I do not really believe in the idea of reincarnation, but many times in my life I have felt as if I could have been part of another life or another time period. I say this because of my overwhelming attraction to Egypt most of my life. Even as a child, I dreamed of visiting Egypt as I have stated in previous blogs. I have always felt the need to be a part of this culture and its people in some way even though I was born and raised in the USA and am proud to be an American citizen.
During my first visit there in 1996, I was simply a tourist for a short ten day vacation, but I enjoyed every minute of it, felt so comfortable in this new environment, and came home feeling exhilarated and renewed in some strange way. I could not forget this incredible interest or magnetic attraction for the people of Egypt I met there, especially my friend Hassan Awad Mahmoud, my tour guide, who is still a friend of mine by the way. The next two visits did not occur until many years later though. In May 2011 I returned to meet my new Facebook friends, and in November 2011 thru early February 2012 to live in Cairo and to teach in an adult English language school there. These stories are discussed in detail in my book.
When I came home in February, I began to write my book about my life in Egypt mainly because of this everlasting connection I now feel with Egypt and my Egyptian friends there. I honestly feel I am truly part Egyptian now even though I will forever be that independent American woman as well. In fact, many of my friends even now refer to me as Rere, my Egyptian nickname. Because I constantly feel I possess two very distinct personalities now—one American and one Egyptian, many months ago I sat down and wrote this poem about the new me since my life changing experiences in Egypt. I will share this poem with you now since it expresses my transformation into an Egyptian woman while living in Egypt quite well I think.
EGYPTIAN RERE
By Randi D. Ward
I am a whole lot American but now part Egyptian woman, too.
American Randi loves the comfort and convenience of her easy life,
But Egyptian Rere misses her second home despite those sometimes days of strife
And misses hanging out with her many special Egyptian friends, old and new.
She fondly remembers how helpful, kind, and generous they always were,
How they filled her sometimes lonely heart with real love and genuine joy,
How they created so many awesome moments and experiences for her to enjoy,
And how when she needed them for something, they would gladly come to her.
American teacher Randi loved teaching her American students here,
And then retired after many years with some sadness but never a regret.
Her memories and rewards here are things she will never ever forget,
But Egyptian modaressa Rere had her greatest career experience there.
American mother and wife Randi is always so very strong and independent.
She knows how to handle all the daily life things she needs and must do.
But Egyptian Rere did not know how to do much; in fact, she did not have a clue,
And because of this childlike and helpless feeling, she often felt very dependent.
American woman Randi can drive her car quickly to every place she needs to go.
She can shop as much as she wants and park very close to each shop or store.
But Egyptian Rere had to learn to get taxis, ride the metro, and so much more.
She even had to walk far to get groceries which made this shopping very slow.
American woman Randi knew she quickly had to find a much better way
To take care of herself in her second home and be that strong woman again,
So she worked very hard, listened, and watched so she could figure out how to win
And finally proud Egyptian Rere successfully learned to survive each and every day.
American woman Randi came home much more open-minded and very smart.
She realized that it is not so easy to adjust to a new culture but it can be done.
She learned with much determination and strong desire it can actually become great fun.
In fact Egyptian woman Rere must visit again soon because Misr has stolen her heart.
Randi D. Ward
June 11, 2013
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