Elegant Egypt Experience
Before embarking on my greatest adventure to date, a visit to the land of Egypt, the cry of my heart was to go deeper in worship. God sent me on a prophetic journey enlisting me to join in and agree with the worship Miriam and the women of Israel released to Him by tambourines with singing and dancing centuries ago. As our plane began to descend and I caught my first glimpse of the sands of Egypt tears filled my eyes as Miriam and her tambourine suddenly flashed before my eyes. I felt so close to her at that moment. She felt so real. During my 11 day experience I felt as though I was right in the middle of that wild dance of passionate worship to our glorious God. This ground breaking worship dance led by the women of Israel was one thanks, praise, adoration and also intercession breaking open the path for the future!
With great intrigue we visited the site where Jesus and His family were hidden and cared for by the Egyptians. It was then a residence but today is a Christian church. We photographed the well they drank from along with the actual room the family inhabited. Hearing the story from the Egyptian’s perspective offered much revelation. Proudly our Egyptologist recounted this moment in history and the hospitality and kindness his people showed to King Jesus and His family. Following the tour our guide invited us to sit in the church and worship if we wished. The moment I closed my eyes and connected with Jesus I felt His presence heavily flood and overwhelm the environment. Consider the mastery of God to have led His family here in order to permanently mark this place with His presence so that all who visit even to this day could experience a touch from Heaven!
Later in the Egyptian Museum with great fascination we gazed upon what is believed to be the original petroglyph depicting Abraham’s visit to Egypt. Abraham and his family stood out as they were dressed differently from the Egyptians. Witnessing this illustration from the viewpoint of the Egyptians marked my heart with wonder.
The theme of dancing and worship was intentionally threaded by the Hand of God throughout our journey. On Sunday we visited a Nubian village and as our boat reached the shores the people began to sing and dance in celebration. Discerning a sweet spirit of joy and gladness my family and I joined in. Several other passengers also began to dance and celebrate. On Sunday evening a Nubian band visited our ship and the joyous celebration dancing continued. To me it felt like worship as my soul praised God while I danced with joy.
By day we were escorted by highly educated Egyptologist’s and government appointed security guards and each night we enjoyed Egyptian cuisine including seafood from the Red Sea.
Graciously the Lord opened my mind giving me the ability to learn many Arabic words in order to touch the hearts of the people. Speaking the local language in my travels has proven to be an effective way to communicate the love of Christ to the people. Many doors were opened as a result. The Egyptian people were very kind and gracious hosts to us. They called us “habibi” which means “dear one”.
On Monday night (inauguration day in America) all passengers and cruise staff dressed in gallibayas, a traditional Egyptian outfit, for a special party. After dinner everyone danced to Arabic music and celebrated. Again I gained a glimpse of Miriam’s middle eastern worship dance.
During our visit we walked through many grandiose temples with lavish colorful hieroglyphics. One visit led us to a temple dedicated to Hathor a cow goddess which was at one time beloved by the Egyptians. Could this be the same goddess the Israelites made from the gold the Lord had bestowed upon them when they left Egypt while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the 10 commandments?
Our last day found us touring the elegant Presidential palace of Cairo ending with a luncheon. From commencement to the completion of our visit we were treated with unparalleled service and graciousness by the beautiful Egyptian people. We experienced the same generous Egyptian hospitality offered to Jesus and His family.
Please take a moment now and pray for these precious people.