See Andrew’s blog for the low down on what these people do for Egypt!
During the visit to Resala, Andrew and I also participated in a conversation about Islam and its influence on the lives of these young volunteers. Since Morocco, we have been seeing that Islam is not only a piece of the culture in these countries, it is the culture. We were excited to examine how that played out in the lives of these young adults. I could easily write the same thing that I have written in blogs before, this group was smart, ambitious, caring, and insightful. However, I would rather discuss some, hopefully, fresh, random observations…
1) As Americans, Andrew and I have some baggage to deal with but in general our privilege to gain access to people vastly outweighs any negatives. I was again struck by the desire and willingness of this group of volunteers to take advantage of having an American’s ear. Both meetings lasted well over two hours. I believe there is something very significant at play here. These people are so excited because they are told through the media that Americans are dumb and self-centered. Being here and being willing to listen, makes us VIP guests. Even though no one, especially us, is fooled into thinking we are particularly important, people are interested to interact with Americans who are friendly, open, and curious to learn, just like they are.
2) Andrew and I have both experienced some scepticism from friends in the USA. There are some people who call the value of our discussions into question and who feel we are experiencing a very one dimensional side of every culture we are dealing with. My retort, exactly! But these friendly, open, and very human people that we are meeting, are they discussed and highlighted in our media? Are the similarities and the common ground between the States and any of these cultures, the issues that are focused on? It would be naive to assume that the people we are meeting are just average, everyday folk, but again isn’t that the point? We are trying to uncover a side of Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, etc, that is overlooked and hidden by the American press. The point is not that everyone in these countries is open, intelligent, and ready to embrace true dialogue with the West, but could we claim that about all Americans? Our point is that despite what we are told, there are pockets of smart, ambitious people that could be our allies and friends if given the opportunity.
3) Sitting with 15 young people who all volunteer their time to work with orphan children I heard comments that could easily have come from the mouth of any conscientious, caring American young person…
“I volunteer to make my country a better place because too many young people get a good degree and then flee to a better place to make money. I want to help Egypt become a place where we can all find good work.”
“I first starting volunteering because my religion (Islam) teaches us to help the poor, but then I realized that the kids were giving things to me and making my life more fulfilling. Helping them was also helping myself.”
“I have a lot of free time and in my religion (Islam) it is important to use my time to help my neighbor.”
4) Although there was a friendly desire to see Andrew and I convert, there was no bashing of Christianity and no aggressive preaching. As one petite girl, with green and sparkling eyes, passionately conveyed her understanding of Islam and how she should live her life, I secretly fought back tears, compelled by the innocence and purity of her words and motivation. She didn’t speak English but I could understand the sincerity and the emotion.
5) One last request was made towards the end of our meeting…
“Please do not judge us and Islam by the actions of only a few Muslims, but judge us and Islam by the original sources and texts.”
This seems a fair request, especially when I think about all the Christians with whom I would loathe to be associated.
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