Manali

School is out and summer break is upon us. The high temps have sent many residents of Delhi packing. Some have gone North and some South, either way its a better place without them. The traffic, though still ridiculous, isn't as bad and they took most of the mosquitos with them (actually the heat drives the mosquitos away). The almost unbearable temp seems to be a blessing in disguise.

For those who didn't know, Daniel flew home Wed for his brother's wedding in Charleston, SC. So I headed North for cooler weather and the beautiful scenery in Manali. I boarded a bus on Wed night for a 16 hour ride. On the way to the bus stop I discovered I'd left my cell phone at the flat. I had packed Rs 2400 ($48.00) but realized I'd left Rs 1900 ($38.00) at the flat with my phone. So I was off to a good start. I slept a bit on the bus and met a very nice Indian who'd obtained his MBA, in engineering, in Indianapolis, IN. He helped me order some breakfast and passed some time comparing the States with India.

Upon arrival I sought out a place to lie down. After crossing the bridge into Old Manali I was ushered up these stairs to the peaceful Eagle Guesthouse.

A very nice place just outside the busier district of the town where I was able to negotiate a rate of Rs150/night. This comes to $3 per night. I was determined to make it through the trip on the reduced budget but found some souvenirs and was forced to visit the ATM.

The next day I went for a hike and started walking down the road bound for Solang Valley but felt it was taking too long, so I cut a path into the mountain. After walking a couple hrs I came upon these gorgeous horses, seemingly running wild. I met a group of six high school graduates from England enjoying their gap year (taking one year off before starting college, often traveling). They were roasting almonds over a small fire they'd built. They tasted great and it felt good to sit down a for a while.

Upon arriving back at the Eagle, Robert from California checked in. He had been teaching for several months in Southern India. He's been traveling the last couple of months and returns home in two weeks. He invited me to join him in trying to reach Jhugnu Falls on Saturday.

We set off after breakfast and hiked/climbed all day. We found a different waterfall than is visible from the road so we started climbing it instead. The falls were great with very cool temps at the bottom.

We then ventured into Vishist, home of a hot sulfur spring where patrons can relax. After chi we were looking forward to a soak in the springs but declined upon sighting four young boys wearing only their birthday suits splashing around in the water.

After a great Israeli dinner of veg schnitzel, salad, hummus, falafel and chips I fell into a deep sleep.

On Sunday I decided to relax and do some reading and packing for my departure that night. After a 4 mile jog in the park, Madan, pictured at right slicing tomatoes, treated me to a lunch he'd prepared.

I then headed to new Manali for some last minute shopping before catching the bus home. We stopped at a restaurant where I was able to view chapatti being cooked in a clay oven. They even let me sample a piece, better than normal being hot and right out of the oven. He uses a mit to stick the dough to the side of oven then a long metal hook to remove them.

Overall it was fantastic trip and the Lord was watching over me the entire time. The highlight came on the last day. I'd been praying for God to use me and constantly looking for opportunities. My first morning there I witnessed Madan praying but wasn't sure to whom. So I started praying for him and that I'd get the chance to speak with him. I kept finding good excuses not to until the last day. I knew it was my last chance and God gave me the push and strength I needed. I asked him to walk around back of the hotel to view the orchards. Alone we began talking about the need for Jesus Christ. Fortunately he professed to be a believer and said he attended church for the other 6 months of the year when he was home. Most people in Manali only stay there for the tourist season but go home during the winter. He had left his Bible at home so I gave him a New Testament I was carrying. He was very gracious.

I worry about many Madan and others I spoke with along this journey. They grow up Hindi but learn about Christianity, Muslim and other religions. One man conveyed that there was one God but that they were all the same.

There is only one God but His Son Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:6. We are all sinners in need of God's grace revealed through His son's life, death and resurrection. Please pray for the men and women of India, that they will be exposed to and accept the truth concerning our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.