War in Iran cancelled their dig plans, but the archaeological team from Carson-Newman University is home safe.

The team travelled to Israel two weeks ago with plans to participate in an excavation, but the day after they arrived, the State Department changed their travel advisory to a more elevated posture and the day after that bombs began to fall.

Drones and missile attack retaliation meant the group of nine people, including five students, spent time in shelters before making their way to Cairo, Egypt and then home.

“We are thrilled to have this incredible group back home in East Tennessee,” Carson-Newman President Dr. Charles Fowler said. “These students exhibited an unbelievable level of maturity. We are grateful, as well, for the leadership that helped navigate, via bus, van and five airports, getting them home safely. So many people, both friends of Carson-Newman and some who had never heard of our school, had a hand in assisting in their return. We are also grateful for the many prayers and support we have received in the last several days.”

The extra, unplanned travel was not without benefit, though.

While in Egypt, the group was able to see, among other sights, the pyramids at Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Red Sea.

After competing for space along with thousands of Americans exiting the region, the group arrived safely back home in Tennessee on Saturday morning.

Campus leaders and the group expressed gratitude for their safe return and for divine protection during the unusual experience.

“The whole trip was just providential,” Carson-Newman sophomore Audrey Wood said. “God just surrounded us with the right people at the right times. God really knew what He was doing, even if it was uncertain on our side.”