The Heart of Egypt...

the heart of Egypt is the people!!!

So many foreigners are cautioned away from the people because the men are grabby and flirty and etc.....but really aren't all men capable of being like this in crowded cities? I don't find them anymore so horrid than walking in Chicago! There's more considerate men and women here tho ;)

Well, anyway their fears are unfounded when based upon an American comparison! lololol

Men are after all...men! lol

and wonderful creations of God!! I happen to love quite a few! ;) tee hee

Anyway - the heart of Egypt is the VERY poor people - like 80 million under poverty here? Well, 3ali whom I've been hiring....and giving food bags and lunches to his family daily.....they wanted to honor the volunteers at the church somehow - they are Muslim. They weren't sure what to do...they ask me how to do that and I said

F-O-O-D!

Actually, I said "mmmmm!!! akl!!" but it basically is food! lol

I invited some other volunteers, but they were a little nervous, except Mina (likely because he is Egyptian). 3ali walked to us.....and we drove in Mina's car.....me, 3ali, and the kids. We drove into these tight back-alley areas and had like 'red carpet service' - the whole community was expecting us!!!!!!!!!!!!!! These are people who struggle to put food on the table from day to day...but they wanted to honor us! They didn't have enough money to feed everyone....so...

they served us in one of the "bedrooms" - it had different lacy things laying around on the different cots/mattresses. We enjoyed conversation...they told us what their mosque service was about and they had told their "leader" about how Christians had been helping them feed their family for 3 weeks now...and they told us they are so happy that foreign and native people here feel peace like they feel peace. It was 3ali, his father, his older brother and us 4.

The women and children waited outside the bedroom door and giggle ;) I felt honored. It was hard not to feel sorry for them, but I did my best...and all my Arabic flowed easily....it was wonderful!

The apartment housed 12 people. It had a kitchen the size of mine and 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. It was full of love, I felt so warm and welcomed!!!!!!!!

I have finally been to the heart of Egypt! And I plan to return there with food bags!! Tonight, the Lord moved in people's hearts here and I will be able to do more lunches in the next few weeks still! PRAISE HIM! and added 10 food bags to Sunday's supply (160 tomorrow, 50 on Sunday). 160 tomorrow go to African and Iraqi refugees who have lost their jobs and are now evicted from their homes :( 50 Sunday go to the church I told you about that i visited.

We had maaH-shi, some type of potato, liff (not sure what it was, something cold and spicey pickled), pepsi (bybsey lol), bbq chicken wings and other foods I don't know what they were. They even had purchased one bottle of bottled water for us to share so that we didn't drink tap water - they really wanted to thank and honor us...but it wasn't just for us 4 there...

IT'S FOR ALL OF YOU!!! YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYERS, SUPPORT, DONATIONS!!! I told them about you all in America!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

When we take food bags there in a week or so, I'll take some photos of the children :)

The truly needy.....

I was never wealthy by American standards, so I never felt wealthy. I have other issues, so I'm not patting myself on the back..but I also never really whined about not having more or keeping up w/ the Jones' or not being able to eat at fabulous restaurants and take extravagant vacations nor have fancy cars...so I perhaps even took a little pride in being humble...I confess there were moments.....

but here, when you see children fighting for dogs over what is in the garbage and you see 100's of men with hopeless faces and women agonizing to find a way to feed their children.....

you realize that if you eat 3 meals/day - YOU ARE RICH!!!!!!!!!!

Last night, I had the opportunity to go to a local Egyptian Christian church with a new friend. They are unable to meet the demand of the people in their community. The people wait, trusting, praying, hoping...and yet food and medical care rarely ever come. There are no options, they're not alcoholics or chosing it by laziness....it's true desperation......when you pray for us..you are praying for these people! To find hope not in the food, but in the love of God shown thru the food!

We desperately need you to keep praying!

and so I also ask my brothers and sisters - have you read Revelation lately?

ARE WE LIVING IN THE END TIMES IN AFRICA OR WHAT?! IS THIS STIRRING AND SHAKING INCREDIBLE?! WOW!!

It's horrible :(

and yet we know it's God working....and we await His control of peace over the hearts and minds of the leaders and people.....we await with excited anticipation!

When you pray...when you encourage..when you donate...you are building into the lives of children fighting with dogs over garbage..................

is this not what Jesus called "the least of these"

THANK YOU! for joining us! A quick snapshot of today....Yrene, Cherie and Margaret were with me today making cheese sandwiches. The money for lunches has run out. BUT NOT OUR FAITH AND NOT OUR PRAYERS! THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Manic Monday

Ayman ROCKS as a driver!!!!!!!!! BRAVO, TAXI AYMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I called him after we had too much fun making 200 meat sandwiches ;)

and told him what we were doing...asked him to drive me and Riana to some places....he took us to where men sat hopeless and lifeless with their broken assortment of tools...where some were digging in garbage and eating it....and we (you included) gave out hope, smiles and joy..along with food!

He played body guard and taxi driver ;) THANKS, AYMAN! Must get another photo of him on here tomorrow!! I confess tho - it got pretty mobb-ish for a moment! eek!

Tackling Tennis

Thanks to Rob, Joshua has started tennis lessons at the club. WHAT FUN!! THANKS, DADDY-O!!

Here's a glimpse of his first lesson...thought you all might enjoy a peek!



WAY TO GO, BUD!! I KNOW YOU'LL PICK IT UP EASILY!! ENJOY!!


this last one is courtesy of Liz from the Sunday at TaHriir Square. She said she got a fun photo of me with the military marching.....I had no idea! lol WAY TO GO, EGYPTIAN ARMY!! THANKS FOR STANDING BY THE PEOPLE! THANKS FOR KNOWING WHAT IS RIGHT AND DISOBEYING INHUMANE ORDERS!!! NOT MANY COUNTRIES IN AFRICA CAN SAY THEY'VE HAD SUCH HONOR! WAY TO GO, EYPGTIAN MILITARY!!

Worshipping During the Storm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2IzstN6eaw

past in your browser

I am indistinguishable because I am way in the back in the sunshine walking with some restless toddlers. This was the closing hymn.

You will see my friend Sherry photographed before, Jonathan and Sarah (holding baby Andrew), Liz and Brian photographed here before, a white lady with dark blonde straight hair/hand raised is Joshua's principal, Timo my buddy on the drums, Say-lee, my brother on the African drums (from the Congo, he has 11 children! bless his wife!) and oh I could go on and on so you could know them more personally! The Asian lady with the brown coat and full enthusiasm (she's Korean by the way) that I spend weeknights praying with in a small group (sorry, I have yet to pronounce her name). Oh and Julius the professional soccer player from Liberia and there is Joshua's 3rd grade teacher and his wife who is Joshua's new Arabic teacher....

well just enjoy and join in!!!

My friend WC reminded me of a quote - not sure who said it...

Sometimes God calms the storm....sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms His child."

Food Bags - Helwan - 163!!

Helwan is a very poor community not too far from here. As a matter of fact, some of my photos of the city have "Helwan police" in the background. It is that close and is almost part of this city now. The last 3 groups of bags (including today) have been going to Helwan. Your prayers are over the people of Helwan...where our gracious and merciful God pours out in the form of food....we pray that as the people fill their tummies, they would also be filled with an inexplicable warmth, joy and fulfillment!!

When you are praying for us, you are part of this! When you are encouraging us, you are a part of this! I do believe these simple definitions make too small of how I feel of the glory of God, but I am limited to only language here,so it'll have to do! But to close my eyes....and feel His glory............even a photo couldn't speak the words!

This...this is God moving, giving a testimony to Himself! Showing His presence and showering His creation! This is not me nor my doing and I hope none of my simple words or photos display the contrary....

GLORY TO GOD!!

Now...for you to enjoy what God has done among us here and you there today....130 food bags for Helwan!

The Future Egypt....

The Future Egypt is a CLEANER and FREER Egypt!

We are taking part in what we can! I had invited quite a crew from church to join an Egyptian crew cleaning the streets today. There were 100's of us, but we were in a group of about 30. Most of my church friends were busy or taking the sabbath, but I couldn't stand to not join! ha! One friend was able to join, what a blessing!

Here's a glimpse! After these load, I must blow more dirt out of my nose! LOL







The people are targeting touristy and foreigner highlight spots......they want SO much for the foreigners to return and rejoin! UNITED AS PEOPLE SHARING THIS PLANET!!

**food update** we have enough food for 130 bags tomorrow! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

We have been united, as a specific prayer request, with a local Egyptian church...they are unable to keep up with the current additional needs of their community not too far from us - so we are targeting them with bags! Please consider a donation $10 will feed a family of 4 for a week!!

www.maadicommunitychurch.com
egiving
community care

THANKS for continuing to pray! I hate to bug you to ask for money....but these people are LITERALLY STARVING IN FRONT OF MY FACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't help but rope you in on it ;)

THANKS for sharing the joy!!

Now to spend the rest of the day playing uno, eating McDonald's and staying up late watching The Walton's ;)

LOVE TO YOU ALL!
Wendy

Still Takin it to the Streets.......

yesterday, 200 lunches...again today!

I wanted you to see a glimpse of today! Cucumbers, oranges and bread. Our next lunch routine will happen Monday. We have 6 kilo's of ground beef witih some type of sauce coming....as well as 4 of us women to put the sandwiches together.

Thank you for continuing to pray!




left to right...
Margaret, Mary (from church, Egyptian), Riana, Claudine (from Singapore, met in Arabic last summer, we still enjoy lunch together, she just returned last week and is glad she's back and has her kids in school, she's glad that the news was sensationalizing how bad it got, that it isn't really how bad it is!)

We are still praying for 160 food bags for Saturday - we are in need of more financial donations to make that happen. $10 will feed a family of 4 for a week!

www.maadicommunitychurch.com
e giving
community care

or give cash to Dave K, Amy W or myself at church anytime

178 meal bags today! THANKS, ALL!

this is SO totally cool!!!!!!! yes, I'm from the 80's, get over it! ;)
lol

So last night, my friend Amy and I wanted to keep shooting for another batch of 160 food bags like this weekend, altho we were a few thousand LE short.....so we ordered it and prayed....

and today...we had enough money come LAST NIGHT...

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY EIGHT FAMILIES FED THIS WEEK!!! (not counting the lunches, that's separate all together)

THANK YOU! FOR CONTINUED PRAYERS! THEY ARE IN FULL SWING ACTION HERE!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS...AND PLEASE PASS ALONG THE URGENT NEED TO PRAY AND DONATE!!! IT'S MULTIPLYING!!!!! WOO HOO!!

I had paid for tomorrow's 200 lunches and and after the 178 bags, we were out...then someone saw what we were doing and donated more money to go for lunches on Thursday!

AAAAAAWESOME!!

I know you've all caught the fire with us!! Please pass it along for prayers and shared joy! There are now 15 of us families all working together to try and make this happen - that is the bulk of our church family left! out of almost 900!!

GOD IS GOOD!! in the midst of this, we are seeing AMAZING things done - I wanted you to see what you're all a part of!!

~Wendy - doin the happy dance! over and out in Maadi!

Introductions and Lunches

First....I'd like to introduce my bananas! LOLOL
this looked SO funny on my kitchen table, I had to share!

Next is Ali - the young man who's been doing the shopping for me..you've seen him before in the past because he has also sold us all my rugs. Here he is with the 200 breads for our sloppy joe sandwiches - fresh baked this morning! woo hoo!


Saved the best for last....
on the far left is Margaret. She is British by birth, but Egyptian by naturalization. She has lived here 30+ yrs with her sweet husband. Margaret and I have sat together in worship for at least 9 months now :)

to the far right is Flora - the amazing Christian woman who adds such joy to our home! She has been cleaning 4 hours twice/wk. Her husband is a pastor here, she has been taking some lunches to families in their congregation who are now out of work. Today she helped me make the lunches (volunteered) as well as distribute.

In the background is her friend Roxanne. Roxanne was the housekeeper to a homeschool family here! I already knew her! When she showed up at my door as Flora's friend to help volunteer, I was really shocked! ha! We had a lovely day serving together!!



**THANK YOU!** to those who continue to pray for the hurting in Egypt! Praying for peace during the transitions in Egypt! Continue to encourage us! and who are able to donate as well!!

Tomorrow we willl pack 160 more food bags!!!!!!!! We found a bulk place with better pricing, so we even include 1 kilo of pasta as well for the same $10 per bag!

Wednesday we'll have oranges and bread....then be out of cash!

We are hopeful for more donations! Please keep praying! Keep spreading the word!

Today, the taxi's and very poor families and men down the road without work were so thankful to see our return out on the street with 200 lunches! We'd been working on food bags, hadn't seen them since Thursday! They were grateful and many wealthy Egyptians thanked us for encouraging the country. They themselves are waiting for the stock market to reopen..once they invest again, the currency here will regain strength and hopefully prices will go down (they are going UP!). This will help the poorer families of course almost immediately!

First Day of Third Grade - Joshua

first off

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, LOVED ONES! MAY YOU FEEL GOD'S LOVE ALL DAY! ALL YEAR!!
XO

Joshua started school today. He is attending Maadi Children's Study Center. His teacher is Mr. Wilson from England. I wonder if Joshua will get his British lingo and give me chuckles ;)

He has been thrilled and excited to go! It's not exactly like starting a new school, he knows more than half the school and every child in his class - because they all attend our church or have been at a church function or play date.

However, he was nervous!!

He kept telling me the last week that he had to dress nicer, had to make sure he worked on his self control, had to be sure he ate a good breakfast, etc...etc...etc....WAY TOO CUTE!

The paper I had him write during LA at homeschool last week was chosen to be published in their school newspaper :) I was told that his language, reading, comprehension, writing and concepts of science and politics is that of an 11-13 yr old on a British standard (which is higher than American) - BRAVO DUDE! of course his math is way down low.......but we're still working on it ;) He could use prayers in that department!!

So, without further gushing from a proud momma.....here's a glimpse of this morning drop off

Photos From Today

*thanks to Rob* woo hoo! my internet "box" needed to be reset - so I should be running full speed ahead now! :) Can't wait to skype w/ my parents and Tanya!

BE SURE TO READ THE BABBLES BELOW ;) apologizing ahead of time for not proofing before I posted! lol should be called "Wendy - Raw" lol

el-midaan etTaHriir

Organized a group this weekend to head to TaHriir Square today. 8 of us cleaned, socialized, encouraged and PRAYED!!!!!!!!!!!

I am not having good luck with internet service at home since Thursday. I have a short battery life on this computer....but found a free service outside thru one of the cafe's (just not electrical outlets!).

I want to try to tell you the experience thru the senses.

We met at Sakanat Metro Station and rode the crowded metro (on the men's carriage) to Sadat Station. When we exited at Sadat, the smell was overwhelming. Now for those who haven't been to Cairo, you may think anywhere here is overwhelming. I'm telling you that we were gasping for air and put scarves over our mouths. People were walking with tissues over their faces. The stench of human waste was gagging. It permeated even my skin, I swear. Before we exited the station, we were gasping again, eyes were watering and we found ourselves trotting without speaking - TEAR GAS!

That's right! it was still lingering in the underground subway system!!!

Upon exiting into the bright sun, we were welcomed in Arabic, asked if we were journalists or with television. We assured them we were all from Italy. LOL
Why Italy? Well, Britian and the US are big players in the world scene, if someone wants to make up lies about catching us making bad faces or who knows what.....we don't want it associated with a country such as this ;) Italy, on the otherhand, is out of the picture all together.

We purchased flags - something we've wanted to do since arriving more than a year ago actually!

We were greeted by a crowd of young men. Nancy is quite fluent in Arabic, mine's still slow, but impressive to native speakers....we conversed, joked, congratulated etc....and wound up with permission to assist their cleaning crew.

Pride.

If I could sum up everything I felt and saw and try to imagine the largest feeling.....was pride.

Egypt is even dirtier than Mexico. Most of you have seen photos of Guatamala, Mexico, etc....or been there...right? It doesn't hold a candle to here. But these people who were protesting - they organized!

They had created "toilets" - they had found scrap sheet metal, torn down boxes and dug holes, make little walls and kept it separated. Their sleeping quarters were still well guarded (seen photographed) by young men who are skeptical about why we are there.

Pride.

They tell us "we want to clean for ourselves!" and we say "ok, ok, that's great! But we love Egypt, we want to help" "oh, ok, no problem, continue"

Nancy and Liz said to me "well, I guess our charitable work was to allow 1,000,000 photographs! LOL - typically we do not allow photographs with or of our children....but today....we wanted to photograph in return ;) so we were more open!

Pride.

We accidentally happened upon one of the areas where live fire had taken place. The young men there insisted we take no photos. Buildings, restaurants we've eaten at, walked past...riddled with bullets....pcs of clothing.....flooded out.....dead animals floating.....blood on walls.....

They do not want anyone finding amusement. I AGREE! They did allow me to photograph something beautiful I found - grafiti! "I "heart" Egypt"

Pride.

We all stood around and prayed for the angels of the Lord to remove the angels of darkness left in the square, that peace and unity would continue to grow.

Pride.

Millions of young men, young men in a culture where EVERYONE wears their emotions on their sleeves (maybe why I'm at home here, that's me too! lol), everyone is quick to ignite.....however....not one of them initiated violence! When the police stopped attacking, when the former regime supporters were stopped by the military...they stopped as well.....they were persistant wanting a strong, peaceful Egypt.

Pride.

We walked by men who were badly bruised and wrapped up and they saluted us, thanked us and welcomed us.

Pride.

I hate crying in public. But as I spoke to Liz, we confessed that we had them pooling...and when I took a picture of Joshua and Grace with 2 men who'd been beated by police....tears spilled out.

Pride.

We respected their pride and did not stop over the memorials of the dead. It is not welcomed when intentions are unsure.

Pride.

Their homes were well taken care of!

The most surprising things are as follows...

getting off the train at Maadi and sniffing in deeply and saying AAH FRESH AIR!

lolololol

and secondly...the lack of military presence at TaHriir Square!

Lastly - the amount of former regime supporters still picketting.

Pride.

These young men who peacefully protested their tyranically goverment, greet and allow these groups within them - THAT is the beginning of freedom!

Many are still afraid and don't share our enthusaism. Many assume there is no more freedom here now than before, they're not better off, we're not safer.

Thing is....BEFORE THERE WAS NO OPPORTUNITIES!! NOW THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FOR FREEDOM! UNITY!

and foreigners who saw Egyptians as third-world, low class, dirty people...will soon after have to change mindsets to agree they are equals...living in a free society!

Can Egypt be a democratic country? Why not? It will be a bumpy road! They're taught as children not to question why, not to reason and support beliefs, but simply to do it because they are told to do so. Was there not a time we did this to women and people with darker skin tones? And have we now not agreed we are all equal? It will take training and bumps...

but they can decide for themselves IF THEY WANT TO

and that's the key

IF they want to! and the majority has spoken..THEY WANT TO!!

My battery is dying. Pics another time!

Love,
Wendy

Weekend Meal Bags

We're targeting the Refugee Community, this weekend, who has lost jobs these last weeks......

*thanks* for those who have been able to donate online!! *thanks* for those continuing to pray!!

Right now we will continue with street meals M - Th this week again continuing to bring encouragement to the hurting community.

And we will do more bags Wed AND Sat!

*thanks* for prayers for the hurting!!

A Small Glimpse of a HUGE celebration!

below are 3 videos from last night.

It started to get quieter around 11:15, I lost internet about that time....I waited until midnight then gave up and went to sleep!

Thanks for continuing to pray!

and THANKS for sharing in the Egyptian Emotion!!

Rockin the Revolutionary Rumble!

NOT A DROP OF ALCOHOL IN SIGHT!!!

INTOXICATED BY EXCITEMENT AND HOPE!!









WHO CAN STAY INSIDE?

WHO CAN CLOSE THEIR EYES?

NOT US!! HAVE FRIEND...WILL PARTY!! imagine...thousands of people 4 blocks from my house (at Kimo, mom)....MiSr! MiSr! MiSr! (Egypt) When our throats were sore from singing and our ears were tired from noise.....the kids talked me into leaving! LOL


PRAYING THIS IS THE END OF THE TYRANNY HERE! THE BEGINNING OF PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST! LET IT BEGIN! LET IT BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day Three - YOU with us 3!

200 meals today!

Have you been sending encouraging notes and cheering us on?

Have you been praying for unity, freedom from tyranical oppression?

Have you been praying for our safety and help for the people?

If you can say yes to any of this, you are part of us 3 today!! and the multiple families this weekend as we put together meal bags! (rice, flour, sugar, oil, beans)

THANKS for encouragement and prayers! you are part of this!! :)

Day Two - Meals

Thank you for prayers!!

I have enough supplies and cash to get 200 lunches together tomorrow!! no meals Fri and Saturday..... Then Saturday there's a whole crew of us coming to make family bags to distribute Sunday! Rice, beans, oil, flour, sugar, dry milk. Everyone's caught the fever and it's outstanding how God is working....amazing that out of millions of people here, He could see a few hundred every day here and shower us with the joy of giving and others the joy of receiving!

I will continue to be able to employ young Ali as well (ill father, deceased mother, 8 yr old brother, they live on the street) and he has been doing a GREAT job running errands for me :) I am humbled to be allowed to see such encouragement in people!

I'm not tootin my horn, I'm just sharing and want you to read this and say

WOW THAT'S GREAT GOD!!

Here's a pic! Look, I even had more volunteers today! Woo hoo!



A Texan, a S African and a Michigander - I'm blessed beyond measure!

For food distrubution, was added a Detroit young man as well as a Korean lady! Such treasures!!


Ali secured us 100 apples, 100 oranges, 100 cukes and 100 loaves of bread ;)

Tomorrow it'll be 200 banana's and 200 loaves of bread and 200 eggs! 5 families took eggs to boil and brought back to me today chilled and ready :)

**please pray** a friend is trying to take medical supplies to the field hospital - irregardless of what any of us think about what's going on here politically...we simply must care for God's people!! Please pray for these 2 men's safety and for the medical supplies to reach safely to those in need!!

Thanks for sharing our joys and our fears and our burdens!

We love you and even tho I'm finally sleeping great, I haven't forgotten to pray for you all, I'm sorry I"m not doing too great w/ any personal notes these days......

Thanks for your understanding.

Love from Egypt,
W