- March 27, 2024
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Mary Beale taught at American International School, where former Flagler Schools Superintendent Bill Delbrugge works.
Mary Beale, a Flagler County English and acting teacher, recently returned from the American International School, in Egypt.
Because of the political unrest in Cairo and Beale’s recent health issues, her daughter decided it would be a good idea for her to return home. Her daughter booked the flight through the embassy, and as soon as the phones were turned back on in Egypt, Beale was informed of her flight home.
Beale taught English in Egypt for six months and says she has mixed emotions about her return. Former Flagler Schools Superintendent Bill Delbrugge was instrumental in placing her at the international school.
One of the oldest teachers at the school, at 68, she was teaching English to more than 100 students from all over the world.
“It was such a stimulating and creative group of people,” she said.
Beale said, “Cairo is comparable to New York City. It’s a big, huge city.” When she first arrived there, she said, “Getting from point A to point B was an achievement.”
Beale’s apartment in Cairo was approximately one mile away from the closest convenience store. When she was travelling to the store, a friend advised her to select her groceries and have them delivered to her apartment. When she arrived at the store she was shocked at the hospitality. The manager of the store welcomed her. He brought her a bottle of orange juice and a banana and said: “Welcome, welcome. We’re so happy to have you. Here, have this. You need some sustenance while you are shopping.”
Beale recently spoke with Delbrugge, confirming through e-mail that she would not be returning to the school in Egypt. A young man wanting to write a novel about his experiences in Egypt will replace her in her teaching position at the AIS.
“I know my students will be fine and that is of great comfort to me,” Beale said. “I will miss all of them, a lot.”
Beale indicated that her health — not the political unrest — was keeping her from her students.
“If it weren’t for my health problems,” she said, “I would be on a plane to Cairo tomorrow or the next day.”