ife in Egypt today is a series of challenges that most Egyptians
take on with characteristic good humor. That sense of humor
combined with extraordinary patience help Egyptians cope
with conditions that could make many people break down in tears
or cry out in anger. Overcrowding, the struggle to make a living, the
burden of waiting for almost everything because too many people are
trying to use limited services at the same time—these are features of
everyday life that Egyptians shrug off as a part of life. Their faith and
their strong sense of family and friendship give them that fortitude.
Family
To grow up in Egypt is to grow up blessed with family. Kinship ties are
extremely important. In American society, it is common for broth-
ers and sisters to live in different cities if not different states, and
for adult children to leave home, seeing their parents less frequently.