Rhythms of Rest

Anafora at sunset (Photo by Nate Sirevotka)

I found parts of life here in Cairo that I have grown to love. However, that doesn't mean that life in the city doesn't have its limits. Luckily for me, there have been natural rhythms of rest that my leaders have planned into our time here. These times have included retreats at a nearby monastery, Anafora, and a four-day break in Jordan. All three of these scheduled times to rest have been what has made it possible to be here in Cairo for such a long time. Being in a city is taxing for your emotions, mind, and senses, as you navigate busy roads, differing levels of poverty and wealth, and where your place is in it all. As someone who is often in motion, I didn't realize just how vital part of my life equation rest truly is. Something that I have found while here is that rest can take many forms, whether its a walk in nature, a nice nap, or a fun adventure with my friends. Here are ten pictures that represent rest to me during my time here in the Middle East.

# 1) Dinner every night at the monastery, Anafora, is eaten by candle light. (Photo by Isaac Rumohr)

# 2) Following dinner, we would join the community at Anafora in a nightly Vespers service with prayers, worship, and scripture reading. During the service, people from different cultures and languages were welcomed to share with the community through sharing a Bible passage and worship song in their own language. (Photo by Isaac Rumohr)

# 3) Sacred beauty!! The church of the resurrection at Anafora is in the middle of being completely covered in icons. People from around the world come and help paint the stories of our faith on the walls of this church. It is incredibly breathtaking to see the gospel in visually represented. (Photo by Isaac Rumohr)

# 4) It was refreshing to get to go walk out out among the olive groves and fruit orchards. In the city, it is hard to find reminders of natural life, so to be among nature is a gift! (Photo by Isaac Rumohr)

# 5) At Anafora, there were spaces that had been created with rest in mind. The pool was one of those. We all had small houses that opened up to an open area with a pool, trees for shade, and chairs to sit and think. (Photo by Isaac Rumohr)

# 5) In Jordan, our senses were overwhelmed with amazing things! Our first stop after getting off the plane was a restaurant called Shams al Balad. It was a magical, delicious, and joyous way to experience Jordan.

# 6) JORDAN GIRLS!!! I think one of the most restful parts of the entire break was being around these three women that I love and enjoy so much. They made it all worth it! (Photo by Hannah Grierson)

# 7) The natural beauty of Jordan was astounding. We couldn't help but try and take it all in. (Photo by Kate Overton)

# 8) Humor was one of the most life giving things during this trip. Here, my friend Kate and I are trying to talk to a Camel in Petra, Jordan. (Photo by Evelyn Thoen)

# 9) Adventures are so refreshing for me. This was a little urban hiking that me and the other women did to reach the Citadel in Amman. It was a sunny day and it was so fun to explore the city with them. (Photo by Kate Overton)

# 10) Getting to explore cool places like Petra and Wadi Rum was a huge joy for me. I loved getting to see so many places that made me say WOW!! (Photo by Hannah Grierson)