When I last left you I let you know I was praying for a movie, good food and a nap. It's funny how Papa provides.
Our first flight was out of Bucharest, Romania and landed in Doha, Qatar. We then hopped over to New Delhi, India and finally landed in Kathmandu, Nepal. I'm not sure if you have ever flown Qatar or King Fisher airlines, but I highly recommend it. I'm pretty sure I ate better food during these flights than I did my entire month of Moldova and any other American flight I've ever been on. On my flight from Qatar to India I was able to witness not only a beautiful sunrise over the clouds, but watch the classic movie; The Great Escape. Then I caught a nap from India to Nepal (after sleeping a bit under the seats of the terminal) only to be woken up to yet again, some delicious food and the most beautiful view you can imagine. The Himalayans are a sight worth seeing, but there's nothing quite like watching these pure white, big, fluffy clouds resting on top of them like whipped cream to distract your attention from the snow capped mountains in the distance.
I do believe God hears prayers, I believe even more that He answers them in ways we can't imagine.
It's funny how many different experiences you can have on a plane ride. It's interesting how often you can speak truth and life into a complete stranger if you choose to step out in boldness and confidence. It's awesome how God can provide you with a friend and sister to be with you through it all.
My flight from Romania to Qatar was by far the longest, had great food, decent wine and an excellent list of movie selections. It looked as though I was set to have a very easy, very mindless and very normal flight. As usual, my plan did not happen. As usual, Papa had something much more awesome in store. Meet Hristo, a 16 year old Bulgarian who looked as though he was 23 or older, towering over all of us with his 6'something stature and notable presence. A stranger who knew that he was sitting next to two Christians and riding a plane that was half full of them. He took the opportunity given to him, and he gave it everything he had. Question after question poured out of him; this desperate want to know all about what we stood for, why we left everything we had to follow a God that sometimes we couldn't even describe or explain. Acknowledging the fact that neither his mom or stepdad would ever be able to answer his questions and that we were really his only option. Wondering out loud how we could love everyone, how we could love our enemies when they do us wrong and if we love him just as much, despite being a complete stranger. Sitting and pondering as he let the thought of serving being an act of love and praying being a conversation just like the one he was having soak in.
"This is some heavy shit."
I couldn't agree more. I haven't spent this much time pouring into someone since I started the race and honestly, two months ago, I'm not sure I could have. It's funny how Papa provides.
I don't know if anything we said soaked into Hristo, I don't know if he left that plane even more curious or with any desire to go out a buy a Bible. I don't know if he'll read our blogs or write us with questions or simply begin to pray. But I know God is good. I know He can take any ounce of desire and make it grow. I trust Him in that.
So thanks for the experience Papa; for a new friend. Thank you for a day of rest, of sitting on rooftops to praise you and the chance to glance Your beauty in Nepal.
I hear they're hungry here, let's feed them.
