THINGS COME UP to challenge one's resolve and dedication to the task. I decided to listen to Minnesota Public Radio today concerning the latest details of the Egyptian uprising. Who knew it would be so relevant to me? Yet, I am glued to all the latest details so I can report them to my Egyptian AFS exchange student when he comes home from school. He hasn't heard from his family since the internet went down. The only numbers he has to call are cell phones. So when I heard that the lines of communication were coming open, I breathed a sigh of relief.
I can not image how hard it would be for his mother to know all her children are not there with her family at this most auspicious of times for the country. I wish I could speak to her about how honored I am to host her son and help keep him informed of the latest details. He even contributed to the cause by making this digital art piece hoping someone may find it useful in the protests.
Each day as we look on line for any details that may give us some insight or detail to discuss, we discover more of ourselves and that despite our differences, there is a bond that transcends an intellectual understanding, that he is safe and appreciated despite not knowing anything about the safety and location of his family. Are they in Luxor or Cairo? Do they see this as a carnival or a torment? Do they fear looters or are they jubilant at the commitment of the peaceful protests?
I wonder if I could be so present for all that is unfolding without judgment or fear of what all this unrest may mean for the rest of the world if the stability of Egypt crumbles, had I not gone through my own forgiveness work. I have so much compassion for the protesters, who refuse to budge despite President Mubarak refusal to leave. Most importantly I have faith that in some small way I too am a part of this unfolding of the will of the people. I can help a teenager understand the importance and meaning of this historical event and encourage his unfolding political world view without having to impose my own view. I am able to remain at peace, no matter not knowing important key details of my Egyptian son's family, we can remain mindful of what we have right in front of us and stay present to the bonds that we've been blessed to form and the bridges we have crossed by his being here.
Each day as we look on line for any details that may give us some insight or detail to discuss, we discover more of ourselves and that despite our differences, there is a bond that transcends an intellectual understanding, that he is safe and appreciated despite not knowing anything about the safety and location of his family. Are they in Luxor or Cairo? Do they see this as a carnival or a torment? Do they fear looters or are they jubilant at the commitment of the peaceful protests?
I wonder if I could be so present for all that is unfolding without judgment or fear of what all this unrest may mean for the rest of the world if the stability of Egypt crumbles, had I not gone through my own forgiveness work. I have so much compassion for the protesters, who refuse to budge despite President Mubarak refusal to leave. Most importantly I have faith that in some small way I too am a part of this unfolding of the will of the people. I can help a teenager understand the importance and meaning of this historical event and encourage his unfolding political world view without having to impose my own view. I am able to remain at peace, no matter not knowing important key details of my Egyptian son's family, we can remain mindful of what we have right in front of us and stay present to the bonds that we've been blessed to form and the bridges we have crossed by his being here.
