Just Like Home?!

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I have not been writing as often as I did in the last summer because frankly I have been busy. As one of the three coordinators of the summer English course I've been involved in a lot more prep time and a lot more conversation and discussion about the program itself than in the past. I enjoy this very much -- but I notice that when I have down time, I'm tired and I want to rest. I think I'm also trying to catch up on rest from a very busy few months before coming here.

One of the things I love about my time in Egypt is that life slows down for me and I live at a different pace. I tend to be more in the moment. I make a point of breaking each hour in the morning to join the students during their breaks -- even if I'm not teaching. I make a point of taking tea each morning at 11 and each afternoon at 4. These are the habits that shape my life in this place and because these are my habits here, I tend to be less worried about "production" of work, of blogs, of ideas, of anything. I think this change of pace is good for me.

After a few beautiful summer days filled with fresh breezes, it's become hot and humid. My computer says it will be 101 today and it's quite humid. I'm glad we'll be going on a swimming trip this afternoon. I also noticed that it's scheduled to be 106 by midweek. From past experience I can tell you that this will be ungodly and very very hot (even for Egyptians).

I welcome your continued prayers and I will try to do some more reflecting on my time here in the days ahead and also try to respond to some of your questions.

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Comments

[anonymous]

It sounds like you have developed some wonderful and restful rhythms to your life in Egypt. When I was in Ghana, I was at first astounded but eventually pleased that when it rained, everything stopped. The idea of deadlines and "productivity" were literally foreign concepts. Things got done when they got done. Frustrating for me to adjust to that idea at first, but then I realized it made sense with the natural rhythms of life, instead of the artificial rhythms that we have created. Enjoy your continued tea-taking and other manners of refreshment!

[Ellen]

oops, I did it again :)
Again, I forgot to put my name on my comment. I'm not very good at this!

[Amy in Egypt]

Stopping
That's what happens here in the heat. Even for Egyptians it's hot -- and so life just stops. This is good, except when you're trying to motivate students to participate in class and do their homework.