What could have been a disappointment quickly turned into something special…

Our guide made a call, and soon a man named Mohammad arrived, key in hand, ready to unlock the site just for us. He welcomed us in and waited patiently for us to take our pictures and explore the site. Then when we came out, he was ready to sell us his 7-Churches souvenir t-shirts and bookmarks. Afterward, we made our way to a nearby restaurant and there was Mohammad again, helping to serve us fresh lahmacun (a delicious local pizza!) and chicken kebabs from his family’s kitchen.

I admired his resourcefulness but didn’t think much of it until our guide shared Mohammad’s story. He had recently lost his job and was doing his best to make ends meet to support his family. Our unexpected stop ended up being meaningful for everyone involved. Mohammad and his family appreciated the support, and we were incredibly grateful for their care and hospitality. This visit almost didn’t happen, but it became one of our favorite stops because of the warmth and love of our brother Mohammad!

From the site at Philadelphia

Our group enjoying a delicious lunch!

At Sunlight Tours, we believe in “Travel that Changes Us.” We’re committed to compassionate travel that connects people and stories, supports local economies, and fosters genuine community. This unplanned stop reminded us why we do what we do: to form meaningful connections that go far beyond the itinerary.

We are excited for you to join us on the next adventure!