For the Ambassador's son (& everyone else too)

My friend Erin and I trying out a Moro bar after hearing about them in Arabic class.

Last weekend, we got the opportunity to visit the American embassy here in Cairo. I enjoyed hearing from other Americans who are also trying to navigate life here in Egypt. For the three ambassadors that we met with, that navigation is also their vocation. It was interesting hearing their takes on current events taking place both here in the Middle East and back at home in the States. I was impressed with how deeply the ambassadors valued their American culture and identities. They cared so deeply that they had made it their life's work to represent that culture and identity to the rest of the world.

While we were there, one of the ambassadors mentioned how important it was to him that his children maintain a truly American identity. They went out of their way to take their kids back to the States every summer for baseball games, fireworks, and more. I was impressed that he encouraged his children in their patriotism. However, I do wonder if his kids will ever feel as deep a connection with the place they grew up as they feel with the place that their Dad represents.

Just like the ambassador's son, I am more connected to America than I will ever be to Egypt. However, that doesn't mean that I cannot feel connected at all to this place that I am living, the culture I am experiencing, and the people that I am meeting. I hope that someday the ambassador's children get the chance to explore Egypt.

If I got the chance to introduce these kids to Egypt, here's what I would show them:

One thing the Christian population here is very proud of is the Holy family's presence here during their flight from King Herod.

The pride and patriotism of the Egyptian people.

Even though everything in Egypt isn't perfect, that doesn't deter Egyptians from being proud of their people, their history, and their culture. In the morning, I am woken up by the neighborhood school children singing the national march. They sing about their Baladi, or their country.

Many of my Egyptian friends have told me about how strong and resilient Egyptian culture is. They have told me how the people here have remained strong in the face of imperialism, colonialism, and revolution.

One of my favorite phrases is feehaw hagaw hel-wa. This means that there is something good in it. I love it when Egyptians share the good things that they see in their country with me.

Me in front of a beautiful mosaic of Christ found at the Cave Church in Mokotam. (Photo courtesy of Isaac Rumohr)

The Sphinx with the Great Pyramid of Giza in the background.

How many beautiful things there are here in Egypt.

When you are in a city like Cairo, it is easy to become distracted by the presence of trash cats or crazy traffic. However, if you can look beyond the felines and the frenzy, there is so much beauty here to be seen.

Physical beauty is not lost upon Egyptians. I have seen some of the most beautiful artwork, architecture, and history while being here in Egypt. The designs of mosques and cathedrals has been my favorite. The decorative wood paneling, icons, and stained glass all show an attention to detail and beauty that I think can often be forgotten by Americans, no matter their religion.

You can see the brightness of the city of Cairo shining behind our silhouettes. (Photo courtesy of Isaac Rumohr)

This city is beautiful in the way that embraces its' old while building the new.

The promise of amazing things to come.

Egypt already has so much going for it, in terms of it's people. its food, it's culture, it's beauty, and more. However, it has been so good for me to meet young Egyptians. Like me, they are planning and dreaming about what they want for their life, their community, and their nation. They too are trying to navigate what being a young adult means in relation to their families, religions, friendships, and more. They are nervous about their future and finding employment, but that doesn't stop them from continuing to study and work hard. They love to talk about religion, music, fashion, and more. It is good to know that I'm not alone.