Leaving On a Jet Plane…

Angie Cairo, Egypt, Family, Home, Journey, Travel Leave a Comment

“All my bags are packed I’m ready to go…
Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane
Don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh baby, I hate to go…”

Dear Universe,

Passport not confiscated, but arms were twisted and I was convinced to stay a little longer!  But you, Universe, have other plans for me.  When the ticket situation didn’t work out, I took it as a sign that it was time to continue my journey.

It had been fourteen years since I last came to Cairo.  Yes, fourteen.  It didn’t feel like it had been that long, and at the same time it felt like two lifetimes ago.

When I arrived at the airport I made my way through customs.  The official took my passport, looked down at my name, looked up at me and said, “Welcome home.”

I smiled, thanked him in Arabic and made my way through the glass doors where my family waited for me.

Home.  I hadn’t thought of it that way before.

We piled in the car and the radio was blasting over the air conditioner.  Instead of the sounds of Arabic music, I was greeted by an American classic.  The Pointer Sisters’ “We are Family.”  I smiled wider.

Throughout my time in Cairo I was given lots of little reminders that this is indeed a home away from home, that there is a lot of love here and that I will be welcome with open arms any time I come back.  I’m so glad I realized that.

When I looked at the Mediterranean one last time before leaving for Cairo, I gave thanks and took a minute to remember the moment and the trip as a whole.  And even though I got teary saying bye to a few members of the family, I felt reassured—I’d see them again…soon.  I don’t want to wait another fourteen years.  And as we were driving back from the coast to Cairo, I actually felt lighter.

Thank you for a safe, fun, relaxing trip.  I’m so glad that I snatched the opportunity when it came and just jumped into this trip at full force.

I’ll miss this home away from home.

Onto the next stop… I’m ready.

Much Gratitude,

A

Facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *