In Middle Eastern countries they always use this phrase when talking about the future. "inshahallah." It means "God willing" and can even be translated as hopefully. Professors might say, "I'll see you in class on Monday, insha allah." Anything could happen to interfere, but God wills it. I use the phrase occasionally, people around me use it a lot. I also say other arabic phrases and when I come home it will be hard for me to let go of these very few words I know. In time, you will know them too ;)
Later tonight, perhaps midnight, I'll be boarding a train with 3 other friends in Cairo heading to Luxor, insha allah. The train will take at least 9 hours so we'll arrive by morning, insha allah. We'll spend tomorrow sight-seeing, visitings tombs, and extremely ancient monuments, insha allah. This is a place I've always wanted to go. Always always always. Tomorrow night we will crash in a hostel, insha allah. If we missed something tomorrow, we'll wake up early Saturday morning (to avoid the heat) and take some photos before boarding the train back to Cairo and arrive before bedtime, insha allah. I realize I've overused the phrase, but I'm trying to emphasize how much this weekend is a "fingers-crossed" type excursion. I really hope everything works out according to plan, but overusing this phrase will help me to avoid disappointment if/when my dream Egypt trip doesn't play out quite right. [If I don't make it to Hatshepsut's tomb this weekend, then I promise you, I will be coming back to Egypt someday in the future. No 'insha allah' necessary, it will happen.] This is my first "on my own" trip, though I'll agree with you, there should have been more. This is also the last weekend that I don't have anything major going on with classes the following week. I'm not stressed about school... yet. So this weekend is perfect.
I'm so so so so happy right now!! I have been waiting for the package from California (Grandma and Grandpa + Samantha and Katie) since spring break! I've gone to the mail center practically everyday, pestered the mail guy about this package, I've even gone to him twice in one day!! I was getting to a point where I checked less often (it's psychology; if you don't get the reward you're looking for, the behavior to get the reward decreases until it becomes extinct. this is also the best way to deal with a child having a tantrum. you ignore them until their tantrum decreases and will eventually become extinct but if you crack before it becomes extinct and give the child the attention/candy/ice cream they are screaming for, then they will increase that behavior and extinction will become more difficult for the next time they want the attention/candy/ice cream). Well, today I went to the mail center, but not to check for the package (that behavior was becoming extinct) but to mail a postcard! And there it was! Sitting on the counter waiting for me!! Even though I wasn't going back to my room I took it with me and opened it in the cafeteria. I tried not to cry reading the birthday cards (yes, birthday) and looking at all the sweet things. I FEEL GOOD!! Aww, my friends and family are fantastic! I love you all!! I'm so so so thankful. I now have exactly one month left here. I'd love to say the time is flying by, but it really isn't. This is the longest semester of my life. This package has made me temporarily homesick (how can I be totally homesick if I'm going to Luxor this weekend?!!!) and longing for home or grandma's kitchen. I miss a lot of things about California and Colorado. In fact, earlier today I was missing Trader Joes! But the goodies in the package have relieved that feeling. Thanks TJ!! Heehee. I'm excited to go home but I'm going to make this last month worth it. Tuesdays wont be for laundry, they'll be for museuming and living in Cairo. Saturday's wont be for homework, they'll be for museuming and living in Cairo too!! I'm excited! I might even ride a camel...
I miss you like a fat kid on a diet misses chocolate cake!! Love!
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