Dear Journal…
June 24
Sitting right here in JFK Airport, I can feel the excitement building up. In just a few hours, I’ll be starting a 26-hour journey to Cairo, Egypt. This will be my very first time exploring a country in Africa, and the thrill is truly overwhelming. The tour is set to lead us through sites of great significance in the Old Testament and the life of Jesus. Just think about touching the Red Sea waters and standing on ground steeped in biblical history. Egypt, with its ancient marvels and deep historical importance, is eagerly waiting.
Next, we’ll venture into Israel, a small piece of land that has been fought over by ancient families and tribes for centuries. I’m curious if I’ll be able to sense the history when I arrive. Could modernization have erased the landmarks and culture of those times? Perhaps. Yet, I’m hopeful to catch glimpses of the past as I stroll through those historic settings.
I haven’t had the chance to meet anyone from this group face-to-face. Our interactions have been limited to apps like Clubhouse, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Soon, I’ll get to share a cup of coffee and sit beside them on the bus. The idea makes me feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. This tour isn’t just about sightseeing; it also involves a leadership summit for a day and a half, along with an international dialogue in Israel. I still can’t believe the incredible experiences awaiting me.
I’m pondering about what I should focus on remembering the most: the landscapes I’ll be traversing or the diverse cultures I’m about to encounter. Perhaps both. Every step will be a learning opportunity, every interaction a tale to remember. And of course, I really hope they serve good coffee.
—
June 25, 3 AM, Cairo
I’ve made it here, but I’m feeling so exhausted. We’re currently waiting at the airport as the bus hasn’t arrived to pick us up. One person in our group lost their luggage, so we have to wait for them to complete all the necessary paperwork. The hotel is quite a distance away, and they’ve mentioned they won’t make two trips, so we’re all in this waiting game together.
Right now, all I crave is a quick shower and a comfortable bed. I managed to find a bench in a corner to catch a nap while waiting. Despite the fatigue, there’s a sense of togetherness forming as we bond over these travel hiccups. The sounds of conversations and laughter surround me, providing comfort in knowing we’re all sharing this experience.
6 AM
At last, we’re enroute to the hotel. It’s still dark outside, so there isn’t much to see at the moment, but honestly, I’m too worn out to mind. The bus journey is quiet, with everyone too tired to engage in much conversation. The city lights of Cairo swiftly pass by the windows, silently introducing us to this ancient city.
The hotel is unassuming on the outside and yet gives off a peaceful oasis vibe after my long journey. The shower was hot and just what I needed. The breakfast buffet was amazing, and the wall of glass windows let in all the sunshine from the rising sun.
I’m getting excited just thinking about all the adventures that await me after waking from my nap. Standing before the Great Pyramids, one of the ancient world’s marvels, is going to be an incredible experience that I can hardly wait for. As I drift off to sleep, envision the amazing journey that lies ahead. This is only the start, and already, it looks like this trip will be full of unforgettable moments.
This is part 1 of an 8 part series.
#SacredJourney #EgyptAdventure #TravelDiaries #BiblicalLandmarks #LeadershipSummit #ExploreAfrica #CulturalHeritage #MiddleEastTravel #HistoricalSites #FaithAndTravel