One Month and Smiling

So today was November 20th. I have officially been in Egypt for one month now. It's hard to imagine that. It doesn't seem so long, but today I think I hit a small turning point in regards to my feelings about life here. As I was walking home from another day/evening of Friday services at Maadi Community Church, I looked up at the sky and actually saw a star, shining brightly with a couple dimmer ones beside it. I thought to myself, there ARE nights that are clear enough to see a star or two. Then I felt the cool breeze, and it was just the perfect temperature. Had it been a little earlier in the day, I would have gotten slightly hot and mildly sweaty on my 25 minute walk home... but as long as the sun was sleeping, it felt just right. On my left, there was Skip- the man who opened up his home to me here in Cairo. He and his wife Bonnie are workers in Egypt and share the same passion for those who do not know our Brother. To my right was Saber, their 16 year old, adopted son, on his bright orange bicycle he loves to ride here and there. As I walked with them, I took a deep breath and realized for the first time that I have been here, I was quite content.

The overwhelming shock of being here and not knowing the language or culture is starting to fade- gradually, slightly... and its not gone, but in it's place, the Father is leaving behind new blessings.

I smile as I think about the movie we watched with a few of our kids tonight at MCC. We were watching the movie, "UP" while the adults were in a business meeting... and we have a little boy named Jonathan who looks just like the little boy scout Russell in that movie... Same chubby cheeks and big wide-eyed expressions. I laughed as I saw him glued to the tv screen watching a character just like himself battle off crazy dogs and evil men, alongside his strange rainbow-colored bird companion. :) Oh, the life and innocence of a child.

I smile at the thought of Suzy- a little down-syndrome girl who glues herself to me during the opening session of the kids program. Completely content and happy as long as she's attached to your arm or sitting by your side.

I smile when I think about Abdu, the friendly security guard for our building who I met for the first time when I was turned around and kept passing my own place. He saw me wandering about and ushered me in. And laughed about it every time I saw him afterward. Every morning he greets me in Arabic, and every morning I feel a little more confident about my ability to understand what he is saying and answer back. And boy is he thrilled when I do!

I smile when I think of Magdee, the shy, timid, and meek Egyptian man on MCC's property staff who washes dishes and empties garbages and barely says more then hello or how are you to most of the "foreigners" on staff. Always gentle; always smiling... but never opening up. But this past week, I have spoken to him, and he has talked with me. He has opened up about his family, his life... and really started to come out of his shell.

In the midst of a slightly confusing, many times overwhelming time of transition, my Father has put a smile on my face. He is answering your prayers, and giving me moments of joy and new blessings that really start to cover up the fear and loneliness my heart aches with sometimes. I do not think I will ever stop aching for and missing those that I love, but I am starting to see glimpses of joy and new life that He is springing up in the desert. And they are a lovely and refreshing sight. Your prayers, my friends, are felt and experienced in a very real way. Thank you. Please keep them coming. You are appreciated and loved.