Birthday Miracle

Birthday Miracle

A camel walking along the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia looming in the distance is the setting of our tale.

I was so X-ited! We had figured out that the X-file had to do with snorkeling. Where that would take place was still a mystery to the team. Dahab didn't mean much to us when we saw the signs. R. mentioned that Dahab means Gold. Here we were back in the van again, an hour and a half drive to the Miami Beach Hotel in Dahab, on the Sinai Peninsula.

I love the water. I am a fish! It had been such a long time since I had been to the beach. My heart was skipping I was so happy. We rented snorkel gear and water shoes and headed for the unreal blue water. Now beaches in Egypt or at least this one in particular boasted rusty pink orangey sand but the closer you get to the water the more rocky it gets, hence the water shoes.  I was so psyched as I waded quickly through the water. Ready for an adventure! The waves were choppy and you had to really watch your footing. We all started to slow down and make our way carefully X-amining each step, our glorious turquoise goal getting closer. But the pain from the rocks caused us to proceed with caution. We started off together as a team heading for the coral reef, each one of us taking our own path. We have the same goal, the same vision, and yet we all have to take care of our own footfalls.  Sometimes you miscalculate and dash your foot on coral and it hurts, or if you’re Dexter you cut up your shin.

Our destination was set out for us but we have to exercise caution and ask what would Christ do? The chaotic water of life tried its hardest to knock us down and leave us submerged in the sea. Life is a constant fight to stay in the water but not be overcome by it. We finally made it to the coral and plunged in. I started to freak out because the waters were a bit rough. I had to remind myself that I could breathe even with every fiber of my body telling me, I can't. That is what it is like to rely on God when everything within you fights to give in and give up. Your balance gets thrown off and it takes a special kind of person to trust that God has you in his hands and has plans for your life.

Sometimes, choices are like that turquoise pool of bliss (if you’re Ivan). You have to trust in your teammate to help you get to the water because they have never been to the open sea before. Other times you Xperience being uncomfortable with sea salt burning your eyes, while other times you get stuck by sea urchins (if you’re Hannah). But it’s the very few who can stay in the coral world like a fisher of men and not be dragged away from Gods spirit (like Kim).  Those who strive to be disciples of Jesus are those who stay in God's will for their life and refuse to run to the comfort of the dull, to be in awe over God's hidden details, praising him all the more.

You just have to try and try again to fight your instincts. It’s a hard thing when you realize you’re not the hero of the story. It’s our story. It’s not about you. It’s not about me either. It is about us, our whole body of believers in all nations, who are like us! Don't be afraid.. Trust in him that holds the world in his hands... the one that helped you to live yet another year! (the one who helped you to live to 10:06pm, Happy B-Day Kim!)

Hannah Doyle