We're in an island surrounded by the Nile. This morning we took a stroll around the north section. Passed lots of embassy's : Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, etc.. All were heavily guarded. Got in the line at what seemed like the hot spot for lunch and got our first taameya—delicious deep fried hummus mixed with shredded verges, chopped cabbage & carrots all stuffed in a pita bread—which we watched ladies form & back as we waited for our sandwiches. It's a very traditional sandwich & cheap...4 for $1.50. Headed off for "work" next where I helped in the fundraising office for a while while Rog conversed with refugees waiting. From 3-6, we did more assessments. Since I'm doing the oral testing, I get to spend time visiting (while assessing). It's fascinating hearing their stories & their dreams. They are so very eager to learn more so they can get better jobs. Many wish they could go home but feel it's too dangerous. Their eyes sparkle with hope. I think of those trying to get into USA and I hurt for them. A Brazilian minister we me was asked to pastor in a Texas church & US denied him twice. Really!?
Jeremiah 22:3 is found on the Refuge Egypt website: "The Lord proclaims, do what is just & right; rescue the oppressed from the power of the oppressor. Don't exploit or mistreat the refugee, orphan or widow. "
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Thursday, January 17, 2019
Update 6
Today we were in prison for almost 6 hours. It was a tiny slice of the life of the woman prisoners we met...mostly because of the hours of boredom & cold as we wanted to be admitted & then were able to leave. We'd boarded a van with 4 other women at 8 am, arrived at the prison at 9, waited outside until 10, then waited in a holding room till 1:30 along with over 100 others...all of us with bags of clothing, food, TP, etc. Things they lack & the prison expects families to supply. The prison ministry of All Saints visits the women from other countries. We met a lawyer who specialize in int'l law & does what she can to help free the girls. She says she has to lie a lot. Women have little to no rights here. Most were in prison on drug charges or prostitution ...anyways that's what they are accused of and though have been there for years...no trial.
I asked about US prisoners—she said they were none as the US Embassy scoops them up quickly and they are never guilty. But not so with many other countries.
We spent most of the visit talking to a lady from Italy that had come to Egypt with a friend and accused of thinking of buying drugs. Now in prison 3 years...no court hearing...and her young daughter is growing up without her. She told me she will be brave & bold now...later she will get her revenge.
It was chaotic & noisy in the visitation room add the language barrier and so mostly what we did was give hugs and listening as best we could to their story. One girl smiled often and said prison has strengthened her faith as it is all she has now.
When the first whistle blew, the ladies we'd come with & the prisoners we'd visited formed a circle holding hands and the prisoners sang "You are close. Alleluia!" Since the prisoners were dressed in long white tunics...it was like a choir of angels singing. Surreal. Then they asked Roger to pray. He reverently said something few could hear or understand but his caring face was enough for them.
Getting out was a madhouse of shoving & pushing till you were barreled out of the one man door. WHEW!
We had a nice conversation with the women we were with on our ride back to church. As soon as we got back, we got busy doing English assessments. It 7:30 before we got back to our room. Tired but glad to have gotten in and out of prison!
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I asked about US prisoners—she said they were none as the US Embassy scoops them up quickly and they are never guilty. But not so with many other countries.
We spent most of the visit talking to a lady from Italy that had come to Egypt with a friend and accused of thinking of buying drugs. Now in prison 3 years...no court hearing...and her young daughter is growing up without her. She told me she will be brave & bold now...later she will get her revenge.
It was chaotic & noisy in the visitation room add the language barrier and so mostly what we did was give hugs and listening as best we could to their story. One girl smiled often and said prison has strengthened her faith as it is all she has now.
When the first whistle blew, the ladies we'd come with & the prisoners we'd visited formed a circle holding hands and the prisoners sang "You are close. Alleluia!" Since the prisoners were dressed in long white tunics...it was like a choir of angels singing. Surreal. Then they asked Roger to pray. He reverently said something few could hear or understand but his caring face was enough for them.
Getting out was a madhouse of shoving & pushing till you were barreled out of the one man door. WHEW!
We had a nice conversation with the women we were with on our ride back to church. As soon as we got back, we got busy doing English assessments. It 7:30 before we got back to our room. Tired but glad to have gotten in and out of prison!
Sent from my iPhone
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