i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

dont have many details, but a very very very close family friend and his g/f are stuck in Cairo...
they moved there back in August because he was offered an amazing job.

for the past few days they've been locked in their tiny apartment... they can't leave.

the worst part, there's an ARMED escaped convict in the area. He escaped from jail, with weapons and is hiding IN THE APARTMENT BUILDING that mike and holly are in.

his brother and sister are keeping everyone updated on facebook, as they receive updates. its so scary.

he is the oldest son of my mothers best friend. they've been friends for like 40 years! Mike and my father are really close. and I'm just... so scared for them!

last I heard, they bought airline tickets for this thursday... but who knows if they'll make it to the airport and if the plane will fly at all.

so girls, please just pray for their safety.


most recent update at the bottom.

best update ever:
MIKE IS HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
he got in yesterday.. i haven't heard from him yet, but his sister posted that she was with him!

thanks everyone for all the prayers! they worked!

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

I hope they are safe!
Edited for typos.

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

Please keep us updated! I will be thinking about them!

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

WOW - please def keep us posted!

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

update:

his sisters FB status:
is hoping that Mike is safe during the huge protest tomorrow in Egypt. I pray that it is not as dangerous for him as it was over the weekend. He is scheduled to come home on Thursday, unless he is ordered to leave on Wednesday on a charter flight. I can't wait for this ordeal to be over..I feel terrible for him. I am thinking of you every minute! I love you and miss you terribly! xo
16 hours ago

his brothers FB status:
For those of you that have inquired about my brother Mike in Egypt, thank you for your concern. He is going to try leave on one of the US government sponsored charter flights to either Greece or Turkey on Wednesday and if he cannot get out on a charter flight, then he will try a flight my folks were able to book for him the following day.
17 hours ago




so from what i'm gathering... he should be leaving egypt tomorrow or thursday. THANK GOD!

please continue to pray for their safety!

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

I hope he gets outta there Wednesday safely!

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

omg that's very scary ... i hope he gets out without any problems tomorrow! please keep us updated!

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

so.. no update. but holly (the g/f) posted these pics on facebook a little while ago...
i had to share. i guess they're doing okay!

• 
• 

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

Thats so scary!!

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

That really is scary. They seem to be handling it well though and it will make for great stories in the future! Hope everything works out for them

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

and some more pictures...

this is where reality sets in and you realize just how bad it is over there...

burned cars/trucks




dud molotov cocktail?


tanks in the street



this one is titled 'no photos!'

Re: i need some of those amazing LIW prayers

most recent updates:

from holli about mike:

It's 5:25am, and I just saw there is a mandatory evacuation for all remaining US citizens. I'm not sure what we're going to do now - I'm waiting to hear from the school. We had a meeting scheduled for 11:00am this morning, but the TV is saying do not delay and go straight to airport. I'm just waiting to hear something. Mike is still planning on leaving on his flight to NY around 10:00 am this morning.
15 hours ago ·
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now hearing this may have been a rumor, although it is still being reported on CNN as true. Waiting..
15 hours ago
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the state department flights are the ones leaving only if you choose to evacuate via the American Embassy. I can't do that because if you choose to, they have you sign papers that promise to reimburse the government for whatever the costs are (they don't know yet), and typically it's around $6000 a person. One family at my school paid $20,000 to evacuate from Kuwait previously... I'm not signing a blank check. Waiting to see how our school responds.
--
I'm here until the school says evacuate, more or less. We have a meeting at 11:00am this morning, which is 4:00am eastern time. Will let you know.
--
Mike is now mobile and heading to the airport. Wish him luck!
13 hours ago
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From Mike via email: Much military barricades on roads, will control access into city so it seems today. Mema ( our driver) reports via radio that many reports of uniform purchases by people looking to pose as police/military. He specifical...ly mentioned that this was not good.

Egypt air was noted as operating today via radio. I know we'd get an email from them on the flight but it's good they are stating this via mass media.

Will email or call in a while.

Regards,

Mike
See More
13 hours ago
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so with that, mike is flying home.. thank god!
but i worry about holli.


here's a note on her page. its kinda long.. but explains whats going on in her head.

Status update - Feb 3, 2011
by Holli on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 7:27am

Hey guys,



Here is what I learned from the meeting today.



The good news is that the internet and communication services are back up. The school will pay for our home phones since we have been using them for school business, as well as reimburse each of us a set amount for cell services.



The school distributed food and goods to our general services staff (janitorial) and families.



As of yesterday, the report is we have 50% of our student population still in country. I think this # is a bit inflated but that is only based on my intuition. I would estimate we have closer to 30% here.



We were informed us that the situation here has changed, and we are now officially on a roller coaster, and living in one of the most volatile regions in the world. Nothing is definite. The reality is that the school is an independent party, and final decisions lay with the board.



The board's decision is currently to monitor the situation, meet again on Saturday, and make a decision as to when the school may reopen.



We are told to be extremely vigilant on Friday, as things will likely escalate after Friday service.



The school is actively making plans for faculty and/or dependents who wish to leave. There is an optional (school paid for) charter flight departing tomorrow This is the same deal that was offered up at the last meeting. We can choose to leave, and be paid through february, during which time we are to provide online virtual services for our students. We can be recalled at any time, if things stabilize. Also, if we take the deal our contract for next year is void. If they do not recall us, they will pay us another 3 months, but shipping out effects out is (I believe) on our own dime. Also, there is no provision in this deal to get our pets out.



Our general of security was roaming around Ma'adi last night from 2-4am, and everything was quiet. They do not expect any impact on Ma'adi from the protests downtown.



Curfew is now from 5pm - 7am.



The school is not encouraging anyone to leave, and our head and his family are staying put. Some teachers are are sending their children out, but they are staying (for now). I am also staying (for now). I feel safe here, and until that changes, I will likely remain.



please please please continue to pray for her safety