Humility. Family. Joy.

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There is a saying; 'everyday's a school day'. And today was one such day.

I was up early, as usual, and down for a light breakfast. I was invited to one of our parishioner's homes this afternoon for lunch, so I had several things to do beforehand.

I brought my laundry to my friend, Moustafa, he of the usual joke, and he didn't disappoint!

I was expecting to collect tomorrow, but no, 6pm this evening! what a service. And it still costs less than €10 for seven items - cleaned and pressed!

In fact, I'll be keeping several of them in plastic now as I'm almost into my last week, so they'll be going straight into my case!

Then I went to a local Patisserie and bought one of the largest Tiramisu's that I've seen, to bring along with me.

The Uber arrived on time and I was off. Twenty minutes later, and at a cost of about €3, 


I arrived at the square where the apartment building was located. It was bustling, and I found the building thanks to the photo sent to me by Y.

When I arrived, the power had gone out, so I accompanied him to buy some groceries, and to meet several of his neighbours and shopkeepers.

 It was quite old school, even down to the fresh, and I mean fresh, poultry seller.

We returned to his apartment, and his wife M presented a lovely meal. It was a feast, consisting of bread, yoghurt, Sudanese sausage, lentil stew, and accompanying dishes.

Y and I ate together, and he told me his story.

Like so many, he and his family had come to Egypt as a result of the war, which destroyed his local church, schools and so on.

After some chai, shared with his wife M and their lovely 2 year old daughter, all the family gathered together and I prayed with them.
They have such an amazing faith.

Of course, I couldn't go without a gift of Egyptian cotton socks! How lovely!

Then it was back to base to collect my laundry and to prepare for tomorrow's mass.

As I looked over next weeks readings, 

Wow! 

This is how messages come.

Matthew 10:11-13, 'Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it...'





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