Something is over...

I am putting *** next to the things that are actually exciting and worth the reading, so if you're in a hurry you can just go to these paragraphs. 

Well, last night was officially the last night of the Human Rights training program. I must say, it has been one interesting ride. Different feelings, mixed with physical exhaustion, yet the mental determination to keep going. It was an experience I won't forget. From all the material I've learned, to all the people I've gotten to know, to the countless things I've learned about myself- I'm grateful! 

The last five days of the training I got a chance to learn how to record and produce documentaries. My teammates and I were able to summarize the 20 day training we had in a six minute documentary we recorded. I think I found a new hobby here. It made me realize how selecting certain images to display to the viewer can influence feelings and thoughts the viewer will have. The production team is actually in charge of so much more than just showing a picture. Every. Little. Detail. COUNTS. For someone like me, who always stresses "big picture" or "general meaning", this was really challenging, yet really eye opening. 

Now is the morning of my first day in Egypt with no agenda and no plan. It feels a bit overwhelming (now what?), but a part of me trusts there are good things to come. 

Housing story:

****As you all know, I've been staying with my grandma and aunt for the past three weeks, but have been trying to find another place to stay that has WiFi, better AC, a more comfortable bed, and the freedom to do what I want without having to explain it to my lovely protective family (it's been sweet of them, but I need some space...ehem..). 

2 years ago, I was at church in Atlanta. A lady tapped my shoulder and asked "are you Egyptian?" We connected. Turned out she is the CEO of an NGO in Egypt that deals with sexual abuse. We would talk here and there, but nothing too serious. A couple of weeks before I came to Egypt, I saw her at a wedding. My parents asked if she knew of a place for me to stay in Egypt and she explained that her NGO has a guest house for people that volunteer for them, especially those that come from outside Egypt. After receiving this exciting news, I followed up with the guest house to ask about their price, and sadly it was way too high for my budget, so I dismissed the idea, still hoping to volunteer for her NGO.

About a week ago, I set up a meeting with her so we can further discuss my ability to help out. That same day was particularly exhausting at the Human Rights training, yet I still had planned to meet with her along with visiting two other housing places people here had told me to check out. After my training, I took the metro and visited the first housing place, then the second. I was really discouraged because they weren't that clean or comfortable at all. I was still willing to try them out, but prayed I would find something better.

Afterwards, I took a taxi to the lady's house and we talked. It was an amazing conversation about her passion and vision, along with my skills that can help her NGO out. After we were done she asked if I had found a place to stay. "Funny you're asking me this now, cause I have just spent 3 hours visiting places and not really feeling comfortable with them," I replied.

"Why don't you consider our guest house?"

"Sadly, the price is too high"
"No dear, let me call the guest house director, she'll give you the price you want."

Off she dials and calls the director. "Yes, Lydia my friend wants to live at the guest house, but your price is too high. Half the price for her. Ok? Here Lydia, take the phone."

I was in shock, as you can imagine. "...hello? yes..umm.."

They told me I'm more than welcome to come and pay whatever price I want. 

This place has AC, WiFi, comfortable beds, a kitchen, washing machines, AND it's next to the new metro line which has AC! Everything I wanted, better and cheaper than all the other housing options. 

And thus, God provided housing. On my way back home that day, I couldn't help the smile on my face "God, you really care. You really provide." :)

So what's next?

In a couple of days I'm officially moving to the new place. Then starts my time at the orphanage, the NGO, and another nonprofit I'll be helping once a week. In addition, I'll be visiting a mental hospital every other week with a guy that's been here in Egypt for a couple of years now and has been serving and changing the place for better. He told me he visits the mental hospital and I was really interested in also going so I can talk with the women (since he's not allowed there).

I think that's a good schedule for now. I'm sure new things will come and go, but I hope I also learn to give myself some rest.

I'll be better at staying in contact now that I'm not in a strict schedule. Thanks to all who read and care and love and encourage and pray and support and believe in me. It means so much! 

Pray that I stay humble through this experience and keep learning new things. Pray that being alone on this journey doesn't affect me but would rather strengthen me. 

Love you guys!