Just a few thoughts…
Somedays I struggle with what to write about, not knowing which story to tell, or if the day has not been interesting, I find myself not wanting to write in fear that I may bore my readers. But today I thought I would just share some things the Father is teaching us as we live here in Egypt. I really did not understand the full scale of HOW DIFFERENT Cairo, Egypt really is, and by that I mean the culture. There are so many differences it would take an afternoon to fill most of you in. Because of these differences, it is hard to adjust to their way of thinking. Sometimes it makes me laugh and other days I want to scream and yell. They have so many stinking rules, it is CRAZY! We were at the pool and the lifeguards were baulking at my sons shirts. They are swim shirts and I put them on my boys because they are white and the lifeguards were telling us that they can’t where them in the pool. Which is absolutely crazy. There were majority women wearing their full dress made out of spandex in the pool. We however did not obey them and said we would be happy to talk to their manager, but they never brought him out.
Sometimes I want to say, “Please get out of my face and my baby’s face, AND stop touching my children’s heads with your dirty hands!” I hope that is not too honest for some of you! Obviously I know that I am to love all people and that God has called us here to be a light, but I do get frustrated and tired of being on display. Everyday, the moment we step outside, we are on display.
One thing I have learned though is “…if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me.” Psalm 139:9-10 I love that word, because I know I am not alone here. Some days are very lonely…but it is good to know that my Father is with me wherever I go.
He also has given us fresh words and visions for the Copts. Which is very encouraging, because without those words from the Father, Adam and I both would feel we are here for no reason. Honestly that is a struggle that many of you could pray for us. We sometimes can believe the lie that we are doing nothing. But language and relationships IS something. We often feel we have stepped back into college, which I’m sure some of you are thinking, “Awesome”, but not really. The feeling of accomplishment is very little. Just today we learned our colors, fruits, and vegetables in Arabic. I feel like I am in an Egyptian preschool.
Just so you know as well, we do miss all of you in Tulsa! We think of you often and really appreciate your comments on our blog.
Cairo's face says it all!
June 30, 2009 at 7:59 pm
One picture IS worth a thousand words. Cairo’s expression is saying, “Uh.. hello… Mom… are you seeing this… a little help over here please. Put the camera down and do something”
I love it!
July 1, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Bore us? What? The kids could sneeze and we’d still want you to write about it.
Love you!!
July 5, 2009 at 2:45 am
Don’t believe the lie…you are accomplishing a lot. Probably even more than you will ever know. I am praying for all of you (almost) every night before I go to sleep knowing that is about the time you are starting your day. Soon you will look back and be amazed at how far you have come. I think great things are going to come out of your work through him.
July 8, 2009 at 6:18 pm
One thing I know for sure that you are accomplishing is encouragement to many of us here. We have someone almost every week ask about you and tell us they are praying for you and the great work you are doing for our Lord. Remeber the days are long but the years speed by. Its the daily tasks you are doing that are building the big picture. We love and miss you. Know that what you were called to do is in His timing and you are doing today exactly what is planned. LY
July 15, 2009 at 7:05 pm
grandpa Brent & Grandma Zan say “DITTO!” to what Grammy Jill said!