We had a pretty uneventful day, travelling from Jerusalem to Egypt, where we ended up at a nice hotel near to Mt. Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery.The day began with our travelling south toward Eilat where we got stopped for about an hour while a construction accident on our highway, got cleared up and the injured rushed off to the closest hospital. We left that tie up and travelled to the Israeli- Egyptian Border at a point where four countries meet, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The saddest part of the trip ensued, when we had to say goodbye to two people who had become close friends to each of us and with whom many of us will continue to correspond. Our world class guide, Julie, who for many of us that had travelled abroad before consider the best we’ve ever encountered. She not only was incredibly well informed, teaching us about Scripture we now read with new insights, she seldom responded to a question she couldn’t answer and became an integral part of our travelling family that will remain in our hearts forever. Our driver, Hassem, is now equally a part of each of our lives as he not only drove us miraculously for the time we were there, but also shepherded us through each and every situation making the impossible easy for us and the trip a real pleasure. Both left us with the plea to “keep in touch” and return soon so we can spend time together once again.
We arrived at our destination late in a beautiful afternoon and checked into a beautiful hotel where we had another great Middle Eastern meal. Our new guide, Osama, is reputed by Dr. Bob and several of the other guides we’ve run into, as the best in Egypt. So far we’d all agree with them and look forward to having him with us for the next five days. Our bus driver, Magdi, seems equally as talented as he’s maneuvered our luxurious coach into and out of situations we’ve all marveled at, as he’s carefully shepherded us to our destination through endless checkpoints. Security in Egypt, like Israel, is a serious priority, to the extent that we have a policeman traveling with us everywhere we go.
It’s off to bed, as several of us will be getting up at 1:00 in the morning, (Tuesday morning) to collect our sack breakfasts and head off to climb Mt. Sinai to watch the sunrise.
~ Clergy Comments ~
Long bus rides are not usually something I look forward to, but I must admit that this one was rather special today. We drove through the wilderness of Sinai, retracing the steps of our Jewish forbearers many centuries ago. And it is wilderness to be sure! What incredible faith and trust was required by Moses in leading the people of God. It was very easy to imagine how the faith of the people wavered – much as mine does quite regularly. We worship a God of incredible patience with us when we grumble, question and complain.
It was difficult to leave Israel after the wonderful sights, sounds, and especially people we met. I was especially moved by our conversation with Palestinian Christians who are praying for the Christian community in the Holy Land. The conflict that has been going on for so long is a tragedy for both Israelis and Palestinians. I urge you to continue in prayer for peace and justice in the wonderful land that is sacred to Moslems, Jews and Christians. - Bruce
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