2012:7 - Rumors

It’s a fascinating experience to be living in a place that’s in the news. It’s one thing to read the news about Egypt from the safety of my home in America. It’s another thing entirely to read the news – American Press and English Egyptian Press – when you’re living in the midst of the news that’s being made.

From my vantage point on the ground I can tell you that rumors are rampant. And they take on a life of their own, whether or not there’s any factual basis for them. Students are a steady stream of content as they share the tidbits that they hear from a friend or family member. We Americans have our own sources of rumors as well as we talk with friends we know away from the seminary as well or overhear bits of conversation in coffee shops or on the street. “I heard …” quickly becomes, “If it’s true that …” which ends up as, “Here’s what’s happening …”

Our students look at the whole spectacle with seemingly bemused indifference, even as they care deeply about their country’s future. They shrug their shoulders and laugh as they tell us that at the same time last night one channel was reporting that Morsy has won the presidency, while another channel simultaneously announced the winner as Shafik. Some are more cynical – though even their cynicism is spoken through a twinkling eye. One breakfast comment this morning was that the SCAF has orchestrated the story of Mubarak’s near death to shift the focus off the presidential election.

There is a sense that people in power in Egypt are playing a very large and dangerous game of chess with no care or concern taken for how their moves will effect the lives of millions of Egyptians who simply struggle to make ends meet. You might argue that this is how politics is played in every arena, but it feels different here. Even when I don’t agree with politicians in America, I have the sense that they are fighting for a cause or values that they genuinely believe in. I’m not sure that anyone in power in Egypt believes in anything except maintaining their power.

For now we wait to see which rumors will turn out to be true and then wait for the new rumors that will inevitably come when some new piece of information is shared. Be assured that I am very safe and secure. We are all taking extra precautions in our travels and our wondering.

I hope you will join me in continuing to pray for peace, justice and freedom for all Egyptians.