Thursday, March 15, 2007

Sandy Camels and Shiny Temples





Hey everyone! This is Weston! I have no idea where to start. Well... The original plan was to hit the road toward Jodphur from our "luxurious" hotel in Beawar to ride camels at the edge of the Great Indian Desert, but God decided to make an abrupt change in plans.
While we were attempting to back up on a small narrow road, our bus slowly slipped into the surrounding sand. In the back of the bus, we all laughed aloud when Mr. Brooks told us to get out and push. It was a good laugh until we heard the wheels spin in vain on the loose sand beneath us. The color drained from our faces. What was originally scheduled to be a quick camel ride over a few small dunes turned into a 5 1/2 hour struggle to free our bus. We were finally able to phone in a secondary bus to enable our trip to continue. We drove a good hour before we were dropped off at an emporium where we shopped... and shopped.... and shopped.
Mr. Brooks and Mr.Krake had been speaking of a surprise that they had for us in Jodphur. They agreed to tell us after we took a quick look at one of the marvelous temples of this city. As we neared the beautifully-lit building, it became clearer and clearer that this was no temple at all. It was a palace! We were greeted at the door with flowers and cold beverages. We were then informed by Mr. Brooks that this would be "hotel" for the night! I'm pretty sure the color returned to all of our faces.
After dinner, we all settled in to do our devotional. We were posed with the question, "Why has God sent you on this trip?" I believe God has used this trip to strengthen my prayer life and my faith in Him. He has shown me that if I am right with Him, I will be right with life. Each orphan, adult, and friend on this trip has had a huge impact on me and the way I view my relationship with God. I am so thankful for every one of them.
Satan has thrown many twists and turns our way, but I believe everyone will agree when I say that God has turned it around, and made it for the better. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
Signing off for now,
Weston

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