So many times life reminds me that this is a small and interconnected world.
The Mariam grocery store is conveniently located on the walk from home to school. It is not unusual to stop for a Thursday afternoon treat. Arrange for water to be delivered to the house. Grab a quick snack for after school activities.
Amer is either the owner or main person in charge of this store. Often we share small talk about life, the Egyptian heat, or families.
A couple of weeks ago we engaged in a bit more in depth discussion about life and his family. He revealed that his brother actually lives in Texas.
“Hey I am from Texas.”
“My brother loves the place. People are friendly. He has lived there for over 20 years.”
“Where does he live in Texas?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Well next time you talk to him, ask him where he lives.”
Yesterday, following the end of a long work week at school, I ran into Mariam’s to buy some blue Powerade (new to Egypt in the last couple of weeks). Amer was working.
“So Amer, is your brother going to visit?”
“Inshallah, but I’m not sure yet.”
“Did you ask your brother where he lives in Texas?”
“Actually no. I know it’s a place that has mountains around it. Close to Mexico. A lot of people speak Spanish. If he wants to take a plane, he has to drive at least 2 hours. Name a few places close to Mexico.”
“Brownsville? El Paso? Laredo? McAllen?”
After each city, he shook his head, “No, that’s not it.”
Honestly, I can’t name many cities right on the Mexican border that I had already mentioned.
“Juarez? Big Bend National Park? Marfa?”
He picked up his phone, called a family member asking what the name of the city was.
“Oh, Odessa.”
“What? Odessa? Ana min Odessa.” In my basic Arabic I told him that I was from Odessa.
“When you go back to Odessa for Christmas, I’ll give you his number and can meet him, looks just like me.”
And just like this random little corner of Egypt, the world reminds you that we are connected. And that Texas is one of the greatest places in the world.
Until next time.
