Nicky (in the) Hilton!*

So once upon a time there were 2 boys and 5 girls, and they took on a journey of faith, known as Global Challenge, knowing that they are giving up certain things back home, such as a comfortable bed, a basin in the bathroom, tomato sauce, a car, TV and a bath, amongst other things…  but it was all ok, because the journey they were taking would be life-changing and God-seeking! After about 7 months of the journey, having become used to ‘bakkie wash’, self-inflatable (and self-deflatable) mattresses, cold showers and so forth… they realized that those are not what is important in life… so they were happy and content about it all! These young people believe and trust and love an amazing, kind and generous BIG GOD… and He always provides everything they need! So at one time, they were travelling from Equador and had to get a flight to Costa Rica, via Panama… Booking in at the airport, they were tempted by the man at the counter to maybe stay a night, all expenses paid, in a 5 star hotel, and catch a flight the next day… but because these 7 young people were part of a bigger group, they had to get to Costa Rica that day still, as they had to catch a bus the next morning already to Nicaragua, which was their next destination! The thought of a 5 star hotel jumped right over their heads and they tried to ignore the thought… they focused on the bus trip for 10 hours or so to Nicaragua… Sitting in the terminal area, ready to board, they each received $2 to find something to eat for supper! Soon after, it was announced that the flight is delayed… so they sat! Still ignoring the 5 star hotel thought! Another hour past, and then… va-va-voom… it was announced that the flight was cancelled, and that EVERYBODY would be booked into a hotel and all expenses paid, and that we would get a flight early the next morning! The people were furious… but Global Challenge shouted and jumped for joy! There was nothing the 7 could do… now they just had to be patient with the flight company and accept the solution… a 5 star hotel! J They got into taxis (paid for)… anxious about what they are about to experience… and then they saw it… THE HILTON HOTEL! Could this really be happening they thought… OFCOURSE! They serve a big God… and He was spoiling them! The rest of the evening involved exploring their rooms, each one having their own room… exploring every drawer, every cupboard, every corner, every view, every channel and every book! They even made a video! But the ultimate came when they discovered the Hilton slippers and gown! They were speechless! They enjoyed a night of a buffet supper, warm showers, duvet double beds, phoning one another’s rooms when someone discovered something else… and thanking God for who He is and for His love and His sense of humour! J Early the next morning, they were in the shuttle (with every possible little thing that we could take with us, including shampoos, showercaps, envelopes, sugars and pens…)…back to the airport and back to the travelling! And they continues on their journey, renewed, and even more inlove with Jesus! J