no hope in the current administration. Or the next one.
My hope is in the work that God is doing in people all around the world. I am voting and I am so thankful that I can.
..and the wonder of it all is that I'm living just to fall even more in love with you...
Today I am making aprons for my new Mother and Grandmother. I have been stressed out at the thought of all the work that is in front of me, and anxious since the end result will have to be perfect in order to give the garment to these amazing women. Otherwise I will completely start over.
My day was turned around after hearing an old Delirious? song on Pandora. While I will admit I can only stand 'Christian' music in small doses, I do enjoy starting my morning with Benny and Joy with worship music. I am thankful I did... my whole attitude on my day was turned around by this verse :
And the wonder of it all/ Is that I'm living just to fall/ Even more in love with you
How simple is this? How often do we forget that it comes down to loving out creator, our Father? And what is also awe-inspiring (I do passionately despise the overuse of the word 'awesome') is that when we turn our hearts to God, our lives follows!
How sweet it is that I am back to the foot of the cross, discovering the grace He has for me...
My day was turned around after hearing an old Delirious? song on Pandora. While I will admit I can only stand 'Christian' music in small doses, I do enjoy starting my morning with Benny and Joy with worship music. I am thankful I did... my whole attitude on my day was turned around by this verse :
And the wonder of it all/ Is that I'm living just to fall/ Even more in love with you
How simple is this? How often do we forget that it comes down to loving out creator, our Father? And what is also awe-inspiring (I do passionately despise the overuse of the word 'awesome') is that when we turn our hearts to God, our lives follows!
How sweet it is that I am back to the foot of the cross, discovering the grace He has for me...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
17 days to go!
This isn't too bad, it has only been a over a week. Life continues to get more and more full. All good stuff, but Amir and I strive for simplicity in our lives... so unfortunatly we will have to cut some of the normal activites out for now.
We have got almost all of the shopping done for the trip! Then it will be time to start packing up all of our Christmas presents and other goodies. I am very excited to spend Advent and Christmas away from western culture. I am prediciting a feeling of homesickness for myself... but ultimatly this wil be a very good thing to help me find my 'manger.' It is so easy for me to get caught up in the cookie exhanges, festive commercials. I will miss my family terribly, especially Cindell and Mom, but this will be a good practice run for when we do move to Egypt.
That's all for now! Lots of love to you all...
We have got almost all of the shopping done for the trip! Then it will be time to start packing up all of our Christmas presents and other goodies. I am very excited to spend Advent and Christmas away from western culture. I am prediciting a feeling of homesickness for myself... but ultimatly this wil be a very good thing to help me find my 'manger.' It is so easy for me to get caught up in the cookie exhanges, festive commercials. I will miss my family terribly, especially Cindell and Mom, but this will be a good practice run for when we do move to Egypt.
That's all for now! Lots of love to you all...
Monday, November 3, 2008
Fast forward to the end of fall...
So it's been about 7 months since I have even checked this thing, but I am sure nothing super important happend since then. I have decided to rivive this blog since I "plan" on keeping a fairly tight account of our trip to Egypt (in less than a month!!!)
Life is going by too fast. My heart is pleading for simplicity... and today I am reprioritizing my obligations and redelegating projects that I have taken on. Already I feel a lot better! Now all I have to work on is shopping and packing for Egypt (lots of Christmas presents you buy!) a I will be taking a crash course in Arabic starting tomorrow or the next day. It is a program we are downloading onto our computer, so thankfully I won't have to go anywhere.
At this point I am not even that nervouse about the 30 hour flight with the babies. Hopefully I will maintain this feeling of calm! I am beyond excited for this trip. It will be really special to celebrate Christmas with out the western influence distracting us from the true reason we are celebrating.
Life is going by too fast. My heart is pleading for simplicity... and today I am reprioritizing my obligations and redelegating projects that I have taken on. Already I feel a lot better! Now all I have to work on is shopping and packing for Egypt (lots of Christmas presents you buy!) a I will be taking a crash course in Arabic starting tomorrow or the next day. It is a program we are downloading onto our computer, so thankfully I won't have to go anywhere.
At this point I am not even that nervouse about the 30 hour flight with the babies. Hopefully I will maintain this feeling of calm! I am beyond excited for this trip. It will be really special to celebrate Christmas with out the western influence distracting us from the true reason we are celebrating.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Spring!
Latest Happenings: We booked our trip to Egypt! We will be leaving Dec. 1st and returning Dec. 31st this year! (!!!!) We are all very excited. I'm sure this emotion will somewhat deflate when the reality of taking two babies on an international plane trip draws closer.
We will also be seeing Amy and Sameh, Amir's sister and bother-in-law, very soon. They are attending classes for one quarter in Portland, OR. Also, Amir's father will be visiting us over Mother's day weekend. We are considering meeting him down in Portland instead of having him fly to Spokane. It would be so wonderful if we were able to all spend that time together.
Other news... Spring is offically here! I think! It is currently 62F (13 C) right now. This weekend it is suppose to be 70F (17C)! I hoping to spend lots of time with the babies outside.
We will also be seeing Amy and Sameh, Amir's sister and bother-in-law, very soon. They are attending classes for one quarter in Portland, OR. Also, Amir's father will be visiting us over Mother's day weekend. We are considering meeting him down in Portland instead of having him fly to Spokane. It would be so wonderful if we were able to all spend that time together.
Other news... Spring is offically here! I think! It is currently 62F (13 C) right now. This weekend it is suppose to be 70F (17C)! I hoping to spend lots of time with the babies outside.
The Rizk Family Blog Premier!
This is my attempt at a solution for sharing our lives with our loved ones near and far. I know it is merely a matter of me keeping up with it, so I am apologizing ahead of time if I let this poor thing die from neglect.
More to come, stay tuned!
-Sara
More to come, stay tuned!
-Sara
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