by Patrick Yun
In October 2024, I was blessed to experience a dream come true: my first trip to Africa, and specifically, to Egypt. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by ancient history, and the pyramids of Egypt held a particularly special place in my imagination. Standing before these colossal structures, I was humbled by their sheer size and the ingenuity of their design, which served not only as a defense but also, I believe, as places of worship and lasting memorials to powerful leaders.
The arid Egyptian landscape revealed the remarkable resilience and resourcefulness of the people who call it home. Their ability to flourish in such a demanding environment is truly inspiring. But even more impactful was the genuine warmth and kindness of the Egyptians I encountered.
Their friendly smiles and evident faith resonated deeply with me, qualities that seem increasingly rare in the hustle and bustle of modern cities. It brought to mind the faithful monks of old and the very ground where the young Jesus walked.
While the infrastructure and traffic might have been different from what I expected, the overall cultural atmosphere felt remarkably timeless, almost as if I had stepped back 2,000 years to the era of Jesus Christ. I felt a profound connection to the land and its history, a yearning to return someday and simply sit beneath the Egyptian sun, absorbing the peace and grace of God.
The nearness of Gaza, a region burdened by conflict and suffering, weighed heavily on my heart. Being just 200 miles away from such hardship brought a sense of helplessness, a reminder of the pain and injustice in our world. Yet, it also strengthened my faith, reaffirming that ultimately, all things rest in God’s hands.
The Nile, the desert sands, the welcoming faces of the Egyptian people, and the spiritual presence of the Coptic holy men will forever remain etched in my memory. They serve as a constant inspiration, encouraging me to live a more purposeful life, dedicated to serving God and fulfilling His mission for me.
I am eternally grateful to God for this sacred journey. It was a truly transformative experience that deepened my connection with my faith and left an indelible mark on my soul.
