Traveller Profile: Eva & Garen Martens
“Wouldn’t it be great to see the pyramids,” Garen Martens recalls thinking as a child growing up in Oklahoma. In fifth and sixth grade Geography class, he learned about countries like Egypt, Australia, China, Poland, and South Africa—all places he later visited as an adult. Both Garen and his wife Eva remember reading with fascination about Egypt’s monumental Aswan Dam project in the 1970s in My Weekly Reader1. Fuelled by their childhood dreams, Garen and Eva travelled on the 2024 Bread for the Journey Tour with Nelson Kraybill. They also took the Jordan tour extension.
“We expected three pyramids,” said Garen. “But there were pyramids everywhere!” He recalls seeing about 500 of the ancient tombs—not all as large as the great pyramids, but still interesting. Eva and Garen were surprised that travellers could touch everything in Egypt. “You could climb one of the great pyramids if you wanted to!” Eva especially enjoyed the cruise down the Nile River. “On both sides we saw scenery and animals—including cows, sheep, and lots of donkeys.” Garen adds, “You see how incredibly important the Nile River is to the country. Everything is located within about 15 miles of the river.”
The Aswan Dam project enabled Egypt to control flooding of the Nile and generate hydroelectric power. But it disrupted agriculture and communities along the river. It also required moving several ancient monuments, including the twin temples of Abu Simbel, dedicated to Pharaoh Rameses II. “They moved the entire tomb, with all 10 or 12 rooms and built a mountain around it. Wow! It is absolutely one of the most fascinating places,” says Eva.
Garen says the Valley of the Kings was particularly impressive. “You go to a bunch of sand hills that looked like there should be nothing there. Then you enter the tombs and see the hieroglyphics and the treasures and it’s unbelievable!” Garen adds, “The colours on the paintings underground were absolutely gorgeous because they had never been exposed to sunlight.”
The Martens appreciated their in-country guide Achmed. “He was so passionate and knowledgeable about his country.” Eva adds, “He described daily life and the political situations and how the money worked. It made me feel like I understood the places we were visiting.”
They were also thankful for Nelson Kraybill’s leadership. Garen said that Egypt does not promote the Biblical connections to their country. “Nelson filled in the blanks for us. What a biblical scholar he is!” For example, the group saw many buildings with mud bricks. Nelson connected what they saw with the Bible by sharing the story of the Israelites making mud bricks while they were slaves in Egypt.
(R) Eva and Garen Martens in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
Since they were already on the other side of the world, the Martens decided to take the Jordan tour extension with Nelson. They were not disappointed. In addition to “awesome scenery”, the Martens enjoyed being in places where biblical events took place. “Jordan is where the children of Israel wandered around the desert for 40 years.” The Martens also saw the mountain where John the Baptist was beheaded. “I didn’t expect that,” says Garen. “We went up on Mount Nebo where Moses looked across into the promised land!” They were surprised to discover that the Israelites may also have wandered through Petra.
(L) Garen and Eva in Petra
Eva and Garen highly recommend that anyone travelling on the 2026 Bread for the Journey Tour also do the Jordan extension. “It was fantastic!” They also recommend reading the first four books of the Bible as a refresher and packing light. “You can always do laundry at the hotel.”
As if an incredible tour in Egypt and Jordan was not enough, the Martens also raved about their travelling companions. “We had so much fun!” They add, “That’s one of the things we enjoy most about TourMagination tours, you’re with like-minded people.” (See the group pictured below.)
Eva and Garen have been on several TourMagination tours. Their first trip was a custom tour to China with their church that TourMagination arranged. They also went on a Mennonite Heritage Tour to Russia & Ukraine with Len Friesen and to Australia and New Zealand. “TourMagination tours are highly organized. You always know the tour is going to be seamless.” They also appreciate the quality accommodations, fun travelling companions, plus excellent leaders and guides. Eva adds, “I like to be taken care of.” In December, the Martens are going on the Christmas Treasures Cruise. Then in February, they will join former owner Audrey Voth Petkau on the Tanzania and Zanzibar Safaris & Culture Tour. “We love travelling with Audrey!” They also look forward to getting to know Richard and Diane Bergmann (current owners) on the Christmas Treasures Cruise. “TourMagination is a class company. We have loved every tour we took with them,” says Garen.
1My Weekly Reader was a weekly children’s magazine used in US schools from 1928 to 2012 to engage kids with current events.
