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A man of faith finds many miracles in his long, adventurous life. Author Zaki was born in Sudan to a family of Coptic Christians. The country of his birth, as he recalls it, was then a friendly place imbued with religious tolerance. Zaki vividly describes his childhood friends, foods, games, and experiences of church and school. He progressed quickly through school but was unable to attend Khartoum University because of English difficulties. Instead, he applied to college in Egypt. He now sees this as evidence of the divine plan for his life.
In Egypt, he would learn medicine, opening the way for a lifelong career in ophthalmology, and would meet his future wife and fellow physician, Leila. She agreed to marry Zaki based on a letter from him raising the possibility. They and their four children would live in many places, including England and the U.S., working and pursuing studies. Fortuitously, when Sudan was in political upheaval, and Christians were being violently oppressed, the family was able to emigrate to the U.S., where they attained professional employment and now live contentedly.
Zaki includes many photographs within his lively narrative along with footnoted facts regarding the history and culture of Sudan and Egypt. His writing is clear and succinct, with biblical quotations infusing the story as he has seen, and continues to see, God's oversight for his life. His book concludes with ten pieces of advice based on his seventy-five years, each supported by Christian scripture. Though he is a scientist and has organized his memoir in a logical chronology, his feelings come through when he speaks of Leila and their long love and mutual support. His book provides both local color and religious inspiration that could offer hope to anyone seeking a new, fulfilling path.