...to Veda. She specifically asked me to ride a camel and wear a turban (I am still looking for a turban, apparently they are not as popular as she anticipated).
*My computer is too slow/outdated to be able to attach a picture, so you will have to imagine it... I am wearing a green shirt with khaki slacks and sandals from Jerusalem, I'm also smiling and on a camel*
Tomorrow I will be going to the North Shore (the Mediterranean Sea) with a group of people to examine eyes and schedule eye surgeries, I am really looking forward to this experience and then on Friday I will be going to Alexandria for exams and scheduling surgeries, I'll keep you updated. At some point next week I will be taking a midnight train to Luxor to probably spend the day there, I've heard wonderful things about Luxor.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Amartya Sen was right the world is obsessed by money and not with elementary freedoms...
I'm still getting over it... I'll never forget the look on the little boys face as I tried to explain to him that the owner of the camel took all of my money and that I expected the owner to pay this little boy who spent an hour of his time taking me through the pyramids... I gave him everything that I had which wasn't much, but seeing the disappointment hurt, I wish I would have specifically stashed more money in my pocket when I left my house this morning. This situtation hurt much more then it did when I saw a man learn yesterday that he would never have vision again (at least he now knows and can plan accordingly).
It was hard for me mostly because of the manipulation that I saw take place. Grown men took all the money I had on me at the time, and knowing they took all of my money told the boy (this I learned much later) that if he took me through the pyramids (which was really the grown men's job) that I would pay him for his work. I would have much rather they robbed me of all my money at least there would have been some degree of honesty in that case. My heart aches that I cannot give that boy what he truly earned. Maybe I'll see him again, at least I hope so. I'm not sure if this makes sense, I'm not sure if I really communicated it very well. This situation may be harder for me to bear considering the book that I am currently reading called Development as Freedom by Amartya Sen. He speaks often that people in the developing world often choose money first and freedoms second. They choose to have the money so that they are taken care of in the short-run (maybe a few hours to a few weeks), what they don't realize is that they give-up certain freedoms in the short-run they may also be giving-up longevity, sustainability, and even profitability in the long-run. I realize that many of these people have to eat and drink and that it can be a matter of survival, but this doesn't necessarily rest with them, it rests with those who often choose their destiny. Amartya Sen explains:
In short Amartya is talking about democracy and the power that democracy brings. When certain officials choose in behalf of people, cultures, and countries progression can be halted. Just like the free market can pave the way for the strongest and sturdiest economy, democracy can also do the same for progression and social mobility. The people know what they want and what will truly set them free so that they to can experience the blessings of progression. Another key component is education, but I will have to save that for another day--Insha Allah.
It was hard for me mostly because of the manipulation that I saw take place. Grown men took all the money I had on me at the time, and knowing they took all of my money told the boy (this I learned much later) that if he took me through the pyramids (which was really the grown men's job) that I would pay him for his work. I would have much rather they robbed me of all my money at least there would have been some degree of honesty in that case. My heart aches that I cannot give that boy what he truly earned. Maybe I'll see him again, at least I hope so. I'm not sure if this makes sense, I'm not sure if I really communicated it very well. This situation may be harder for me to bear considering the book that I am currently reading called Development as Freedom by Amartya Sen. He speaks often that people in the developing world often choose money first and freedoms second. They choose to have the money so that they are taken care of in the short-run (maybe a few hours to a few weeks), what they don't realize is that they give-up certain freedoms in the short-run they may also be giving-up longevity, sustainability, and even profitability in the long-run. I realize that many of these people have to eat and drink and that it can be a matter of survival, but this doesn't necessarily rest with them, it rests with those who often choose their destiny. Amartya Sen explains:
In the freedom-oriented perspective the liberty of all to participate in deciding what traditions to observe cannot be ruled out by the national or local "guardians"--neither by the ayatollahs, political rulers, nor by cultural "experts". The pointer to any real confilct between the preservation of tradition and the advantages of modernity calls for a particpatory reslution, not for a unilateral rejection of modernity in favor of tradition by political rulers, or religious authorities, or anthropological admirers of the legacy of the past. The question is not only not closed, it must be wide open for people in the society to address and join in deciding. An attempt to choke off particapatory freedom on grounds of traditonal values simply misses the issue of legitimacy and the need for the people affected to particpate in deciding what they want and what they have reason to accept.
In short Amartya is talking about democracy and the power that democracy brings. When certain officials choose in behalf of people, cultures, and countries progression can be halted. Just like the free market can pave the way for the strongest and sturdiest economy, democracy can also do the same for progression and social mobility. The people know what they want and what will truly set them free so that they to can experience the blessings of progression. Another key component is education, but I will have to save that for another day--Insha Allah.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Raymon,
My good friend. The culture is so new for me and I am still trying to work things out, but with time I will completely understand it. I don't have culture shock, oddly enough (although it has only been two days)... but maybe that's because I love these people more than I expected. The Muslim faith is very misunderstood, even by me, so just being here and seeing it practiced is worth the flight.
There is one family in particular that I spend a lot of time with, their surname is the Saif. The Saif family is from the upperclass. They live with about 5 or 6 other families (all family (sons, daughters, uncles, cousins), most of the family members marry within the family (usually a cousin). The father is Dr. Saif (I don't know his first name and may never know it considering it is impolite to use their first name in public when they are as elite as Dr. Saif is) and he is one of the most kind men I think I have ever met. He pulled me aside the first time I met him (his English is very good (another sign that he is more upper class)) and he told me that he is honored and blessed that I am in his home and that I am now his son and if there was anything that I needed to call him and it will be mine. He told me that his home was my home and to enjoy it as such. He then "gave" me one of his servants to wait on me for whatever I needed, something that I was very uncomfortable with, but understanding their culture all I could do was smile and thank him. Last night I dined with Dr. Saif, his brother, and two other fathers form the household. We had a wonderful conversation about being Muslim and being Mormon. At one point Dr. Saif told me that he loves the Mormon people and he told me that they were wonderful people. He then leaned in close and said that I try to be the best person I can, but I realize that there are much better people then me. Later I had the opportunity to speak to them about Thomas S. Monson (after a lengthy conversation about Mohammed) and as I explained his role and his character I longed for them to meet him, a living prophet. I hope they come to visit me in Utah, for it they do I will do everything in my power and others power :) for them to meet President Monson.
Anyways, Life is good, thanks for asking, Ray. I would love to hear about DC when you get a chance, especially the desert night that you had while you were there. I better go, I have quite a bit to do. Tomorrow I am meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs with one of the doctors I have been working with and then I will be going to Alexandria (and the North Shore) for a campaign to treat the impoverished. Please, Ray and everyone keep me updated.
Much love,
Caleb Manscill
My good friend. The culture is so new for me and I am still trying to work things out, but with time I will completely understand it. I don't have culture shock, oddly enough (although it has only been two days)... but maybe that's because I love these people more than I expected. The Muslim faith is very misunderstood, even by me, so just being here and seeing it practiced is worth the flight.
There is one family in particular that I spend a lot of time with, their surname is the Saif. The Saif family is from the upperclass. They live with about 5 or 6 other families (all family (sons, daughters, uncles, cousins), most of the family members marry within the family (usually a cousin). The father is Dr. Saif (I don't know his first name and may never know it considering it is impolite to use their first name in public when they are as elite as Dr. Saif is) and he is one of the most kind men I think I have ever met. He pulled me aside the first time I met him (his English is very good (another sign that he is more upper class)) and he told me that he is honored and blessed that I am in his home and that I am now his son and if there was anything that I needed to call him and it will be mine. He told me that his home was my home and to enjoy it as such. He then "gave" me one of his servants to wait on me for whatever I needed, something that I was very uncomfortable with, but understanding their culture all I could do was smile and thank him. Last night I dined with Dr. Saif, his brother, and two other fathers form the household. We had a wonderful conversation about being Muslim and being Mormon. At one point Dr. Saif told me that he loves the Mormon people and he told me that they were wonderful people. He then leaned in close and said that I try to be the best person I can, but I realize that there are much better people then me. Later I had the opportunity to speak to them about Thomas S. Monson (after a lengthy conversation about Mohammed) and as I explained his role and his character I longed for them to meet him, a living prophet. I hope they come to visit me in Utah, for it they do I will do everything in my power and others power :) for them to meet President Monson.
Anyways, Life is good, thanks for asking, Ray. I would love to hear about DC when you get a chance, especially the desert night that you had while you were there. I better go, I have quite a bit to do. Tomorrow I am meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs with one of the doctors I have been working with and then I will be going to Alexandria (and the North Shore) for a campaign to treat the impoverished. Please, Ray and everyone keep me updated.
Much love,
Caleb Manscill
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friends and family,
Did you know that airports are some of my places? When you go to an airport you can feel the emotional charge in the air. People come to the airport to see loved ones off, to see loved ones, active military duty, business trips, vacations, funerals, or just to get a away. Airports are a place where big things happen or are about to happen. I met a girl in the Cincy airport as I was waiting for my flight to Rome, Italy. I noticed she was reading the Bible and after a few minutes I asked her if I could share one of my favorite scrptures with her... 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. After sharing it we spoke for about a hour and a half about the importance of making time and room for God in our lives. She began telling me how she was flying to Rome for a consortium of classes on Opera. She began telling me that during her three week stay she had set a goal to read the Bible and pray more. As she said this I saw myself about 7 years ago as I was searching for truth and a stronger relationship with God... I asked her if she had time to read a book I wanted to give her. I pulled out my personal copy of the Book of Mormon and taught her about it and challenged her to read then pray and ask God if the book was true. She was excited and she took the book, but she tried to give it back after she realized that my name was embossed on it. So, I'm out a Book of Mormon for three weeks, but I know the blessings that it can bring to her and it's certainly worth the sacrifice, I hope she'll take full advantage of it while she's in Rome. I'm sure I can find another one on my path anyway, right?
When I got to Egypt I learned that my luggage was still in Rome. It took me two hours to work-out the situation with the baggage folk at the airport. I was sure that my ride had given up on me, but after I made it past customs I saw Yassir Saif smiling and excited to see me. We drove to my new home for three weeks, it's located off of a very busy street. The house is gated and I have keys to the outer gate and house. Two young men live inside the gating as well, they live in the garage--they are paid to watch the house and to help Yassir's family with whatever needs they have. Since I have now been adopted by Yassir's family (a story that deserves it's own posting) that goes for me as well. They are very kind and are constantly making sure that I am comfortable. Late Yassir and I walked the streets where everybody was out in full force partying (another great story that deserves it's own post).
Later that night, 10:30 to be exact, Yassir's cousin and I played soccer on the cement with dozens of other Egyptians, we played until about 12am, it was a blast. The people here stay up super late, so that they can avoid the hot midday weather. Playing reminded me of the late nights where Mike Hall, Mark Stevens, Dave Larsen and I use to stay up late kicking the ball around.
I'm leaving out a lot of details, but I hope to come back and elaborate a little bit more.
Your friend and brother,
Caleb J. Manscill
When I got to Egypt I learned that my luggage was still in Rome. It took me two hours to work-out the situation with the baggage folk at the airport. I was sure that my ride had given up on me, but after I made it past customs I saw Yassir Saif smiling and excited to see me. We drove to my new home for three weeks, it's located off of a very busy street. The house is gated and I have keys to the outer gate and house. Two young men live inside the gating as well, they live in the garage--they are paid to watch the house and to help Yassir's family with whatever needs they have. Since I have now been adopted by Yassir's family (a story that deserves it's own posting) that goes for me as well. They are very kind and are constantly making sure that I am comfortable. Late Yassir and I walked the streets where everybody was out in full force partying (another great story that deserves it's own post).
Later that night, 10:30 to be exact, Yassir's cousin and I played soccer on the cement with dozens of other Egyptians, we played until about 12am, it was a blast. The people here stay up super late, so that they can avoid the hot midday weather. Playing reminded me of the late nights where Mike Hall, Mark Stevens, Dave Larsen and I use to stay up late kicking the ball around.
I'm leaving out a lot of details, but I hope to come back and elaborate a little bit more.
Your friend and brother,
Caleb J. Manscill
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