Desert Wonders

When I arrived at my hotel, I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful accommodations and lively atmosphere. The meal was excellent, with a wide range of cuisines. Every meal was a delicious excitement, with traditional Middle Eastern treats. Shopping in Dubai was another pleasure of the holiday. The malls were massive, featuring everything from high-end luxury boutiques to unique local shops. I couldn't resist purchasing a few items to remember my visit and for family. But what actually intrigued me was the opportunity to visit the desert. 

Prior to my trip, I found myself thinking about Moses and his forty years in the desert, marveling at how he overcame obstacles throughout that time. This deepened my experience as I prepared to explore the breathtaking desert. When I finally stepped out into the sand, the view was stunning. The huge expanse of sand felt both large and personal. I had never seen anything like the beauty of the desert. Later in the day I rode camel, they are so amazing they never get tired though they look tired. As my time in Dubai came to an end, I couldn't help but felt the need of sharing the gospel to someone in a quiet way. Being in a Muslim country, I considered leaving a gospel tract behind. 

Before leaving Dubai, I left my Bible and a tract on my hotel bed, asking that the Lord would bless anyone who read them.  Finally, my journey to Dubai was an extraordinary experience full of heat, culture, and a touch of spirituality. While I may have undervalued the temperature, the experiences I had with the food, shopping, tour and gorgeous desert made it all wonderful. This journey was a great reminder of both the wonders of travel and the lessons we may learn along the way. I'll include packing advice for trips to Dubai in my upcoming post. "The best kind of vacation involves a restorative encounter with Jesus." - Charles H. Spurgeon