I Am Happier To Know You

This is the first time I have ever been compelled to write to an author about a book. I received yours as a Christmas present from my husband and oh what a present it was!  I’ve just moments ago finished it. What a joy it was to read!

I am not a religious person, but accept other people’s views and beliefs. I agreed totally with your views at the end of your book regarding your one wish  that if only words of love coming from the heart were carried upon the lips  of every man woman and child on earth, we would have no need for war or the rages of terrorism… It is my views entirely.

Thank you once again for your lovely book. It is one of those gifts you write about in your book of being filled with the Jewels of love and wisdom.

Lynne
England

Loved it, loved it, loved it…my kind of book…easy to read, extremely interesting & informative…if you have a desire to learn more about the Muslim culture & to have a greater understanding of the people of Egypt this is the book you must read. The author with her wit & charm has done a wonderful job at making you feel you are there with her sharing her experiences. Will definitely order more copies to give to my friends (they’re not getting my copy) who I know will think twice before criticizing the Muslim culture & hopefully have a harder look at our own culture.

Lexie C. Hudson, NSW, Australia

Copyright 2009 by Jeanne M. Eck. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint or to quote extensively from this article, please contact the author at iamhappiertoknowyou.com

It was very surprising to me to learn how well author Jeanne M. Eck understands my people, religion and culture. This is very unusual and amazing for a foreigner. The stories she tells in her book came alive. It was as if instead of reading, I could feel her sitting beside me and whispering them in my ear. I Am Happier to Know You is honest and beautiful! Jeanne M. Eck has a big heart and a magnificent spirit.

Mohamed Hassan, Egypt

Copyright 2009 by Jeanne M. Eck. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint or to quote extensively from this article, please contact the author at iamhappiertoknowyou.com

Having just returned from a recent trip to Egypt, I was delighted to find Jeanne Eck’s book “I am happier to know you.” Jeanne validated so many of my personal perceptions and expanded upon them in her book. She speaks of the people and culture with clarity and realism, lending her insights and experiences to the Western world with compassion and understanding.
Every word brings me back to Egypt, her wonderful culture, history and people. I have been contemplating an extended visit, and her “words of wisdom” prepared me realistically for the value and challenges of such a journey.
Jeanne is a courageous and adventurous woman who “dares” to explore and to share what most of us would never even dream of. Thank you Jeanne Eck, you expanded my world, my insights and my heart.

S. Greer, U.S.

For thirty years, fear of imprisonment, torture and a sense of helplessness fueled the Egyptian government’s powerful grip on her people.

When the heart of any group is imprisoned by disrespect and disdain for their basic human rights, it can cause an insidious cultural and individual belief that they are powerless and deserve to be mistreated.

It is awe-inspiring that a new generation of Egyptians accepted responsibility for their own future and that of their country while retaining their unique ability to include each other in the newly formed circle of freedom they peacefully and lovingly created.

God bless them and God bless Egypt.

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The story of a lone American woman as she finds personal strength experiencing a totally new life in Egypt is insightful and compassionate. Her sense of humor took her through many trying circumstances, but brought with it an understanding of a country and a people she truly loves.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Copyright 2009 by Jeanne M. Eck. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint or to quote extensively from this article, please contact the author at iamhappiertoknowyou.com

I Am Happier to Know You will touch your heart… [Jeanne] will become your hero as she takes you on a venture that most of us only dream of.

Prairie Guide

Copyright 2009 by Jeanne M. Eck. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint or to quote extensively from this article, please contact the author at iamhappiertoknowyou.com

From the beginning of the revolution, world leaders have naively pressured the leaders of the Egyptian revolution to meet with members of the Mubarak administration to “work things out.” What world leaders, who are walking their own diplomatic tightrope, have not understood is that the Egyptian people and their new leaders have, from the beginning, known exactly what they are doing and what to expect from Mubarak.

They knew that by meeting with Mubarak or the thug he swore-in as vice-president, they would be rounded up, tortured and murdered. They knew this because, for thirty years, Mubarak’s response to any dissent has been bloodshed. Until he takes his last breath, Mubarak’s contempt for his own people will not change.

It is also likely that the leaders of the Egyptian military and secret police will, for their own personal gain, ratchet up the violence. As Mubarak and his henchmen promised world leaders cooperation and change, they began to implement their nefarious plans. They rounded up human rights representatives, journalist and the leaders they had already identified. If they are able to control the young Egyptian conscripts who serve in the army, there will be a massacre. Government and military leaders will not stop until they are given a reason to do so that outweighs their power and financial perks. Will the secret police back down? That scenario is up for grabs. It is nearly impossible to change their addiction to blood and torture, or their fear that they, too will pay for the consequences of their brutality.

There are beautiful byproducts of the revolution. Copts, Christians and Muslims, are protecting and embracing each other in love and solidarity for their country. Egyptians have faced their personal terror of their government and are linked arm-in-arm in solidarity against it.

It is imperative that we all support them in their battle for justice. It is equally important that we understand that this revolution was carefully planned. We will not know the details until they unfold. The reality is that it is too dangerous.

We all need to remember that this revolution is not about oil or war with anyone outside Egypt. It is only about the people of Egypt and their right to create a democracy that works within their culture. They are in desperate need of our prayers and support. Rather than fear mongering and second-guessing their intent, let us embrace these brave people with unconditional faith that they will continue to do the right thing. They have already shown us that they have the courage and brains to do so, but they need to know that the world is behind them. Let us raise our voices and open our hearts to what will be, God willing.

Copyright 2011 by Jeanne M. Eck. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint or to quote extensively from this article, please contact the author at iamhappiertoknowyou.com

The Egyptian culture abhors arrogance and violence.  Mubarak is the poster child for both.

In his statement this afternoon, his words were both chilling and terrifying. In an effort to save face, he was defiant and threatening. While he said that he would not run for reelection, he also said that the police would be charged with pursuing those who have “caused the problems.” Egyptians know that this means that the dogs of torture and murder are about to be turned loose. The only hope of avoiding a bloodbath is to wait and see if the military will join Mubarak in the slaughter of Egypt’s people.

The Egyptian people understand Mubarak’s cultural need to save face. The worst thing that can happen to anyone in Egypt is to lose face, but his self-serving statements such as “I never wanted power or prestige,” and threats to protect his country, will cause explosive rage once the Egyptian people regain their balance.

The people of Egypt have sacrificed everything for their cause. Egyptians have stood tall in solidarity against a tyrant who has no respect or fondness for his own people. In effect, Mubarak is, threatening to crush them. The next few days could be a bloodbath for the Egyptian people.   God bless them.

Copyright 2011 by Jeanne M. Eck. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint or to quote extensively from this article, please contact the author at iamhappiertoknowyou.com

In response to looters and personal safety issue, the latest information from expatriates living in Egypt is that many resident foreigners are preparing to leave as soon as possible.

Prisoners have escaped from police stations and prisons around Cairo. Expatriates say, “escaped,” because their freedom is being used to frighten people into believing that it is escapees, not armed police officials dressed as civilians, who are responsible for the majority of the looting. It is also worth noting that the majority of the prisoners may have been incarcerated on politically trumped up charges and are anything but violent.

True to his history and character, by raising fear designed to create infighting between her people, Mubarak is doing everything in his power to regain his hold on the country. Thankfully, the Egyptian people are fully aware of Mubarak’s tactics. They have seen them used many times before.

Egyptians are also watching their military. In a heartbeat, they may be ordered to turn against their own people. Whether the average soldier will do so is another story.

I believe that it is not beyond Mubarak and his powerbase to lure Israel into using the uprising to invade Egypt and regain the Sinai. This would be catastrophic to Israel as well as to Egypt. The most important action Israel can take is to say and do nothing.

The people of Egypt do not want any member of Mubarak’s inner sanctum to lead them. Other than demanding that Mubarak resign and leave Egypt immediately, Egyptians also do not want the intervention of any other country. To do so will result in deeper separations and conflicts.

Once again, the revolution is about Egyptians and their magnificent struggle for freedom. Every nation in the world needs to understand this and to let them lead themselves.

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