The last part of our 11 day long travel from Armenia to Kazakhstan was on a 3 day long train ride from Aktau to Almaty. There were somewhere around 50 beds on our train car alone. No one spoke english. There were no showers. The beds were definitely not your typical 5 star hotel bed either, but more like bunks with a small cushion on them.
If you’re thinking this sounds like fun, you are correct. It was a blast and I absolutely loved it! Although I did not get to take a shower for 3 days, I was extremely hot, had basically no privacy, it was rickity, and it was rather hot, God filled me with joy that came only from Him and I was able to really enjoy the ride.
I was thankful to make friends with the couple that slept on the bunks below me. They were so generous and kind, and even showed me a day and a half in the restaurant that was about 7 or so train cars away.
There was this girl who was maybe 6-7 who was adorable and she followed us everywhere (not like we had many places to go). She would hold our hands, sit in our laps, dance with us, sing with us, and it was precious.
God opened up the door (literally and figuratively) for us to “randomly” (a divine appointment) to meet a local family that are workers here in Kazakhstan. The Father’s testimony (that was given through “sign language”) was incredible and it was awesome to see how God redeemed his life, marriage, and family. He and his family are on fire for the Lord and it was very encouraging. Please be praying for them!
Being an American on the cheap train car must have been odd to see for many of the other local travelers because we were asked several times to take selfies with others.
Even though language may have been a “barrier,” I know and believe that God used us to be a light to many of our fellow travelers.
Here is a small glimpse of a long, yet incredible 3 day train ride. Hope you enjoy!!
