Sounds like the start of a joke, and sometimes I wonder if I am in one large cosmic pun, but so goes the past three weeks of my life. I arrived in the 'small city' (roughly 1 mill?) of Beni Suef three weeks ago, and already only have two more left. My main place of residence has been a girl's orphanage, right next to a boy's, both of which are run by the Coptic church. Mennonite Central Committe (MCC) has been working in Egypt for about 20-30 years, and helped make this connection with Goshen College.
My first week was one of the most overwhelming and taxing of my life, filled to the brim with people, newness, and expectations I didn't understand. My friend Abe and I were assigned to teach English in a private Coptic-run language school, supposedly the best school in Beni Suef. As it turns out, we were sort of asked to teach all ages from primary, prep, to secondary, and be somewhat miracle workers in making the students fluent in the mere four weeks we may actually have to teach. Alas, we try our best, visiting different classes each period, interjecting correct pronounciation/teaching the entire lesson when asked. The rest of the time we spend drinking endless cups of tea in offices, trying to hide our hysterical laughter which bubbles up from the mass confusion of life in the schools here and is perhaps a symptom of our stress...
Part two of my assignment: teaching English 2-3 times a week for adults in an evening course. This, I've found, is something I DO enjoy, thanks be to God. I realize I love teaching, especially when the students aren't constantly yelling and asking you what your name is. Perhaps I'll pursue this in the future.
New location: As of two days ago, I was whisked off to the Priest's house, Father Yussef, for a week-long stay. Ever since the police followed us back from a field trip we took to the local pyramid, we've been hounded. Mainly, they want an excuse to meddle with the orphanage and the Church here in general. I'm sad to leave the 25 girls and wonderful Sister Nardeen at the orphanage, who want me to stay with them forever, but it is somewhat amusing to live with a Priest. Only downside: I'm picked up from school at 2pm and thereafter am conatined within their apartment till the next morning. When at the orphanage, Abe and I were able to escape for walks along the Nile. It's a bit scary to climb a few flights of stairs these days, and feel out of breath!!
Highlights:
Since arriving here in Beni Suef, I feel that I've gotten a real taste of Egyptian culture--nothing like anything I experienced in Cairo. Here I am offered food constantly, as well as gallibayas (the egyptian dress) to change into for naps, and have learnt more Arabic in three weeks than in 2 months previously. I'm accustomed to eating fresh guavas each day, and have attended multiple Coptic services. Tomorrow, I go to a wedding and the party afterwards.
Funny Notes:
Well, too many to mention, but here's a few: Egyptians wear their pajamas whenever in the home. So, Father Yussef, who I'm used to only seeing wearing black robe and hat, changes into his light-blue pajamas. I'm still amused by this.
Also, Egyptians want their guests to be visibly happy at ALL times. If you are alone too long, they get worried. If you happen to be reserved and not talk much (like my friend Abe) they are also very concerned. I had to explain to my dear Sister Nardeen (the mama and nun at the girl's orphange, who is a wise sage and hilarious) that Abe actually is quite happy, truly....
Next week school's off on account of a Muslim holiday. We might be headed to an oasis in the desert, but as with all things, we don't really know what's up until it's happening. After that, one more week here and I return to Cairo. So quick!
With confusion, and laughs as usual,
Andrea
