Now back in Canada, our writing will naturally come to a close. All that remains are two more blog entries to express gratitude for what was a very special time in our lives. The first acknowledgement is organizational.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has always been a part of my life. I remember going as a child to relief sales at Black Creek and New Hamburg. I recall digging through books and tapes at the local thrift store. And most of all, I remember hearing the incredible stories told by family and friends who had served with MCC all over the world.
Back in 2009 Wanda and I were recently married. She was working while I had just finished my Masters. It was time for the next step. We had long dreamt of embarking on our own adventure with MCC, and contacted the local Ontario office to inquire. Because of my academic interests, we stated the Middle East as our preferred destination. Besides that, we were open to anything.
For months we waited in Waterloo, praying that potential service opportunities in Lebanon and Syria would come together. But various circumstantial hurdles dashed those hopes, and we began to wonder if MCC was worth the wait. For weeks I searched the internet for other options. Making $30,000 a year teaching English in Saudi Arabia. Seemingly convenient 3-month volunteer opportunities in Bethlehem. And yet at the end of the day we never truly considered alternatives.
The Colours of Egypt- Winter 2012
Eventually MCC found us a potential fit in the town of Beni Suef, Egypt. However Egypt had never really held much appeal- ironic now considering how much we enjoyed our time there. The ‘Land of the Nile’ struck us as loud and crazy, with a most stagnant regime and boring recent history (this was pre-Revolution obviously). But we finally had a position in the region we wanted with the organization we wanted. And at the end of the day our choice was clear.
As excited as we were for the adventure to begin, it was not easy to say goodbye. Three years felt like a lifetime, and we drove down to Akron, PA in a haze. But from the moment we left the warm embrace of home, we were welcomed into an entirely new community and were truly supported by MCC the rest of the way.
It's good to have friends- Spring 2013
The orientation in Akron was a special time of discussion, excitement and anticipation. After two weeks there we flew to Cairo, which was still rocking from the January 25 Revolution two months earlier. We were met at the airport by our wonderful MCC country representatives Tom and Judi Snowdon of Saint-Joseph-De-Kent, New Brunswick. From there on they and fellow MCC Egypt service workers would facilitate a most helpful, caring and generous introduction to Egypt.
To begin we received two months of Arabic classes in Cairo, and at times we wondered if we would ever have to do ‘real work’. The flight, the language classes, the meals, the accommodations- all this was provided by an organization that has a keen eye on the bigger picture. MCC was making an investment in us. And by the time we got down to our teaching assignment in Beni Suef we were more than ready to make our own contribution.
Tom and Judi celebrate the end of a course with students- Fall 2012
Our job title was English Language Instructor/Peace Facilitator. And in all honesty I was a bit skeptical of the idea of teaching for peace. Of course we soon realized these were not your typical English classes. Each course welcomed hundreds of enthusiastic adults into our classrooms in what proved to be a real cross-section of Egyptian society. Young and old. Rich and poor. Male and female. Muslim and Christian. From there we facilitated fascinating discussions and critical dialogues. Through the broadening of minds we worked for peace and understanding, all the while providing invaluable language instruction.
MCC often frames its work of development, relief and peace in terms of relationship-building. During the orientation we heard the buzzword enough times that it almost began to sound a bit clichéd. And yet it proved to be anything but. Friends of MCC were everywhere in Egypt. Longtime local partners welcomed us with open arms. And in this most friendly context, we were given the opportunity to make strong connections and build real bridges. Over time these relationships grew, and I truly marvel at how meaningful it all was in the end.
Wanda helps out with breakfast- Winter 2011
To be sure life is unpredictable. And in many ways any international experience is a risk. Perhaps one will find themselves in a difficult situation. Maybe they will become overwhelmed by a sense of loneliness and isolation. One may even dislike their job or coworkers. Of course these variables are not unique to work and service abroad. It is only that in the cross-cultural sphere the risks and rewards can be exponentially greater.
As positive an experience we had in Egypt, it was certainly not without its difficulties. There were days we were sick and tired. There were times when we just wanted to go home. But through all of the ups and downs we received steadfast support from our country reps Tom and Judi, our local partners, and MCC in general. This type of sustenance facilitated a most remarkable and wonderful stretch in our lives. And ultimately we finished our time with MCC in Egypt with feelings of tremendous gratitude and no regrets.
A world away- Fall 2012
So perhaps a friend or family member is considering a cross-cultural experience of their own. There are certainly many organizations to choose from. And one can never really know how it is going to be or what they are going to get. But if you are looking for a meaningful opportunity for service, an education or an adventure- serving with Mennonite Central Committee is your safest bet.
