May 7, 2005

May 6, 2005

11:55 I am sitting on the hotel perch overlooking the Nile and thinking about the exciting day we had. Up early for a flight to Cairo, planted peace tress, Peace Marathon and had a romantic magnificent dinner on the felucca tonight. I forgot to introduce myself, I am from Israel when I came to Egypt I had nothing to expect, I expected nothing but I got everything I could ever dreamed of. “Imagine all the people living life in Peace” This was sang on the Peace Walk today with this I end my blog. Peace Out from Egypt. Mirit, Israel.

Here LIVE from Cairo, Egypt. Grand city, Grand People, Grand spirit. In my heart I am no longer the young spoiled teen from Casablanca, but rather an incredibly honored and dedicated “Pyramid”, as Barb likes to call us. Together we can make an amazing team. To all the parents reading Thank You all for raising such incredible kids. As Barb also likes to say, “Keep it short & sweet”, I will do so, because she is definitely right, but also because I left this until the last minute. Salam Aleykom or May Peace Be Upon You! Chafy (Charaf), Casablanca, Morocco.

It was a dark and stormy night. Or perhaps…it wasn’t. Perceptions vary and, yes, that’s truly and most simply okay. Perhaps perception, in communicating and understanding its depths, is an individual instrument, a tool. And that instrument can only finds its harmony when accompanied by an orchestra of other instruments, different instruments, all beautiful – all striving for one goal: accord. Today was glorious. We left the cruise boat early to head for the airlines. At around 12:30 p.m. we arrived in Cairo and tore apart our boxed lunches. We were honored to then plants trees of peace and harmony to symbolize an everlasting friendship and dreams of peace. Accordingly, the “Land of Peace” was where they were planted. Afterwards we all checked in to our hotel and right away got to work on loading a total of 2,500 care bags filled with colored pencils, books, toothpastes, toothbrushes, pens and pencils for several primary schools of children in need, sponsored by the Personal Hygiene Campaign in Egypt. We were exhausted shortly afterwards! But what an accomplishment. Around 7:00 p.m., we all sporting our People to People International peace t-shirts, gathered to greet two People to People International Student Chapters from Egypt, The Pharaohs of Peace and Egypt’s Angels. Mrs. Mary Eisenhower presented the Egyptian Chapters with certificates of authenticity and appreciation. And, of course, thanks. From there, we ventured on to walk from our hotel to the Felucca docking area, on a Peace Walk led by Mrs. Mary Eisenhower herself. Dinner was served on the boat where we sang, dances, and just took in the serenity of the Nile at night. Bravo! Love to all my friends and family. Samantha, USA

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Samantha--As your name was read out a number of times at the Honors Convocation on Thursday I was picturing you in Egypt. What a fabulous, life-altering experience! I can't wait to see your pics and hear about your adventures. You do us proud!! Ms. K.--PTP and McDowell High

Anonymous said...

Samantha - How eloquently you describe this treasureful trip. The people, the sights, the sounds, the friendships all must be incredible. I am thrilled for your experience - and thrilled for your return home. Peace be with you. All my Love - Mom

Anonymous said...

Happy Mother's Day, Barb!
I have been reading all the comments and blogs from the Peace Camp, and when I just read Chafy's about the "Pyramids," I definitely got shivers. You are amazing, and you are not just a mother to your own children, but to all that you have ever met. You spread your love of humanity to everyone you meet, and the Peace Campers are truly blessed to know you, as am I. Thanks for being a mother to everyone. I love you! xox Kaitlin

Anonymous said...

i wish you wouldnt have gone i'm sorry that i have to say that but i do i love you