Don't forget me, Egypt!

So I am home now in Atlanta!

Remember when a lady called me and said God thinks I should relax and chill out cause He will do everything I want to accomplish in Egypt?
Well it happened.
God sent more than enough donations for ALL the apartment needs at the orphanage!!
This happened a week before I headed back to Atlanta.
And the other goal of having the children meet a counselor, I wrote this the day of:

I just said bye to the loves of my life. Everything was sealed and done. They cried on my  shoulder and I told them I loved them, and what came from the heart, went to the heart. But the best thing of all, is I have two girls with me now in a taxi, and we are off to a psychologist. Out of months of turmoil and pain and struggle and tears, this is what I get to do last in the orphanage. I get to accomplish a goal that took everything in me. And when I ask how they feel, they reply "ready to be healed", yes my dears and loves, you don't have to be tormented any more by the sexual abuser. You don't have to hurt yourself anymore. Your heart is sacred and you are important; it will just take some time and some help from someone. There is hope.

With this, I say, thank you God. On my shoulder, taxi ride, Cairo. 

So how was my time at the orphanage concluded? Well, since it was my birthday, they made a HUGE surprise celebration, with lots of gifts, cake, food, and fun!

But when the staff left and it was just me and kids at night, alas, things got crazy. Milk, flour, cheese, salad, onions, oranges, lemon...whatever your heart desires: ON MY FACE.

This is not good bye, I just have this feeling I will back soon!

Let's not forget the sweet family celebration my grandma had for me:

Every time I leave this country and place I feel this bitter sweet feeling. It's like: I am ready to not be harassed on the streets, not struggle to go places through public transportation and sweat and crowds, not wake up at the sound of honks and yelling in the street or loud barking dogs, not face the polluted skies and air. But there is something about this place, about these people, that makes it so perfect and fitting. There's something about the kindness and hospitality, the deep human connection with each interaction whether a family member or stranger, that makes Egypt such a beautiful mess to me. Maybe because it's home, or maybe because there's an unrelenting attachment my heart has to this country, like a mother to her son, I'm not sure why and how- but I know I am coming back.

Coming to my other home was such a bitter sweet feeling as well. Tasting the comforts, the creepy silent roads, the crisp cold air, the hugs of my mom, dad and brother. It's all so great, but missing the crazy of Cairo. But I love it here too. I am not sure of where I belong or where is home, but I know that home is where you are with people you love and they equally love you back and for me that is here and there. So let it be. :)

Thanks all for following me on this journey! You have all been such a HUGE blessing to me in so many ways. Love love love. 

Nearing the end!

I have had some exciting adventures! I figured since I've been working hard lately (cough cough, not really...) it's about time to travel around. I had a friend visit from Atlanta, and took advantage of having her to relax and have some fun together :)

So off we went to Alexandria:

Beautiful Mediterranean Sea!

We went sand boarding:

Yes, I fell and hurt my knee pretty badly, but thankfully the MRI scan shows normal results!

Then we went to LEBANON with another friend:

Lebanon stole my heart....

Then after my friend went back to the States and we returned to Egypt, I went to Jordan to visit another friend there :)

So yes, it has been busy! But in the midst of it all, I am SO grateful.

Orphanage:
After conducing emotional evaluations on the children and meeting with them individually to follow up and see who needs more professional type counseling, I began to feel a sense of rush and urgency to get them proper help. I was having a meeting on a Sunday at 3 pm with one of the staff workers at the orphanage and I was emphasizing the need to rush and get a counselor. She was telling me that some times things take time, but impatient Lydia was not interested in hearing these words. "But the children NEED help, and we can't sit silently and watch!."

The next day, a lady called me. This lady was the one that tried to help me find housing four months ago, but unfortunately it was too expensive for me. I have met her once, and talked with her a week after to tell her I'm not interested. She is not my friend on Facebook and knows very little about me. "Hello?"
"Lydia, it's been a while!"
Yes it has, so why are you calling me....? (I thought).
"I am not sure if this is applicable or not, but yesterday around 3 (same time as the meeting), I had a feeling God wanted to tell you something. He says don't rush, it's ok to wait. He will do everything you want to accomplish in Egypt before it's time to return."
I seriously had no words to say back. It is exactly what I had needed to hear! I was feeling the sense of urgency, and I thought I was justified in having this feeling because I am trying to do good and I'm trying to help children. But I realized, even when doing good, patience and wisdom are essential.

So since that phone conversation, I have relaxed on the goals I have. Maybe "relaxed" isn't the right word, but I mean that I have had peace and started believing that I can trust things will work out, without me working so hard to make them work, but trusting God's got things covered.
Three weeks later, a counselor I have been trying to reach and had no luck with getting in contact with, called me! She said she's available to have two girls come to her office for treatment. Yes that took a while, but there is something SET. A goal is accomplished! All I had to do was: trust.

In addition, I am fundraising for the children's apartment needs. If you are able to give, please email me. Here's more information on what's needed:
file:///C:/Users/Racquel/Desktop/Egypt%205%20months/Merry%20Christmas.pdf


It was my last day at one of the nonprofits, and they surprised me by bringing me a gift/cake! How sweet!

So what's next for me? I have absolutely no idea. In a week I'm off to Atlanta. Christmas and reuniting with family and friends will be great. I have no idea though, what's after? I have applied for jobs here and there and am applying for a Masters (but that doesn't start till August). So what's there to do till then? I have to admit, I'm really scared of unbusy lifestyles. I love my life here and how I have managed multiple projects with multiple people. To feel like the door is closing, seems sort of heart wrenching. Not sure if I'm ready to see it all close, but I have a feeling it actually isn't closing. 

We shall see. I like adventures. 

Thank you all for being alongside me on this journey :) 

Blessings!