Protests and Care Providers

Protests by both supporters and the opposition continue in Tahrir Square, Heliopolis, and even here in Maadi.  Until Monday, I'd only read about the excitement in newspapers and watched updates on the BBC.  And I'll quickly suggest checking out the BBC or Aljazeera if your primary news source is American media.  It's just different and to even possibly develop a clear understanding of what is going on over here, one must take in outside perspectives.

As we drove to a hospital on Monday, we passed a demonstration organized by Morsi supporters.  The gathering spot was a prominent courthouse located just up the road from our hotel.  From a passerby's perspective, the protest seemed tame.  All was quiet, with supporters camping out in a few tents or standing in groups.  Food vendors and police were nearby.

More than ten independent newspapers went on strike yesterday protesting the draft constitution and it's articles regarding free press.  The draft is set for a popular vote on December 15, but the Supreme Judicial Council is divided on this decision.  From my understanding, some judges have agreed to supervise the referendum and others are calling for a boycott.

This is an awfully brief, shallow, and totally disorganized account of the political happenings in Egypt.  What's going on is super complex and my knowledge of it all is as immature as the twelve-week sprout in my belly.  Nevertheless, we're both growing and seeing and feeling new things every day.  I'm fascinated by the world around me; have soaked up every conversation I've had over here; and grateful to be near an historical uprising that for the most part has been entirely non-violent.          

Yesterday wrapped up with a visit to a potential care provider.  I entered dubiously, knowing the doctor is male and I feel strongly about working with women throughout this process.  The feeling upon entering Ghaly Medical Center was, however, instant relief.  Just a gut response to the environment that probably had to do with sights, smells, lighting, temperature, sounds, etc.  Then the doctor...  he was calm, kind, patient, and a good listener.  I was clear in what I wanted and did not want out of our initial consultation; he was entirely supportive.  We shared our request to have Justin and a midwife present at the birth and he was more than accommodating.  In the end, we checked my blood pressure, weight, and heard the sprout's heartbeat.  WOW.  An unfolding, a molting, a shift.  WOW.  Insh'Allah, we have found the space we want.