The Help

I just finished reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. First of all, it's fabulous. I literally read for days straight. Stockett did some serious character building and I feel like I personally know each narrator (2 domestic workers and 1 college graduate/journalist). It's a beautifully written story of the relationships between white housewives and their African American hired help in 1960s Mississippi. I won't try to explain more, I can never do books justice. There is a reason it's on the bestseller list.

The Help is a fictional story, but it's words and stories are true to many. I was pretty disturbed/saddened by the stories of blunt violence, sickening discrimination and outrageous rumors about minorities. Because really, these events didn't happen all too long ago (& still happen today). I also spent a lot of time thinking about how hard it must have been for all those people involved in the civil rights movement, especially those who lived in the south. It's embarrassing, but I don't know if I ever truly thought about the risk they put themselves in. I have a whole new appreciation for all those involved, and I am beyond thankful for them.

But then I turned on the news.

& any relief that I may have felt - disappeared instantly. Have we really come that far? Stories of male government officials telling their female colleagues to "go back to the kitchen", funding being cut for domestic abuse shelters and in-home care, Wal-Mart being called out for years of paying women less then men (for the same work), oil leaks, and Arizona officially stripping away the respect and dignity of it's Hispanic population. Death threats seem to be the new love letter ... and I don't even know when this started. When did our country start becoming so hateful again? Did it ever stop? Was I looking away? Everyone seems so angry. & feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, I'm scared my voice isn't loud enough, that I'm not doing enough.

So, to those of you who speak up for greater good - thank you.
& to the Grand Canyon, I'm sorry - looks like I won't get around to seeing you.

No Worries

I never know what day of the week it is. Seriously, if it wasn't for Christmas trees, presents, and twinkle lights I'd probably still think its November. I'm convinced someone or something is eating time. Anyway, here I find myself more than a month out of Cairo. A month of cold, a month traffic laws, a month without falafel, a month without hearing Arabic.

I can't lie- I thought that by now my world would be rocked. I'd be slipping around on the ice of Minnesota as a new person.

Every day I change and learn new things, but travel presses my buttons. My high school trip to France started me up for business. I learned to take charge and lead in Australia. Rwanda infused my whole being with the love of people and culture. And Cairo? Two months in Egypt ... still waiting. What the HECK!? Where is my breakthrough!? So far, I've only been seeing the breakthrough or rather, breakdown of my bank account.

Wasn't some BIG change part of my package deal?

Of course, this is drama speaking. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the beauty and hospitality of my friends in Egypt. Or the colors of a country filled to the brim with ancient culture and people. But I'm talking about me. What has changed about me?! Other than a higher tolerance for noise and fiber.

Well...

Tolerance is the key word, I think. Tolerance.

Not exactly what I would have predicted pre-Cairo, but nevertheless, I think TOLERANCE has been my gift from Egypt. Shukran Egypt for your creation of civilization, beer, language, etc etc ... and thank you for tolerance.

Tolerance, patience, understanding, sympathy ... however you want to say it, well, I think I've got it! After two months of living amongst some 19 million people, without the right of freedom of speech and movement, a schedule on 'African time', and uselessness of English. This year's holiday shoppers, long lines, bad winter drivers, crying children, and a few extra cookie calories are nothing. "No Problem/No Worries" was the English phrase I heard most in Egypt, and did I ever pick it up.

The phrase and mindset of "No Problem" have become a daily essential in my life. Because really, what are we stressing about? Why are we in such a hurry, and what is the point of dwelling? We've got a life to live people, and we're living it amongst a world full of unpredictable human beings. LET THINGS GO. This new level of tolerance may or may not be my Egyptian breakthrough, but whatever brought it on - I like it.

Life presents itself more beautifully when we're not worrying about the small stuff.

Happy Holidays and Hakuna Matata!