Day 43 – Travel Day to Seattle

Another early morning out of the hotel to hit the airport to fly from Cairo to Istanbul and on to Seattle. Just 15 hours in the air and 7 hours in the airports and we should be back home.

We have taken in the world, and now it is time to sleep in our own 70 sq ft. Bedrooms with our creature comforts – most notably old mattresses that conform to our bodies. Head colds and stomach illnesses have traveled with us all along the way but we worked our way through it all. We ate all the varied cultural foods and drinks – felt like we all have gained 20 lbs – and snuck in some comfort foods when needed. Adaptation – flexibility – patience – loving kindness – trust – all required for our journey.

We were blessed by great guides all along the way. We have learned so much from them. Onur, Mohamed, Ahmed, Marian, Fikedu, and countless drivers, Pilots, cooks, hotel staff, etc….an amazing display of God’s goodness in this created world – Every single person just excellent!

You can’t travel the world and have a closed mind and heart. Travel alongside others begs you to be expansive in your love, heart, mind, and faith. Just as you learn a whole lot about others, you learn a whole lot about yourself. That is a precious gift.

A few quotes to share with you:

Through world travel you gain an entirely different perspective about humanity. You realize just how small you are and how all of us have a special place and purpose in the world. Norah

Don’t ever take anything for granted because not everyone has the same opportunities as we do. Koko

Don’t waste your life sitting on a couch and letting time pass by, get out and explore. Merritt

Life is amazing, especially when you make each day fun. Jewel

Don’t think about the negative things that happen but think about the positive aspects of beautiful people. Do that even when it is really Egypt hot outside! Holland

World travel is an incredible teacher. It opens your eyes to differences, your mind to understanding, and your heart to love for people and places beyond what is comfortable and familiar. Susan

Shokran!