Connections

If it is God’s will, nothing can stop it. If it is not, I would not want it anyway. This thought connects me with God when things do not go smoothly.

A former Burmese student of mine in a university in Thailand emailed and invited me to his forthcoming marriage in Kalaymyo, Myanmar.

Attending Gin Suan’s wedding would enable me to see the country (formerly Burma), which I had heard of in mission stories. I prayed for the trip to be God’s will. One night I dreamed I was riding in a bus that crossed a narrow bridge spanning a fast-flowing river. I took the dream as a green light and made the arrangements. Gin Suan’s aunt Flora met me at the Yangon International Airport. After the greetings, Flora whispered, “We need to talk.” She spoke seriously, and I sensed a problem. “The planes and buses to Kalaymyo are all fully booked until Christmas—too late for you to get to the wedding.” She studied my face and paused as I absorbed the news. “Would you like to tour around Yangon until your return flight to Bangkok?” “Wait,” I replied as I offered a quick prayer for guidance. “God, I did not come here to tour Yangon. I came for a wedding. Please help me get to Kalaymyo.” I returned to Flora. “I need to call someone,” I told her. I dialed Rodrigo, a student I knew who was also going to Kalaymyo.

Some Burmese friends were helping him find transportation.

I had thought of traveling with him but had left Bangkok a day ahead. I explained my problem. Rodrigo called his friends, who just happened to be at the same airport. He connected us, and we agreed to meet. These friends suggested I take the bus that left two hours later. One of them had family who owned the bus company, and their drivers always saved one place for emergency cases. I took that seat. The nineteen-hour bus ride was filled with interesting experiences and the kindness of total strangers. Most moving of all was when the bus crossed a fast-flowing river over a narrow bridge, just as I had seen in my dream.

The trip started and ended with the help and grace of God.

He helped me make all the right connections and helped me reach my destination.

Bienvisa Ladion Nebres