This is the big day—the meeting with Together for Family Development, and my last day in Cairo.

Nabil drove Carrie and me to the Upper Egypt Association center where TFD usually meets.He relayed some RSVPs from network members who would not be able to attend. It was disappointing that I would not have an opportunity to see Dr. Nashat or Samira, and others who are not only partners but friends. When we were all gathered five organizations were represented: A.P.E. (Cairo), Gaafar, New Vision (Minia), CEOSS (Cairo) and Village of Hope (Alexandria). We began with an overview of the network’s advocacy campaign and discussion of their 2009 plans for inclusion projects. I read a letter that Nancy Collins had asked me to share with the group, and then Carrie gave her presentation on fair trade. She focused on the principles of fair trade, and explained each not only in terms of commerce, but in terms of development as well. I was pleased at the interest level exhibited by those present, and there were good questions from them. If we had known there would be less than half the groups represented we might have recorded the session—Carrie did an excellent job of explaining the complete fair trade picture. A few had brought craft products to show and all of us who had been practicing our product critiques over the past couple of weeks offered comments and suggestions. Then we enjoyed a good lunch together before adjourning.

Carrie, Denise and I taxied to Zamalek where Carrie went to the Egyptian Hands Foundation offices to do a little work before her meeting with the proposed exporter. Denise went with me to tne Fair Trade Egypt shop where I did some last minute gift buying. The two of us returned to Ramses to relax before going to Nabil’s for dinner. We met the whole family at McDonald’s where they had been celebrating a birthday. Simon and Skylan didn’t quite know what to think of the two American ladies, but when we got to the flat they entertained us, showing off their running, balloon-kicking, and button-pushing skills! Safi and Nabil fed us another delicious Egyptian meal and about 11:30 I said my goodbye to Denise and headed for the airport. My extraordinary good luck was still with me when I got bumped up to first class for the nonstop flight to New York!

I’m looking forward to meeting with the Des Moines JH group soon. I’ve got a lot to share from this trip.