We began trying to arrange for our quick escape from the
area.
It took some convincing to get a driver to brave the storm to take us
inland.
Finally, after much coaxing, the driver agreed to take us partway out,
where another driver would have to be secured to deliver us the rest of the way
into Rayagada. (Total trip was between 4 and 5 hours, over a ridge of mountains.)
Though he was a Hindu driver, he had no problems with our bold prayers for
safety and God’s protection over us as we began the "excursion."
It was a somewhat other-worldly ride as we
headed inland. Our driver swerved to avoid downed branches and
suspiciously-deep water in the road, but we had no trouble making our way around
them and did not have to step out to clear obstacles along the way. Our vehicle shuttered a bit in the winds,
even while we observed (and photographed) the gale force winds bending palm
trees and flattening fully-grown fields of corn. Likewise, we were surprised
that only moderate rain fell on our windshield, even while we watched sheets of
heavy rain striking the crops at the edge of the fields and jungle. God’s hand was clearly upon us.
We made our way into the highlands, up and over the ridge
and into the city of Rayagada. There we thanked God that He directed us to
leave when we did, he protected us during the journey, and guided us to a safe
place.
