Early Pics......

Ramesses II @ Memphis

Ramesses II @ Memphis

Stelae of Ramesses II

Great Pyramids in the distance

Reflections: A Spiritual Journey to Kemet

Hotep my brothers and sisters.


Although our visit to Kemet has included stops at numerous iconic sites, such as the Pyramids at Giza, the royal mummy hall in the Cairo Museum, the Philae Temple near Aswan and Ramses’ II temple monuments at Abu Simbel, the objective of our journey has a greater purpose beyond sightseeing. For me, this has been a spiritual voyage that is God inspired. This is truly an experience of a lifetime. I have so much to share about the journey to Kemet.


This journey has been the medicine to further rejuvenate my mind, body and soul. In addition, the acquisition of knowledge of the contribution that our ancestors made to mankind is another primary objective. This objective has been more than adequately addressed by our illustrious co-lectures; Dr. Greg Carr and Dr. Mario Beattie. I thank both of them for their commitment to this effort.


After some reflection and enlightenment of my sacred purpose as one of the elders on this trek to Kemet, I come before you on the eve of a day that is of some personal significance; my 62nd birthday. My thoughts emerge from a deep inner urge to give praise to my Rock, Redeemer, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I lift Him up. I also seek to convey a brief autobiographical Sebayet, which will include a few words of wisdom, which is meant to inspire members of my Howard University family and other interested readers and listeners.


Such expression is consistent with the Instructions of Ptah- Hotep, which is the most ancient complete literary work existing. It was written in the Fifth Egyptian Dynasty, 3580 B.C. to 3536 B.C. In this papyrus book, Ptah-Hotep sets down the rules of behavior that all wise men should convey to their sons. It consists of 37 maxims framed by a prologue and an epilogue. One of the maxims reads as follows:

• May this servant be ordered to make a staff of old age, So as to tell him the words of those who heard, the ways of the ancestors, Who have listened to the gods.
  



• May such be done for you, So that strife may be banned from the people, And the Two Shores may serve you!
  



• 
  
  Said the majesty of this god: Instruct him then in the sayings of the past, May he become a model for the children of the great, May obedience enter him, And the devotion to him who speaks to him, No one is born wise.
  
  Therefore, consistent with the Instructions of Ptah-Hotep, I offer the following testimony (my staff of old age) for those who are inclined to hear.

My journey of sixty-two years has taught me the value of faith. For without faith in God we are like wheat blowing in a storm; without purpose or direction. It is written in Hebrews 11:1 that, “…faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”Over the course of my life, I have learned that through focused pray God reveals the evidence of His truth and mercy. This is done in His own time and serves to confirm the validity of our faith in His presents.


The Early Years
My mother once told me that oftentimes, God brings us to our knees to bring us closer to Him. Early in my life, the death of my father was a life altering experience that tested my faith. I was 16 years old and I searched for answers. Why did he leave me, my mother and siblings so early? How could I go on without his love, support and guidance? It was during those quiet times on my knees in prayer, during the reading of His Word or during the mid-night hour in the midst of a deep slumber that God began to reveal His purpose. Scripture teaches us that our Father in heaven will never forsake or leave us. Joshua 1:5 says, “…As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” I was in search for some explanation, justification or understanding for how to go on without my father. However, the answer to my second question is found in Proverb 3:5, which reads, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”


Young Adulthood
Late one evening while on guard duty in the Republic of Vietnam at the age of twenty-one, I again was presented with a situation that tested my faith. The siren when off and I scrambled to get my gear together. Within two or three minutes, I heard the sound of a 122 millimeter enemy rocket whirling over my head. Momentarily, I froze in a state of panic and fear. Mercifully, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small bible, a gift from my mother. I turned to Psalm 23, which reads, “…Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil: for thou art with me…” I read it twice and I was instantly returned to calm because I knew that He was in control. It was as if I heard him whisper, “Peace be still” (Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm, Mark 4:39).


This episode in my life reminds me of Ramses II (ruler of Kemet from 1304 BC to 1237 BC) during The Battle of Kadesh, which was the decisive war between the Egyptians and the Hittites for control over Syria. It took place in the spring of the fifth year of the reign of Ramses II. Like me, Ramses II found himself in mortal danger. Accordingly, he makes a plea to his god, Amun, which was a god in Egyptian mythology that in the form of Amun-Ra became the focus of the most complex system of theology in Ancient Egypt. His position as King of Gods developed to the point of virtual monotheism where other gods became manifestations of him. With Osiris, Amun-Ra is the most widely recorded of the Egyptian Gods. The following is synopsis of Ramses’ II partition to Amun-Ra during the Battle of Kadesh:


Here I stand, All alone; There is no one at my side, My warriors and chariots a feared, Have deserted me, none heard My voice, when to the cravens I, their king, for succor, cried. But I find that Amun's grace Is better far to me Than a million fighting men and ten thousand chariots be. Yea, better than ten thousand, be they brother, be they son, When with hearts that beat like one, Together for to help me they are gathered in one place. The might of men is nothing, it is Amun who is lord, What has happened here to me is according to your word, And I will not now transgress your command; But alone, as here I stand, To you my cry I send, Unto earth's extremest end, Saying, 'Help me, father Amun, against the Hittite horde."'



It is important to note that in the three religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, whenever the faithful pray, regardless of language, they always end their prayer by saying Amen. There is no linguistic translation for Amen, because it is a name and not a word. The origin of Amen is Egyptian, for Amen was taken from the name of Amun-Ra. The Jews have learned about Amen during their sojourn in Egypt, which lasted for four generations. The name of Amun, which means the Hidden One, in Ancient Egypt, lives on.


Latter Years
In January 2007, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I have one chance for a cure. The doctor explained that the Whipple procedure was a twelve hour surgical operation that is fraught with the risk of fatal consequences. The Whipple procedure surgery is a complicated process that requires a great deal of skill to perform. I often refer to this has a reengineering of my digestive system.


However, this operation was the best hope for complete eradication of the cancer that was wrecking havoc on my pancreas. With only one day notice, I began preparation for this uncertain outcome. On the night before the operation, I organized my financial, legal, and other matters and spent many quiet hours alone in pray. In addition, I organized the things that I would take with me to the hospital. The obvious items including a tooth brush and tooth paste, slippers and pajamas were packed. Other important items included my cell phone, which included my contact directory and music files with an attachable speaker system.The next morning, I arrived at the Howard University Hospital early. The twelve hour surgery was completed without incident. After, spending several hours in the recovery room, I was wheeled to the intensive care unit (ICU). During the first night in the ICU the pain was immense.


Songs of Praise
The combination of pray, morphine and songs of praise got me through one of the most difficult evenings of my life. Thanks to my cell phone and handy dandy mini- speaker system, I was comforted with songs of praise and worship all night long. Examples include Yolanda Adams’ “The Battle is the Lord’s”, Richard Smallwood’s “Angels, ” and “Changed”, by Tramine Hawkins to name a few. As many of you know, Richard Smallwood is a Howard University alumnus. The lyrics from his song “Angles” have special meaning. In part, he says, “unseen hands guide me through the pain and darkness. Yes, angles are watching over me.”


Ironically, ancient Egyptians regarded Amun-Ra as the “hidden one”, which the ancient Egyptians prayed to in the time of trouble. This seems to be more than just an ironic coincidence to Smallwood’s lyrics. The next morning the nurses stated that the praise and worship service through song that I conducted all night long was a blessing to them.


I was present at Walter Hawkins’ last concert in April 2010, which was held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. This was Bishop Hawkins’ last public performance prior to succumbing to a two year battle against pancreatic cancer. His words and songs of praise and worship still ring in my ears. He shared his battle with the audience and told us that God is in the business of performing marvels. He thanked God for allowing him to live. I thank God for Bishop Hawkins’ legacy of songs of praise, faith and worship. Some of my favorite songs include Marvelous, Going Up Yonder, Be Grateful, Never Alone, and When the Battle is Over.


Epilogue

My prayer is simple; Thy will be done. This has become a litmus test for the balance of my journey. I had to turn it over to Him and trust that it would be alright. Because like songstress Yolanda Adams’ said the Battle is the Lord’s. There is power in turning it over. Hallelujah!



The doctors said that my recovery might take six months. Through the grace of God I was back to light duty at work in six weeks. During the time at home I prayed, shouted and worshipped Him unceasingly. I thanked Him not only for what He had done but for what He was going to do.

More than a year after the surgery I was leaving a meeting and one of my Howard University co-workers stopped me to inquiry about my health. I indicated that I was doing fine. He mentioned that I helped him to renew his faith. In amazement, I asked him how this was so. He said it was because of what I said to him during a visit he made to my hospital room. I asked, what did I say? He stated that I said that I knew that there were Angels watching over me (undoubtedly my ancient ancestors, my father and mother, and a host of others). He then said that he could see the peace and calm in my face. Moreover, a year later he was a witness to my marvelous recovery.


It has been more than three and a half years since my diagnosis. The statistics suggest that the survival rate beyond five years is around five percent. The doctors and nurses all marveled at my recovery. Some called it a miracle. But, I know that Jesus is the marvel worker and I am just the vessel. It is with gratitude that I thank the nurses and doctors at Howard University Hospital.

A note of special is extended to my surgeon, Dr. Wayne Frederick, a gifted prodigy that journeyed from his home in Trinidad at the age of 16 to begin his undergraduate education at Howard University. He then went on to graduate from Howard’s medical school. He is a talented Surgical Oncologist and acting director of Howard University’s Cancer Center. Dr. Frederick is the protégé of the legendary Dr. LaSalle Leffall, who is currently the Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery at Howard University Hospital. It is noteworthy that Dr. Leffall was trained by the iconic Dr. Charles Drew, a legendary pioneer in the field of blood transfusion. I thank God for the skill, dedication, and compassion of these exemplars of medical excellence. Their work is consistent with the spirit of Imhotep (2655-2600 BC) who was one of the world's most famous ancients from Kemet and is often recognized as the world's first doctor, a priest, scribe, sage, poet, astrologer, and a vizier and chief minister. Imhotep is considered the father of medicine. In fact, Dr. Eric Anthony Joseph, a scholar from Lincoln University asserts the following:


When the Egyptians crossed the Mediterranean Sea, becoming the foundation of the Greek culture, Imhotep's teachings were absorbed and sampled there. Yet, as the modern Greeks were determined to assert that they were the originators of almost everything, Imhotep was forgotten for thousands of years. In his place the legendary figure Hippocrates, who came 2,000 years after Imhotep, became known "incorrectly" as the "Father of Medicine."


This falsehood is so woven into the pedagogical fabric of western higher learning that upon graduation from western medical schools students must or will take this erroneous and rightly called "Hippocratic" oath! What a hypocrisy made by my so-called learned scholars who continue to perpetrate this known "lie" to the next generation of physicians


In conclusion, although the journey is not over, I have learned that faith and grace are enduring dimensions of a God-center life. Five themes emerge that are critical to staying on course. These include:

• The power of prayer



• Reading His Word



• Turning it over to Him



• Songs of Praise



• Unwavering Faith in His Divinity

The most important of these is Faith. Hebrew 11:6 says, Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Praise the Lord my Rock, Redeemer, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I lift Him up. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Amen.


Yours in the spirit of Ma’at (truth, balance, order, law, morality, and justice.)



Clarence Jones, CPA

Living Large

The Karnak Temple is the most important and archaeological site in Kemet. It is the largest temple complex ever constructed with Amun as the central figure of the temple and is referred to as Ipet Resyt (the southern private chambers). The prominent local divinities of Karnak were Montu and Amun. We saw the sandstone columns and still painted ceilings of Hypostle Hall, the Kiosk of Taharqa, Hatshepsut’s obelisk, the Sacred Lake, and the Festival Temple of Djehutymes III. One of the most impressive things I found about the Karnak Temple besides the fact that it took about 31 people to make a full circle around one of the columns, was the sphinx-lined processional way that stretched to the Luxor Temple.

As usual, in order to further enhance our general knowledge, we took a detour to the White Chapel. The White Chapel was built by Senwosret I and is also known as the world’s first university. The beautiful and tragic thing about the White Chapel is that many people are unaware of its existence. Because of this, they are missing out on the legacy and history. It is in this quaint, little building that students learned astronomy and theology and how they are but one science rather than two which is used as direction for their daily lives. At this temple, I was blessed with an out of body experience as Dr. Carr performed a libation. There is nothing that can compare to or describe the thoughts and feelings I had that makes me even more thankful and appreciative of having the opportunity to have this experience.

The Luxor Temple is dedicated to Amun Re. It is referred to as the southern Opet (place of seclusion). At this temple, we got to see first hand the greatest example of these modern day crooks participating in one of their favorite activities-restoration of the temple. (ie. the desecration of the original work in attempts to make it look pretty and the way it might have originally looked in the ancient times.) Personally, I do not see why they find restoration to be necessary because it takes away from the natural, personal affect the original Egyptian works give. In my opinion, they should be allowed to age without interruption.

Brother James

James & I showing some brotherhood at Karnak

Arrival in Waset (Thebes): The Power and the Most Select of Places

We have arrived at the world's largest temple complex of the classical era, the nearly two mile stretch of buildings known as Ipet Isut (Karnak to the Greeks) and Southern Opet (Luxor Temple). The collective area, which covers both sides of the Nile and includes the Valley of the Kings and Queens, was called Waset ("The Scepter of Power") by the Ancients and Thebes by the Greeks. Here, Kemet centered the marriage of governance structure, spiritual philosophy, scientific inquiry and artistic expression, beginning in predynastic times and stretching across the entire unbroken three millennium life of the nation. Traveling here by bus from Aswan yesterday, we stopped at two of the most important temple sites of the Late Period, the massive double temple complex dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo and the imposing Temple to Heru (Horus) at Edfu, the largest temple remaining from classical Kemet (note the scale in the picture above: we are standing next to one of the figures of Heru as a falcon that appears so tiny in the picture of the temple pylons).

At Kom Ombo, we considered the significance of the double "holy of holies," examined the temple's "per medjat" (library, or literally "house of books"), its "per ankh" ("house of life," where scribal instruction was carried out) and the stunning display of medical instruments and techniques, including various scalpels, forceps, sponges, mortars and cupping vessels that link the practice of medicine from the 2700 b.c. era of Imhotep (who the Greek swore to as Asclepius in the Hypocratic Oath) through the age of Greek and Roman study under Kemetic tutelage in the third century b.c.e.

At Edfu, we explored the remarkable recitation in stone of the "Battle of Heru and Set," a central narrative of testing one's character in the face of the ultimate adversity that lies near the center of Kemetic cosmology. The night before, our last in the idyllic surroundings of Aswan, the gateway to Nubia in classical and contemporary times, we reviewed the implications of African concepts of character, from the Kemetic through the Yoruba idea of "iwa rere" to contemporary moorings in African-Centered psychology.

Our nightly class sessions have reached a watershed of intensity as our students have begun to grasp a basic familiarity with elements of Kemetic language. Today, we will examine the implications of a national building project that, like the pyramid age, was designed to bond the entire population to a common purpose and resonant social meaning: the elevation of the Divine as a first order organizing principle of national life. Today's work is the first necessary step toward bringing together all we have learned and are laying the foundation for studying.

We are working to upload many more images, some video and the power points from our class sessions shortly. The internet access here is better than in Aswan, which will facilitate our efforts. Keep reading!

They Had to Have Magical Powers!-No.They Were Just African

Today was another day with a very calm environment despite Re possibly giving us the biggest kiss he has given us to date. It seems that the majority of us of were sleep on the bus ride to and from both temples.

Today, we visited Kom Ombo famous for its double Holy of Holies and where there are engravings of the first representation of medical instruments for performing surgery, including scalpels, curettes, forceps, dilators, scissors and medicine bottles. It seems crazy to me that things we still use today were created or discovered and used for the same purposes thousands of years ago. Kom Ombo later became a Greek settlement during the Greco-Roman period. The Greeks did not try to impose but tried to synthesize Egyptian culture.

Edfu is the temple of Horus and is the second largest single most preserved temple in the world. It tells the story of Horus’ triumph over Set (disorder, conflict, seek of power) -never deleted but defeated in order to maintain order in the universe. The engravings were so immaculate, so incredulous, and so intricate. It was so unfathomable. Also, everything in every temple is so perfectly aligned and carved. The Egyptians oriented this temple as they did the others in line with the solar cycle. I do not know why we are still amazed by all of these things after a week of seeing all these extraordinary works. One of my peers is still so amazed that she posed the explanation to this greatness as the Egyptians having magical powers. I said, “No. They were just African.” That in itself should have you expecting greatness beyond measure.

HU in the Nile

Greetings from Kemet

I bring greetings from the land of our ancestors,

This is the first blog I've been able to post, so I have a lot of making up to do. This past week in Egypt has left such an impression on my spirit that I cannot even begin to describe the feelings I've been having, so at the very least I can share what has affected me. From the pyramids, the sphinx, the tombs and temples to the market place, the nubian village and the bazaars, I feel that I have seen the world and it's only been one week. And beyond what we're seeing in Egypt, what we're learning is also amazing.

Since I've been in Egypt I've had to confront the eurocentricity that I realize is very present in my own mentality though I try to repudiate its existence. And notions such as black Egyptians, though they were enticing sounded fallacious to me. But I have seen the hieroglyphics depicting a great people with black skin. I have heard the history and I am now rejecting the lies that have been forcibly fed to my consciousness. The ancient Egyptians were a great and mighty people and every pyramid, every hieroglyphic is a testament to their might. Walking into each building is a spiritual event because I recognize that the contributions of these people are still evident and very relevant to contemporary life though I never knew it.

Take the story of Auset, whose Greek translated name is Isis. She, the maternal line, transmitted power to the rulers. She is identified by the thrown that is placed above her crown in hieroglyphics because she transmits kingship; she transmits power; her son becomes ruler. The Goddess Isis has been worshipped by different names all over the world and her contemporary counterpart is the Virgin Mary, praised for the life she brought into this world. When I heard this I was amazed.

There is so much more I would like to share, but I'm pressed for time.

Until next time,

ankh, udja, seneb (life, prosperity, health)

Gloria

Welcome Back to Childhood

Today we are visiting the Aswan rock tombs. The means of transportation today? Sailboat!! The atmosphere is a great change from the regular bus ride-calmer, more peaceful, and more relaxing. Thankfully, I am feeling SO MUCH BETTER today because if I still had that little cold I would not have been able to handle all the activity we did today. Nothing but rocks, sand, and sheer personal strength, endurance, and will power to reach the top. It was definitely a hike. But we all made it. Next stop was our tour guide, Faruk’s village where we were welcomed with open arms by the mayor and children. We were shown great hospitality and were entertained by the children as they sang us songs and we jumped rope with them. It was a great honor and privilege for them to open up their personal space to us and even consider us family. We ended the day with a swim in the Nile. The boat ride to the area designated for swimming was proof of the family we have created with each other in the last week. The energy of this connectedness we have established resonates to others when we are together so intensely that they want to add to the energy. When we arrived at the swimming area, that’s when I think we all reverted back to our childhood ways where nothing mattered except us having fun by any means necessary. This includes jumping off the top of the boat into the Nile. Now how many people can say they have done that?! Yup, it is ok for you to be jealous now.

Nubian Village!!

Visiting the Nubian village was definitely one of the best hours of my life. It was the home of our tour guide Farouk. His mayor and the kids were so happy to see us. They were energetic and friendly. The boys gave us a lively welcome song full of drum beats and dancing. Then we taught the girls how to jump rope. They asked for notebooks and pens. It was just so hard to turn them down when we ran out of items. I will never forget those kids.

Afterwards, we went swimming in the Nile! Well, I just stepped into the Nile. But, others jumped off the top of the boat into the Nile. Words cannot describe their boldness. It was a great experience, too. Nobody wanted to leave.

Overall, this was a peaceful, relaxing day. Much more so than the sweltering days we have endured thus far. Now I must get ready for tomorrow's journey to Luxor.

Like Coming Home

After a week of traveling around visiting the ancient ruins of Kemetic civilization we finally were able to go to our guide Farouk's villiage on Elephantine Island. Three words: IT WAS AMAZING. Like children in the U.S. the kids are currently on their summer break however, many of them came out to see us as we arrived in our sail boat and presented a monetary gift to the mayor of the town and visited the surrounding area. I couldn't help but shed a tear at all the smiles I saw from the young Nubians who in so many ways reminded me not only of children who I know back in the States, but reminded me of how I used to physically look so long ago. As they sung a celebratory song for our enjoyment it quickly became apparent that some things in life, African life at least are truly universal such as jump rope. Some of the girls began to show off their many skills and even I joined in on the fun. I was amazed at how excited they were to see us and unlike many other places in Egypt where we have been constantly mobbed by people of all ages asking for money, I only had one little girl namd Zaynab ask me for something so that she could get a bottle of water from the local store and I gave her my 10 pound bill under the condition that she share with her sister Amira.

After we left the villiage we went to swim in the Nile river and to my surprise the same group of young people were already at our pre-determined swimming location. Today I felt that I was truly home.

Strip Me

Egypt is everything I wanted it to be and also everything I could have never imagined it to be. It's quite funny how things can be so different halfway around the world, but also the same as what you see on a daily basis in your own backyard. For instance, the highest price I've paid for a can soda is $4.00! (I was DESPERATE!!!) But contrastingly, I saw the effects of "gentrification" in Egypt, something that is no stranger to the city of Washington D.C. It's also interesting to see how the tourist industry vigorously drives the country of Egypt and how vital it is for the survival of the Egyptian people.

It's quite amazing to view the impact history can have on a person. When I was a second grader, my mom gave me a CD that had a virtual tour of Egypt on it. Everyday for at least three months I would watch the tour and learn various things such as how mummies were prepared, what lakes emptied out into the Nile River, and the names of various kings, queens, and pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. For a long time, I have always said that Egypt would be my first international trip. And what do you know? I am here in the great country of Egypt on the magnificent continent of Africa.

Although I had been studying this country off and on for many years including skimming of the summer reading, it dawned on me that what I had studied could only compare to one tiny spec of salt, in regards to the the concrete history or better yet OURstory that actually engulfed this country. As I looked out the window of my flight before it entered Cairo, I noticed the vast area of nothing but sand and wondered to myself if there may have been ancient ruins still buried in the actual sand. And sure enough, from the assurance of my outstanding professor, Dr. Carr who is well informed about Ourstory of ancient Egypt my thoughts were correct the artifacts that have been recovered from the ruins of Ancient Egypt is actually the tip of your pinky fingernail in comparison to your entire body. Amazing! As I walked through the terminal, went through customs, and stepped out in the 106℉ weather with a blazing sun hitting the back of my neck, I decided I wanted to be stripped. I wanted to be stripped of the National Geographic virtual tour of Egypt (although it was a great CD), stripped of western thought from western textbooks, and even stripped of the thoughts of Egyptian Egyptologists like Zahi Hawass, who should probably go back and rethink his theories, especially on the issue of race of the Ancient Egyptians. So Egypt, you have my permission to strip me. Let your statues, temples, and artifacts strip me of HIStory and begin to tell OURstory.

A few Egypt Pictures and People

Hi Everyone,

Thanks again for following us!! We are enjoying this experience and taking lots of pictures to bring them back to you. We are meeting new people, and getting closer with other colleges. I can truly say that most if not everyone, feels right at home when we are here. We see COUSINS, BROTHERS, SISTERS, UNCLES, AUNTS, everyday. Today (Aug 9th) we went to a village in Aswan and spent time with the children (little cousins) and adults (family). Aswan has been 1 of the best highlights so far, we honestly look just like the people who live here.

Until nextime

Hotep

Access and Ease

Rinsing your toothbrush before you put it up-- you never know how much of a habit this is until you are FORBIDDEN to do it!

While in Egypt, I have learned to not take things for granted. We have so much in the United States and we don’t even think about the ease at which it comes. Like my first sentence says, we alludes, we cannot drink the water. Everyday we have to brush our teeth with bottled water. There have been some close calls, but everyday we have to remind ourselves to not drink the water or to stay away from certain foods.

Another thing that I have learned to appreciate is internet. In the states, basically everywhere I go, I have access to wi-fi. Here, that was not the case—at least not for the first few days. I was almost embarrassed by how much I longed to “tweet” or get on Facebook. I felt so disconnected! Along with being away from the World Wide Web, I was and still am, without a cell phone. Besides the few $0.50 texts that I send, I cannot talk to any of my loved ones. I know this entry sounds like I’m a spoiled kid, but I’m just keeping it real! Lol.

But although I have been without some amenities that I have at home, I have had the chance to meet some very cool people. Those that I already knew, I have been able to see a different side of. I am very excited to start out the new school year with these people!!! Love y’all!

Attempt to Limit Me.-I AM AFRICAN. I WILL RESIST.

Temple visits today!!!! Today we had a 2:15 wake up call due to the fact that we had to make a 4 hour drive down to Abu Simbel which is close to Sudan. We also visited the Nubian Museum. It is official, I am sick. I have a little cold, but I refuse to miss anything. As Dr. Carr says, “You can’t come this far, and not take the last two steps.” I will take these last two steps, even if I have to crawl them.

Abu Simbel: the Temple of Ramses II is dedicated to ReHurakhte, Amon, & Ramses II himself. He built it as a warning to tribes further south, of his absolute power and a glorification of himself and his great deeds. He chose the location with such precision so that twice a year the first rays of the sun rising illuminated the Holy of Holies located in the temple. The days which this occurred were February 22 (his birthday) and Oct 22. After the temple was moved due to the building of the High Dam, the days are now February 21 and October 22. The two most notable features of the temple are the world's firs peace treaty which Ramses made with the Hittites located close to the bottom left hand corner of the front of the temple and the very first grafitti located on one of the massive statue's knee also in the front of the temple.

The temple of Nefertarti is located next to Abu Simbel. It was built for Ramses II’s first and favorite wife, Nefertari. The temple is dedicated to Hathor and is smaller than the great temple Ramses built for himself. Ramases' temple was extravagant and fueled the argument of the height of his arrogance. In my opinion, I do not think it was arrogance. His conceitedness was well deserved. He ruled for 67 years and was an essential and vital part of the development of ancient Egypt.

The worst part of the day was the fact that we were not allowed to take pictures and talking was also prohibited, i.e. tour guides. There was an incident where Dr. Carr was explaining some glyphs to us and someone came in, reprimanded him with a firm “No talking” and made an attempt to kick him out of the area. Furthermore, there are unnecessary areas designated for no pictures in the temples and there are people with no authority to enforce it. There are many times I have found myself restraining my thoughts from being spoken in not so many words to let them know that they have no right to impose limitations on how I choose to document the work of my ancestors. Then have even less of a right to take them from me if I do, such as they did to one of my peers. I need them to start showing respect and stop using tourism as a means for their own economic enhancement.

The environment of the Nubian Museum was less strict than that of the temples. They gave us full access to take pictures and even allowed us to touch some of the pieces. The museum highlighted Nubian culture and civilization in comparison to that of the Egyptian. In my opinion, there should be more museums like the Nubian Museum.

Endurance

For the past 3 days, we have been in Aswan, Egypt. The difference between here and Cairo are night and day. Although we did not really get a chance to roam the streets of Cairo, there is a difference that one can sense in the people. We had all been told that Aswan was much more laid back and had a “southern feel”. After being here for 3 days, and called “cousin” by countless Nubians, I have come to love this place.

The weather here has been unbelievable. I have NEVER been anywhere that had a low temperature of 91 and a high of 113. Back in the US, we have nothing to complain about! Lol. I have never been so hot in my life. But through it all, I have to remember that we are here for a great reason, but I know that I wouldn’t miss this for anything.

Our hotel, The Movenpick, located on Elephantine Island is beautiful and has a very nice view of the town. One of my favorite memories here was going to the market. We did not know where exactly it was, but once we stumbled up it, we entered an entirely new world. One block off of the main street, we were immersed into Nubian life. Bargaining with vendors and walking among the people, we all agreed that this place was great! It is amazing to see how many people are out late at night. It seems like the city never sleeps.

Yesterday we visited Philae Island and the Temple of Isis. After a short boat ride, we came around a small bend and were all awe-struck by the immensity of the temple and the small complex surrounding it. Walking between the columns, and noticing that EVERY column had a different design, attested to the creativity and skill of the Egyptians. At every site, I am amazed by the craftsmanship and longevity of the monuments. The conviction in the beliefs that Egyptians possessed definitely serves as an inspiration and aspiration for me.

Today, we drove out to Abu Simbil. It was amazing to see the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari hidden in the mountains. I applaud those who helped move the temples and the incredible care that was taken in doing so. The buildings are massive and the walls are very heavily adorned. It seems that nothing has really been changed after all of these years. We were not allowed to take any pictures inside, which was a huge disappointment. I wish that I could share with you the brilliance of the walls and the stories that they told. Every day here, the sites that I see amaze me. This has truly been an amazing trip thus far and I think that everyone should visit here at least once in their lives to witness the great history of our people.

The Spirit of Resistance

There were rules set before we could enter the temple. No photos inside, no tour guides allowed to talk inside either. As we walked through Abu Simbel, the beauty and grace of the structure was riveting. We were ready and eager to learn. As Dr. Carr was describing the scene to us, one of the guards stopped him, and pulled him to the side letting him know that he couldn't explain anything to us. He quickly obliged the guard, and after the guard walked away, he resumed his explanation. This was a common occurrence throughout the temple. What is the point of looking at pretty pictures if you don't know what they mean? It takes away from the whole experience. Eventually, I wondered off and ended up near Dr. Beatty. He was describing a magnificent scene in a hushed voice, and again, he too was silenced. Although they were silenced, it did not stop them from trying to teach us. They are the true definitions of teachers.

As I continued wandering, I became upset. I couldn't understand why we couldn't learn, why we couldn't photograph our history. My friend asked me was I ok, and I told her what happened. I ended up calming down, and I began to realize that getting mad wouldn't solve anything, and that I should appreciate the few moments that I actually had to hear their words.

An Intellectual Meeting of the Minds

I started writing this blog at 5:51 am on the bus headed to Abu Simbel. I took a brief nap, and now I’m up reflecting on the trip thus far. I think back to the classes and the individual discussions I've had. I'm surrounded by eloquent, passionate speakers who share similar feelings that I have, and when they speak it riles up emotions from deep inside. The first night we were here, we had to separate into groups, and share what we wanted to gain from this trip. "A sense of self", "A better understanding of the history we were stripped of", " The chance to experience life outside of the US, and the chance to immerse myself deep into another culture", were just a few of the answers. As everyone stated his or her reasons, I was filled with a sense of camaraderie, and knew that this trip would be life changing. As our discussion went on, people shared that they were learning how to speak Arabic, or learning how to read Hieroglyphics, and countless others were working on research projects. The brainpower in our group is tremendous. I'm taking in all that I can because it is a blessing to be here. Never in a million years did I ever think that I would be able to climb into a pyramid, or see the treasures of King Tut. I've been on a boat floating down the Nile, and have learned a lot about myself during this trip. Dr. Carr or Dr. Beatty quickly answer any questions that are asked, and if they don't know the answer, they find out for us.

We are taking on the jobs of scribes, writing down our experiences, snapping pictures, blogging to share our journey through our past with those who are unable to be here with us physically, but are here in spirit. This trip has taught me that one shouldn't take things at face value, and if you look closely there is normally a deeper meaning to everything, and this is the charge of intellectual integrity. Others may come here and look at the Hieroglyphics, and think: oh what pretty pictures, and not know what those pretty pictures mean. People with our group can decipher those pretty pictures, and give you a complete break down of their meaning.

Please excuse my random ramblings, there are so many thoughts in my head, and I'm trying to get them all out before I forget.

Beauty is in the Small Stuff

Ok. It is only day 5 and I think I am a little sickish. It is ok though because no matter what I have to keep moving. I did not come all this way to be held back by a few sniffles and a little tickle in my throat.

Today we are visiting the unfinished obelisk, the Aswan High Dam, and the Temple of Auset ( (Isis). The obelisk represents the penis of Osiris, the husband of Auset, who was tricked to his death by his brother Set who wanted his throne. Set tore Osiris’s body into multiple pieces and scattered it around Egypt. When Auset discovered what Set had done, she journeyed around with her sister to find the pieces of his body & found all but one. The unfinished obelisk was supposed to be a monument that was supposed to last for eternity in honor of Auset. It is unfinished due to the fact that while building it a crack developed in the middle of it. The fact that the Egyptians left this great monument unfinished due to this little imperfection proves their great desire and need for perfection. Their constant need to better themselves is proven by this unfinished monument because due to the crack in the structure they felt that it was not good enough to leave as one of their everlasting marks in this world. I feel that the Egyptians strive to be better than the best is something we can all take heed to and attempt to duplicate into our daily lives.

After obelisk climbing, we visited the Aswan High Dam, which was built to help control the yearly flooding of the Nile. In my opinion, there is nothing more beautiful than the vast, blue, serene movement of the Nile.

My favorite part of the day was the temple of Auset. Auset, a very prominent figure in Egyptian history, meaning the wife, was incredible to say the least. The beauty of each inch of the temple is unique. For example, when I observed the columns no one was like another. Every single one had its own different design and every single piece of the temple told a piece of Auset’s story. The carvings are breathtaking and they really make a person appreciate the beauty behind art and architecture. In fact, seeing this and the previous Egyptian pieces makes me want to study more Egyptian art history. It makes you see the beauty in all the small things.

The Jewel Within

The flight had been long and tiresome. I spent the majority of the 9 hours resting in preparation for what was to come. Only a moment before landing, I had awaken to behold a sight so beautiful, so grand. As I peered out of the small window of the airplane all I could see where the desert sands. I had arrived in Cairo, the Land of the Pharaohs, the land of my ancestors. It was difficult to contain my excitement. We settled into our hotel, across from the Pyramids of Giza. Yes! There were Pyramids in my front yard!!

The following day we journeyed south of Cairo to Memphis, "Place of the ka of Ptah", also known as Mennefer. Memphis was the early capital of the first nome of Lower Kemet. From this point, we visited the Sakkara step pyramids. The first standing stone structure designed by Imhotep, and the Step Pyramid of Djoser, were a sight to behold. We then made our way to one of the Seven Wonders of the the Ancient World, the Khufu, Khafre, and Men-ka-ra pyramids. They were indeed ruins, but still quite beautiful. To imagine that the surface of these structures where once had a smooth and shiny limestone casing like glass is beyond belief. As I climbed the Great Pyramid, I couldn't help but marvel at the intellect, artistic vision, spirit, and drive of our people. I was elated to have the opportunity to enter the Second Pyramid. The thought of being able to enter such an extraordinary and breathtaking monument never entered my mind before now. Next stop: the Sphinx!! There are no words to describe this statue as momentous as its beauty. To gaze upon its face, is to affirm that the ancient Egyptians where indeed black!


We had seen what many only see in books and on television in one day. I need time to process and reflect on it all. It was a great way to end a long day of exploration.

On our third day, we visited the Citadel of Sala El-Din, the mosque which served as the burial site for Muhammad Ali. Afterward, we made our way to the Egyptian Museum. Before entering Dr. Carr led us libations and we were able to pay homage to our ancestors, whose belongs we were about to view. I thought about my family at home, and all of those who had gone home to meet their Creator. I wished they had an opportunity to experience what I was, walk through the sands of time, and feel their spirit move from the sheer glory of our people, kings and queens, our ancestors, and realize the magnificent of themselves and aspire to greatness. The museum held only what could be considered a fingernail of our history, much of it was still lost within the sands, scattered around the world, and destroyed long ago. still it was too much to take in in one day. Perhaps the best part of the museum was the Royal Mummies Hall!! I looked directly in the face of my ancestors. Amazing!!! Never before had i felt such a powerful sense of purpose, and empowerment. I come from a long line of kings and queens, pharaohs, a "great house"!!! Awesome is my heritage.

We arrived in Aswan. Although I was exhausted from the intense sun and heat (which was well into the 100's), suffered from a minor stomach sickness (which put a damper on my adventurous spirit with food!) and had only been here for a short time, it has been an experience like no other. As I laid in my bed, I imagined what Kemet was like in ancient times, the smells, the sounds, the life. I could not wait until the next day.

August 7th, was a rather short day in comparison. We saw the High Dam in Aswan, the Unfinished Tenkenu (Oblisk). It was unfinished due to its acquired natural fault, the crack running partially down the middle of its structure. There are 29 know ancient Egyptian oblisks that survived. Of course the Washington Monument could never stand against the eminence of these structures. Our ancestors where indeed "in the front" of such makings. We sailed to the Island of Pilak to visit the Temple of Isis or Auset. It was absolutely gorgeous!! Despite graffiti from numerous invaders who only wanted to desecrate and claim what did not rightful belong to them, After viewing the parameter of this ancient ruin, I was able to steal away to have but a brief moment to myself. At this moment time seem to pause. As I looked around the temple and reflected on the amazement of it all, I felt that there was nothing on this earth, nothing in my lifetime that I could not accomplish. I was promised to greatness from birth, it was in my blood, and I longed to fulfill that destiny, to continue what had already begun.

The day ends here, but the journey is far from over.