Phone Call Relief

I heard from my traveling daughter. She called at 6:45 a.m. today (it was around 3:00 p.m. in Egypt) and assured me she is safe and having a wonderful time. I could not hear all that she said but the call was clear enough to make out her calm, serene, and clearly happy mood.

The people are friendly, she is rooming with a 60 year old German woman, and an ATM ate her debit card. With only $100 American in her pocket a Minneapolis couple took pity on her and lent Ann $200. To show you how much she is loving the country she announced that she is not in Egypt to shop but to take in the culture and scenery!

My dear first born shared that she wakes up each day amazed that she is actually in Egypt and announced that she will be making a return trip. I had browsed her itinerary last night and checked the map to make sure the tour was not going near the Gaza boarder. While the military is ever present, Ann commented that she did feel safe. The only other shareable news I got was that the area around the Nile (the group took a trip down the Nile yesterday) is very lush but two miles outside the river is desert.

I have rarely heard this girl sound so calm. Maybe there is something special about the land of Isis and the power of the pyramids. I will have to find that out vicariously but, for now, I am pleased she is happy and safe.

A Mom's Job is to Worry

As I type this my first born is winging her way to Egypt. At 23 she is an experienced traveler and has seen many Western states, some of the South, taken two cruises, visited Canada, and traveled to Europe twice. She is a confident, assertive, mature person and is traveling with a seasoned group leader.

I am her mother, so I am worried. Whenever she travels I have her in my thoughts more often than usual, but for this trip I am truly concerned for her safety. I have double checked the State Department Travel reports, understand that Egypt is one of the more stable Middle Eastern countries, and trust her group leader. But it is in the Middle East and while I was worried when she announced this expedition, since the Gaza/Israel debacle I am even more concerned.

My children are patient with my mothering. I preface my worries by telling them as their mother I have a need to share my advice/unease/concern; could they please bear with me, listen, and know I feel better for expressing my thoughts. My daughter listened to my concerns, assured me all will be well, and flew off to this vastly different culture. She will call me when she can (I am not an overbearing mother and do not excessively call my kids) to alleviate my fears, and I will assure her of my pride in her adventurous spirit and the opportunities she seizes.

When she returns in two weeks I will travel to see her and marvel at her photos, tales, and souvenirs. I will hug her a little longer than usual, thankful for her safe return. For now, your kind thoughts for her safety would be appreciated.