“Ode to Akhuya”
Akhuya in Arabic means “my brother”. And since today, Jan 29 is my brother’s birthday, I want everyone in the world to know how wonderful he is. So happy birthday Simon! You are fantastic – as a person, as a brother, and (for all those ladies out there) I’m sure you’ll one day be a fantastic husband too :)
So welcome to geezer-hood, you old 21 year-old. Know that I and lots others and God all love you. But of all those people who love you, I love you fourth! (honestly, probably God, Mom and Dad, are all ahead of me, so fourth is pretty good).
Akhuk (your brother),
Adam
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Comment on my comments (and your potential) 2
Okay, this type I'll copy and paste properly.
And I realized this...the starting things are lower down, so don't start here, start at the post lower down called...I forget...the one more recent than Going, going, going.
The only other thing I want to say today, comes from a sentence or two I put in the last post. It goes something like this. Yes, things I write are neat and weird and different. But, on some level, I’m not living a really different life, I’m just having an opportunity to look at things a little differently, then talk about it. Yes, I write for your enjoyment and entertainment along with an interest to convey culture. You’re also feeling the part of me that is a bit of an exhibitionist, as I shine the spotlight on myself at the same time as I do the whole culture and experience. But the point is that indeed, were any one of you to actually hold a candle to your own life, analyze, question, and document it, it would be of the same interest and value. And if you think that all you live is the same as everyone, and there’s no way to experience a different culture where you are, then I think you are subjecting yourself (by choice or by default, an even worse way to live) a very narrow range of experiences. Because even those living in Edmonton, if they wanted, could spend a good deal of their free time with people who live a whole different type of life. So, yes, enjoy my stories. Enjoy the differences. Learn from what I say. But don’t think that what I’m doing is not possible from where you are. And if you like it, find it enlightening, enjoyable, whatever, then use this as inspiration to start re-examining your life, the life of people around you and, put yourself in a different culture in the area you live if you need to be stimulated in that way.
(If you’re stuck for where to find a different culture, I think the easiest thing to do is hit up the inner city. When I was working downtown, I learned that you can, without even trying to, by not ignoring people in the place they are, and not being so busy that don’t have time to accept an invitation to a rooming house, or carry a drunk on the way out of your office, meet a whole different world than the college/university educated semi-affluent, good-looking, socially supported collection of people that predominate my circle, and perhaps yours.)
And I realized this...the starting things are lower down, so don't start here, start at the post lower down called...I forget...the one more recent than Going, going, going.
The only other thing I want to say today, comes from a sentence or two I put in the last post. It goes something like this. Yes, things I write are neat and weird and different. But, on some level, I’m not living a really different life, I’m just having an opportunity to look at things a little differently, then talk about it. Yes, I write for your enjoyment and entertainment along with an interest to convey culture. You’re also feeling the part of me that is a bit of an exhibitionist, as I shine the spotlight on myself at the same time as I do the whole culture and experience. But the point is that indeed, were any one of you to actually hold a candle to your own life, analyze, question, and document it, it would be of the same interest and value. And if you think that all you live is the same as everyone, and there’s no way to experience a different culture where you are, then I think you are subjecting yourself (by choice or by default, an even worse way to live) a very narrow range of experiences. Because even those living in Edmonton, if they wanted, could spend a good deal of their free time with people who live a whole different type of life. So, yes, enjoy my stories. Enjoy the differences. Learn from what I say. But don’t think that what I’m doing is not possible from where you are. And if you like it, find it enlightening, enjoyable, whatever, then use this as inspiration to start re-examining your life, the life of people around you and, put yourself in a different culture in the area you live if you need to be stimulated in that way.
(If you’re stuck for where to find a different culture, I think the easiest thing to do is hit up the inner city. When I was working downtown, I learned that you can, without even trying to, by not ignoring people in the place they are, and not being so busy that don’t have time to accept an invitation to a rooming house, or carry a drunk on the way out of your office, meet a whole different world than the college/university educated semi-affluent, good-looking, socially supported collection of people that predominate my circle, and perhaps yours.)
Conference...relationships continue, and now add girls!
Okay, now girls. Here, at the retreat, it was more like at home (i.e. Canada), but you could tell it is more conservative. This might be a bit more useful if I had in the past described the conservatism of Egypt in the first place, but I haven’t so bear with me. In general, guys hang out with guys, girls with girls, if there is no specific activity. Similarly, during the service, for the most part, guys sit with guys and so on. Meals were a little more integrated. During activities sports, the whole conference was divided into six units who you stayed with, and accumulated points (my unit won!!), and here there was a little more interaction still. The most interaction came during less sporty-type games, the sports tended to be male-dominant, especially soccer (which of course is the biggest sport, just like the rest of the world). Still, by Egyptian standards, actually, the interaction between the genders is very open. It is socially acceptable for me to go up to a girl, introduce myself and strike up a conversation with her. This is not at all appropriate just in the street or at work or anything like that.
(It should be noted that I didn’t go strike up a bunch of conversations with girls before I knew them, for a number of reasons: I was still learning what was and was not appropriate, and, just because it’s okay, doesn’t mean it’s really the norm [i.e. it still felt like it would have been a bit weird, given the feeling of some segregation] plus it’s not like my conversation skills are great, and I still had lots of opportunities by being introduced when people were in a group and in meeting my sports unit).
To continue, actually it was really nice to meet and visit with girls. We all know that there is a time when people of the opposite gender are icky, but once that has passed (and I think it’s more or less passed in me), I don’t think guys do well without knowing girls and interacting with them socially. So I think this culture would be difficult for single guys, given its cultural restrictions on the interactions. That statement most heavily applies to people outside the evangelical church.
[Sorry, I’m finding it difficult to accurately portray the picture here, but bear with me. By the end of my months of rambling, you’ll probably eventually get it, as the sum of my interactions].
(It should be noted that I didn’t go strike up a bunch of conversations with girls before I knew them, for a number of reasons: I was still learning what was and was not appropriate, and, just because it’s okay, doesn’t mean it’s really the norm [i.e. it still felt like it would have been a bit weird, given the feeling of some segregation] plus it’s not like my conversation skills are great, and I still had lots of opportunities by being introduced when people were in a group and in meeting my sports unit).
To continue, actually it was really nice to meet and visit with girls. We all know that there is a time when people of the opposite gender are icky, but once that has passed (and I think it’s more or less passed in me), I don’t think guys do well without knowing girls and interacting with them socially. So I think this culture would be difficult for single guys, given its cultural restrictions on the interactions. That statement most heavily applies to people outside the evangelical church.
[Sorry, I’m finding it difficult to accurately portray the picture here, but bear with me. By the end of my months of rambling, you’ll probably eventually get it, as the sum of my interactions].
Conference... commentary on relationships begins
Secondly, new people: I met probably over ½ the people at the conference. Which is a lot, when you’re working with either brand new names (like Fady, or Methat etc), or common names (only among Christians), like 3 Peter’s and 3 Michael’s etc. Meeting new people, making friends here is different than back home. One of the guys in my group described it like this, putting explicit awareness and words to the experience: “When I first met you, and we shook hands, it was different than when you shake hands with an Egyptian. I felt as though you were looking for something else, something more. [I felt there was a bit of a negative connotation in his voice here, though it wasn’t harsh]. To you, we weren’t friends yet. In Egypt, all that is required to start a relationship is a handshake. In Canada [and elsewhere, obviously], it seems that takes more than just a handshake, something else has to happen; people have to do other things before there is a relationship.”
I felt this was an extremely interesting and important (and, to my experience, true) observation/description on his part. It really made me think about friendliness, openness, warmth, and relationships. So many people wanted to visit with me, in Arabic and English. Most people’s English is a bit better than my Arabic, but everyone is patient on both sides. I felt bad because I met so many people, and in a lot of cases, I felt like I was meant more to them than they did to me. In my case, I probably came out of the conference with maybe 12-15 people who I consider to have been important in a give/take type of relationship (which, in my opinion is a substantial number). However, I feel that more people than this were interested in a relationship with me. Even at the end as were getting ready, people wanted to exchange email addresses and phone numbers with me, and I couldn’t remember their names until they wrote them on the paper with their number. And similarly, I got a hug and kisses, words of affection (I love you so much) and praise (you are so nice, so very kind) from a guy whose name I didn’t (and to this point, don’t, remember.
So read my correctly on this. I’m not trying to puff myself up (everyone loved me) and I’m not trying to put others down (they weren’t worthy of my attention to remember their names). Obviously for all the mentioned reasons, I wasn’t going to know and remember everyone. And one new guy with a well known name is not hard to forget. But the openness, the “invitational-ness” the warmth, and the absence of any requirements or conditions on relationship was quite remarkable, and honorable.
For any of you who know Millwoods Pentecostal Assembly, and their Sunday evening young adults ministry, you’ll recognize that what I’ve just described is one of their essential goals, and one of the key points of former pastor C.S. Weirsma (I’m assuming it will continue to be a focus, but I haven’t seen much of their new look since C.S. left). To be honest, it’s a neat congruence, because it’s basically exactly the way he put it. If you’re interested in them, you can hit up www.the-project.ca for more info.
But I digress. So it was good on a relationship level. It should be noted that this friendliness is to a very large degree an Egyptian trait, and not limited to the evangelical Christians, though I expect it was slightly increased given the specific group and the setting. But at a place where there would be significant discordance between evangelical Christians and Egyptian culture in general would be at the point where you introduce the opposite gender into the equation.
Before I do that, though, I should just mention that lots of people want to improve their English, and of course I want to learn Arabic. Every now and again, someone would offer that we meet regularly for 2 hours and devote an hour to each language.
I felt this was an extremely interesting and important (and, to my experience, true) observation/description on his part. It really made me think about friendliness, openness, warmth, and relationships. So many people wanted to visit with me, in Arabic and English. Most people’s English is a bit better than my Arabic, but everyone is patient on both sides. I felt bad because I met so many people, and in a lot of cases, I felt like I was meant more to them than they did to me. In my case, I probably came out of the conference with maybe 12-15 people who I consider to have been important in a give/take type of relationship (which, in my opinion is a substantial number). However, I feel that more people than this were interested in a relationship with me. Even at the end as were getting ready, people wanted to exchange email addresses and phone numbers with me, and I couldn’t remember their names until they wrote them on the paper with their number. And similarly, I got a hug and kisses, words of affection (I love you so much) and praise (you are so nice, so very kind) from a guy whose name I didn’t (and to this point, don’t, remember.
So read my correctly on this. I’m not trying to puff myself up (everyone loved me) and I’m not trying to put others down (they weren’t worthy of my attention to remember their names). Obviously for all the mentioned reasons, I wasn’t going to know and remember everyone. And one new guy with a well known name is not hard to forget. But the openness, the “invitational-ness” the warmth, and the absence of any requirements or conditions on relationship was quite remarkable, and honorable.
For any of you who know Millwoods Pentecostal Assembly, and their Sunday evening young adults ministry, you’ll recognize that what I’ve just described is one of their essential goals, and one of the key points of former pastor C.S. Weirsma (I’m assuming it will continue to be a focus, but I haven’t seen much of their new look since C.S. left). To be honest, it’s a neat congruence, because it’s basically exactly the way he put it. If you’re interested in them, you can hit up www.the-project.ca for more info.
But I digress. So it was good on a relationship level. It should be noted that this friendliness is to a very large degree an Egyptian trait, and not limited to the evangelical Christians, though I expect it was slightly increased given the specific group and the setting. But at a place where there would be significant discordance between evangelical Christians and Egyptian culture in general would be at the point where you introduce the opposite gender into the equation.
Before I do that, though, I should just mention that lots of people want to improve their English, and of course I want to learn Arabic. Every now and again, someone would offer that we meet regularly for 2 hours and devote an hour to each language.
Part 3 - Conference (To be cont.)
Then. Next is the retreat I just went on. It was in a nice area (translate, actually some trees, and a bit of grass b/c they water it, as opposed to desert only, though also a pool – but too cold, and a couple of playing asphalt/concrete playing surfaces) about 1-1.5hrs outside of Cairo, on the way to Alexandria. We arrived in the late afternoon on Tuesday night, and left early afternoon on Saturday. So it was a long retreat. But it was good. I am quite tired, owing to staying up late and waking up early.
In the midst of describing the retreat, I will continue my attempt to describe Egyptian culture to you…However, the caveat here is that we’re dealing with a distinct group of people here, evangelical Christians. So while they are still obviously Egyptians, their traits are not fully the same as orthodox Christians, or Muslims. I’ll try to distinguish where appropriate. So you’re aware, the percentage of Christians in Egypt is just under 20%, I think, which is the largest minority of Christians in the Middle East (to compare, for example, in Jordan you’re looking at 6%, and other countries, open practice of Christianity by nationals is forbidden. That means just over 80% Muslim in Egypt, and also, you should know that Coptic Orthodox entertains the majority of Christians in Egypt.
Okay, refocus. So the retreat. It was basically the same schedule each day: Wake up, breakfast, personal quiet time, worship service (worship+prayer, preaching, worship+prayer), free time, lunch, group games, worship service (as before), supper, free time, bed).
I went to the retreat with a group, in some sense. I mentioned that after church last week, I was invited to a small group the next day. So they, including their leader, were essentially the group I was with, and they held the responsibility/privilege? of showing me around. Besides knowing 7 or so people from the group, I also knew slightly more than 0 other of the 150 or more that were there. So there are two groups of people: People I know very poorly (my small group), and people I don’t know at all. These can be further sub-divided: people who speak lots of English, and people who speak some English.
So why spend all this time describing this? The reason is this. People were EXTREMELY friendly. I’m continuously relearning the concept of hospitality. Granted, I was the only foreigner there (until 2.5 days in, a girl, from Germany came with the people she was living with – she’s teaching their kids German). Still, you don’t know what it’s like. To be honest, it’s fantastic. However, I have to pause, to remember how difficult it was when I went to the church for the first time, because I didn’t know anyone. At that time, no one came up to me, I initiated it by walking up and saying, “hi, I’m new. After that, I stuck with (he stuck with me?) one of the people I introduced my self to. Perhaps it was less obvious that was I was new. Or perhaps less obvious that I wasn’t with or waiting for anyone else. I’m not sure what the difference was, though, as I said, once it was known that I was new at both times, it’s an experience.
First of all, my group. It consists of about 7 guys, plus a leader and sub-leader. Usually one of them would take me, lead me, guide me, instruct me. It was nice (and much appreciated) when I didn’t know what was happening, and downright generous when I did (such as when we were eating, and they’d get my dinner for me, and take my plate and etc.) And they introduced me to people.
In the midst of describing the retreat, I will continue my attempt to describe Egyptian culture to you…However, the caveat here is that we’re dealing with a distinct group of people here, evangelical Christians. So while they are still obviously Egyptians, their traits are not fully the same as orthodox Christians, or Muslims. I’ll try to distinguish where appropriate. So you’re aware, the percentage of Christians in Egypt is just under 20%, I think, which is the largest minority of Christians in the Middle East (to compare, for example, in Jordan you’re looking at 6%, and other countries, open practice of Christianity by nationals is forbidden. That means just over 80% Muslim in Egypt, and also, you should know that Coptic Orthodox entertains the majority of Christians in Egypt.
Okay, refocus. So the retreat. It was basically the same schedule each day: Wake up, breakfast, personal quiet time, worship service (worship+prayer, preaching, worship+prayer), free time, lunch, group games, worship service (as before), supper, free time, bed).
I went to the retreat with a group, in some sense. I mentioned that after church last week, I was invited to a small group the next day. So they, including their leader, were essentially the group I was with, and they held the responsibility/privilege? of showing me around. Besides knowing 7 or so people from the group, I also knew slightly more than 0 other of the 150 or more that were there. So there are two groups of people: People I know very poorly (my small group), and people I don’t know at all. These can be further sub-divided: people who speak lots of English, and people who speak some English.
So why spend all this time describing this? The reason is this. People were EXTREMELY friendly. I’m continuously relearning the concept of hospitality. Granted, I was the only foreigner there (until 2.5 days in, a girl, from Germany came with the people she was living with – she’s teaching their kids German). Still, you don’t know what it’s like. To be honest, it’s fantastic. However, I have to pause, to remember how difficult it was when I went to the church for the first time, because I didn’t know anyone. At that time, no one came up to me, I initiated it by walking up and saying, “hi, I’m new. After that, I stuck with (he stuck with me?) one of the people I introduced my self to. Perhaps it was less obvious that was I was new. Or perhaps less obvious that I wasn’t with or waiting for anyone else. I’m not sure what the difference was, though, as I said, once it was known that I was new at both times, it’s an experience.
First of all, my group. It consists of about 7 guys, plus a leader and sub-leader. Usually one of them would take me, lead me, guide me, instruct me. It was nice (and much appreciated) when I didn’t know what was happening, and downright generous when I did (such as when we were eating, and they’d get my dinner for me, and take my plate and etc.) And they introduced me to people.
Part 2 - Interview with (the Vampire?) I hope not.
But that’s not next. Next is the interview I had for Fuller Theological Seminary on Tuesday morning. Thank you for all those who took some time out to remind/inform me of strengths, weaknesses and situations for my interview preparations. The interview itself went okay. I was really nervous, especially at the beginning. There was lots more I wish I had have said, including more about my cross-cultural interests, and about my volunteering opportunities here. On the flip-side, a lot of the interview advice I was given by ppl who do interviews is to not to talk too much, so I tried to stick to that. My interviewer did mention once or twice when I had a really good answer, or a good question. I also managed to have some lighthearted time at the end. So all in all, I’m just glad it’s over, and I don’t think (I don’t hope, anyways!) I interviewed myself out of a position, though I’m not sure that I interviewed myself into a huge scholarship, either. I’m expecting to hear from the school in the next 2-3 weeks.
The results of the last post: Part 1 - Volunteering
So, the post-everything update:
On Monday, I went with Sandy to Behman Psychiatric Hospital, which I later found out is the biggest hospital of it’s kind in the Middle East. There, I met a few different people, including the doctor in charge of the pediatric unit, another doctor who does art therapy, and a lady who helps in the psychological unit. It seems I will have some good opportunities there…though in my mind, things are should be considered probable until they actually happen.
I will be working with 2 developmentally delayed adults, teaching them math and other daily-type skills (telling time, money, etc.). I will get to sit on some of their regular meetings - where they discuss patients, and where they discuss academic and research issues. This should be really interesting. And lastly I can sit in/help with? some group therapy sessions. Most of the “with patient” work will be in Arabic, I expect, and the meetings will be in English. So it’ll be an experience on lots of different levels.
Then, we went to the school for students with learning disabilities where Sandy also works. Here, I sat in on a meeting, both administrative, and with some discussion of students. Then, we met with the director, and it looks like I can tutor one girl in grade 10 science (in English, of course), and maybe help out with some other things like social skills. Again, until I actually start, it’s all just “hopefully.”
So, that should fill up my schedule pretty well, also considering both places will require 40-60 commute on the train, plus to/from the train stations. What that means is for now, my formal study of Arabic plans are on hold, since there would be a conflict. But oh well, I’ll figure something out. Indeed (as I will describe) I have lots of offers to learn Arabic privately.
On Monday, I went with Sandy to Behman Psychiatric Hospital, which I later found out is the biggest hospital of it’s kind in the Middle East. There, I met a few different people, including the doctor in charge of the pediatric unit, another doctor who does art therapy, and a lady who helps in the psychological unit. It seems I will have some good opportunities there…though in my mind, things are should be considered probable until they actually happen.
I will be working with 2 developmentally delayed adults, teaching them math and other daily-type skills (telling time, money, etc.). I will get to sit on some of their regular meetings - where they discuss patients, and where they discuss academic and research issues. This should be really interesting. And lastly I can sit in/help with? some group therapy sessions. Most of the “with patient” work will be in Arabic, I expect, and the meetings will be in English. So it’ll be an experience on lots of different levels.
Then, we went to the school for students with learning disabilities where Sandy also works. Here, I sat in on a meeting, both administrative, and with some discussion of students. Then, we met with the director, and it looks like I can tutor one girl in grade 10 science (in English, of course), and maybe help out with some other things like social skills. Again, until I actually start, it’s all just “hopefully.”
So, that should fill up my schedule pretty well, also considering both places will require 40-60 commute on the train, plus to/from the train stations. What that means is for now, my formal study of Arabic plans are on hold, since there would be a conflict. But oh well, I’ll figure something out. Indeed (as I will describe) I have lots of offers to learn Arabic privately.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Going, going, going
Hey there sports fans,
What's happening all? I owe you an update, and this one will include both past and future.
I arrived home on Sunday night. Despite all the complaining I did while I was abroad, once I got to the steps off the plane, and heard someone call to another, "Abdullah," and the response, "ya Mohammed" I definately felt at home. Add to that Amani picking me up, and I didn't know that Michael would be there, so that was a super nice blessing. And just chilling at the apartment, it feels like I'm home. So that's pretty rad.
We had our relative Heidi staying with us. She got in the same day that I did, and she just left today. She was visiting from London, though she's of Egyptian descent, obviously, and raised in US and Egypt. She just moved to London less than 2yrs ago from work. She's a super rad chick (she's less than 3o, so I can speak of her like that), and we had tonnes of fun. I knew her from before at reunions. She was down for a wedding, but stayed for a week to visit. I've met her 4 times now, in 4 different countries.
Plus, it meant I got to meet Rafiq. He's another relative, slightly more distant. It's not really important, so I won't bother explaining the relation. I've never met him before, but I'll definately hang with him now, he's really fun too. He took us out a few times, for Sheesha and coffee. I didn't smoke (though I have tried it before). Sheesha and/or coffee is a huge pasttime here.
I feel ashamed because I don't think that this blog is living up to my "creative potential," haha. especially given that some ppl have mentioned it. Actually, I have something to say about that, but I may not have the energy to get there. Anyways, I'll blame it on listening to the radio online (ChristianRock.net); Since I blew my CD player on the 220 voltage, I'm hurting for some English media.
Okay, so I went to church by myself on Thursday. For all you church people, I think it would be good to go to other churches (and other churches in other languages, if possible) by yourself, and have the feeling of intimidation, so you know what it feels like for others who are doing the same and are new at your church. But I made some friends, got invited to a Bible study the next day, hung out with them after the group, and now I'm going on a 5 day retreat next week. All in a funny combination of Arabic and English. (I'm just hurting to write more, but the flesh is weak).
Okay so next week is gonna be a busy week. Monday, I have a meeting with a friend of Amani's (Sandy) who works with developmentally delayed kids in schools, and also with kids in a psych ward of a hospital. We're going to both her jobs and gonna see if I can help out at either or both. I hope it works out; it's such a stellar opportunity, given my interests.
Tuesday, I have my telephone interview with Fuller Theological Seminary for the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology. So I'm getting prepped and nervous for that. Then, Tuesday, I leave for the retreat. That should be something. I've met a few people once, of the >100 that will be there, don't speak the language, and have no idea what's happening. So it will be an adventure. But of all the safe places to take an such an adventure, I think a church retreat has to be near the top.
I get back on Saturday from the retreat, and on Sunday, I have registration for the International Language Institute (ILI). I'll probably do some study of Arabic there. How much I do depends on what other opportunities come up with Sandy, and any other of the contacts I have here. And the course would start on Monday.
So I'm gonna jet now and get back to my preparations for my interview. Thanks to all those who wrote and continue to write on my questions and their lives. And thanks to all who read, even if you don't write, because you are awesome too.
What's happening all? I owe you an update, and this one will include both past and future.
I arrived home on Sunday night. Despite all the complaining I did while I was abroad, once I got to the steps off the plane, and heard someone call to another, "Abdullah," and the response, "ya Mohammed" I definately felt at home. Add to that Amani picking me up, and I didn't know that Michael would be there, so that was a super nice blessing. And just chilling at the apartment, it feels like I'm home. So that's pretty rad.
We had our relative Heidi staying with us. She got in the same day that I did, and she just left today. She was visiting from London, though she's of Egyptian descent, obviously, and raised in US and Egypt. She just moved to London less than 2yrs ago from work. She's a super rad chick (she's less than 3o, so I can speak of her like that), and we had tonnes of fun. I knew her from before at reunions. She was down for a wedding, but stayed for a week to visit. I've met her 4 times now, in 4 different countries.
Plus, it meant I got to meet Rafiq. He's another relative, slightly more distant. It's not really important, so I won't bother explaining the relation. I've never met him before, but I'll definately hang with him now, he's really fun too. He took us out a few times, for Sheesha and coffee. I didn't smoke (though I have tried it before). Sheesha and/or coffee is a huge pasttime here.
I feel ashamed because I don't think that this blog is living up to my "creative potential," haha. especially given that some ppl have mentioned it. Actually, I have something to say about that, but I may not have the energy to get there. Anyways, I'll blame it on listening to the radio online (ChristianRock.net); Since I blew my CD player on the 220 voltage, I'm hurting for some English media.
Okay, so I went to church by myself on Thursday. For all you church people, I think it would be good to go to other churches (and other churches in other languages, if possible) by yourself, and have the feeling of intimidation, so you know what it feels like for others who are doing the same and are new at your church. But I made some friends, got invited to a Bible study the next day, hung out with them after the group, and now I'm going on a 5 day retreat next week. All in a funny combination of Arabic and English. (I'm just hurting to write more, but the flesh is weak).
Okay so next week is gonna be a busy week. Monday, I have a meeting with a friend of Amani's (Sandy) who works with developmentally delayed kids in schools, and also with kids in a psych ward of a hospital. We're going to both her jobs and gonna see if I can help out at either or both. I hope it works out; it's such a stellar opportunity, given my interests.
Tuesday, I have my telephone interview with Fuller Theological Seminary for the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology. So I'm getting prepped and nervous for that. Then, Tuesday, I leave for the retreat. That should be something. I've met a few people once, of the >100 that will be there, don't speak the language, and have no idea what's happening. So it will be an adventure. But of all the safe places to take an such an adventure, I think a church retreat has to be near the top.
I get back on Saturday from the retreat, and on Sunday, I have registration for the International Language Institute (ILI). I'll probably do some study of Arabic there. How much I do depends on what other opportunities come up with Sandy, and any other of the contacts I have here. And the course would start on Monday.
So I'm gonna jet now and get back to my preparations for my interview. Thanks to all those who wrote and continue to write on my questions and their lives. And thanks to all who read, even if you don't write, because you are awesome too.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Home? Stretch
Hey Folks,
I'm on the home stretch now, only 24 hours before my flight takes off from Ben Guiron Airport in Israel to return me to life in Cairo. This should be interesting, considering that I now have spent more time traveling away from Cairo than actually living there.
I am on my own now, because my mom and I had to fly home separately given our different destinations. I dropped her off at the airport. So it's a little interesting. But definately okay. I know the area 'cause we've walked it a lot in the week or so we've stayed here, and it's truly nice just to have time without demands.
So we rented a car yesterday, from here in Jerusalem. And I drove. It was a new, exciting experience, I gotta say. The traffic here isn't at all like Cairo, thankfully, though the roads through Jerusalem are orgranized rather poorly. Think Millwoods, tossed like a salad, expanded 3 or 4 times, and then haphazardly jumbled onto a bunch of hills. But fortunately we didn't drive too much in Jerusalem, and I made it out of and into the city, so we're okay. Indeed, yesterday we drove to Tiberius, on the Sea of Galilee. We just found a place to stay, then went to the hot springs at Hammet Gader. It was okay, but really crowded and not quite as nice as we might have liked.
So here's a run down of the places I travelled to with my family...
Egypt
Dec 20-25: Cairo
Dec 26-29: Aswan, Nile cruise to Luxor
Dec 29-Jan 3: Sharm el-Sheikh
Jan 4: Mount Sinai
Jordan
Jan 4: Aquaba
Jan 5: Wadi Rum
Jan 6: Wadi Musa and Petra
Jan 7: Amman and Dead Sea
Israel:
Jan 8-15: Jerusalem
Jan 11: Nazareth, Capernaum, Jordan River
Jan 13: Tiberiu
I have been asked to give my one favorite moment, so here is the answer I gave, though I didn't think too hard about it. No point in changing my mind now, though it's a tough question 'cause the trip was so different in differnt places. But here's the answer...
It would be riding in the back of a truck thru the Desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan, while discussing psychology and its implications with my Aunt and Uncle, 2 of their kids, and my dad's cousin. It was nice out, we're ripping through open desert in between large red rock mountains, we were talking about a personal interest and important social concerns and it was with my family. What else could you ask for?
K so I still have so much to tell, but I don't know when I will. Maybe tomorrow, since I have a lot of time before I drive to the airport.
BTW some of you have noted that I sounded a little blue in my last post. And it's true, there've definately been moments where I was a bit bummed since getting to Jerusalem. But all and all, it's been really good, I think I've leanred a lot and had fun and, and, and...
Peace.
I'm on the home stretch now, only 24 hours before my flight takes off from Ben Guiron Airport in Israel to return me to life in Cairo. This should be interesting, considering that I now have spent more time traveling away from Cairo than actually living there.
I am on my own now, because my mom and I had to fly home separately given our different destinations. I dropped her off at the airport. So it's a little interesting. But definately okay. I know the area 'cause we've walked it a lot in the week or so we've stayed here, and it's truly nice just to have time without demands.
So we rented a car yesterday, from here in Jerusalem. And I drove. It was a new, exciting experience, I gotta say. The traffic here isn't at all like Cairo, thankfully, though the roads through Jerusalem are orgranized rather poorly. Think Millwoods, tossed like a salad, expanded 3 or 4 times, and then haphazardly jumbled onto a bunch of hills. But fortunately we didn't drive too much in Jerusalem, and I made it out of and into the city, so we're okay. Indeed, yesterday we drove to Tiberius, on the Sea of Galilee. We just found a place to stay, then went to the hot springs at Hammet Gader. It was okay, but really crowded and not quite as nice as we might have liked.
So here's a run down of the places I travelled to with my family...
Egypt
Dec 20-25: Cairo
Dec 26-29: Aswan, Nile cruise to Luxor
Dec 29-Jan 3: Sharm el-Sheikh
Jan 4: Mount Sinai
Jordan
Jan 4: Aquaba
Jan 5: Wadi Rum
Jan 6: Wadi Musa and Petra
Jan 7: Amman and Dead Sea
Israel:
Jan 8-15: Jerusalem
Jan 11: Nazareth, Capernaum, Jordan River
Jan 13: Tiberiu
I have been asked to give my one favorite moment, so here is the answer I gave, though I didn't think too hard about it. No point in changing my mind now, though it's a tough question 'cause the trip was so different in differnt places. But here's the answer...
It would be riding in the back of a truck thru the Desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan, while discussing psychology and its implications with my Aunt and Uncle, 2 of their kids, and my dad's cousin. It was nice out, we're ripping through open desert in between large red rock mountains, we were talking about a personal interest and important social concerns and it was with my family. What else could you ask for?
K so I still have so much to tell, but I don't know when I will. Maybe tomorrow, since I have a lot of time before I drive to the airport.
BTW some of you have noted that I sounded a little blue in my last post. And it's true, there've definately been moments where I was a bit bummed since getting to Jerusalem. But all and all, it's been really good, I think I've leanred a lot and had fun and, and, and...
Peace.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Still alive in Israel...barely?
Hey All,
Yes still alive. Thanks for all your emails re: my b-day. To answer you, actually the b-day itself wasn't great. Border crossing was tough, I look forward to enlightening you on that point. And I'm tired. The travelling has been going on for a while now, and though I'm pretty much better from being sick, I'm pretty beat. So my interest in Jerusalem is maybe not what it could have been, but it's still okay; mom and I are making the best of it. But I'm ready for home. Actually, I'm ready for Edmonton - just missing people lots, and just all things English and Canada-ee. But not yet.
But we had a good couple of days, actually. We had a super nice dinner tonight, so maybe more a good birthday today. We've seen lots of the old city. Tomorrow - sea of Galilee. But gtg, cafe is closing. Seems like I never get enough time :(
Adam
Yes still alive. Thanks for all your emails re: my b-day. To answer you, actually the b-day itself wasn't great. Border crossing was tough, I look forward to enlightening you on that point. And I'm tired. The travelling has been going on for a while now, and though I'm pretty much better from being sick, I'm pretty beat. So my interest in Jerusalem is maybe not what it could have been, but it's still okay; mom and I are making the best of it. But I'm ready for home. Actually, I'm ready for Edmonton - just missing people lots, and just all things English and Canada-ee. But not yet.
But we had a good couple of days, actually. We had a super nice dinner tonight, so maybe more a good birthday today. We've seen lots of the old city. Tomorrow - sea of Galilee. But gtg, cafe is closing. Seems like I never get enough time :(
Adam
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Still Alive, this time in Jordan.
Hey Folks,
Just a brief update to let you know I'm doing okay. We've done lots since I last posted. We hung out in Sharm el-Sheikh more, we climbed Mt Sinai, we saw lots of desert in Jordan, we saw Petra, we saw Mt Nebo (where God showed Moses the promised land) and we swam in the Dead sea. I'd tell you more but I don't have time. Oh yeah we also were invited to and kicked out of a Jordanian wedding.
K so everyone is leaving tomorrow except Mom and I are going to Israel. Should be wild especially given Ariel Sharon's condition.
And my B-day is Jan 8 so my present can be an email from you all updating me on what's going on your life. Sorry for such a shameless solicitation of my birthday, but oh well, I'm far away and what can you do?
Just a brief update to let you know I'm doing okay. We've done lots since I last posted. We hung out in Sharm el-Sheikh more, we climbed Mt Sinai, we saw lots of desert in Jordan, we saw Petra, we saw Mt Nebo (where God showed Moses the promised land) and we swam in the Dead sea. I'd tell you more but I don't have time. Oh yeah we also were invited to and kicked out of a Jordanian wedding.
K so everyone is leaving tomorrow except Mom and I are going to Israel. Should be wild especially given Ariel Sharon's condition.
And my B-day is Jan 8 so my present can be an email from you all updating me on what's going on your life. Sorry for such a shameless solicitation of my birthday, but oh well, I'm far away and what can you do?
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