On our first day in India, While out at the market after lunch, we were able to get a glimpse of day-to-day life: Heat. Traffic. Heat. People. Heat. Indian cuisine. Heat.

*Photos by Kristen.

Did I mention it was a little warm while we were out? Reports now say it got up to 117 degrees Fahrenheit that day, with a "feels like" temperature of 124 F. After several of my teammates found beautiful prints and designs for their punjabis, it was time to wait for our ride.

*Photos by Connie Rock.

Five of us opted for the first group. The remaining 6-7 waited under the covered shopping area. We needed to wait near the road so we could see our driver... and he could see us. We waited, watched the people and cars pass by. We waited as patiently as we could given the heat and jet lag had drained all of us.

After 15 minutes or so, our driver had not yet arrived and there we stood, feeling like we were melting away from the heat.

*Photos by Kristen.

Then I glanced back and saw it. Did I see our driver? No! I saw something even better... a tree with shade for all of us to stand under! Did the tree suddenly appear? No, but certainly God could have done that.

This tree and its shade were there waiting to provide us shelter from the sun. But I couldn't see it because I was too consumed with the heat. Why would I not simply ask God for relief from the heat? Probably because I thought it wasn't important or too petty.

I'm sure God was laughing, saying, "You silly child of mine, I've given you shade and shelter. Just open your eyes... and open your heart to me."