Friday, February 4, 2011

Africa's February, Egypt's Turmoil, Opportunities everywhere to lend a hand.

"We need these people in our lives as much as they need us.  It's a symbiosis."  

It took me a few years to understand that those in sub-Saharan Africa whom I had come to love gave me so much more than I could ever give them.  It's a shattering realization, but sorely needed.

From the far side of the African continent, friends in Egypt report on the revolution when they can.  Internet from Alexandria is intermittent.  Folks there are frightened; men go out at night to help the army protect the communities.  Food is scarce, money is gone.  Many have died, many more injured.  The streets aren't safe.  Journalists have been beaten, cameras smashed.  Suspicion leads repeatedly to government misconduct.  Christian and Muslim protesters unite against the corrupt practices of the government and police.  Today was the big day, but we can't communicate at the moment.  Troubling.

Ah, Saturday morning's news tells of tens of thousands allowed to enter Liberation Square, peaceful demonstrations, protection by the army, ....
ها! وقد نجا مصر يوم آخر ، وربما لبضعة آلاف من بعد سنوات أخرى.