Day 07 - Where Pilgrims Pray

Today marked the conclusion of our time in Egypt, and what a fitting way to end it—sailing the waters of the Nile to the city of Aswan, a gateway to Upper Egypt. Our journey took us south, against the current, to a special place known as Sehel Island, a Nubian area steeped in history and significance. For centuries, this island has been a stopping point for travelers—voyagers seeking divine protection before embarking on their treks or giving thanks for a journey successfully completed.

In ancient times, those who passed this way lifted prayers to Anuket, the daughter of Khnum and Satis, a goddess of the Nile and the protector of travelers. All over the island, rocks are inscribed with prayers, messages of thanks, and expressions of gratitude from those who sought divine favor. In 2007, several French archaeologists cataloged all 550 of these inscriptions, revealing a long history of devotion and dependence on the divine. As we stood where countless pilgrims had stood before, we were reminded that while the gods of old are no longer worshiped, the human longing for guidance, safety, and gratitude on life’s journey remains unchanged.

Sehel Island became more than a historical site for us today—it became a sacred space. Recognizing that life itself is a journey, we took time to reflect on our own paths. We spread out across the island, each finding a quiet place to seek God, to listen, to ask, and to give thanks. Just as the travelers of antiquity paused here to pray, so did we. And just as God has met His people throughout history, He met us here.

In the stillness, we considered where we have been, where we are, and where we are headed. We asked God to reveal His work in our lives and to prepare us for what lies ahead. In this place of prayer and pilgrimage, we found reassurance in knowing that we do not travel alone—He walks with us, guiding and shaping uswith each step we take toward Christlikeness.

Tomorrow, our journey continues as we exodus Egypt, fly over the Sinai Peninsula to Jordan. With hearts full of gratitude and anticipation, we press on, eager to see what God has in store as we enter the next chapter of this adventure.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  — Philippians 1:6 

The Journey is the Destination.

Jerrell