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Sorry all, I know it's been too long. Thanks to the many like Mike Nebel, who have politely reminded me of my blog silence.

As time wears on, I become more buried in the day to day life, and as things seem fairly routine, it feels like there is less "important" material to post on the blog. I suppose it's a bit of a natural occurance, but I will try to step back more often and remind myself of the really important events I am living, seeing and learning from.

I am continuing my education at AUC, studying International and Comparative Education. My hopes are to complete the degree in 5 semesters.

This would either leave me in Egypt, or in another country where the degree of study could transfer, for another 2 years from this point. I have already decided and signed a contract to stay in Egypt next year.

More recently, I just spent the last two weeks trekking all over Egypt. I was blessed to have visitors from the U.S. for Christmas, and we really got around the country and I saw tons of things I have never before seen. (I've been saving the time for when I had guests, so it would be unique and interesting for all at the same time.) It was great to spend some time with friends and family over here, although it was hard to be away from home for Christmas for the first time ever in my life.

It was a very interesting two weeks, but also a little scary. I was in Abu Simbel the day of the tour bus crash that resulted in American deaths.

Later, that same week, I was in Alexandria on the same day of the Coptic Church bombing. Needless to say, my guests were a little nervous about their safety here, as was I.

All-in-all, I have been from the extreme south of Egypt to the northern coast, and have spent some time on the Sinai peninsula, in Dahab. Along the way, I was able to see and learn a lot more about the history of Egypt, as well as observe the modern culture of the people living in different areas currently.

There is a lot to be seen.

But now things are getting back to normal. While Egypt is a very safe country, and feels extra safe for me as an expat, there is a little strife and struggle that is under the surface of what I "see" on a daily basis. Poverty is a huge problem, as is securing good employment and earning a livable wage for most of the people. Religious conflicts occur, despite the fact that the government is on the surface supporting other faiths than Islam. I will choose not to comment on the political situation here at this time, as you can read plenty about in any local or world newspapers.

Tomorrow, we return to work after a 2 1/2 week winter break. At least my school appears to be showing respect and tolerance of other religious holidays, combining the Roman Catholic Christmas and the Coptic Christmas into an extended winter break. There are some examples of good people who express religious understanding and tolerance around, and my school seems to employ many of them.

If work was uncomfortable in any way, I might be looking to leave Egypt in a hurry. But my experience at Hayah and in other places reminds me that as there are a few people around that make life uncomfortable, the majority of the people you meet in this world are really good and well meaning individuals. I feel I work with and know many more religious, devout, and good people than I do the other type, and because of that feel welcome and respected here.

I hope continually that Egypt can grow into a country that everyone can be proud of again.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!