So we've finally made it to our first destination, the ancient nation of Egypt. Where thankfully there are no plagues at this time of the year. We were very warmly welcomed by the hosts of Anafora, who consists of a team of the most welcoming people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Immediately upon arrival we were fed the most delicious traditional Egyptian food and given warm beds. We are blessed enough to work with an incredibly friendly man named Nasar (as also indicated by his tattoo on his hand) , who also does not speak a single word of english. Although I personally enjoy the process of trying to speak 2 languages at once, it was less enjoyable for actually trying to understand what we have to do. The mornings are crisp and fresh and best paired with a steaming cup of coffee on the roof of the Coptic Church, whilst listening to Mumford and Sons.
The evenings are something else though, every night there is a prayer session in the chapel, where upon you enter the room and it is as if faith becomes tangible. The rumbling prayers in arabic and outstretched hymns of worship flood the air, that already hangs thick with the burning of incense and a feeling of utter peacefulness. It is really one of the most amazing cultural experiences that I have ever had.
As with all love you never see it coming, and i really didn't this time, but I have very quickly, very deeply fallen in love with Egypt and it's people. I truly believe the riches of Egypt do not lie within their tombs, treasure rooms or museums. But in the people, their love and their faith.
We still have another 2 weeks remaining in Egypt and I am expectant to see what amazing things will come from it and what God has planned for me.
Until next time,
Rudolph