Reverse Culture Shock

While I've been living in Cairo, someone there introduced me to the website First World Problems. It's this website that showcases problems only people in Western, developed coutries have. It cracks me up. I also call it the website of brats. Since being back for a visit, I've been so aware of what a brat I sound like and often find myself thinking #firstworldproblem (yes, I think in hashtags sometimes - don't judge). So here are a few things that have stopped me in my tracks:

- I'm up early on the 26th and want to go hit the day after Christmas sales but my money is in the bedroom my parents are sleeping in. Guess I'll have to put off that shopping list and just hang out in my pjs.

- My skin is itchy and dried out from the heater and I don't have any lotion.

- I think in hashtags.

- Well, I can't use Kahula in that recipe and I don't drink coffee. Wait! I can run to Starbucks for a cup! Or McDonalds, or any other place within a two second drive.

- Frustrated at HEB, I couldn't find the exact ingredient I needed while standing with about 15 other options right in front of me.

- I want to make a new cookie recipe but we still have leftovers of two pies and a sheetcake in the kichen.

- All I've done since getting home is eat.

- So which church are we going to go to on Christmas Day?

Yep - I feel like such a brat!

Cairo Christmas Dreams

For as long as I can remember, I've had very vivid dreams. Thankfully, the majority of them are good ones. I've woken myself up laughing from time to time. The best part is that I remember them too. I had one about Johnny Rosenauer when I was in college that still makes me laugh when I think about it. So it's no surprise that when Christmas time comes around, I have fun Christmas dreams. I really do love it. However, last night's Christmas dream beats them all, hands down....

I dreamed that we were lighting the advent wreath and talking about the symbolism of each candle. It was so beautiful and my grandmother was lighting each one. As we lit the last one, the candle burst into the loudest song I had ever heard. And it wasn't a sweet Christmas Carol either. It was loud and intrusive. No matter what we did, it kept singing. Since we couldn't get the candle to stop, I roused myself awake. It was the first call of prayer for the day. Basically, I dreamed we were celebrating the incarnation of Jesus to the sound of the call of prayer. And when I heard the call when I got home, all I could think was Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus.

Merry Christmas, Cairo Style......

My First Expat Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approached, it was so bizarre. It almost seemed a non-event because, well, all around us, it was. With the elections and the fact that we aren't in America, it wasn't a big deal. So a few of us got together and decided to make our very first Thanksgiving meal. One of the best decisions I've made in the past three months!

We started Wednesday afternoon by taking our list to our neighborhood market for shopping. Yes my American friends - we shopped the night before. And it was beautiful. And easy. And we found everything we needed. And it was all delivered to us. Don't worry, it's OK to be jealous.

Thursday morning came early but it met us with warm kitchens, delicious foods, and lots of talking/laughter. Everyone spent the day in the kitchen whipping up amazing dishes. I learned how much you can make without the canned foods we take for granted in America. Can you say only two cans used? (chicken broth and cranberry jelly) Oh my goodness, yum! Our table was the picture of gluttony. I learned that I actually do like sweet potato casserole!

As we sat around the table enjoying our hard work, we spent time looking ahead. We all enjoyed it so much we decided to do it again in seven years. We spent time talking and teasing about what life will be like in 2018. There was a serious amount of laughing involved and I feel secure to say that I good time was had by all.

As we ate and laughed, I couldn't help but feel truly thankful. If you would have asked me a year ago, I never would have thought I would be celebrating Thanksgiving in Cairo, Egypt. Yet, here I was surrounded by some pretty amazing girls. I knew Jen was fabulous before coming over but the past few months have confirmed it! Not only is she funny and a great cook but knows how to love people well. I didn't know Emily at all before coming and now I'm so thankful I do! Definitely one of my new favorite people and I'm so glad she stayed one more year. Tessa is my buddy in trying to figure out KGII in Cairo. She has a tender heart and is quick to help out anyone who needs her.

I did miss my family on Thanksgiving but I was reminded of a very important fact. You can have family wherever you are. These girls share life with me here and I'm better for it. But the family isn't limited to them. I've been so blessed to know several different people here in Egypt. They are making me better for knowing them. So for Thanksgiving 2011, I'm thankful for my little Cairo family!

Excuses, Excuses, We Use Them Every Day....

When I accepted the position in Cairo, one of the things that I was most excited about was the fact that I had an established blog. It was to be one of the strongest ways to keep in touch with those around the world and a way to keep track of this part of my journey. As you can very obviously tell, that hasn't happened - at all. I've been trying to think about why and here's what I've come up with:

1. Time. Yes, this can be said for all of us not matter where we are and what we are doing. However, it's gotten pretty busy here. Thankfully, not all of it is work. In fact, most of it isn't. Building a community is time consuming and worth every exhausting moment. Birthday parties, working out, hanging out, going out, girls' nights, shopping, exploring, softball games, cooking together, and so much more. I wouldn't trade a moment of it but by the time I sit down to share about it, my body is exhausted.

2. Learning a new culture. If the act of building a community weren't exhausting enough, the sheer magnitude of learning your surroundings would be enough to wear you out. When you live somewhere so different, you have to relearn everything from how to walk down the street to how to navigate streets/taxis. You learn that you really could kick some butt in charades because it is your best means of communication while you try to learn bits of the language around you. Plus trying to sleep through the new speakers the mosque got a month ago to further amplify the 5:00 a.m. prayer. It can overload your senses and leave you brain dead.

3. Relearning myself. Moving somewhere so different than all you have ever known will change you. I was warned but not prepared. Everything you know, think, feel, believe, and hope for are filtered through entirely new eyes. Every filter you thought through before is replaced and you start all over again. You feel more confident and sure of yourself. However, you also find yourself different. You know that if you really said what you thought about that facebook status update, it could start a fire of debate so you don't. You know that sometimes, it's better to talk about things rather than write them out because you can't discuss your new thoughts on a blog like you can face to face. You can't share because lots of people will not understand from lack of experiences.

So yes, life is full and good. There are good and bad days - many more good. So I'll try to share more but in the meantime, thank you for understanding!

Singapore - Part II

Sorry for the break in these posts. Nothing says "Welcome Home" like a week-long cold. However, I'm so thankful that it held off until I was back in Cairo! Now that I can breath and sleep through the night without waking up coughing, I thought I would share a few fun memories of the week. They are random and completely out of order. Thanks for humoring me so I have them for longevity:

- On Thursday, Levi and I were headed home from the zoo when the taxi driver decided to be chatty. He was nice and Levi was playing with the "Cute"s (stuffed animal sugar gliders he got for himself and Caleb) so we chatted. He asked where I was visiting from and I told him Egypt. He looked at me like I was crazy. I explained and he shook his head knowingly. "Yes, you have the Obama accent. It is easier to understand than the Australian or British accent. You open your mouth really big." Um, thanks? Then he said I didn't look American. I looked "European, you know, like Venezuelan". Hmmm.....

- The boys were awesome! Everything we did, they asked if I had done it before or seen it before. I think they found it funny that their normal was new to me. They had a ton of questions about Egypt vs Singapore as well. Do we have ______ in Egypt? Can you ______ in Egypt? However, I think that my favorite moment with them was Thursday afternoon. Jennifer had to leave for a girls' weekend and I was watching the boys until Justin got home. Jennifer had been gone for about three minutes when they decided they missed her and wanted to make her cards. So we went to the school room and made her "I miss you" cards. What is it about four year old hearts that is so adorable? I don't know if you got them, Jennifer, but your boys were really trying to make beautiful cards for you! :)

- One thing I loved about time with Jennifer and Justin were separate "expat" moments. Most revolved around food. With Jennifer, it was in a grocery store. We stepped into the grocery store in Singapore (where everything is imported). As we walked among products from America, China, Thailand, etc I caught myself singing along to the song - Feliz Navidad. I got so tickled! Then a few nights later, we were running some errands for some things I can't find in Egypt. As we were waiting for the light to change so we could cross the street, she pointed out the girls next to us. Apparently Singaporeans love their corn. They had a styrofoam cup of corn they had bought from a street vendor. Corn! Then the next night, I was with Justin and the boys in a 7-11 and something caught my eye. Instead of an Icee, there was a mashed potato machine. I asked Justin about it and he said they are in most 7-11s. Again, I got so tickled! I think it had become normal for Justin but in that moment, he just laughed with me at my surprise. I mean, you go into 7-11 to grab something really quickly and grab a cup of mashed potatoes on the way out.

- On Wednesday, Caleb woke up ill so that changed our day's plans. I wandered over to the Botanic Gardens and spent a few hours there. It was stunning! Flowers, green, and water everywhere! There were several areas that I loved but my favorite was probably the Orchid Garden. So many varieties and colors! When you live in the brown of the desert, you forget how vivid nature can be. I told Jennifer that I was going to feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when she lands in Munchkinland. This was the first time that happened. I seriously have more pictures of flowers than I know what to do with. The whole time I thought about my grandmother. She loved flowers and she would have enjoyed this one. I can only imagine all she would have had to share. Even now, she would have loved it!

- Stateside, I tend to not wear anything sleeveless because I didn't like I arms. After three months of covering up, I got to exercise what my Cairo Jen calls "The Right to Bare Arms". It was glorious and I didn't think about how they looked once!

Singapore - Part I

***Up front I have to share that my computer is being difficult so there are no pictures on this post. I'm so sorry! Check out facebook if you would like to see some of them.***

One of the things you come to learn about working in Egypt is that nothing is predictable - nothing. So when Jen walked into my room two weeks ago and said "Welcome to Egypt - we have all of next week off." I wasn't entirely surprised. Thrilled, but not surprised. So we started talking about what to do with our days off and within a day or two, my plans completely changed. Originally I was going to spend the time at an oasis but within a matter of hours, I was booking a flight for Singapore. My lovely friends, Justin and Jennifer Willerton, agreed to open their home to me for the week. Six days later, I was on a plane to Singapore!

When I got there, the Willerton family were waiting for me at the airport. We went outside and all I could say was "Oh my goodness!" over and over again. It was SO green and SO clean! If that was all I could take away from this trip, that would be enough. Thankfully, that wasn't all there was.

I loved spending time with the Willertons. They are such an amazing family! The boys are so fun and respectful. I enjoyed them so much! They were generous, playful, and sweet with their time and energy. I loved every moment with them. As sweet as they were, I enjoyed their parents even more. I told Jennifer that I really enjoyed seeing them be "Justin and Jennifer" this trip. The last time we were able to spend time together, the boys were 18 months and just over three years old. They were in hard core Mom and Dad mode. Now I got to enjoy watching them be a couple and having conversations with them. We were able to talk about expat life, challenges of our individual homes, and catching up on what is happening in each other's lives. They carry Jesus with them and it is so evident when you are with them. It is restful and rejuvinating.

One thing that I deeply love is seeing a diversity of people living and working together. That is Singapore. Nations, religions, and races all intersecting in this one city. Though they do not agree on beliefs and come from different backgrounds, they all live together. I think that we are better for being in places like this. We are stretched to examine our beliefs about all sorts of things. We are stronger in ourselves and our relationships.

And yes, it was GREEN! I never thought I would say that I loved a hot and humid place. However, it was so different from other hot and humid places I've been. It made for some of the deepest and most varied shades of green I've ever seen. I couldn't get enough of it! I never really considered myself an outdoors girl but I enjoyed soaking up every moment of sun I could get. Whether is was Night Safari, the zoo, the Botanic Garden, the sky walk, or just around the city, being outdoors was a joy. It did my spirit good to walk in gardens filled with so many different plants, zoos filled with life, and rain. It is a place full of life!

On the day before I left, a friend asked me if I was excited about my first trip out of Cairo. I told him I was excited about the trip but not necessarily about getting out of town - I'm doing fine. I thought about that conversation as I walked through the gardens. I needed this - green, outdoors, diversity, and most of all, friends that held a common history. Singapore was a gift.

Up next, fun moments in Singapore.....

Pros and Cons

The most commonly asked questions that I have been asked over the past few weeks is "What do you miss?" and "What are you enjoying the most about Cairo?" I thought I would share the answer to those questions. So in usual Dana form, here is another list post.

We all know family and friends are what I miss most but it isn't the thing that I miss most. The things I miss the most are:

- Convenience (calling a friend whenever I want instead of checking schedules, getting any type of produce at any time of the year, being able to pick things up that I need {oven thermometer, ingredients, things for school, etc}, watching college football with ease)

- Live theater

- Clean air - yes, after this experience, I would classify Houston's air as clean

- Tex-Mex and barbecue

- Green spaces to enjoy being outside

- Rain (no comments, Texas friends - I literally can't remember the last time I saw rain and I hear it's nasty here)

- Organization and predictability

Things I'm enjoying:

- While there is political junk going on, everyday day life is significantly less stressful. I no longer walk around with knots in my back and always feeling like I'm dropping the ball somewhere.

- Not feeling guilty for not having something planned for every night of the week.

- Investing in people/relationships instead of programs

- Traffic is still annoying but so much better when you are a passenger instead of a driver

- Missing the political scene in the U.S.

- Trying new foods

- Being a bit more adventurous than before

- Walking places

- Laughing at myself and everyday life around me - a lot

Ten Signs You Don't Teach in the States

- You know who is at work because everyone in on facebook

- Along with facebook, your internet history includes youtube and you don't have to be nervous about it.

- There are staff trips that leave from the school in which people bring their own "pop".

- If you don't get your students to the bus quick enough, you might interrupt their driver's prayer time.

- Your instructional time in anywhere from 1 1/2 - 3 hours per day.

- You don't flinch when a child looks at you and says "What!?" when you've told them to do something.

- Your students need to "make toilet".

- You have to send a note home to parents (of 4-5 year olds) that students must be able to "clean themselves" after using the restroom before coming to school.

- NCLB and RtI have no meaning on your campus.

- The attendance policy states that if a child misses 20 or more days, they MIGHT have to go to summer school to be promoted to the next grade.

A Year Later, I'm Still Captivated

A year ago this weekend, I went to Colorado for the Captivating Retreat. It was a truly life changing weekend. When I shared about it a year ago, I kept it pretty light. Right now, some dear friends are coming together there again for the advanced weekend. As I pray for them, I remember this sweet word from the Lord.

On the flight to Denver, I told God about all of the things I hoped for and if I only got one of them, that would be enough for me. And I meant it with my whole heart. God, being who He is, not only did everything that I hoped for, He did more. Just because He can. Just because He loves me. I so wish I could sit down with you and tell you all about it. I can't. However, there is one part I have to share. It can't be held in.

During our Covenant of Silence time on Friday night, we were to spend time asking God a few questions: What do you say about me? How do you feel towards me? By what name do you call me? This was something I had been desiring to hear so badly over the past couple of years. God has led me out of what was known and expected of me. The repercussions of that have been more blessing than I have ever hoped to know coupled with more pain than I knew was possible. This pain was tied to past areas of injury that were still healing. I needed to hear from God, especially in these areas.

Throughout our time that night, the Lord spoke very healing and sweet words over my heart. However, I couldn't hear my name. We were given a white stone to consider in reference to Revelation 2:17. ( I will also give to each of them a white stone with a new name written on it, which no one knows except the one who receives it.) I held my white stone, rubbing it with my thumb. I could feel my name right there but I had no idea what it was. I would get a word or phrase but it didn't feel like my name. Sweet but my spirit didn't respond to it. Then it came:

Wild Woman

I knew this was it because two things happened immediately. 1. My heart leaped and a giggled slipped out of my lips. 2. I heard in the back of my head, "That's not me." Thankfully, I was able to recognize what just happened - it was the first thing my spirit responded to and it was the first thing that was attacked. I sat with it a moment asking God if He was sure. "You know me. I'm a 30 year old, single, first grade teacher that loves to sit in bookstores and drink hot tea. Wild Woman? I trust you but I don't see it." God told me He knows. He's sure. We weren't finished but He sent me to bed.

That night, this Texas girl woke up with very cold toes. I slipped on socks but was wide awake. God was ready to finish this. As I laid in my bed with just God to keep me company, this is what went down:

God: What are you struggling with?
Me: The "wild" part.
God: What does wild mean to you?
Me: Edgy. Crazy. Sporty. Extreme.
God: That's adventurous. Not wild.
Me: What does wild mean to You?
God: Look around. These mountains that take your breath away. These aspens you are falling in love with. That stream you sat by earlier. The stars that you've been waiting to sit under. All of that is wild. That is my creation. It is strong and beautiful just as I made it. It is exactly where I want it. It is under my care. In my hands, it is perfect in every way. There is nothing that can make it better aside from Me. That is what wild means. Untouched by man. You, Dana, are my Wild Woman. Made be Me - In your beauty. In your strength. In My care. You are untamed, wild beauty.

I'm thankful God is an emotional God. I'm thankful He understands the need for tears. I'm thankful He allows us to process things in bits. I'm thankful He is sweet to continually reveal the layers of what He said that night. He has shown me more of what wild means to Him.

Now my white rock sits in Cairo, Egypt. When I glance at it and see the words "Wild Woman" written on it, I smile. There is still a part of me that shakes my head at that. No one but God would call me wild. Maybe that's part of the reason He chose it. But when I sit with it, when I remember, it takes my breath away.

Lessons Learned in Cairo

- It is possible to become pretty instant friends with some amazing people.
- It is possible to feel the need to protect someone even though you speak two completely different languages.
- It is possible to no longer be surprised by things.
- Sometimes it takes moving around the world to become more clear about what you want to do with your life.
- Sometimes moving around the world shows you that your dreams aren't limited to a place.
- You can break old habits and learn new ones.
- You can keep in touch with the dearest of friends even after you move away.
- You can learn how to use chopsticks in a country with no Chinatown.
- You can learn that uncertainty isn't as scary as you thought.
- Your normal can change but in the end, its OK.

Confirmation

June 15, 2011 is a day that I will never forgot. I remember I got up about 9:00 because it was the first day of summer vacation that I had to sleep in. Between appointments and Grandma's latest trip to the hospital, rest just hadn't really happened yet. I got out of bed and went through my morning routine. As I was finishing up, I decided to jump on facebook and there to my surprise was a message from Ms. Jen Cates. There is was an open position to teach Kinder in Cairo with her. You can go back and read all of the details but I thought I would share a bit that I left off now.

I remember reading Jen's message and just knowing that if I responded yes, I would have the job. I can't explain it but I knew more clearly than I have known anything in a long time. I remember sitting with my hand on the keyboard drumming my fingers on the home row of the keyboard and just staring at the screen. I would start to type my yes and a million questions flooded my mind - uncertainties, the unknown, the what ifs, the what I'll be missings. Then I would erase it and type but no and everything in my would tighten up - as if it were the biggest mistake of my life. I had to get out of my head. I had to remember that no matter what I decided, if it wasn't aligned with God, what was the point. So I stopped and prayed. I felt the need to turn on iTunes and let it randomly choose a song. The one that came on was "I Will Follow" by Chris Tomlin. It brought me to my knees. My what ifs and all of that didn't matter. What mattered was my willingness to go where the Lord was opening doors. So I prayed something that I never prayed before. I asked that for once I not look eight steps down the road but to take the first with my eyes on the Lord. So I sent in a yes. The doors started flying open and seven weeks later, I landed in Cairo.

Fast forward a bit. The first few weeks were good but a big rough. It took three weeks but I was finally able to visit a church. The worship leader was good and everyone was so kind. We were wrapping up service and it was announced that we were going to learn a new song. He started playing and the lyrics to "I Will Follow" came on the screen. Tears, ya'll. I tried not to but there I was, the new girl crying in church. It was contained well but not stopped. It was a reminder of why I'm here. It doesn't matter the momentary circumstances, I've been sent here. It was a beautiful and humbling reminder.

A Riddle Seems Appropriate

What has four triangular faces, a square base, and five verticies? If you don't know, this won't let you by:

That's right! A pyramid! Two weeks ago, we saw not one, not three, but six of them up close and personal. I've seen them in pictures, on TV, in movies, and nothing - NOTHING - prepared me for what I was about to see.

We decided that the pyramids were a must when we arrived. After much hemming and hawing, we decided to go on a Friday since most people would be at Mosque. Smart move. We arrived at about 9:30 in the morning so we could beat the heat. First stop, the camel guy. Yep, we had the name of a camel guy. He helped us buy our tickets and took us to meet the beasts. The were T.A.L.L. To get on them, they would sit all of the way down and we could cimb on like on a horse. Then the drivers had us lean as far back as we could. The camel would climb up into the standing position as we rocked back and forth. The threat of a face plant seemed very real to this girl! I've never been so thankful for Jackie Hutton teaching me to stand in a saddle. However, once we were up and moving, it was smooth sailing for us. The camels were tied together in groups of five. Here is my camel who I lovingly named Clyde.

The nice thing about our camel guy was that they took us in the back way. We couldn't see anything for a while. In fact, it looked like we were getting further away from where the pyramids were. Then we turned the corner and there they were. The driver stopped the group, we leaned back and everyone avoided falling off. We got off and the pictures began.

The guys - Gavin, Marco, Colton, Adam, Matt, and Brad

The girls - Denise, me, Jen, and Anne

On a side note, notice the difference in the clothing of the guys and girls. In Egypt, we are definitely the more covered of the two. I miss shorts. Alot. However, on this day, guess who got sunburns and who did not. :) Ha!

After everyone got a few pictures that we were wanting, we got back on the camels and started moving closer. The pyramids looked big from a distance but this was unreal. The closer we got, the bigger they seemed to grow. We went by the smaller one first but didn't get off. And just to be clear, small is a very relative term. However, as we came around the corner, I got this shot. It is probably one of my favorites of the day.

There it was, the biggest of the pyramids. It was massive. We were advised not to go in as everything inside had been moved to the museum. Instead, we decided to enjoy the lack of people there.

First thing we did was climb the pyramd. We didn't get very high but still - we climbed a pyramid!

It was tiring so I decided to take a seat. Check out the size of those "bricks"! But this one just doesn't do it justice.....

so we zoomed out a bit.

(Can you imagine how loud it was when those bricks fell off of the pyramid?)

As we were at the pyramids, the Friday mid-day call to prayer sounded. However, since it was Friday, their holy day, it wasn't just the call to prayer. It was the hour long reading of the Qur'an. We were at the pyramids, overlooking the city of Cairo, and from speakers all across the city, we could hear men reading the Qur'an in Arabic. It was so surreal. There we were, standing overshadowed by the past and listening to the present. How much has changed, how much has remained, and how much is to come. I felt very small.

After playing at the pyramids, we decided it was time to go see the Sphynx. We started walking over before we remembered that we had camels. So we went back and rode them down.

Just so you know, riding camels on sand is great. Riding camels down rock pathways is scary! They were sliding and slipping all over the place and we were a good 8 - 10 feet in the air. I was riding the lead camel and was thinking I was over-reacting to the sliding I was feeling. Then I noticed the other nine got silent as we went along. Needless to say, we were all pretty nervous. However, we made it down and saw the Sphynx. Not quite as big as I had always imaginged but there it was in all of its glory.

Me and Denise in front of the Sphynx (which I apparently think of as a girl because I keep wanting to type "her"). While we were there, several people were taking fun pictures of them "kissing" the Sphynx. All around us were children giving us advice and moving us around so we could get the perfect shot. It was a bit annoying - not only because they were in the way but also because they wanted tips for their "help". So, we got our pictures, remounted the camels, and went home. Two and a half hours of sun, sand, and wonders of the ancient world.

Cairo: The City of Overstimulation

I know it's been two weeks since I last posted. Sorry. That is the funny thing about Cairo - while we've only been here about four weeks, it feels like four months. That isn't a bad thig, just how it is - we all think so. There has been so much going on that sitting down to post seems to have taken the back seat. Things are either super busy or I'm so overloaded that nothing can come out. So on this quiet Friday morning, I thought I would just share some observations.

Cairo is a loud city. Loud. The Egyptian people don't know what a conversational voice level is. It constantly sounds like they are trying to get each others attention arcoss the room when they are three feet away. The funny thing is that most of the time, they are just talking. The cars honk all of the time. All. Of. The. Time. The thing about it is that all of the honking means something and you learn very quickly what they are "saying" to you while they honk. Egyptians like their music - especially turned up loud. I've actually had to ask taxi drivers to turn down the music. The calls to prayer sound five times a day. From speakers. All around the city. They are fading into the background but they are still there. Especailly on Fridays when they read for an hour. The streets are built up on all sides so that all of the sound travels as through a tunnel.

Cairo is a crowded city. You learn very quickly that walking on the side of the road means almost rubbing up against cars parked on the side. Taxis drive within inches of you and you just get used to it. People are everywhere - not quite like Times Square but constantly there.

Cairo suprises you every day. Some mornings you get up to go to work and find a small lake at the bottom of your road so you have to walk through sand, rocks, and piles of trash to get to the bus. Taxis will "fail", kick you out, and then speed off once you pay them. You go to the pyramids and see emaciated or rigored animals all along the way. You find yourself interacting with local people very differently than you thought you would - especially men.

And living in Cairo is so beautifully different than anywhere else. You learn the beauty of fresh produce (even if it isn't the best season quite yet). You learn to love not having a car. You learn how to quickly love and appreciate new people - some of which you may not have interacted with in your life before here. You learn that despite what you've known before, it is not only acceptable but encouraged to invite yourself to people's homes/events. You learn to crave the community of like minded people and the joy of learning from those so different from you. You learn to expect the unexpected and just go with it. Everyday you feel the pride of just doing it - jumping in with both feet. You lay down at night and think, "I can't believe I did it." And every night, "it" is something new. At the same time, you lay down every night and feel humbled. You don't know it all, you can't do it all, and you still have a lot to learn.

Ramadan and Other Misconceptions

Since arriving, people have been asking me how I'm doing. I'm doing pretty well but overall, I would have to say that I am on cultural oveload. It isn't bad enough to make me homesick (it's called the honeymoon period). However, I am exhausted each night from the shear overload of things I am observing and learning. Between Egypt and Islam, it's been a culturally learning experience.

When we arrived in Cairo, we knew that we would be hitting the ground during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. I didn't know anything about it but that was changed quite quickly. All I knew was that it was a month of fasting. Since landing, I've learned that it is the celebration of the month is which it is believed that Mohammad first received the Quran. Each day from sun up to sun down, people fast from food, water, and work. The hours of business change and everything is closed down. Most people stay home to sleep, pray, and read the Quran. As we walked around looking for apartments, setting up life, and learning our way around, we have been hiding in corners and ducking into buildings to drink our water. Only certain places were open to eat. It is a respect issue. Then when the sun goes down and the last call to prayer of sounded, everyone breaks their fast with a meal called Iftar. The streets are EMPTY and quiet. Then once everyone eats, the city comes to life. Businesses open and people play, work, eat, worship, and go about life. It is like the season of Christmas in most Western countries. There are lights and bright lanterns everywhere. Mosques are lit up in blues, greens, and reds. At the end of Ramadan (tomorrow), the feast breaks and brings on a four day holiday called Eid. Everything will shut down and people will go on vacation.


(The mosque on my street. Excuse the spots, its the flash reflecting off of the sand in the air.)

In terms of living with surrounded by those who are Muslim, there are a few misconceptions that I've learned about. The biggest one would be the calls to prayer. I expected that five times a day, the city would stop and everyone would prayer. Wrong. The call is sounded five times a day (and yes, it is loud) but the city keeps going. Taxis keep driving. Businesses that are open keep serving customers. Realitors keep showing spaces. Life keeps going but the reminder is there.

I've also learned something interesting. On Ash Wednesday in the Catholic faith, you get ashes on your forehead. In the Islamic faith, bowing prayer is such a focus that on their foreheads are callouses that look like the ashes. But the callouses does rub off. It's almost easier to tell who is more devout than others.

During our orientation yesterday, we heard the overview of Middle Eastern history from the Middle Eastern point of view. The focus was on World War II and the current string of revolutions. Very interesting to hear the other side of the story that CNN doesn't present. I won't share much here because I don't want to start a debate but if you're interested, let me know.

There's so much more. As I shared earlier, cultural overload of learning new things. Another day I'll share what I've learned about Egypt itself. Until then, ask what you want about what I've shared. I may or may not know the answer. If I don't, I'm in a good place to find out.

Settling....

Well, I've offically been in Egypt for 42 hours and it has been busy! So far we have been on a tour of the part of town we are living in. It isn't that big but seems huge since I'm still adjusting. I keep thinking that this is all of Cairo but I know I am wrong. Mind boggling! I'm starting to get my bearings a bit but I know it isn't a permanent since of stability because.....

We've been apartment searching and we found one! I say we because I have also found a roommate. We were a pretty good match in terms of what we were looking for. She's a sweet girl and we are getting a beautiful place. I'm very happy with it for a couple of reasons. I'll just be honest, it's a nice place. Not only is it nice but I'll be in the same building as my friend Jen who recuited me to come. Super excited about that! We go to negotiate terms and sign papers tonight. Then they will have about a day and a half to clean. We go shopping on Thursday to get what we need for settling in and will move in that night. That is, if all goes well. I'm learning that Egypt moves at its own pace. I'm going to have to adjust to that a bit more. I think that once we are in and are making it more of a home, things will feel a bit more settled.

I'm doing OK with home sickness. It hits a couple of times a day but I don't let myself dwell on it. When I'm overwhelmed or if I see pictures, it seems to hit more. But overall, I'm doing better. I'm crying less. That may change once I get to Skype but for now, email is GREAT! I've met some really nice people that I'm excited about. Some I feel more comfortable with than others. I know it will get there. It's just hard establishing a new social life - especially when you are initially an introvert but open up more as you get to know people. Some here have been very easy to talk to so that's helpful. I'm just hoping that we'll stay in touch once we are spread out to our new homes rather than in our current little bubble.

So there you go. Less than 48 hours in and things are going pretty well.

Timely Words

Last week, my family packed up and spent the week in Ruidoso, NM. When asked what I wanted to do before heading to the dessert, it was a no brainer - beautiful mountains. Don't worry, pictures will follow. There were many things I hoped for and was more blessed by what I got. Because He is God, His ways are always better than mine. Instead of star filled nights, we got a cloudy sky that intensified one of the brightest full moons I've ever seen. Instead of afternoon hikes in the mountains, we got daily showers that made the greens vibrant and the air smelling as clean and thick with pine.

Before getting the Ruidoso, I was praying to hear from God. It's a kind of big season in my life and I wanted to hear from Him. All week I waited for it but it was not His timing. On the last evening, Mom asked what I needed to do this week. I was going over my lists and was internally getting overwhelmed with a touch of panic. So I spent some more time that night on the balcony waiting to hear from the Lord. In fact, it never came in the mountains. It came in the car on the way home. My niece had received a tiny tea set to play with her princess toys. On the way home, she was trying to "pour tea" into the smallest cup ever and then help the closest Disney princess drink it. Needless to say, this isn't the easiest thing to do for a two and a half year old. I tried to help her by showing her that the tea pot could clip to her car seat straps and it wouldn't fall. She did not think this was a great idea. She wanted it off immediately and Aunt D could not get it off quick enough. As I tried to unhook it, she tried to help me get it off quicker. I finally had to explain that it didn't help. Her sweet fingers were getting in the way of what I wanted to grasp. And as much as I love those sweet fingers, I couldn't get it done. I finally had to simply say, "You have to let go so I can help you."

Punch in the gut.

As I we were driving back, my lists and plans for this week were mounting in my mind. My anxiety was beginning to grow - could I get it all done? So much to do with increasingly less time. I very simply felt the Lord say, "Dana, you have to let go so I can help you."

Ouch.

That's what I do. I make plans and lists. I get an idea of how I think things will go and I set my nose to the grindstone. The fact of the matter is, God sees how it works. He sees the timing of things and the best way to do them. If I can remember to get out of His way, He can/will help me. He's ready and willing.

I still made lists for this week. I'm still being responsible with my time. However, I'm not stressing over them. I'm willing to let them go if needed. It will get done with the Lord's help.

What's in a Name?

As you may or may not notice, the name of the blog has changed. I've been reflecting on a lot of things in the past few weeks and in that reflection have come to realize its time to refocus this place. Authors change their titles time and time again. I'm no Jane Austen and this is no Pride and Prejudice but it's my writing. So why in the world would I choose the title "A Life Well Loved"?

When I look at my life, I am overwhelmed by the amount of love I have experienced. If the only love I had ever known was that of God, it would be more than words could ever say. He has captured every tear that I've cried and shared in every joy I've experienced. He's given me life at no cost to me and at full cost to Him. He has opened doors of opportunity and taken away what could have been the greatest pain in my life. My ashes have been exchanged for beauty. He didn't give me just His love, He gave me more. I've been abundantly blessed with a family that supports me, fights for me and along side me, and embraces me - scars and all. I've been given friends who live life with me for better or for worse and find joy in it along the way. All of these people loving me enough to push me to be more than I am. They challenge me to rise up to be more like my Jesus. I definitely have a life in when I have been loved well.

Yet, a life well loved isn't just about people. It's about the journey we're walking. I've learned what is means to look back on my life and to embrace it. I've learned how to love those moments when my heart was shattered so that only God Himself could mend it. I've learned how to love and appreciate more deeply those moments that felt like perfection. Life is made of both. Looking back, mine is one in which I wouldn't change a moment. Every tear and every laughter have brought me to now. It is a now that I am so thankful for.

So what do we do when we have experienced such great love - that of God, people, and life itself. You give it away. This is where I am - the living gift of love. At the end of it all, I want to look back and know that this life was lived for the fullness of those around me. I want this world to be a better place because Jesus did something beautiful through this ball of flesh that I find myself wrapped in. I want it to be more that a life well lived. I want it to be a life well loved.

Following Up

A couple of posts ago, I asked people if there are any unanswered questions in regards to my upcoming move. I know you've all been waiting on pins and needles but even if you haven't, here you go:

Do you know where you'll live?

- I know the area of town that I will be living in. I'll be in a part of the city that is home to many expats. When I get there, I'll have someone to help me find an apartment. This is very exciting for many reasons: For one thing, I'll be surrounded by others who understand the transition to another country. Also, my friend that I lovingly refer to as my recruiter will live there. Finally, not only will I have the opportunity to interact with the Egyptian culture but hopefully a few others as well.

When do you leave?

-August 20th

What special items are you taking to give you a little comfort from home?

- Mainly photos in frames. I'm taking a few other small knick knacky types of things that have sentimental significance (a cross made by a life long friend, a willow tree angel from my sister, etc). That's mainly it.

Do you have any thoughts, questions, anxieties about your spiritual life in Egypt?

- Jen has been so helpful in regards to everything Egypt - including this. She has not sugar coated this aspect of life at all. I am fully expecting this to be one of the most challenging times of my walk with the Lord. This born and bred Bible Belt girl is literally about to enter a whole new world. I'm a bit nervous about it but as with all things Egypt, more excited. I know that with the challenge comes the growth. Jen has a church community there that she has plugged in with and has "introduced" me to some of the girls at the church. It really helps knowing that I already have someone to call as soon as I get there. I am also hoping to have the opportunity to build relationships with those of the Muslim community that I'll be living in.

Trade-Offs

Thanks to everyone who asked questions. I'll get back to you on the next post. As it usually happens, as soon as I say I don't have anything to share, something comes to me. So.... here are some trade-offs that I have learned from my recent move:

1. Getting rid of an obsene amount of "stuff". The trade off? - Having a better understanding of not only how I view material possessions but what could have been a better use for that money. Lesson learned.

2. Going through each photo and document in my home page by page and picture by picture. Took LOTS of time. The trade off? - Remebering the good and purging the things that weren't so important after all. That and being thankful my bro-in-law has an awesome shredder at work because I burned mine out. Note to everyone reading - shred your stuff immediately!

3. Watching everything I own that wasn't sold, donated, or trashed go into tubs. The trade-off? Simplicity. Enough said.

4. No longer having my own place to live. The trade off? - Getting the best "roommates" ever for a whole month. And already missing them after 36 hours away.

5. Sharing a room with a toddler for a month. The trade off? - Greeting each day hearing, "Aunt D! Want out - Hold you!" Translation? The cutest little boy ever wanting to be scooped up and played with. Yes, please!

6. Being surrounded by toys everywhere you go. The trade off? Watching my niece's imagination come alive. She's so pretty! Don't believe me? Click here.

7. Finishing the biggest physical part of this transition. The trade off? Enjoying time with everyone you love the most instead of spending hours in the warehouse of an apartment. Freedom!!

Taking Requests

As is most likely expected, my mind is pretty occupied with Egypt. There are other things going on but Egypt is all consuming. Since that is going on, I am having a hard time thinking of things to blog about. So...

I'm taking requests. Is there anything you want to hear about - Egypt or another topic? Do you have any questions about Egypt I haven't addressed? Your wish is my command. Let me know and I'll see what I can do....