Once upon a time in Cairo, on a special day in March
It was the annual, International Day, at AUC to start
Countries were organized, to put on display
Presenting their unique culture, doing it their own way
They knew they could They knew they could They knew they could They knew they could
On March 6, 2018, students, faculty, staff, and visitors came to the AUC New Cairo garden. International Day 2018 was here, and the Spirit of celebration had come. The United States of America, too, had come to display. Initially, they were 3! New England. The Dirty South. And West Coast, Cali.
Black America. The New England Persuasion. Dutch Memory of the Midwest. Mexican-American.
Then, of course, was Egypt’s returning flower, who became an American citizen; making the country her second home of homes. An enlightening conversation, was filled with memories, in understanding water’s patience and aesthetics. Her immersion into Black American literary aesthetics, and knowing of historical hostilities for this peculiar group in Alabama, was an interesting experience for a Black American maiden, with family ties in the state.
Preparation for America’s display required meetings, a library visit, and acquiring materials, during the latest of night’s hour. On the night of March 5, 2018, the dynamic 3 met up near Bassily Hall, to go over the game plan. #TeamUSA’s Game Plan.
*Oreo cookies. . .Check
*Red, White, Blue Balloons. . .Check
*Streamers. . .Check
*Cloth. . .Check
*Attire. . .Double Check
Each given their list of tasks, needed to be completed for the next day’s big event. And completed, they would be.
Red. White. Blue Red. White. Blue USA! USA!
An important person missing from the picture is AUC’s own, Diana Van Bogaert! Located in the Department of Law, she invokes an abundant Spirit of the Goddess woman! Always giving, sharing, and willing to help when she can. A large, white cloth was needed to complete the trinity of coloring. With just one e_mail, the beloved Diana Van Bogaert, came to save the day! Hours before the International Day parade, she arrived with a beautiful fabric of white cloth. Folded, crafted, and ready to be laid. Work responsibilities and schedule, would occupy her time for the day. Yet, her presence and contribution would bring balance to America’s representation for that day.
Memory of a child’s mind would see Diana as a vigilant reminder for the writer’s interactions with Dutch-descended communities, of American soiling. For one little,Black American girl, the memory of her mother taking her to Dutch, cultural spacing in Michigan was a day of wonder! Being exposed to the world of Dutch, chocolate making from one man. Moments later, a young maiden of Dutch descent, would enter into the spacing; dressed in traditional attire, as Dutch maidens do! The curiousity of the little girl increased, upon seeing the shoes. . .wooden shoes! Shoes of wood? But, how could that be? How did it feel to walk in wooden shoes? Questions continuing to occupy her mind. Nevertheless, future adventures for this young child, would lead her to meet other Dutch maidens, on the travels life would take her. As usual, that’s for another story!:)
We thought we could He thought we could I thought we could They thought we could
Print outs had been made. An assemblage of facts, and famous Americans, ready to be passed out to visitors’ imaginations; those eager to get a taste of the USA! Materials transformed the American booth into a bubbly persona and wonderland; a fun-filled party to illuminate the aesthetics of American dreams. An enchanting painting, depicting the United States of America, as a vivacious carnival. As dress changes were made, and the two Americans got in line for the parade, the surprise of Egypt’s daughter came along. Emana Kopycki had arrived.
With her were treats from the U.S. Embassy of Cairo, #TeamUSA had additional displays and decor, from their booth. From embassy information on events, to pendants of the American and Egyptian flags together. The pendants were reflective of the USA and Egypt being in alliance with each other. Her assistance and presence, as an Egyptian woman, with US citizenship, while having lived in the US (plus her venture in studying one peculiar group of American culture), was the perfect addition to the mix.
Red. White. Blue USA. USA. USA. USA
We knew we could We knew we could We knew we could We knew we could
And so, it was done. Mission accomplished! Celebration complete. #TeamUSA had succeeded. Egypt’s flower, having smelled the breeze of American winds, assisted in the celebration. A photo moment, would seal the perfect moment, of future moments to come.
We wanted. We had done. We did. Because, we could!
An enriching moment. . .never to be. . .misunderstood!