by Rynn
“This is SO cool!” I said as Hattie and I climbed into our sleeping bunk on the bus. “It’s like those trains that you always see in old movies, except…it’s a bus. I can’t believe how awesome this is!”
We were on our way home from a whirlwind trip to Aurangabad. It was nearing midnight when we finally got onto our bus for the five hour journey back to the city we were in. Everyone was pleased at the prospect of sleep…and looking forward the most comfortable beds we’d slept in since we arrived in India.
Nothing was going to take away Hattie’s and my delight in this new adventure. Not the cold draft coming in the window, not the lack of pillows or blankets, not even the sticky unshowered feeling. Nothing, that is, until four hours later when we were awakened by shouting. A bright light shone directly into our eyes.
“The bus broke down—we must get off.” Siddharth, our friend and guide, told us. “Hurry up!”
Moments later I stood outside with the rest of the passengers, dazed and more than a little bit sleepy. I couldn’t believe what was happening. I figured it would be funny eventually, but right then, all I wanted was to sleep!
We would wait until another bus came by to give us a ride the rest of the way. It was nearly five in the morning and I was doubtful that there would be another bus for a while.
Imagine my surprise when only ten minutes later, another sleeper bus pulled up. God provides! When I was very snugly installed in a new bunk, I sat and laughed.
My last thought before drifting to sleep? I’d never have dreamed that someday I would be in a sleeper bus riding across India!
What an adventure!