A Joyful Experience - to Be Born and Grow in Love

by Country Leader, Egypt

Susu, two years old

On December 28, 2007, my life radically changed. A tiny little girl named SuSu was born into a family I had been close to since I’d moved to Egypt. Her story is like that of many little girls in the villages of Egypt, far from the city of Cairo.  But hers was destined to be different. It was not my intention to fall in love with her, and yet I did. Hers was the first birth I was a part of here. I was there for her first bath, her first tooth, her first steps, grade school and high school.

SuSu’s family lived simply in a small village along the Nile River. Her father and his brothers are carpenters, making furniture for families all over Egypt, but mostly in Cairo. Her grandparents lived in a small community close to Cairo, so she came to visit quite often. Her grandmother is one of my closest friends. I have shared many life experiences with her, birth of many more grandchildren, the death of her husband, and even the death of a son. Through it all, we have remained as close as sisters.

Susu, five years old

This week, I was honored to have SuSu share with me the story of her engagement. As most village girls experience, her new fiancé was chosen for her by her father and his brothers. But still, she is excited and looking forward to a new life that will bring joy and another generation to her family.

Susu at her engagement party

SuSu has a story that is unique because she was the beginning of what was to become Birth Guardians of Egypt. Her life will be a testament to those around her that the women in this country can give and receive a kind of love that surpasses our understanding.

Birth Guardians is dedicated to sharing that love with each of our expectant parents and those whom we are training to serve other women. We pride ourselves on holding in-person trainings, as we believe women learn best through hands-on practice and face-to-face interaction. Our mission is to train women to educate and equip women in their own community, transforming the culture of birth here in Egypt. We believe every mother deserves to have a joyful birth experience, and every baby deserves a gentle birth and a family dedicated to grow in love.

Susu with her family and friends