Back from Egypt

First I wanted to acknowledge the Wilkinson/Kjar Family and the passing of dear little Bennett. He was such a joy and sweet boy. I love you and your family and you've been in my thoughts and prayers this week. Thank you for your courage and faith.

We just arrived home, to the Jerusalem Center, from a 8 day tour of Egypt. As many of you know, Egypt has been a bit crazy this last. We were so well protected while we were there and weren't ever in any danger. I think we learned so much from being so close to everything and talking to the Egyptians about the riots. It really opened my eyes to the disagreements between the middle-class and the government. I learned that many of the younger and educated citizens are started to work together in order to make changes in their country. They would like the a new government to be appointed and for the President to leave. They started the demonstrations the first day that we arrived in Cairo and we didn't even know it until we'd arrive in Luxor. 

 I couldn't believe the the pyramids were just side the big city of Cairo, in a place called Giza.  We all went crazy on the bus when we saw them in the distance!  WOW!

                                                              Danielle and I at the pyramids

                                               Pyramids at the pyramids.....we are so clever.

                                           The only kiss I've gotten in weeks....lame.

Dad....I've been thinking...I bet mom wouldn't mind if you switch out her car for one of these.  Frugal.....that's the spirit!  A family of 7! That's definitely a record!

                                                       The Step Pyramid

                                    A camel just chillin' on Sinai...look at how they bend their knees!  Their lips totally flop around when they walk and their feet look like big gummies! 

                                                             The felukahs on the Nile!



While In Luxor we rode camels, felukahs (sail boats) on the Nile and really enjoyed the incredible temples and tombs. When we returned to Cairo by a night train we realized that the government had shut down all of the country's internet, and later text messages and cell phones. The demonstrations were being organized via Facebook and this was a way to try to control them. The riots broke out again after the call to prayer on Friday evening. Christians and Muslims alike left their worship services and came out to protest. The government issued a 6:30 pm curfew for the entire city. One of our friends there wanted to participate and went to guard the Egyptian museuam from looters and was shot in the leg twice with rubber bullets.

The demonstrators feel that the elections have been completely skewed and desire a better democracy. I don't feel informed enough to explain more but it's all over the news.

We also hike Sinai this morning at 2:30 am...it's now midnight. I should get to bed. It was breath-taking. I can see why Moses would go there to commune with The Creator.

Sunrise on Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai on the way back down.

                                                

I'm so grateful for the freedoms I've always had. We are so blessed and have so much opportunity to progress in our lives. Seeing the poverty here is very sobering and makes me want to give financially and also do all that I can to help them.

I had a special experience while driving home from Egypt. The phrase, "But the children in Africa are starving" often is said by someone who feels bad for throwing away food. Many people have responded to that phrase by saying, "Well, we can't get it to them anyways and so calm down." Well, yesterday, as I watched these adorable kids playing with palm leaves, dirty faces and barefoot, I realized I COULD do something for these "starving kids in Africa." We'd all received enormous box lunches that we couldn't finish and so with permission of the professors, I ask my friends to pass up extra food for the kids. Within a minute we had 25+ big rolls and veggies down to these cute kids. They started scarfing it down and I sat down and smiled bigger than I had all day. As we pulled away I learned a good lesson: I can't save everyone nor give to all people, but God will help me to see what I CAN do and who I CAN help. I will respond and try to see those opportunities. It was very comforting.

The first mate of our boat, about 6 years old.  He would climb the mast and took care of the sails.  Sooooo cute!

I love you all and hope all is well. God bless.  -Synth