Welcome Sophia!

Sarah had a doctor's appointment the night before (10pm - they do things differently here) & the doctor was quite concerned with the baby.  Sarah had been slowly leaking amniotic fluid for the past week, & he didn't want the baby to go into distress, so he told her to check into the hospital the next day.  Her due date was the prior Thursday, so he felt she was ready.  Sarah had already been having contractions off & on.

Sarah & John heading to the hospital.

I stayed at their home until much later when John's parents came to pick me up. They wanted that time to themselves.  Sarah was to be induce, so we figured it would be awhile.  When we arrived in her room 9 hrs later, she had gone from 1 centimeter when she was induced to 8.  They whisked her away to the delivery room, because she was going quickly & of course John went with her.  So I went to prayer.  After a while, John's mom grabbed my hand & we went to search for her.  Just as we had gotten there, John was coming for me.  Sarah had asked for me, but John's mother stayed out waiting while I was taken in.  It wasn't long before 3 pushes & Sophia was born!!!!  It was such a wonderful experience!  

She weighs 6 lbs 3 oz & is 19 " long

 When the nurse gave her a bath, all she did was whimper.  She's really not a crier.

A mother's love

The new family

Thank you Lord for allowing me to be here for my granddaughter's birth!!!

Egyptian Food

The night before Sarah went in to have the baby, John's parents took us out to dinner.  He wanted me to experience good authentic Egyptian food, appetizers and all.  It was good!

It was such a neat place with a wonderful atmosphere. 

Then we headed over to Sarah's doctor's for a late night appointment. 

My Ride on a Falucca

We got to the Nile right at sunset & it was a bit foggy.

Waiting for our faluka to arrive. Its the one right behind us.

Sarah & John's friends from church went with us.
What delightful people they are!

What a great trip! It was cooler on the river.

He managed the boat well.

That's a church with the 3 crosses  

This is the river view of the restaurant we were at the night before.

It was a very enjoyable ride with wonderful company!

Dining Along the Nile

After church Thursday, John took me on a drive around the Nile & we ended up at the Grand Cafe for midnight snacks.  As you will see we ended up sitting looking out at the Nile, b/c the restaurant sits right on the Nile.

The entrance
Notice that its under a tent isn't that cool!

Coming into the restaurant

Looking out onto the Nile

Sweet Sarah at our table

Isn't this cool!
 Some were smoking shushie - not me!

Our table with the Nile behind us.

This falucca was hosting a bridal party.  If you look close you can see the bride.

Coffee shops, Cafes & Shopping

Shopping in Cairo is quite different than back home. The 1st time out, we just window shopped so I could get an idea of what's out there.  Shops were tucked in everywhere.

After window shopping the 1st day, we stopped
in a quaint little coffee shop for a rest & some
delicious coffee drink. It was wonderful!

They even decorated for Christmas!

Another afternoon's shopping.

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The market

Stopping for a rest, we found this wonderful restaurant with a
courtyard.  I had this wonderful fresh Mango cream slushie!

Looking up

The front of the place.

Sarah's Baby Shower

The teachers at Sarah's school gave her a baby shower, even the men. It was so nice of them.

The school Sarah teaches at.

They held it on the roof top, quite common in Egypt.

This wonderful lady organized it.  Her name is Melinda. 

A view of the play yard from the roof.

Another view from the roof.

These are a great group of ladies!

Another view from the roof top. I love the pattern of that tree.

A beautiful end to the party & view from the rooftop!