Newsletter #10 - 21 March, 2004

Hi there,

It's been too long since our last update, especially considering what we've done, where we've gone and how things are going. So here are some highlights.

Jo's mum and sister arrived the morning of her birthday and after five weeks, her mum's sadly left but Laura is here for another fortnight. During this time there have been trips to Upper Egypt, Jordan, Alexandria and the Western Desert/Oases.

Travel highlights

Jordan:- Check out the photos online of our trip to Jordan. This was another timely relaxing holiday where we drove a two week old Honda on the wrong side of the road around Jordan. Jerash, an ancient Roman city, has incredible remains of temples, ampitheatres and colonnaded streets. The streets even have separate sections for pedestrians and horses with storm water drains. Standing in the centre of the perfectly semi-circular ampitheatre and speaking to hear such a resonating echo was awesome.

Desert:- Last week we travelled to a desert oasis and spent a night camping out under the stars. The Black Desert was quite odd, but the White Desert made you feel like you were on another planet. I think only pictures can describe the strangeness of it all.

Upper Egypt:- After returning from Switzerland, in our disorganisation we needed to renew our visas for Egypt. This time however, we were granted work permits, which not only give us permission for paid work, we also get residents rates at hotels, an offer taken up at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan.

Anecdotes

Aeroplane safety:- You will be pleased to learn, when travelling Egypt Air, that while electronic devices may interfere with the operation of the plane, it is okay to leave your heart pacemaker on.

ATM safety:- After a recent transaction at a local ATM, a message appeared onscreen to 'press here to get your card back'.

Cuisine

Shawerma from Jordan:- After arriving in Amman and then driving through the city to the car hire place for a map of Jordan, we stopped at the restaurant next door and bought some shawerma. Shawerma is like a kebab you'd buy in Sydney, but sometime on bread rolls. Part of the appeal was the clean restaurant, though the different bread, fresh tomatoes and immense hunger combined for a great eating experience.

Tukul Crafts

New workshop:- A month ago Tukul Crafts were told we have until the end of April to find a new space for our workshop. We are still looking and praying for a space where refugees will feel safe to work, which has enough space for all the sewing machines and printing tables and that doesn't cost too much for rent.

New manager:- We're also still looking for a Sudanese person to work in the office to be trained to take over the work I have been doing there. It sometimes feels as though all the people with the potential have already got other jobs in Cairo, but we only need one.

New shop:- Last week we were also told that the building where our second shop is located is being sold and therefore we also need to find a new location for our shop. This is not surprisingly a source of concern, but at least we have about four months to prepare for it. (And then 3000 out of date flyers!)

Clinics

Arba wa Nuss:- The new clinic building at Arba wa Nuss is finally progressing. Pray for the arrangements of how to practically combine services provided by three different church organisations. Pray that the experience of those who have spent time working in Arba wa Nuss will be utilised.

The tuberculosis clinic Joanna helps with on Saturdays sees patients fortnightly to prescribe drugs over a couple of months to cure the disease. At the moment the clinic is facing difficulties finding these drugs as pharmacies in Cairo are running out of the required drugs.

Miscellaneous comments

Work:- Generally work is a little disappointing, though it is still teaching us both a lot in different ways. In particular, how to focus on the good things and be encouraged by some progress in spite of disappointments compared to higher expectations.

Future plans:- We would also apprciate your prayers and wisdom as we consider what we should do with ourselves next year and how best to use the abilities God has given us.

Don't forget to check out the website for our latest photos.

Thanks,
Josh'n'Jo

Email me - joshua at kuswadi dot com