A note from Cairo
Trip Start
Jan 08, 2008
1
32
33
Trip End
Mar 18, 2008
Cairo, Egypt
Sunday, March 16, 2008
We have not been able to bolg each day because of the Internet access. Todays comes form Tracy. I will try to up load pictures on Tuesday.
Hi Friends!
I've just returned from reading and sun bathing by the pool where it's a beautiful sunny 78 degrees. We were admiring John S. for doing laps in the pool the last two days.
Today is Palm Sunday and since we were unable to locate an English speaking Christian Church, we held our own service on a platform in the middle of the pool at our hotel. One of the scriptures we read was Mark 11: 1 - 11 which tells us of Jesus entrance from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem. For us the scripture came to life as we have walked that very path just a few days ago.
After our service we boarded the bus and headed to the Egyptian Museum. Here our guide, Mohamed, gave us a fabulous tour through Egyptian history. Mohamed is a scholar with a PhD in Archeology and Egyptology. At this point, he has uncovered a 2ft. statue of a High Priest that is at the museum waiting to be put on display. Currently, he is working at a dig in Cairo to unearth another historic statue. He is truly amazing and has given us a thorough tour of Egypt. I find it fun to see his eyes light up when he speaks of Egypt's history. We are truly blessed!
On our way back to the hotel we stopped at a Mosque. Upon entering, all of us had to remove our shoes and, in addition, the women had to don robes and cover our heads out of respect to the Muslim faith (we have pictures!). The Muslims must bathe prior to praying starting with their hands, face, nose, ears, and feet. Once this is finished they go into a space (this one was enormous) and kneel either on a place marked on carpet or on their own blanket all the while facing toward Mecca which is southeast. This is for the men, if Muslim women choose to pray at the Mosque they must stay at the back or if there's a 2nd story they must go there. This is to prevent unclean thoughts from entering the mind while praying. They pray 5 times a day and are able to make it up prior to the next prayer time should they miss one. This particular Mosque had marble columns and glass and bronze incense holders hanging from the ceiling.
Yesterday we saw the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids which were awesome! Later in the evening we returned there for a laser light show.
This entire trip has been both interesting and enlightening. At this point, we are spending our last full day in Egypt. Tomorrow we cruise on the Nile for a couple of hours after which we will hook up with the rest of our group and head to Taba for an overnight stay on our way back to Jerusalem.
I think I can speak for everyone in saying that we are thankful for the great experience and amazing opportunity to make new friends and to share Gods love with everyone we meet.
We are hoping to bring this weather back with us!
Hugs to all! Tracy
