Tuesday, February 1

An Update on Matthew...

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of my cousin Matthew. This morning, my grandfather talked again with Matt's mother, who was much relieved. She had gotten through by telephone (as have several other relatives).

According to my aunt, there are several reasons for optimism. Although Matt can't physically go far enough from his apartment to get to the Canadian embassy (he has dual citizenship, but came into Egypt on a Canadian passport), my aunt is working to contact them. However, as you can imagine, the "waiting line" is very long (there are 7,000 Canadians currently in Egypt), so it might take a little while.

Matthew seems to think that President Mubarak's exile might be imminent and believes that might take off the worst of the pressure. Since he has been assisted, by another resident of his building, to get out to a store, he has a week's supply of food, a goodly amount of potable water for drinking and has filled the bathtub, etc., with water which can be used for other necessary purposes, so he is feeling more secure about his situation. He has also made other friends among his neighbors and has even been invited out for dinner at least once. His computer is working and although he can't go on-line, it is a source of facilitating some work, as well as entertainment.

Should it become necessary to leave, he has heard that Canadians will have an opportunity to get to Germany; where he might be able to take a train to Vienna, where he might beg asylum from some family living there! That might mean, if the stay is short-lived, it would be less expensive to either find his way back to Canada or get back to Egypt if that becomes feasible. Classes haven't been held yet, but the University has said to those who might have to leave, that they would be paid for the current term. So the economic news could be worse.

Matt is banking on good news from the political front, such as for instance, a Mubarak exile ending the constant demonstrations. I am certain I have left some things out or even gotten a thing or two wrong, but this is what I think I know at this juncture. Thank you again for your prayers!

5 comments:

elizabeth said...

glad to hear this. Please do continue to keep us posted; it is crazy that they have blocked internet there. continuing to pray.

Matushka Anna said...

Thank you for the update. Will continue to pray.

Michelle M. said...

Thank you for updating us. I am glad to hear that he was able to get supplies. We'll be praying.

Eleni said...

I read your blog but have never commented. Wanted to let you know that I am praying as well.

Mindy said...

I came across your blog while doing a search on vintage coloring books. I'm looking for sweet scenes of childhood to embroider. What a lovely blog. Your photography is beautiful, as is the subject matter. I'm just looking at pictures this evening, but will be back soon to read some of your writing.

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