I Am Happier To Know You

Farmer’s Tan

Jeanne — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:52:22 +0000

I love country life. In many ways, I am seeing that it is a lifestyle I have yearned for.

I love the quiet, the opportunity to watch wildlife from every window of our house, even the constant parade of workers (“My harem” as Chuck calls them) who are implementing the changes that are turning our home and land into exactly what we want.

Now that the inside of our house is nearly finished (for now), with the arrival of warmer weather I have been concentrating on the removal of an abundance of weeds that have taken over every landscaped inch around our home. I have tilled each section, laid about a thousand yards of what I call “weed rugs” to suffocate the pests into submission and scattered nearly 200 bags of mulch. The ultimate goal is to achieve low maintenance and simple, but beautiful gardens for at least a few years.

I have learned to drive our truck that will also safely pull our horse trailer. Because of its massive, intimidating size, I call it “Mr. Testosterone.” It seems to know its way to every hardware store and nursery within a hundred mile radius! Our Kubota, an all terrain vehicle has been dubbed “Kubudda” because it has a large bed that makes my life so much easier by hauling the tools I need to work around the property.

I have learned that my desire to protect all wildlife is not always in its or our best interest. Last week a beautiful skunk began to wander around the yard during daylight hours. Since they are nocturnal, this was a warning sign I did not understand until our tile mason alerted me to the real possibility that the skunk was rabid. He killed it with his small shotgun. Immediately thereafter, vultures appeared to do their job. To my surprise, they sat and looked at the skunk as if trying to decide where to begin their small feast. I later learned that prey birds and animals intuitively know not to eat a rabid animal. Therefore, without touching it, I thanked the birds for being so smart and scooped the skunk into a wooden box. I placed it in our burn barrel (used to burn paper, etc. since we do not have garbage pickup), poured a little gasoline and some fresh wildflowers on top and cremated the poor thing.

I have learned how to make nonpoisonous weed killer and how to treat our ponds for algae and plants without harming the water or the environment and to use the wonderful resources available to us through the local Farm Bureau and Department of Agriculture.

I have come to understand why I, too will have only a farmer’s tan. There are fire ants everywhere. They attack in seconds and leave painful welts on any part of the body that is exposed. If you are allergic to them, the only thing that will save your life is an EpiPpen. We now have two.

Steel-toe boots and long pants are a necessity even when working in the yard. When using any kind of machinery, they protect against accidents to the feet and legs, bites from fire ants and any poisonous snakes that have gotten past our feisty outdoor cats. A wide-brim hat is necessary if you do not want to fry your brains in the strong sunlight.

Being around and observing our neighbors, I have developed a deep appreciation for their work ethic and willingness to drop what they are doing to help someone in need. They get up early and go to bed pretty close to sunset. Whether raising cattle, chickens, other livestock, hay, fruit, nuts or vegetables, their lives revolve around the weather. Too much rain is as bad as too little.

To my amusement, after a heavy rain, workmen are uncomfortable driving on our dirt road. To them minor flooding and mud holes are waiting to suck their trucks into oblivion. Since they have never experienced a monsoon season or roads that are impassable in perfect weather, I chuckle silently. It is all about what you are used to!

The people around me work seven days a week with time off for church on Sunday. In their spare time, they make money from cottage industries. Our painter and his wife cater community events and grow corn so that they can create a maze of cornstalks school groups enjoy losing themselves in. Others teach school during the day, tutor in the afternoon and work as wait staff in local hangouts on weekends. They always have time to help a neighbor and host parties in community parks everyone is invited to. Compared to them, my life is a breeze.

People are friendly. They wave when you pass them on the road and welcome you into their stores and homes. Everyone has time to talk about the weather and how the TV meteorologist messed up the forecast again. Until they know you, they will call you Ma’am or Miss or Mister. When you offer someone a cool drink, they rarely accept unless you have a relationship with them.

As always, it is wonderful to be busy, and to choose to take the time to observe the wonders around me, and the opportunity to think while working outside…

Praise from Prairie Guide

Jeanne — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:00:31 +0000

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

Praise from Cairo International Coordinator

Jeanne — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:00:45 +0000

This book is so engaging and gives one woman’s insight into the plight of coming to a foreign land and starting over. With practical real life examples and make you laugh-out-loud scenarios, her very matter-of-fact depictions about life [in Egypt] are something we have all/will all encounter at one time or another.

Dina Hanna Gad, Intercultural Coordinator, Cairo

Praise from S. Greer

Jeanne — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:00:33 +0000

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.

Praise from Mohamed Hassan

Jeanne — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:00:46 +0000

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

Praise from Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Jeanne — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:00:54 +0000

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

Praise from Lynne in England

Jeanne — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:10:33 +0000

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

Praise from Lexie C. Hudson

Jeanne — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:00:52 +0000

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

The Heart of Egypt

Jeanne — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:31:08 +0000

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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Mubarak’s Norm

Jeanne — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:01:47 +0000

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.