red sea cruise.

A shuttle picked us up from the resort at 8:30 Sunday morning for our day trip, and took us to the harbor which was crammed with boats and people.

For whatever reason, David and I scored a boat with nearly all people from the Middle East — there were just us and a couple of Russians along with them. The atmosphere on the boat all day was friendly and jovial. David and I had a great time meeting and talking to a wide variety of people, sipping hot tea and drinking in the glory that is the Red Sea.

We met a sweet young couple on their honeymoon, watched the man be sweet and affectionate with his pretty, head-to-toe covered bride. We talked to a group of friends from a Middle-Eastern country in conflict with our country, and after exchanging small talk one of them leaned in, looking concerned, and asked we we feel about the political situation. We told him that we and the Americans we know all long for peace, and we want our country to be a welcoming place for people from around the world.

He straightened up and said, “You see, I knew it! I knew Americans aren’t really like what you see on the news.”

Hmm. Seems like we’ve been saying the same thing about them.

Before our first stop of the day, we got a 10-minute sort-of-in-English crash course in diving, then were able to dive for 30 minutes, which was an incredible experience. We also made two additional stops throughout the day for snorkeling. I enjoyed diving, but struggled with my ears hurting, and ended up preferring snorkeling.

We loved that our boat served a full hot-lunch in the middle of the day, complete with rice and veggies, and afterward while music blared and people danced downstairs, we snatched a spot of shade on the top deck for a nap.

After one more snorkeling stop, we arrived back at the harbor and caught a cab to our hotel, tired but with full, happy hearts.

It was an absolutely perfect way to celebrate 15 years of God’s faithfulness.