Christmas in Cairo

Hey Friends,

It has been a while since I have written, so I thought I would toss something up here. Yesterday was my birthday, and I got a lot of “Happy Birthday. How is Egypt?” notes, so I thought I would consolidate my responses with a quick update.

Egypt is good, and so are we. I am enjoying working at the church. I spend a bit of my time with High schoolers, but other aspects of my job are picking up. We are starting a regular group for the Young Adults in our church, I am preaching in a few weeks, and I am going to meet with the PCUSA in the next few weeks to look into carving out a small role with Presbyterian Church in Egypt. Oh, I am also coaching Cross-country at the American School. Emily is enjoying working as a nurse at the US Embassy. She is getting great experience and enjoying her co-workers. She works in a clinic in the embassy that provides healthcare for the 500 families that work for the US gov in Cairo. This week is her first week on call, so she is the point person to guide them through the manacles of the Egyptian Healthcare system, should they fall ill when the clinic isn’t open.

We had a very nice Christmas. Our friend Ryan Bonfiglio visited us. Emily and I both had work the week of Christmas, so we spent Christmas day in Cairo, and then went to Jerusalem for a long weekend over the new years break. Well, I think it might actually be easier to just post some photos rather than trying to describe what we did, but thanks for your interest in our lives, your many means of support and friendship, and for the many birthday wishes.

Ben

The Christmas Pageant at St. John's

The Middle School Youth Group organized a service project where we brought Christmas presents to the children of Sudanese refugees. We then visited the school to give the gifts and watch the children's Christmas play.

A young girl at the Happy Family Preschool.

A group from the Middle and High School Youth group.

In between our 5pm and 11pm Christmas eve services, Emily, Ryan, and I celebrated Christmas Eve with the Chandlers.

My Uncle Jack and Aunt Theo Robinson were also with for Christmas eve.

Emily and I screwing around in Cairo.

Ryan and Emily atop the towers of the gate of the old city of Cairo.

We also saw the Sufi Dancers sing/dance/worship, which was fantastic.

Emily at the Step Pyramid.

Ryan at the Giza Pyramids.

Emily in Jerusalem.

Emily with our good friend Kate Taber who we were visiting in Jerusalem.

Ryan and I hanging out on a rooftop in the old city of Jerusalem.

A nice vista of the old city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.

The sun setting in an Olive Grove that overlooks Hebron.

PS. I will upload more photos in the next few days- check them out here (when they arrive).