This month we'll be praying for Egypt. Officially an open country, being a Christian in Egypt is a difficult and often dangerous road. We will be focusing on the culture and influences that have shaped this historically pivotal land.
How to get the most out of Planted seeds
1. Download and print the resource package 2. Display the info graphic and prayer points somewhere where the whole family can see (ours is by the dining table) 3. Pray for the nation of the month each day 4. Pick two or more activities from below. (You are welcome to do them all, but let's be real, sometimes the "extras" just ain't happenin'!)
Pickup some of the recommended books from the library, scatter them around the house, or intentionally select them for read alouds
Plan a night to eat like the Egyptians
Locate Egypt on a map
Watch the the recommended videos
The fertile silt which once made Ancient Egypt the most advanced society of it's time, has settled at the top of the Aswan dam. Now thousands of tons of fertilizer must be imported each year for agriculture.
Spotlight on a Missionary
Christianity is legally permitted in Egypt, but that is about where the accessibility ends. Open Doors lists Egypt's persecution level as "very high" with descriptions of open attacks on churches and sexual harassment of female Christians. For the safety of those supporting the spread of the gospel we are not publishing any names. Please be in prayer for both nationals and foreigners that are being used by God to spread His light and truth in the darkness.
And as always, you are encouraged to pray for a missionary from your own church to Egypt.
Recommended Reading
Many of the available books on Egypt for children dwell on the rich history of the ancient past. While I've included many of these titles, I've also tried to focus on modern Egyptians as they are the living souls we are praying for God to rescue! As you enjoy the ancient tales, you may wish to continue to remind your children that we are praying for the the modern people of Egypt.
The Egyptian Cinderella, by Ruth Heller - Recommended age 4-10
Did you know one of the earliest versions of the Cinderella story was Egyptian? This is a fascinating tale based on real historical evidence. My girls all love this one and asked me to read it more than once.
Mummies made in Egypt by Aliki - Recommended age 6-12
One of the most fascinating finds the Ancient Egyptians left us was their mummies. Obviously the topic and illustrations could be unpleasant for sensitive children, and parents discretion is recommended for those uncomfortable with the description of false gods.
Bill and Pete Go Down the Nile, by Tomie dePaola - Recommended age 5-8
Written and illustrated by the beloved Tomie dePaola, Bill and Pete go down the Nile is a silly frolicking tale of a crocodile's first school trip. Bill and Pete learn about many important landmarks in Egypt and even stop a jewel theft in progress!
Tutankhmhamen's Gift, by Robert Sabuda - Recommended age 5-12
The fictionalized story of the Boy King, Tutankhamen is beautifully illustrated in the artistic style of Tutankhamen's day.
A Place in the Sun, by Jill Rubalacaba - Recommended age 8-15
A fictional chapter book set in Ancient Egypt.
Ancient Egypt Drawing Book, by Ralph Masiello - Recommended age 5-16
We have several drawing books from this author, and his clear step by step instructions give confidence to budding artists. In this book, learn to draw in the style of the Ancient Egyptians.
Croco'nile, by Roy Gerrard - Recommended age 4-8
I just love rhyming books, and this one tells the tale of two Egyptian siblings who tame their very own crocodile. They end up miles from home, suddenly famous and then nearly kidnapped is an adventure to unfold in the pages to come.
Zarafa The Giraffe Who Walked To The King, by Judith St. George - Recommended age 3-8
The story of a majestic African giraffe's journey from her home to the palace of the King of France, as a gift from the King of Egypt. Based on true events dating back to 1826.
Egypt the People, by Arlene Mascovitch
Countries of the World Egypt, by National Geographic
Egypt In Pictures, by Jeffery Zuehlke - Recommended age 6-15
Any of these are good modern non-fiction titles to learn about the culture, economics and geography of present day Egypt.
Ancient Egypt, by Navigators - Recommended age 8-15
Wonderful pictures, informative callouts. This was a fun one to flip through on Ancient Egypt.
Senefer, A Young Genius in Old Egypt, by Beatrice Lumpkin - Recommended age 6-12
Based on a true story Senefer chronicles the boyhood of a mathematical and architectural genius in Ancient Egypt.
Hands Around The Library, Protecting Egypt's Treasured Books, by Susan L. Roth - Recommended age 6-10
Documents the inspiring January 2011 story about how thousands of Egypt's students, library workers, and demonstrators joined hands around the great Library of Alexandria to protect the building and the freedom it represents.
Nile River, by Paul Manning - Recommended age 6-12
A non-fiction look at the contribution of the Nile from ancient times to present day. The Nile was a pivotal geographical feature throughout Egypt's history that has shaped, and continues to shape both the agriculture and industry of north Africa.
The Golden Goblet, by Eloise Jarvis McGraw - Recommended age 8-16
The gripping tale of a young boy indentured to a tomb builder who uncovers a sinister plot. How he foils the plans of his evil brother is a story that will keep you turning pages. My husband read this chapter book when he was a boy, and still remembers the story as riveting.
Recommended viewing
National Geographic for kids presents a short tour of the pyramids and other historic areas of Egypt as well as an active dig site. This is a good video for your littlest explorers.
National Geographic kids segment featuring the same girls from the video above, this time on a ride down the Nile river.
The fascinating history of a present day popular dish dating back to ancient Egypt.
Building of the Aswan High Dam
There is no narration to this video, just lovely views of the banks of the Nile coupled with traditional Egyptian music.
Recipes
The Egyptian diet is largely vegetarian as raising animals in the desert is a difficult task. You will find a lot of grains and beans, not so unlike what the ancient Egyptians ate. Snag the opportunity to indulge in some of the well known delicacies of the region. Dates, figs, and pomegranates are all delicious, but often don't make it to our table due to their cost. We are currently eating a low-carb diet, so in all honesty, I did not try the national dish this month! However, baba gahnoush has long been a favorite in my book, so I'm using this as an excuse to indulge! If you try koshari, let me know what you thought of it!
The national dish of Egypt, Koshari is a combination of rice, lentils, and Macaroni finished with a ladle of a spicy red sauce made of tomatoes and chilies. Universally considered the national dish, Koshari traces it's origins to India via the British Empire. The Daring Gourmet (link above) does a fantastic job of tracing it's path, so I'll let you read it from there!
Originally a Labanese recipe, baba ganoush found it's way into the hearts and mouths of Egyptians much like koshari's journey. A personal favorite of mine I think it should make it more commonly into the American diet as well. A garlicky concoction of roasted eggplant (don't skip roasting it, the smoky flavor is part of baba ganoush's appeal) tahini, and lemon, it is at once earthy and fresh. Enjoy it as a dip for veggies, or slathered generously on warm pita.
The Egyptian version of falafel, ground faba beans with parsley and other spices fried into crispy little morsels of goodness! Serve with baba ganoush, diced tomato and diced cucumber over a salad, or in a warm pita.
No recipe list is complete without a desert! Roz Bel Laban is a rice pudding made fragrant with cinnamon, nutmeg, and if desired, rose water. A delicate and delicious pudding.
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