Last Tuesday I went to school - it's orientation time. Mira has been going with me. Tuesday we came home from school and I was starving.
During the summer it's too hot to eat anything heavy so most people just eat one meal a day and drink large amounts of water. It is a habit I fell into naturally -- fruits, cheese, bread, and water. Sometimes fuul. That's it for one day.
Tuesday I came home starving. So I ordered a grilled chicken - ferakh meshwayya from El Haty, a well known grill restaurant in Cairo. I love their chicken - especially when Hassan's here and we eat it together. I was eating the bread with tahina and I heard a crack in my mouth. Well, it finally happened - I broke another tooth.
This tooth was next to the one I broke some time ago. No more playing around -- it was time to go to the dentist.
I was so worried about school - I went on Wednesday, which was a field trip to the Pyramids and Sphinx in 100+ degrees. Mira and Jasmine came along and had a great time. Actually I went for them because they really wanted to go.
There I am, hot as hell, walking up the hill, with a broken, throbbing tooth, in 100+ heat, dehydrated, dreading the afternoon trip to the dentist.
I have bad experiences with dentists - you know, childhood memories of novacaine and the drill hitting the nerve from a cavity.
I had no choice anymore. This had to be taken care of. I went to the dentist and he pulled the tooth saying "You can come tomorrow (Thursday) morning or September 2 to get your teeth fixed." I thought about it for approximately 1/2 a second and answered "Tomorrow." I know me - if I wait I will never go back.
So I went to the dentist the next day and he started the procedure for two implants. Well, it would have taken only 15 minutes but there was a problem with the bone. At one point he even got out a little hammer to pound at the bone in my mouth - the worst part of it was that he kept showing me the progress. Ugh. I can go without the details.
Alhamdulillah I have 4 stitches, two temporary crowns and virtually no pain whatsoever.
In addition, I am reconsidering my job this year. It just isn't working out - I snapped at work yesterday and I'm sick and tired of fighting the Egyptian way of doing business. Just because other people have to deal with it doesn't mean that I have to also. I work because I love to work and I'm dedicated to what I do - but I need to decide when it's time to stop being a pushover and doormat and get some brass balls to say "no." I should have listened to Hassan in February when he told me not to return to work. He was right.
So I called in sick today - my mouth is swollen and throbbing and in pain from the stress of school and we're still a week away from students arriving. Oh well.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Monday, August 27, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
What kind of friend do you want?
Everyone wants to be liked. Everyone wants to have friends, but at what cost?
Whenever a situation arises when I question a friendship I've made I think of the following:
1. Do I want a friend who tells me the truth?
I absolutely want a friend who will tell me the truth. No question about it. Someone who is thought provoking and even challenging at times is a friend worth keeping.
2. Do I want a friend who tells me what I want to hear?
No. If you tell me that I've lost weight when in fact I know I've gained weight, or that my knee socks and clogs look nice, get going.
3. Do I want my friend to lie to me?
Never, especially if my daughter is involved.
Someone who I consider a real friend lied to me instead of telling me the truth. Maybe they lied to me to spare my feelings, or my daughter's feelings, but nonetheless it was a lie.
Single-parenting even on a temporary basis is not easy, especially in a foreign country. These past months have taught me a lot about who I consider my real friends.
My definition of a friend is:
1. Someone who will help out without wanting anything in return.
2. Someone who calls just to say hello.
3. Someone who offers constructive criticism.
4. Someone who shows compassion.
5. Someone who tells the truth.
6. Someone who accepts me as I am.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Whenever a situation arises when I question a friendship I've made I think of the following:
1. Do I want a friend who tells me the truth?
I absolutely want a friend who will tell me the truth. No question about it. Someone who is thought provoking and even challenging at times is a friend worth keeping.
2. Do I want a friend who tells me what I want to hear?
No. If you tell me that I've lost weight when in fact I know I've gained weight, or that my knee socks and clogs look nice, get going.
3. Do I want my friend to lie to me?
Never, especially if my daughter is involved.
Someone who I consider a real friend lied to me instead of telling me the truth. Maybe they lied to me to spare my feelings, or my daughter's feelings, but nonetheless it was a lie.
Single-parenting even on a temporary basis is not easy, especially in a foreign country. These past months have taught me a lot about who I consider my real friends.
My definition of a friend is:
1. Someone who will help out without wanting anything in return.
2. Someone who calls just to say hello.
3. Someone who offers constructive criticism.
4. Someone who shows compassion.
5. Someone who tells the truth.
6. Someone who accepts me as I am.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Rome wasn't built in a day and neither were my kitchen cabinets
I consider myself to be a very patient person, but even a patient person can get pretty frustrated living in Egypt trying to get kitchen cabinets installed. We've been in this flat for 1 1/2 years and we've been living with the bare essentials: one small countertop w/ matching top and bottom cabinets, very outdated and worn, but useful, a large table used as a countertop, a small table which holds my beloved $9.99 Kmart Sunbeam coffee maker, a stove, a sink, and refrigerator.
When Hassan was here the one thing I demanded (yes, I can be demanding) was to have a kitchen installed -- ok, well, not installed but hopefully installed before he left on July 4th to return to the States. Well, the kitchen was designed, submitted, and money paid down for our new kitchen; however, it was not installed by July 4th.
Before Hassan left he had an understanding with the builder that the builder would take and dispose of, however he wished, of the old cabinets, sink, table, and matching 6 chairs which were sitting on my balconies for the past 1 1/2 years. Last Thursday the kitchen cabinets arrived -- did I mention only the bottom half was being installed? Ok, no problem, I'll take half a kitchen and countertop.
In any event, Shaban, thanks again, was overseeing the entire project, including the installation of the cabinets. Mira and I were excited as we saw the truck pull in with the cabinets on board for all our neighbors to envy (yes, envy) because I always envy any of my neighbors getting cabinets and countertop installed hoping one day it would happen to me too.
So the cabinets were unloaded and left downstairs. Shabaan arrived in the apartment, 4 or 5 floors up w/o steps, depending on what country you're from, and I was very happy to see him. I told him that I cleaned out the kitchen stuff (ok, crap) and had it packed away in various areas of my flat. I then reminded him that the builder was going to dispose of the dining room set (oh, I forgot to mention the large buffet Mira's using in her bedroom as her "catch all"), cabinets, sink, and anything else I could dispose of while I had use of the truck. Shaban told me, "Oh, the truck already left."
Ok, I was frustrated but pleased to see the cabinets. I told Shabaan that old stuff can be stored on the front balcony until the builder installs the top half of the cabinets.
So, the day was long and exhausting, but I was left with what I think is a beautiful kitchen in the making. I asked Shabaan if the builder needs anymore money. Shabaan, being the ever-so-wise Egyptian man says "Don't give him anymore money. I am going to talk him down." My kind of man!
I asked him what the timetable is for the rest of the kitchen. I told him I know Egyptian time schedules and realistically I'd need it installed before the beginning of Ramadan (because nobody works for a month except my school). He said that he already told the builder he has one week to install the remainder of the kitchen.
So here I sit with my Fred Sanford balconies waiting and dreaming for the rest of my kitchen cabinets to be installed, but more importantly to have the old stuff removed. Oh yes, and to start cooking, which I've already done and is such a joy, but don't expect me to gain any weight because I'm not turning back to my old habits, no matter how tempting the food. I love to cook and I love to eat, but not to that extent.
Oh, and I can't wait to start splurging, and the first thing I'll buy is some great Egyptian bakeware.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
When Hassan was here the one thing I demanded (yes, I can be demanding) was to have a kitchen installed -- ok, well, not installed but hopefully installed before he left on July 4th to return to the States. Well, the kitchen was designed, submitted, and money paid down for our new kitchen; however, it was not installed by July 4th.
Before Hassan left he had an understanding with the builder that the builder would take and dispose of, however he wished, of the old cabinets, sink, table, and matching 6 chairs which were sitting on my balconies for the past 1 1/2 years. Last Thursday the kitchen cabinets arrived -- did I mention only the bottom half was being installed? Ok, no problem, I'll take half a kitchen and countertop.
In any event, Shaban, thanks again, was overseeing the entire project, including the installation of the cabinets. Mira and I were excited as we saw the truck pull in with the cabinets on board for all our neighbors to envy (yes, envy) because I always envy any of my neighbors getting cabinets and countertop installed hoping one day it would happen to me too.
So the cabinets were unloaded and left downstairs. Shabaan arrived in the apartment, 4 or 5 floors up w/o steps, depending on what country you're from, and I was very happy to see him. I told him that I cleaned out the kitchen stuff (ok, crap) and had it packed away in various areas of my flat. I then reminded him that the builder was going to dispose of the dining room set (oh, I forgot to mention the large buffet Mira's using in her bedroom as her "catch all"), cabinets, sink, and anything else I could dispose of while I had use of the truck. Shaban told me, "Oh, the truck already left."
Ok, I was frustrated but pleased to see the cabinets. I told Shabaan that old stuff can be stored on the front balcony until the builder installs the top half of the cabinets.
So, the day was long and exhausting, but I was left with what I think is a beautiful kitchen in the making. I asked Shabaan if the builder needs anymore money. Shabaan, being the ever-so-wise Egyptian man says "Don't give him anymore money. I am going to talk him down." My kind of man!
I asked him what the timetable is for the rest of the kitchen. I told him I know Egyptian time schedules and realistically I'd need it installed before the beginning of Ramadan (because nobody works for a month except my school). He said that he already told the builder he has one week to install the remainder of the kitchen.
So here I sit with my Fred Sanford balconies waiting and dreaming for the rest of my kitchen cabinets to be installed, but more importantly to have the old stuff removed. Oh yes, and to start cooking, which I've already done and is such a joy, but don't expect me to gain any weight because I'm not turning back to my old habits, no matter how tempting the food. I love to cook and I love to eat, but not to that extent.
Oh, and I can't wait to start splurging, and the first thing I'll buy is some great Egyptian bakeware.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Oh no! I'm one of "Them!"
There are many adjustments one has to make when living in a foreign country. The biggest personal adjustment I had to make was sleeping in the summer months.
No matter how hard I tried I just couldn't get myself to stay up all night and sleep in the morning, you know, around 3 or 4 a.m. I understand why Egyptians go out at night, it's just too damn hot, but to sleep during the morning, I mean until 11:30 or 12:00 just seemed impossible and unnatural to me, and something I just refused to change about myself.
Well, it's taken me two years, but I finally did it. Of course I do this now when Hassan isn't here, and my friends aren't around. OK, where is everybody? Mira and I stay up late, yes, 3 a.m., which means we wake up at 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. (unbelievable I know), and then get going around 9:00 p.m. We go to the souk, shopping, or do whatever it is we want to do at night along with everyone else. It isn't the going out that night that bothered me, it was being unable to change my sleep pattern, and Mira's sleep pattern to stay up late.
Hassan's cousin, Dalia, tells me that she stays up late every night, and I ask her, why, how, etc. It's unfair for me to judge her anymore, because I'm just like her.
Of course, last night, or should I say this morning, at 4 a.m. Mira said "Mommy, let's just stay up all night." Right, I'm thinking. I told her if she went out on the balcony she would hear the Adhan for Fajr (Dawn) prayer. I just love hearing the Adhan, but for Fajr it's very special. An awakening of sorts. Well, she never made it to the balcony. Right after she said she wanted to stay up all night, she fell asleep watching Andy Griffith that we have on DVDs. So there I was by myself watching Andy Griffith, again, by myself, until 6 a.m. when I finally made it to bed. I thought that I would set my alarm and try to get up "early" you know, around 11:00 a.m. but it didn't work. I turned off the alarm and rolled over until 1:00 p.m.
Going out late at night here in Rehab during the summer is like trying to fight downtown Cairo traffic. There is no place to park at the souk (marketplace), and if you are lucky enough to find a place to park, I mean a legal spot, which are few, someone will double or triple park you in and you're stuck there in your car honking your horn until someone meanders their way out to their car to move it; on average about 5 minutes later. So, after getting frustrated with being double and tripled blocked in, I decided to park the car outside the souk and walk around.
I think to myself, what are all these people doing out at 1:00 a.m.? I look around and most are just enjoying the nighttime, smoking sheesha, eating, eating, eating, shopping, running around, getting their cars washed, doing whatever it is they don't do during the day.
I don't know how I will readjust my body to getting up early for school, but it will take some doing. I have read that to change your sleep patterns, you need to go to bed early by 1/2 hour every night. Hmm, it may take a month to get back into my "normal" sleep pattern by then. But then again, when have I ever been considered "normal?"
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
No matter how hard I tried I just couldn't get myself to stay up all night and sleep in the morning, you know, around 3 or 4 a.m. I understand why Egyptians go out at night, it's just too damn hot, but to sleep during the morning, I mean until 11:30 or 12:00 just seemed impossible and unnatural to me, and something I just refused to change about myself.
Well, it's taken me two years, but I finally did it. Of course I do this now when Hassan isn't here, and my friends aren't around. OK, where is everybody? Mira and I stay up late, yes, 3 a.m., which means we wake up at 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. (unbelievable I know), and then get going around 9:00 p.m. We go to the souk, shopping, or do whatever it is we want to do at night along with everyone else. It isn't the going out that night that bothered me, it was being unable to change my sleep pattern, and Mira's sleep pattern to stay up late.
Hassan's cousin, Dalia, tells me that she stays up late every night, and I ask her, why, how, etc. It's unfair for me to judge her anymore, because I'm just like her.
Of course, last night, or should I say this morning, at 4 a.m. Mira said "Mommy, let's just stay up all night." Right, I'm thinking. I told her if she went out on the balcony she would hear the Adhan for Fajr (Dawn) prayer. I just love hearing the Adhan, but for Fajr it's very special. An awakening of sorts. Well, she never made it to the balcony. Right after she said she wanted to stay up all night, she fell asleep watching Andy Griffith that we have on DVDs. So there I was by myself watching Andy Griffith, again, by myself, until 6 a.m. when I finally made it to bed. I thought that I would set my alarm and try to get up "early" you know, around 11:00 a.m. but it didn't work. I turned off the alarm and rolled over until 1:00 p.m.
Going out late at night here in Rehab during the summer is like trying to fight downtown Cairo traffic. There is no place to park at the souk (marketplace), and if you are lucky enough to find a place to park, I mean a legal spot, which are few, someone will double or triple park you in and you're stuck there in your car honking your horn until someone meanders their way out to their car to move it; on average about 5 minutes later. So, after getting frustrated with being double and tripled blocked in, I decided to park the car outside the souk and walk around.
I think to myself, what are all these people doing out at 1:00 a.m.? I look around and most are just enjoying the nighttime, smoking sheesha, eating, eating, eating, shopping, running around, getting their cars washed, doing whatever it is they don't do during the day.
I don't know how I will readjust my body to getting up early for school, but it will take some doing. I have read that to change your sleep patterns, you need to go to bed early by 1/2 hour every night. Hmm, it may take a month to get back into my "normal" sleep pattern by then. But then again, when have I ever been considered "normal?"
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Mira's in Swimming Training
In Egypt, if a child or teenager wants to compete in swimming competitions they need to pass a certain number of tests or "stars" as they're called. Mira is in her first training period to earn her first star in September.
While Mira knows that she's not the best in the class, yet, not the worse, when she doesn't do well she just answers "I don't care. I just want to swim."
OK, well, for someone just wanting to swim, she goes to the club 3 times a week for an hour and a half each training session to swim just for fun. Not only does she go, but she goes religiously.
Mira's freestyle is not the best; ok it's really bad. I think it's because she wasn't given enough instruction on how to turn her head and breathe while she raises her arms. But recently after finishing a grueling two weeks on freestyle, the coaches moved the swimmers to the backstroke.
Finally, something Mira understands. Now I don't think the backstroke is that easy, but for some reason this is Mira's strength.
Not only did she do well, she came in 1st place out of the entire team of 18-20 swimmers in the 100 meters. I'm so proud of her. What's even better, she didn't make a big deal out of it, so I have to.
I'm so proud of her!!
Ma'salaam,
Marian
While Mira knows that she's not the best in the class, yet, not the worse, when she doesn't do well she just answers "I don't care. I just want to swim."
OK, well, for someone just wanting to swim, she goes to the club 3 times a week for an hour and a half each training session to swim just for fun. Not only does she go, but she goes religiously.
Mira's freestyle is not the best; ok it's really bad. I think it's because she wasn't given enough instruction on how to turn her head and breathe while she raises her arms. But recently after finishing a grueling two weeks on freestyle, the coaches moved the swimmers to the backstroke.
Finally, something Mira understands. Now I don't think the backstroke is that easy, but for some reason this is Mira's strength.
Not only did she do well, she came in 1st place out of the entire team of 18-20 swimmers in the 100 meters. I'm so proud of her. What's even better, she didn't make a big deal out of it, so I have to.
I'm so proud of her!!
Ma'salaam,
Marian
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Torn Between Two Countries
I am making my best effort to keep in touch with my friends who are traveling abroad this summer. Between exchanging emails and IM as best I can because my pc is not working properly, I have come to the conclusion that those of us who consider more than one country as our home, experience the same feelings.
For whatever reason we moved to Egypt - and for the most part we enjoy it here - taking into consideration all of the frustrations -- believe me there are many. But foreigners all agree, the best part of Egypt is its people Egyptians and ex-pats (ok, good and bad, but overall if you find friends here, you are very lucky).
Secondly, we feel as though we want to be in the US (or whatever country one would consider home) for its conveniences (too many to mention), family and friends we have there. But after being in the US for a short while, ok, let's say 3 weeks, we come to find out that the same problems exist only on a different level.
I really don't want to get into specifics here but overall, we are torn between living in Egypt and the US.
Yes life is simpler in Egypt -- ok too simple sometimes -- you know, like finding a place to tie your camel or having your donkey pull your groceries for you without them falling off the bed of the wagon, but once those simple issues are resolved, you can enjoy time with your friends. Just make sure your animals are well fed.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
For whatever reason we moved to Egypt - and for the most part we enjoy it here - taking into consideration all of the frustrations -- believe me there are many. But foreigners all agree, the best part of Egypt is its people Egyptians and ex-pats (ok, good and bad, but overall if you find friends here, you are very lucky).
Secondly, we feel as though we want to be in the US (or whatever country one would consider home) for its conveniences (too many to mention), family and friends we have there. But after being in the US for a short while, ok, let's say 3 weeks, we come to find out that the same problems exist only on a different level.
I really don't want to get into specifics here but overall, we are torn between living in Egypt and the US.
Yes life is simpler in Egypt -- ok too simple sometimes -- you know, like finding a place to tie your camel or having your donkey pull your groceries for you without them falling off the bed of the wagon, but once those simple issues are resolved, you can enjoy time with your friends. Just make sure your animals are well fed.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Monday, July 09, 2007
Hassan returned to the US once again. I don't know how long he'll be gone - he doesn't know yet either. It seems as though we can't seem to decide on what to do long term.
In the meantime, I'm trying to keep Mira busy so I enrolled her in swimming classes 3 nights a week for 1 1/2 hours each so she can compete in swimming competitions in the future. She loves swimming, and it's taken some convincing to get her back in the program. When Hassan was here she had no interest in swimming, just spending time with Hassan.
Mira's swimming training begins at 8 pm three nights a week. It's a wonderful time to swim because the sun has set, and I get to enjoy some quiet time alone. But it seems as though my quiet time alone has just gotten to be too much for me.
Maybe it's adjusting to Hassan being gone, or not working over the summer, but it seems as though my friends have all but disappeared. I have two friends that I can count on over the summer, but even they are busy with their own families and work.
My friends from school are traveling, and we get to stay in touch through emails and blog postings.
I have always had a difficult time making friends with Egyptian women. I don't know why, but I just don't get along with them or they don't get along with me. It's not that I don't want to be friends with Egyptian women, but our points of view are too different to ever find common ground, at least that's my opinion.
I won't give up on making friends, though. You never know what an individual is like until you get to know them.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
In the meantime, I'm trying to keep Mira busy so I enrolled her in swimming classes 3 nights a week for 1 1/2 hours each so she can compete in swimming competitions in the future. She loves swimming, and it's taken some convincing to get her back in the program. When Hassan was here she had no interest in swimming, just spending time with Hassan.
Mira's swimming training begins at 8 pm three nights a week. It's a wonderful time to swim because the sun has set, and I get to enjoy some quiet time alone. But it seems as though my quiet time alone has just gotten to be too much for me.
Maybe it's adjusting to Hassan being gone, or not working over the summer, but it seems as though my friends have all but disappeared. I have two friends that I can count on over the summer, but even they are busy with their own families and work.
My friends from school are traveling, and we get to stay in touch through emails and blog postings.
I have always had a difficult time making friends with Egyptian women. I don't know why, but I just don't get along with them or they don't get along with me. It's not that I don't want to be friends with Egyptian women, but our points of view are too different to ever find common ground, at least that's my opinion.
I won't give up on making friends, though. You never know what an individual is like until you get to know them.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Photos from our trip to Alexandria
Driving to Alexandria
It was so hot even this truck had to wear a sombrero to keep the sun off its body.
A different kind of camel ride. . .
along with a different kind of horseback ride.
Mira at the sea getting her feet wet.
Mira is ready to take the plunge!
The view from Aunt Fawzayya's chalet.
The a view of the Mediterranean in Alexandria.
The ultimate view of the Mediterranean overlooking the Corniche. Yes, for only 400,000 LE this brand new flat -- it's huge, can be all yours. (We think the view is worth it alone.)
Hassan and me.Sunday, June 24, 2007
Our Trip to Alexandria and the North Coast
We recently got back from a week in Alexandria and the North Coast of Egypt. To say that this part of Egypt is beautiful is an understatement. I love this part of Egypt, partly because of the air which is fresh, but mostly because of the Mediterranean. I have never seen such beautiful colors of blue in all my life -- the Mediterranean takes my breath away each and everytime I visit Alexandria. It is very tempting to live there but I keep telling Hassan how much he would miss his friends in Cairo. He agrees.
We stayed with Hassan's Aunt Fawzayya who is elderly and who owns a chalet on the beach. It is lovely and yes I keep kicking myself that we didn't buy that chalet because I PASSED IT UP. It's my fault but I believe there is something better out there for us (I have to believe this because my butt is red from kicking it).
Although we were only at the beach one day, we were in the sun all the time and made several trips to Alexandria; driving along the Corniche or visiting with Hassan's mother's side of the family, who by the way are very down to earth and fun to be with -- Mira just loves them to death.
Our food contained a lot of salt and I cannot remember being this bloated except for Mira's birth where I was walking around on balloon feet; yes, we were bloated in Alexandria and it got to a point where we had to leave because we were feeling too uncomfortable. We had the best fish several times, lots of batik (watermelon) and fruit that tasted sweeter than candy. You would swear the tomatoes we ate were picked out of our own garden and at 50 piasters a kilo we ate a lot of them.
The teen (figs) were just coming into season so we didn't buy any; so we will wait and perhaps I will make a special trip back to Alex just to pick up the fresh teen which I can eat til I get sick and then eat them again.
In visiting Hassan's aunt (his mother's sister) Mira had a chance to play with her cousins, Mostafa and Keemo (they are paternal twins) who are 13. They took special care of Mira and all children, as do most Egyptians. I didn't know that Mira remembered any Arabic because she hasn't been speaking it without Hassan being here, but she certainly knows when to whip it out and use it. Alhamdulillah.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
We stayed with Hassan's Aunt Fawzayya who is elderly and who owns a chalet on the beach. It is lovely and yes I keep kicking myself that we didn't buy that chalet because I PASSED IT UP. It's my fault but I believe there is something better out there for us (I have to believe this because my butt is red from kicking it).
Although we were only at the beach one day, we were in the sun all the time and made several trips to Alexandria; driving along the Corniche or visiting with Hassan's mother's side of the family, who by the way are very down to earth and fun to be with -- Mira just loves them to death.
Our food contained a lot of salt and I cannot remember being this bloated except for Mira's birth where I was walking around on balloon feet; yes, we were bloated in Alexandria and it got to a point where we had to leave because we were feeling too uncomfortable. We had the best fish several times, lots of batik (watermelon) and fruit that tasted sweeter than candy. You would swear the tomatoes we ate were picked out of our own garden and at 50 piasters a kilo we ate a lot of them.
The teen (figs) were just coming into season so we didn't buy any; so we will wait and perhaps I will make a special trip back to Alex just to pick up the fresh teen which I can eat til I get sick and then eat them again.
In visiting Hassan's aunt (his mother's sister) Mira had a chance to play with her cousins, Mostafa and Keemo (they are paternal twins) who are 13. They took special care of Mira and all children, as do most Egyptians. I didn't know that Mira remembered any Arabic because she hasn't been speaking it without Hassan being here, but she certainly knows when to whip it out and use it. Alhamdulillah.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Friday, June 15, 2007
Mira's small success
What seems like a small success usually isn't one at all. Mira would not sleep over at Jasmine's for whatever reason, no matter how hard I tried. Even Sara - for some reason she wouldn't sleep over. I didn't push it, just made her feel comfortable knowing that if she wanted to come home at any time, she was to call me and I'd be there to pick her up - no matter what time of the night.
Mira has a friend at school named Gretelin. Gretelin is from Estonia and is a wonderful, smart, bright, girl in Mira's class. Gretelin invited Mira over to her house after school yesterday. Mira went and said "Mom, I might spend the night." She said it with such energy, it was as though she was just charged.
I said fine because I know Gretelin's mother, she was a teacher in our school. Mira calls last night and said "I want to sleep over. OK?" I told her that she could but needed to be sure to let me know if she wanted to come home.
Well -- IT HAPPENED!! Mira actually spent the night away without me for the first time in her life. I'm so happy for her and quite relieved.
In the meantime Hassan drove to Alexandria last night with Aunt Fawzayya and is waiting for us to arrive today. What I was hoping for was some quiet time with Hassan, but what I got instead was some quiet time alone. That's ok - I'll take it - the small successes are often the most gratifying.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Mira has a friend at school named Gretelin. Gretelin is from Estonia and is a wonderful, smart, bright, girl in Mira's class. Gretelin invited Mira over to her house after school yesterday. Mira went and said "Mom, I might spend the night." She said it with such energy, it was as though she was just charged.
I said fine because I know Gretelin's mother, she was a teacher in our school. Mira calls last night and said "I want to sleep over. OK?" I told her that she could but needed to be sure to let me know if she wanted to come home.
Well -- IT HAPPENED!! Mira actually spent the night away without me for the first time in her life. I'm so happy for her and quite relieved.
In the meantime Hassan drove to Alexandria last night with Aunt Fawzayya and is waiting for us to arrive today. What I was hoping for was some quiet time with Hassan, but what I got instead was some quiet time alone. That's ok - I'll take it - the small successes are often the most gratifying.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Hassan & Mira are in Alexandria
Hassan took Mira to Alexandria to visit his sister and her family. He's not close with her, but she and her husband have a daughter, Passant, who is about 1 1/2 years older than Mira. They left Thursday and are expected home today.
Because Hassan's parents divorced when he was very young, his mother raised his sister, and his father raised him. This is where the relationship ended. Over the years Hassan was not close with his mother or his sister, and you can tell if you were to see them together.
Hassan had everything -- a very good education, which launched him (no pun intended) into his successful career as a satellite engineer. His sister on the other hand did not get a good education and has not had the life Hassan has had. It is very sad, but quite obvious. It is now time for Hassan to give back to his sister what she did not receive growing up; if not for her, for her daughter who will repeat her parents' steps unless someone -- that being Hassan, steps in to show her life's possibilities are endless.
Insha'Allah Hassan will return with Passant and Mira and she will stay with us for about a week. I don't know what the future holds for her because her parents are both chronically ill and cannot afford to give her what Hassan and I can give Mira, but we are here for them to give them what money cannot give -- a loving family and an environment which every child deserves.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Because Hassan's parents divorced when he was very young, his mother raised his sister, and his father raised him. This is where the relationship ended. Over the years Hassan was not close with his mother or his sister, and you can tell if you were to see them together.
Hassan had everything -- a very good education, which launched him (no pun intended) into his successful career as a satellite engineer. His sister on the other hand did not get a good education and has not had the life Hassan has had. It is very sad, but quite obvious. It is now time for Hassan to give back to his sister what she did not receive growing up; if not for her, for her daughter who will repeat her parents' steps unless someone -- that being Hassan, steps in to show her life's possibilities are endless.
Insha'Allah Hassan will return with Passant and Mira and she will stay with us for about a week. I don't know what the future holds for her because her parents are both chronically ill and cannot afford to give her what Hassan and I can give Mira, but we are here for them to give them what money cannot give -- a loving family and an environment which every child deserves.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Hassan's Home and Kazza Kazza Kazza
So Hassan arrived back in Cairo this past Monday, the 28th. Shabaan called me in the morning and asked me if I was going to the airport to get him. I said yes. He said are you sure? I said yes. He said do you want to follow us? I said no, I can get there by myself. He said are you sure? I said yes, I'm sure. Thanks.
OK, so we made it there just fine. We only live 15 minutes from the airport, and since I've been driving all over Cairo for the past six months on my own, a quick trip to the airport was nothing.
We arrived at the airport and found Shabaan, Gamal, and Ehab waiting for Hassan. It was really wonderful of them to take time to welcome Hassan home.
Hassan arrived. Mira was excited. Yes, we stopped at the duty free shop. Ahem. . .
We made it out to the parking lot and I drove us to Olfat's. Hassan was not used to my driving and said that I'm driving a little crazy. Crazy?! There was no one on the road. . . just not like America.
We went to Olfat's ate all kinds of maashi, yum! and chicken, and molokayia (which I don't really care for). We stayed there for a little while and came home.
We fell asleep and got up at 3:00 am the next morning and talked until it was time for me to go to school.
Now we are looking for a new car for Hassan to buy before he returns to America. If he finds one, fine, if not, it can wait. We went out today with Dalia and Abazim to look at cars, and it drove the three of us absolutely nuts. They all talk at once and about different subjects, and Hassan doesn't need me asking "What?" "What?" So I just quietly walk away.
I'm still finishing up the school year and I'm physically and psychologically drained. I am completely burned out and have nothing else to contribute to the school at this point, other than just sitting at my desk and watching the teachers punch in and punch out everyday. I don't know if I'm returning next year or not. I'm thinking of tutoring English in my home after school, beginning in September. I am talking to other teachers about setting up a network of English/Math/Science tutors.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
OK, so we made it there just fine. We only live 15 minutes from the airport, and since I've been driving all over Cairo for the past six months on my own, a quick trip to the airport was nothing.
We arrived at the airport and found Shabaan, Gamal, and Ehab waiting for Hassan. It was really wonderful of them to take time to welcome Hassan home.
Hassan arrived. Mira was excited. Yes, we stopped at the duty free shop. Ahem. . .
We made it out to the parking lot and I drove us to Olfat's. Hassan was not used to my driving and said that I'm driving a little crazy. Crazy?! There was no one on the road. . . just not like America.
We went to Olfat's ate all kinds of maashi, yum! and chicken, and molokayia (which I don't really care for). We stayed there for a little while and came home.
We fell asleep and got up at 3:00 am the next morning and talked until it was time for me to go to school.
Now we are looking for a new car for Hassan to buy before he returns to America. If he finds one, fine, if not, it can wait. We went out today with Dalia and Abazim to look at cars, and it drove the three of us absolutely nuts. They all talk at once and about different subjects, and Hassan doesn't need me asking "What?" "What?" So I just quietly walk away.
I'm still finishing up the school year and I'm physically and psychologically drained. I am completely burned out and have nothing else to contribute to the school at this point, other than just sitting at my desk and watching the teachers punch in and punch out everyday. I don't know if I'm returning next year or not. I'm thinking of tutoring English in my home after school, beginning in September. I am talking to other teachers about setting up a network of English/Math/Science tutors.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Monday, May 21, 2007
Has it really been that long since my last post?!
Here's what's happening:
Hassan comes home in 6 days - but he's only staying for 4 weeks, then returns to the US for 3-6 more months.
We're finishing the school year which is my busy time of closing down the office, but I love routine! Who would have ever thought? I was such an anti-routined person growing up, but now appreciate the routine of everyday life. Also, I look forward to re-negotiating a contract that I never received this past year, so I can continue at the school, Insha'Allah.
I have plenty to do over the summer -- between Mira swimming 3 days a week and quilts on order, I'll be busy.
It's been too stinking hot to do anything, so I'm getting in the summer mode of taking my afternoon "siesta." (ok so it's not Arabic, it's Spanish) A teacher at my school recorded 48 C outside this past Saturday.
I've been embroidering like crazy on my machine. (Thanks Shabaan!)
I have a new back balcony door. (Thanks again, Shabaan!)
I have a new closet (dulab) on order for my bathroom. (yes, thanks again Shabaan!)
I have to make a correction to a previous post, it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes an entire world. I have had so many friends from various cultural backgrounds, help me out with Mira over the past six months, I cannot possibly thank everyone. While this past year at school has been frustrating at times, today I realized how many real friends I have made at school because they truly care about Mira's well being and happiness.
Also, my brother Tom is on the mend from surgery. He's doing well, from what I hear. I hope you get better soon, Tom.
I have been speaking more Arabic around school and the teachers are impressed. Even Mira commented how well my Arabic is coming along. Alhamdulillah. Anything more than shwaya, shwaya (little by little) is good enough for me, which by the way I don't say anymore because Egyptians laugh at foreigners who use that phrase. Even I joke with Egyptians about it now. (Ok, I'll admit batting my blue eyes help too.)
To everyone who listened to me bitch and moan over the past six months in regards to kollahagga (everything), thank so much. I could not have done it without everyone. Now, here's to the next six months!! It's really not that bad, it starts at school time. So I have all summer to relax and get ready for the next round. Ding! Ding! Round 2!
Ma'salaam,
Marian
Hassan comes home in 6 days - but he's only staying for 4 weeks, then returns to the US for 3-6 more months.
We're finishing the school year which is my busy time of closing down the office, but I love routine! Who would have ever thought? I was such an anti-routined person growing up, but now appreciate the routine of everyday life. Also, I look forward to re-negotiating a contract that I never received this past year, so I can continue at the school, Insha'Allah.
I have plenty to do over the summer -- between Mira swimming 3 days a week and quilts on order, I'll be busy.
It's been too stinking hot to do anything, so I'm getting in the summer mode of taking my afternoon "siesta." (ok so it's not Arabic, it's Spanish) A teacher at my school recorded 48 C outside this past Saturday.
I've been embroidering like crazy on my machine. (Thanks Shabaan!)
I have a new back balcony door. (Thanks again, Shabaan!)
I have a new closet (dulab) on order for my bathroom. (yes, thanks again Shabaan!)
I have to make a correction to a previous post, it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes an entire world. I have had so many friends from various cultural backgrounds, help me out with Mira over the past six months, I cannot possibly thank everyone. While this past year at school has been frustrating at times, today I realized how many real friends I have made at school because they truly care about Mira's well being and happiness.
Also, my brother Tom is on the mend from surgery. He's doing well, from what I hear. I hope you get better soon, Tom.
I have been speaking more Arabic around school and the teachers are impressed. Even Mira commented how well my Arabic is coming along. Alhamdulillah. Anything more than shwaya, shwaya (little by little) is good enough for me, which by the way I don't say anymore because Egyptians laugh at foreigners who use that phrase. Even I joke with Egyptians about it now. (Ok, I'll admit batting my blue eyes help too.)
To everyone who listened to me bitch and moan over the past six months in regards to kollahagga (everything), thank so much. I could not have done it without everyone. Now, here's to the next six months!! It's really not that bad, it starts at school time. So I have all summer to relax and get ready for the next round. Ding! Ding! Round 2!
Ma'salaam,
Marian
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thursday Sing Along Songs
The principal and friend of my school, Amy, used to have Thursday afternoon staff meeting for all teachers where we would discuss the successes of the week. Well today Amy said "I've given up on the Thursday meetings." I'm sure it's not because of the successes, because there are many especially at the end of the year, but because of the weariness of all the teachers.
So today, being Thursday, I remembered a happy song "Dixie Chicken" by Little Feat:
"If you'll be my dixie chicken, I'll be your Tennessee lamb.
And we can walk together down in dixie land."
And if you know me, I was singing it in the hallways sometimes silently and sometimes not. I also explained the song to any American asking what the song was about. It's one of the all-time greats.
OK, so living in Egypt I find myself singing most songs by myself, but when I sang it and asked Amy if she knew it she joined in, and yes, we even did the Thursday dance. Wow, what a relief. Someone who identifies with me. Someone who is close to my age and who understands my mentality on Thursdays at the end of the year.
This song reminds me of a party that my brother Tom's friend, Bob, had at his house and the song was sung and everyone was dancing in a field. It brings back great memories.
When I got home today I listened to endless hours of Bruce Springsteen remembering my own "Glory Days".
Life is different now, but it doesn't have to be so different that I don't listen to what I like and dance around my living room pretending to be the rock and roll star that I always wanted to be.
I'm sure there's karaoke somewhere in Cairo!
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
So today, being Thursday, I remembered a happy song "Dixie Chicken" by Little Feat:
"If you'll be my dixie chicken, I'll be your Tennessee lamb.
And we can walk together down in dixie land."
And if you know me, I was singing it in the hallways sometimes silently and sometimes not. I also explained the song to any American asking what the song was about. It's one of the all-time greats.
OK, so living in Egypt I find myself singing most songs by myself, but when I sang it and asked Amy if she knew it she joined in, and yes, we even did the Thursday dance. Wow, what a relief. Someone who identifies with me. Someone who is close to my age and who understands my mentality on Thursdays at the end of the year.
This song reminds me of a party that my brother Tom's friend, Bob, had at his house and the song was sung and everyone was dancing in a field. It brings back great memories.
When I got home today I listened to endless hours of Bruce Springsteen remembering my own "Glory Days".
Life is different now, but it doesn't have to be so different that I don't listen to what I like and dance around my living room pretending to be the rock and roll star that I always wanted to be.
I'm sure there's karaoke somewhere in Cairo!
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Monday, May 07, 2007
There are those you just can't do without
To follow up on a previous post, I thought about Hassan's friends who have been so helpful to us, not only by being there when we need them but always willing to help no matter what, no matter when. These past six months have helped me prove to myself that I can make it here on my own, but not really on my own as you all know from previous posts.
I am an independent, stubbourn woman, yes it is the Polish in me, and I just can't help it. But to Egyptians, they get upset if you don't ask for help.
There were a some times during the past months when I wanted to call Shabaan, Gamal, or Ehab for help, but tried to figure things out on my own and see if I could succeed. It's the small milestones in life that mean the greatest.
I really want to thank so much from the bottom of my heart Shabaan, Gamal, and Ehab for their words of support and help no matter how big or how small. Just knowing that they are there ready to help me at anytime has meant so much that I will never forget their generous hearts.
When Hassan used to describe them to me before I met them, I thought that it would be impossible to have friends like that anywhere. But I was wrong. It is possible, and it is a gift from God to have friends you can rely especially living in a country that is my second home, surrounded by people who seem to stare are me as though their eyes are burning through my skin.
Even though I have tried to "blend in" as much as possible, I still walk around as the fair-haired, blue-eyed, woman in hijab that gets the "not-quite-sure-what-country-she's-from" foreigner look. If I speak the very little Arabic I know, sometimes I find that Egyptians try to speak English in return, returning the courtesy, or they spout off into Arabic and I can only "fahma" or understand a few words, guessing what they are asking me about. Experiencing this enough times helps me learn the conversational Arabic to put petrol in the car, or buy something at the souk or even get directions to drive somewhere. But if it's anymore than yemeen, shimell, or lifff (right, left or turn around) I'm lost. I guess that's why Egyptians talk with their hands to describe almost everything.
Alhamdulillah, at last we have something in common.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
I am an independent, stubbourn woman, yes it is the Polish in me, and I just can't help it. But to Egyptians, they get upset if you don't ask for help.
There were a some times during the past months when I wanted to call Shabaan, Gamal, or Ehab for help, but tried to figure things out on my own and see if I could succeed. It's the small milestones in life that mean the greatest.
I really want to thank so much from the bottom of my heart Shabaan, Gamal, and Ehab for their words of support and help no matter how big or how small. Just knowing that they are there ready to help me at anytime has meant so much that I will never forget their generous hearts.
When Hassan used to describe them to me before I met them, I thought that it would be impossible to have friends like that anywhere. But I was wrong. It is possible, and it is a gift from God to have friends you can rely especially living in a country that is my second home, surrounded by people who seem to stare are me as though their eyes are burning through my skin.
Even though I have tried to "blend in" as much as possible, I still walk around as the fair-haired, blue-eyed, woman in hijab that gets the "not-quite-sure-what-country-she's-from" foreigner look. If I speak the very little Arabic I know, sometimes I find that Egyptians try to speak English in return, returning the courtesy, or they spout off into Arabic and I can only "fahma" or understand a few words, guessing what they are asking me about. Experiencing this enough times helps me learn the conversational Arabic to put petrol in the car, or buy something at the souk or even get directions to drive somewhere. But if it's anymore than yemeen, shimell, or lifff (right, left or turn around) I'm lost. I guess that's why Egyptians talk with their hands to describe almost everything.
Alhamdulillah, at last we have something in common.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Brigitte Gabriel's Hate Speech Interview
I found this on the www.cair-net.org website. Brigitte Garbriel, a Lebanese Christian, is a frequent guest on Fox News Channel. I believe it is because of her constant hate speech towards Muslims. Actually, she has it backwards in this interview; and her comments are at the very least myopic. I am disgusted by her comments, but I think it is important to re-print excerpts from the yahoo interview.
It doesn't matter if one is Christian, Muslim, or Jew. It is important to realize that all human beings are the same. The discrimination against people based on religion needs to end.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
INCITEMENT: 'A PRACTICING MUSLIM . . . BELIEVES HE CAN MURDER HIS WIFE JUST BECAUSE HE WANTS TO' - TOP
Because They Hate, Part IILarry Elder, Yahoo News, 4/26/07
http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20070426/cm_uc_crlelx/op_242580
Brigitte Gabriel, a Lebanese Christian who lived through jihad as a child, wrote "Because They Hate: A Survivor of Islamic Terror Warns America." This is an edited version of our interview.
Elder: Are there moderate Muslims who condemn the radicals, who don't feel threatened by democracy?
Gabriel: Yes. . . . I call it a practicing Muslim and a non-practicing Muslim. I think it is a better description than "moderate" and "radical." A practicing Muslim goes to mosque, prays five times a day, doesn't drink, believes God gave him women to be his property - to beat, to stone to death. . . . He believes Christians and Jews are apes and pigs because they are cursed by Allah. He believes it is his duty to declare war on the infidels because they are Allah's enemies. That is a practicing Muslim. A non-practicing Muslim no longer goes to mosque or prays five times a day, has an occasional glass of wine and believes that a woman is equal to a man. . . . He believes he cannot murder his wife just because he wants to. He does not believe in taking four wives just for sexual pleasure. . . . He no longer believes that, as a Muslim, it is his duty to kill the apes and pigs that have been cursed by Allah. A non-practicing Muslim is educated, an intellectual who believes the Koran - written in the 7th century - doesn't apply to today's standards, and Islam needs to be reformed. Those Muslims do exist and live in the West. However, they are such a minority - we estimate about 2 percent - they are irrelevant because it is the majority that is causing the problem now. (MORE)
It doesn't matter if one is Christian, Muslim, or Jew. It is important to realize that all human beings are the same. The discrimination against people based on religion needs to end.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
INCITEMENT: 'A PRACTICING MUSLIM . . . BELIEVES HE CAN MURDER HIS WIFE JUST BECAUSE HE WANTS TO' - TOP
Because They Hate, Part IILarry Elder, Yahoo News, 4/26/07
http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20070426/cm_uc_crlelx/op_242580
Brigitte Gabriel, a Lebanese Christian who lived through jihad as a child, wrote "Because They Hate: A Survivor of Islamic Terror Warns America." This is an edited version of our interview.
Elder: Are there moderate Muslims who condemn the radicals, who don't feel threatened by democracy?
Gabriel: Yes. . . . I call it a practicing Muslim and a non-practicing Muslim. I think it is a better description than "moderate" and "radical." A practicing Muslim goes to mosque, prays five times a day, doesn't drink, believes God gave him women to be his property - to beat, to stone to death. . . . He believes Christians and Jews are apes and pigs because they are cursed by Allah. He believes it is his duty to declare war on the infidels because they are Allah's enemies. That is a practicing Muslim. A non-practicing Muslim no longer goes to mosque or prays five times a day, has an occasional glass of wine and believes that a woman is equal to a man. . . . He believes he cannot murder his wife just because he wants to. He does not believe in taking four wives just for sexual pleasure. . . . He no longer believes that, as a Muslim, it is his duty to kill the apes and pigs that have been cursed by Allah. A non-practicing Muslim is educated, an intellectual who believes the Koran - written in the 7th century - doesn't apply to today's standards, and Islam needs to be reformed. Those Muslims do exist and live in the West. However, they are such a minority - we estimate about 2 percent - they are irrelevant because it is the majority that is causing the problem now. (MORE)
Friday, April 27, 2007
Hassan is coming back to Egypt -- at least for a little while
Yes, well it's official. Hassan is making his way back to Egypt on May 28, Insha'Allah. It has been six months since he's been gone and though I miss him terribly I am grateful I had the opportunity to see how I could manage on my own.
But it wasn't all on my own. I have my real friends to thank for helping me along the way. I realized who my true friends are in school and outside of school. I even managed to make a few new friends along the way.
I gained my independence back, though it has taken me two years to do so. For the first time since I moved here, I am finally comfortable venturing out on my own, or with a friend or two. Friends who don't use me, friends who listen to me when I cry and complain, and friends who motivate me to keep on keepin' on.
I am still frustrated at not being able to communicate in Arabic, but I have found out that if I just use a few of the words I know, I am treated as though I belong here. Some experiences have been better than others, but overall it has been a very positive experience.
In terms of parenting on my own, I didn't do it all by myself. I have dear friends who have helped me carry the load and empathize with my situation -- Princess N for sure. Paul, Barbara and their children have been an absolute blessing in giving me some time off from parenting, as well as Amy, and Lisa. There are those who gave me words of encouragement and support throughout this time and I am grateful. Thank you all for your help and I cherish you in my heart.
I don't know how long Hassan will be back because he's not sure himself. I just hope that the time we spend together will make up for the time we spent apart.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
But it wasn't all on my own. I have my real friends to thank for helping me along the way. I realized who my true friends are in school and outside of school. I even managed to make a few new friends along the way.
I gained my independence back, though it has taken me two years to do so. For the first time since I moved here, I am finally comfortable venturing out on my own, or with a friend or two. Friends who don't use me, friends who listen to me when I cry and complain, and friends who motivate me to keep on keepin' on.
I am still frustrated at not being able to communicate in Arabic, but I have found out that if I just use a few of the words I know, I am treated as though I belong here. Some experiences have been better than others, but overall it has been a very positive experience.
In terms of parenting on my own, I didn't do it all by myself. I have dear friends who have helped me carry the load and empathize with my situation -- Princess N for sure. Paul, Barbara and their children have been an absolute blessing in giving me some time off from parenting, as well as Amy, and Lisa. There are those who gave me words of encouragement and support throughout this time and I am grateful. Thank you all for your help and I cherish you in my heart.
I don't know how long Hassan will be back because he's not sure himself. I just hope that the time we spend together will make up for the time we spent apart.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The School's Annual Show
The students have been practicing for such a long time to perform at the annual show which was held last night at the Cairo stadium. Watching the students for the past week practice for hours, I wondered how they would ever pull it together to perform at the show. It seems as though as soon as the students put on their costumes they got their act together and performed as one.
The annual show had all the students from all of the different campuses perform: National, English, French, German, and American. It
The annual show had all the students from all of the different campuses perform: National, English, French, German, and American. It
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Racism and prejudice are everywhere
Recently in the US a famous caucasian radio show host was fired for comments he made about a university's women's basketball team.
I was in the guidance counselor's office one afternoon and I heard a Somalian student say to his friend "Go to class n****r." I will not write the word because it's one of the words that should never be said to anyone. The student was unaware that what he said was bad, and that I heard him say it. Needless to say I verbally tore the student apart. I told him that if I said that to him, he would be on me in a second. The student agreed with me. When the guidance counslor, an African-American, heard what the student said, he also gave the student a piece of his mind. The guidance counselor and I are from the same area of the US and we told the student of our intolerance to use language like that.
The student was later in the library where I asked him to repeat to his friends what he said. When he did, a girl, also Somalian student in hijab turned to me and said "But it's ok if we say it to eachother." I said "No it's not okay for anyone to say it even to each other. How are people ever going to treat you with respect and dignity if this kind of talk is repeated. We need to set good examples not bad ones."
These students are mainly from Canada and Great Britain now living in Egypt.
Islam teaches us that all human beings are the same, regardless of the color of our skin.
These students seem to forget the basics of Islam.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
I was in the guidance counselor's office one afternoon and I heard a Somalian student say to his friend "Go to class n****r." I will not write the word because it's one of the words that should never be said to anyone. The student was unaware that what he said was bad, and that I heard him say it. Needless to say I verbally tore the student apart. I told him that if I said that to him, he would be on me in a second. The student agreed with me. When the guidance counslor, an African-American, heard what the student said, he also gave the student a piece of his mind. The guidance counselor and I are from the same area of the US and we told the student of our intolerance to use language like that.
The student was later in the library where I asked him to repeat to his friends what he said. When he did, a girl, also Somalian student in hijab turned to me and said "But it's ok if we say it to eachother." I said "No it's not okay for anyone to say it even to each other. How are people ever going to treat you with respect and dignity if this kind of talk is repeated. We need to set good examples not bad ones."
These students are mainly from Canada and Great Britain now living in Egypt.
Islam teaches us that all human beings are the same, regardless of the color of our skin.
These students seem to forget the basics of Islam.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Saturday, April 14, 2007
My weekend was a bust . . .
I had one of those weekends where I had planned to do something everyday -- something exciting, unusual, and fun. As it turns out, I ended up doing absolutely nothing that I planned. Although I have been in a blue funk this weekend, no thanks to a cold and a migraine, I managed to think quite a bit about living in Egypt -- not to mention smoke too much.
A lot of people believe that when you're in a funk the best thing to do is buy yourself something to feel better. I don't believe this; rather I believe in reaching out to friends who are in need.
It puts my life in perspective and helps me to remember to say Alhamdulillah for everything.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
A lot of people believe that when you're in a funk the best thing to do is buy yourself something to feel better. I don't believe this; rather I believe in reaching out to friends who are in need.
It puts my life in perspective and helps me to remember to say Alhamdulillah for everything.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
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