48 hours of relative calm and peaceful routines (with the exception of the curfew and military presence)
has been a welcome addition to our lives. There have been arrests of leading Muslim Brotherhood figures; and former President Mubarak may be released from the prison he currently shares with newly ousted President Morsi, but other than that, compared to the pace of news and events since June 27, it has been quiet.
Some countries have directed their citizens to leave Egypt; others, like the USA, have encouraged it. Some companies have all their personnel and families out of Egypt, others only have their employees' families out of the country while their employees continue to work.
Work does continue in Egypt--except tourism. As noted in this video report which aired on NBC Nightly News last night, August 20, the pyramids and other sites are closed while tourism, Egypt's 2nd largest revenue source, is in standstill.
We also share the video clip because we know the Skaggs family well--seen briefly at the end--in fact, we were in that very apartment with them a few nights ago sharing dessert and conversation with them. Byron's parents and grandparents are a part of the long history of great leaders that have preceded us. We have enjoyed having their family back here in Egypt (Jen began teaching at the American University in Cairo last fall). Unfortunately, all of their important and relative comments regarding their assessment of life in Maadi are on the editing room floor - but such is the era of soundbites.
School was delayed for Grace and Titus by one week. They were originally scheduled to begin last Monday after an orientation day for new students last Sunday -- all of that is set to begin this Sunday and Monday barring any major flare up.
The community in which we live is really like a strange bubble of near-normalcy. Unfortunately, with much less people here, the stores and restaurants are not as full. The owners of businesses in the area are happy and thankful to see us and other international patrons. Compare that with stores, restaurants and businesses that are closed or even boarded up, and you have reinforcement of the old adage, "location, location, location."
Further, in the past week, we have not heard any additional negative report from any of the pastors or Christians whom we serve throughout Egypt.
All of this positive reporting is not intended to minimize the situation in Egypt. We are not attempting to be cavalier about what is and has happened. We still are cautious, reading news stories, tracking local events and possibilities through Twitter, sharing security information with others, and observing curfews.
The road ahead remains long and difficult. We pray for peace, we work in faith, and we encourage with hope.
Thank you for your continued interest, prayers, concern and encouragement.
#PrayforEgypt
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| post-protest, Cairo has more than just the streets to clean and repair (image via Google image search) |
Some countries have directed their citizens to leave Egypt; others, like the USA, have encouraged it. Some companies have all their personnel and families out of Egypt, others only have their employees' families out of the country while their employees continue to work.
Work does continue in Egypt--except tourism. As noted in this video report which aired on NBC Nightly News last night, August 20, the pyramids and other sites are closed while tourism, Egypt's 2nd largest revenue source, is in standstill.
We also share the video clip because we know the Skaggs family well--seen briefly at the end--in fact, we were in that very apartment with them a few nights ago sharing dessert and conversation with them. Byron's parents and grandparents are a part of the long history of great leaders that have preceded us. We have enjoyed having their family back here in Egypt (Jen began teaching at the American University in Cairo last fall). Unfortunately, all of their important and relative comments regarding their assessment of life in Maadi are on the editing room floor - but such is the era of soundbites.
School was delayed for Grace and Titus by one week. They were originally scheduled to begin last Monday after an orientation day for new students last Sunday -- all of that is set to begin this Sunday and Monday barring any major flare up.
The community in which we live is really like a strange bubble of near-normalcy. Unfortunately, with much less people here, the stores and restaurants are not as full. The owners of businesses in the area are happy and thankful to see us and other international patrons. Compare that with stores, restaurants and businesses that are closed or even boarded up, and you have reinforcement of the old adage, "location, location, location."
Further, in the past week, we have not heard any additional negative report from any of the pastors or Christians whom we serve throughout Egypt.
All of this positive reporting is not intended to minimize the situation in Egypt. We are not attempting to be cavalier about what is and has happened. We still are cautious, reading news stories, tracking local events and possibilities through Twitter, sharing security information with others, and observing curfews.
The road ahead remains long and difficult. We pray for peace, we work in faith, and we encourage with hope.
Thank you for your continued interest, prayers, concern and encouragement.
#PrayforEgypt
Thank for keeping us posted, as I said b4 , its reassuring for us to read your blog while away from 'sunny' Cairo. j n p xx
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