A Ceasefire
We were who we said we were. That was the problem.
We were working out the long and complicated plan for Jordan when the announcement came through.
A ceasefire.
And just like that, Cyprus returned like it had never really left.
We arrived at the airport hours ahead of the flight, ‘just in case’. The floors were clean. People moved casually through the lines and all that remained was a quick security check and then we could get in line.
We stepped forward and they quickly pulled Matt aside for “questioning.” Not far, but far enough. Then a student. Then another.
People kept moving past us. A family. Then a couple. Someone with a dog. Bags lifted, scanned, sent through. No hesitation.
I shifted my weight. Then again.
Another student was pulled aside.
I adjusted the strap on my bag. Took a step forward. Then back.
Matt stood where he was.
“We’re a discipleship program. These are my students,” he said, pointing over to our group behind the line, bags at their feet, phones in their hands.
One of them laughed at something on the screen and turned it to the girl next to her. Another leaned against his bag, scrolling, waiting, while others talked excitedly about the plans for Cyprus.
They didn’t look up.
“These are your students?”
A pause.
“How am I supposed to believe you?”
Something in me clenched, and I squeezed the handle of my bag a little harder.
I looked toward the gate, checked the time again. Already an hour of questioning had passed and they were no less convinced. Boarding would start soon and I could feel the exit tightening.
For a moment, my hand went to my phone. I didn’t have anyone to call.
But they didn’t know that.
I pictured stepping slightly to the side, just enough to be overheard. Borrowing authority I didn’t have.
“Yes, Mr. Ambassador, we’re at the gate now.”
Pause.
“No, they won’t let us through.”
Another pause.
“Looks like her name is Abigail. Yes, the one in the black shirt.”
Matt continued on calmly, his hands lightly resting at his side.
“Because we are Christian.” he said. “Because of Jesus. Because we want them to see the biblical sites. Because we are teaching them to see for themselves.”
The screen above the gate changed. One student came back from security. Then another. Then another. No one had anything new to say.
Eventually management was called and several security agents stood in a circle talking and looking at us. Then as if nothing at all, as if in slow motion, one called Matt over and said “Go”.
We moved quickly. Bags lifted. Passports out. Back packs half closed as we hustled toward the gate.
Matt and I kept looking back, counting students without stopping until we all made it on to the plane.
I sat down, fastened my seatbelt, and exhaled.
Matt reached over and took my hand.
It was just a 45 minute flight to Cyprus. The doors opened and the air was immediately different. Someone pointed toward the water. Another asked about pizza. It took me a second to understand the question.
Pizza.
They moved ahead, talking over each other, pulling out phones, making plans. No one waiting. No one checking for instructions or needing help.
We didn’t follow.
They waved.
“See you tomorrow,” and kept moving, already deciding where to go, what to do next.
We stood there for a moment, watching them go.
Then we turned the other way.
We found a taxi. Checked into our Airbnb that overlooked the Mediterranean sea.
From the window, the water moved slowly under the moonlight, the foam carried in on each wave, then drawn back into the ocean again.
Finally we slept.
Deeply.
Not listening for anything.
Prayer Requests
Matt’s Sunday teaching at Christ Church Jerusalem – clarity, peace, and that the Word would be ministering
Direction for next steps – wisdom and restraint and provision
Meetings – the right conversations and favor
Upcoming event at the Knesset – protection, clarity, and open doors
Family – peace, unity, and protection