Some of the Judean Wilderness. Moses and the Israelites wandered here for 40 years
The resort was amazing, but after we got checked in, I was feeling so crappy with my shoulder and ribs that mom and I went to our room and laid down. Next thing I knew, I woke up as it was starting to get dark. We didn't want an opportunity to miss the Red Sea, so we ran down before we lost the sun
Yup. Got our feet in so at least we can say we were IN the Red Sea
It was beautiful, but I noticed all the other resorts we passed were empty, barren and some unfinished. It was explained that tourism is their largest industry. Achmed kept reminding me that they "had no oil" and that as a third world country, they depend on the dollars of tourists. Because of all the unrest in Egypt, tourism is considerably low. Understandably, but sad to see the real people suffer. Before we parted way's Achmed begged us to tell our friends and family that Egypt was safe and to come visit. They need our help.
Some have asked me if I felt scared. Honestly, no. But remember we had police in the front of our buses and police in the back of our buses and armed guards on each bus. BECAUSE, we were with a tour group that goes there several times a year, and have built relationships with their tourism industry with guides etc, we WERE safe. Is it a place I would venture solo or with a small, informal, unorganized group? Not on your life. It is dangerous there but in the same breath, I know that the Egyptian people are suffering. I am not going to go into any politics because I don't have the answers but I know that my heart hurts for my Egyptian friends. They are trying hard for their families. I didn't feel one bit bad about spending money on souvenirs and outrageously priced beverages because I knew that the dollars were going right to those people. The cost of the trip also included all our tips and I know they took care of them generously.
The Egyptians are proud of their ancient history and all the artifacts they have preserved. And they love to show others and garner their appreciation as well. As I read passages in the Old Testament now, it comes a little more alive when they discuss Egypt. I can now visualize it. I can say, "Holy crap! I was there!"
It was nice to have Achmed explain things about the Hieroglyphics. For example, they portrayed people with their left foots forward, which is esoteric in nature. The Ancient Egyptians believed that because you heart was on your left side, you stepped forward with your left to remove all evil so your heart could follow.
Their temples had so much symbolism. Much like temples in every religion in modern day. And all hieroglyphics tell a story.
Most Gods are portrayed being bald and a fake beard. This is because they believed that once your hair turned gray, you were no longer divine. So they kept them selves clean shaven
The Egyptian people are kind and loving ( unless they are trying to sell you something)
The majority of people in Egypt are Muslim's I enjoyed hearing the call to prayer four times a day. I'm sure if I lived there and I wasn't Muslim, it might get old, but I enjoyed it. Achmed shared his insights on his religion:
Allah - God
Muhammed = the last prophet. They believe Jesus Christ was a true person but not divine or the Savior of the world, just like another prophet.
They have immense love and peace for family, particular the mother. Father's preside as patriarchs for the family for the children, grandchildren, everyone in the family until he dies. You visit your parents several times during the week and you stay close with your siblings. Huge emphasis on the family in the Muslim faith.
When discussing Jihad, Achmed used the word responsibility in describing it. However, after much research, I found THIS website that does a great job of explaining jihad according to the Quran and also how fundamentalists have twisted the scriptures and the term holy way. Truly interesting. I can see how Achmed would use the responsiblity since it's required of them in the Quran just not in the way we westerners have been led to believe.
When asked about the hijab and the full burka's that women wear, especially in the context of repressing women, Achmed explained that it is a show of respect for women and to protect them. He put it into the context of a Heavenly Mother who is rarely discussed in the effort to keep her sacred. He talked about his own wife who purchased a full burka and realized that she didn't care for it so she simply wears a hijab. Also, covering one's head is a sign of respect.
I grew to love Achmed and the Muslim faith. Leaning more, understanding more and seeing how closely they mirror my own religion of Christianity, I felt more connected to them. I loved Achmed's thoughts:
Every religion is okay. Just be the best at your religion. If you are a Muslim, be the best Muslim you can be. If you are a Jew, be the best Jew you can be. If you are a Christian, then be the best Christian you can be. In the end, God will sort it all out. Our part is to be the best person we can be.
I loved those thoughts. Too many times people are convinced that THEIR religion is the only true and living religion. And that's okay for them to believe it, but we must leave our hearts open and respectful to each other to allow individual belief's. If you want to truly share your love for your religion and gospel, you can do much more effective proselyting by your actions and not your speech.
This was the end for Egypt but the beginning of my heart opening so wide with love for my fellow man that at times, I felt it would burst.
Hard to say goodbye to our new friend, but thank you Achmed for all that you taught me. You're forever in my prayers for your safety, your health and your family.
I am truly blessed that God would allow me to experience this. Truly mind/heart/life changing.
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