When I came to Egypt 14 years ago, I was told not to smile at strangers in the street because it may be interpreted differently.

But what I found was that the soul of this nation exists within their smiles.

Today, I went to the local gas station and smiled (as I always do) as I asked the man to put fuel in my car… he smiled back and his eyes were beautiful.

Today, I went into the shop at the local gas station and held the door open for the woman exiting the store and I smiled as I always do… she said, “thank you, my daughter,” and she said it with a smile.

Today, the gentleman at the cashier smiled as he charged me for my coffee and salad and I smiled back as I handed him the money and wished him a wonderful day.

Today, as I walked down the halls at work to my office, I looked at the smiling faces of the custodians, teachers, and administrators…..I flashbacked to my first week on the job… they used to be faces that didn’t smile. Their firm lips were worn on the faces of people who didn’t say good morning..

Today, I am blessed with the smiles of the community around me.