Epiphany

Epiphany

I was stationed aboard an aircraft carrier deployed in the Mediterranean dropping anchor about a kilometer from the shoreline of Alexandria Egypt. C.1989. The water was a bright turquoise and the seas were unforgivingly rough. The normally placid liberty boat ride ashore was filled with a high sea adventure and seasick shipmates. Braving the cold brisk wind we made our way ashore to the ancient city of Alexandria.

Little did I know all of my preconceptions and beliefs about people different than myself were about to be shattered by truth.


My friend and I met an Egyptian named Ahmed. We struggled through his English for a few hours as he walked us around Alexandria trying to explain to us his city and culture. He invited us to his apartment for tea. We were under strict orders not to enter any houses due to fear of kidnapping. Well, I’ve never been one for rules(military???), so…  First we declined, but Ahmed was persuasive and we eventually broke the rules to have tea in the home of our new friend.

His apartment was one small room on the rooftop of a four story building. As Ahmed was steeping the tea, I was startled by prayers being broadcast over loudspeakers. I followed my hosts lead and faced Mecca. I grew up in a religious family(I know huh!), so I felt comfortable with the prayer. But something else happened, I had an epiphany. I realized that I am a Citizen of the World, the Global Village. Ahmed is my brother and he invited me into  his home. I thought I was at war with him and Islam. What I had been taught all my life was wrong.

I am writing this so we all realize there are those who know, but have yet to awaken. There are those on the fringe who just need a sign. There are even those who believe there is an infinity between our beliefs, but a simple afternoon can change a life.

Continue to engage those around you about economics and the current political state.

Our collective wisdom will show us the way.  Teach. Learn. Share.

@OCCUPYNC77