qait bay

The weather was AMAZING today. We walked along the bay, sat near the sea for a while, then had lunch overlooking the water. Perfect weekend break.

seaside

Mom and I took a short trip up to the Sea today. It was so nice to get out of the city for a bit. This is the view near our hotel...amazing.

all smiles

I took a few friends to go visit the kiddos in the orphanage today. So much fun!

fulus

I went shopping with a friend tonight who was leaving to go home to the States. This shop has collected money from all of the nationalities of people who have bought something in their store. Beautiful.

khalas!

I went to renew my visa today...always quite the experience. Today included running past a political protest in the middle of downtown to make it into the building on time to get my passport back. Also, begging alongside an Italian man and Sudanese man for our passports to be dug out of a box. I love it here.

coffee break

There is a Starbucks within walking distance from my house now. Awesome.

a walk in the park

Mom and I enjoyed the beautiful weather today and walked a bit after a visit to the orphanage. I love that blue sky!

yum.

Community. It's a beautiful thing. I enjoyed dinner tonight with my teammates, a national friend and some visitors from the States.

ezbet el nakhl

We met with some local partners today in one of the garbage areas of the city. It was a good meeting, I am excited to see what comes of the work out there. These 2 guys wanted their picture made as we were leaving.

always subject to change

The story of my life--but I am really OK with that. We had a good meeting today talking about some things that are coming up this summer...it's going to be a good one!

score.

Mom's Coke exploded in the freezer tonight...right down the middle. I love that my freezer gets cold enough now for stuff to explode.

yes, this is real

A huge Tweety Bird on the headrest of a taxi. They LOVE stuffed animals here and take taxi decoration to a whole new level.

birthday hollapalooza

We celebrated Rachel's birthday in style. We started out at a pottery painting place, then had dinner on the Nile and ended the night at a place where you could see the Pyramids all lit up...amazing!

good for the soul

These are a few of the kids I have been tutoring in English for the past few weeks. I love them.

ahly! ahly!

Me, mom, and some of my friends went to a soccer match tonight. So fun!

ok punk.

You'd better behave this time. The fight with the refrigerator continues--I am determined to win.

my mom is here!

...and so are some yummy snacks. Thanks Mom!

big block of cheese day

I watched this tonight while I was babysitting. Enjoyable--but it makes me want to move to DC!

mrs. frank

We hosted a bachelorette party for a sweet friend who is going home and getting married. Fun night!

oh the khamiseen

The 50 Days of Dust started with a bang. It's a good thing I grew up in West Texas--brown skies kind of remind me of home.

inti okhti

For the past few weeks, I have been volunteering at an orphanage near this church. It has been so great getting to know the kiddos there. They are so much fun!

birthday week

At last count, I know 9 people with birthdays this week. It is the best month of the year to be born if I do say so myself! Tonight we celebrated Cairo's 3rd birthday. There were Power Rangers running around all night. I happened to catch this one for a quick picture.

happy birthday to me!

I celebrated the start of 27 with dinner, dessert, coffee, and poker with a few friends. We didn't have any chips, so sugar packets had to do. We're such high-rollers!

good morning!

Often, people will be selling flowers on the side of the street, they will come up to the car and you can buy them right from your taxi. My taxi driver bought a few strands and gave me one. They smell amazing!

i love my friends.

Two of the girls threw me an early birthday party tonight. Complete with homemade enchiladas, lots of coffee and laughs and a salsa dancing lesson.

sham el nessim

Today was the official first day of spring. Most people opt for raw salty fish, onions, cheese and lemons on this holiday. We chose a different route :) Also...check out the awesome Easter paintings on the windows.

Happy Easter!

I had a wonderful day today. I took a sailboat on the river at sunrise, then ate lunch and celebrated the Resurrection with some great friends. I am so thankful--for His love, His provision, and His sacrifice!

holiday baking

Getting ready to spend time with friends tomorrow celebrating!

picture worthy

In all of my 18 months here, I have never seen a waiter spell my name right in English. Good job Moustafa!

april fools!

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