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.
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