My Sinai Saga

I was hoping for a full moon, but it was pitch black when we were met by our English speaking Bedouin guide, Mohammed. He walked with us for 20 minutes to the place where we would mount our Sinai desert camels for the hour and a half ride. It would take us two thirds of the way to the summit. Using our flashlights, we could barely see the ground below, but could hear the camel drivers shouting orders in Arabic from every direction. Soon we could see the camels in a glow of yellow light, rounded up and ready for our trek. The smell was unmistakable, too!

My daughter, Olivia, and I were chosen first to mount our camels and lead the group. We remembered to lean back when the camel made his two step maneuver to stand. I was told to go ahead, so, with a swat and a click of the tongue, he was off … cloppity, cloppity, clop, moving in a slow rhythmic stride. Where, I don’t know, since I couldn’t see the ground or even my hand, so I raised my head to the sky, and what I saw took my breath away.

Because there was no moon visible that night, millions upon millions of stars dotted the sky; more than I have seen in a lifetime. Some were winking and twinkling, and for the first time, I realized that the sky was alive! And then I saw it … a shooting star. During the remainder of the trek, I counted ten of them—more than I had seen in a lifetime, because I had kept my eyes on the Heavens. I began to quietly sing, “I just keep trusting my Lord, as I walk along … such a faithful Friend … though the storm clouds darken the sky o’er heavenly trail, I just keep trusting my Lord, He will never fail … I can count on Him, to the very end.”¹ Even though I am fearful of heights, and could barely see the stones at the edge of the trail, I was not afraid.

It occurred to me that many times I am worried about the road ahead, when God (like the camel), knows the path only too well. If I would have just relaxed and looked up to Him, I would have had innumerable blessings to enjoy.

I thought of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as innumerable as the sands below him and the stars in the sky, which were above him. Above me, I could see Orion’s belt and later on, the Big Dipper, standing on its handle. And stretched across the expanse was the Milky Way … awesome!

My camel was way ahead of the other twelve in our party, with no one leading me, so I had the sky and trail to myself for almost an hour. Once I glanced behind me to see a zigzag trail of lights leading up the mountain, created by other travelers who were making the trek on foot, holding flashlights to guide them. Our lives are like a pilgrimage. We take a step at a time, as God gives us light for the path.

Our ride came to an end far too soon. My buddy, the camel, had taken me to my destination in safety. I was ready to meet the remainder of our group to walk the final two hours to the summit of Mt Sinai, anticipating the beautiful sunrise. Our Bedouin guide who also knew that path well, brought us to the top just in time to see the sun break on the horizon. The craggy rocks around the summit changed to various shades of burnt orange as the ball of fire rose in the sky. We heard pilgrims singing hymns in the distance, and felt an awe inspired hush as we continued to witness the majesty and creativity of our God.

As we walked down the mountain in the sunlight, I noticed that our trail was covered with stones. Most of them were large and uneven, making our descent on foot difficult. But, being carried by the camel, going uphill was a smooth experience … quite an unexpected discovery. Again, when I left the journey to the one who knew the way, even though it was an uphill climb, for me, it was almost effortless. In the same way, the Lord is there beside us during difficult times, wanting to bear our burdens, making the rough places level.

A never-to-be-forgotten experience in which I learned to trust in God and in His direction for my life. And I’ve fallen in love with my Sinai Desert Camel … thanks for the ride. And the lessons!