Ramadan began yesterday and the city of Cairo was full of excitement and beauty. You can actually feel the excitement in the air from the people as they make ready for Ramadan. I find myself caught up in the excitement saying Ramadan Kareem to the people on the street and to my Egyptian family.
I began Ramadan by the cleansing before prayer. Now in my silly mind (please don't be offended) I call my God by one name and they call their God by another name. I pray with my head up and their heads are down..( I warned you my mind is silly) Asking for strength and guidance, thanking God for my many blessing and to have mental and physical discipline so I can become closer to God. I did pray 3 times yesterday.
The fasting was difficult for me. The food isn't the hard part it's the DRINKING of anything I am struggling with. By 1:00 I had a banging headache and my mouth felt like the dessert. It's very hot in Egypt and Kareem and I actually had to move furniture in this heat with no food or water. The streets were practically empty as many stay in their homes during the day so it was real easy to move around the city.
By 4:00 I couldn't stand it.. I would drink anything at that point.. I felt like my brain was shrinking and a good wind could have just knocked me over.
After we finished moving I had to be ready for the first Ishtar (1st breakfast after the fast) with Kareem's family. I was taking a shower thinking to my silly self If a little water got in my mouth no one will know but, no I didn't do it.. I actually held my lips real tight so no water would get inside.
For respect of my family and the culture I covered all my hair. The streets were just starting to get lively as people were preparing for the first meal. Buying food & going to their family to celebrate.
When we arrived at the family flat (Kareems's family) The array of food was amazing. I was salivating at that point and wanting to chug anything I could get my hands on. Chicken, molakay, mashey, meat, lots of fruit, juices, teas, sweets you name it. At 6:30 we could eat and drink... Yeah... The first thing they offered was kalkaday juice and then we ate. I had 5 pieces of chicken.. Yes 5 and stuffed myself like crazy.. Of course my stomach started to ache so I had to slow it down..
Family and friends stopped by sharing food, exchanging food and money... I was amazed at the closeness of the families. It's really beautiful in any culture for family to connect and share their lives and love each other.
Around 1:00 am we headed back to the flat and Kareem and I ate again.... A lighter meal to hold us over until 6:30 the next day.
I made it and reflected on my life and realize I am truly blessed. Well there you have it a christian celebrating Ramadan..
My final thought stop the madness, stop the wars because we have the ability to control ourselves and respect each other cultures.
