Now I feel a little like I've got a tiger by the tail. But in a good way. I feel such a strong calling, yet I know this is not an easy time to go to Egypt. He wants us to go, but with eyes wide open. In that past few weeks, several developments indicate the state of chaos poor Egypt is in: (a) 19 American members of the IRI (Intl Republican Institute) and other NGO's in Cairo have been barred from leaving the country, pending criminal charges that could lead to imprisonment there. (b) Two American tourist (women) were kidnapped by Bedoins in the Sianai Penninsula then released the same day, after the Egyptian military intervened. (c) Riots continued, especially at soccer matches and Tahrir Square, resulted in over 70 deaths in the past week and the aftermath of protests continues.
Yet this is also a very hopeful time of opportunity...Now is actually the right time to go. Not in spite of these challenges, but because of them. Egyptian Christians have long suffered under oppressive conditions, and hopefully our team's presence there during these challenging times will send a strong message of our committment to our brothers & sisters on the front lines and demonstrate they are loved and supported, and encourage them to perservere...
Today I surprised myself, by raising my hand and accepting an even greater challenge than originally expected: Our Egypt-savy team leader Andy must arrive in Cairo separately from the team (via Munich not Frankfurt). Since I have arrived in Egypt on a previous project team, I offered help and our team leaders (Andy & Bob) asked if I would lead the team thru arrival at Cairo Airport, customs, immigration, currency exchange, baggage claim, and visa processing. And I accepted.
