A Birthday, a Plan, and No Preparation

This past weekend, we celebrated Obed’s birthday and decided to do something meaningful on our land. Since both our parents were with us, we thought it would be special to have them each plant a tree—a living memory we could look back on with joy.

But as the day approached, it looked like things might not work out. We hadn’t prepped the land, dug any pits, or arranged for a water source to keep the trees alive.

Stepping Out in Faith

Obed’s birthday was on a Saturday, and we returned from another trip on Friday—right in the middle of a heavy downpour. I was worried. The land might be too wet, and we hadn’t done a thing to prepare. Still, we decided to step out in faith.

We went to a plant shop and bought four tree saplings. We also threw together a simple picnic for the next morning. No big prayers, no elaborate planning—just hope in our hearts that it would all come together.

God Sends Help—One Step at a Time

We left the house early at 6:30 AM and started our hour-long drive. On the way, we stopped at a village bakery. My dad stepped out to ask if anyone could help us dig pits. He approached the first person he saw—and just like that, we had help. That man, along with a second helper on a bike, followed us to the land.

When we arrived, we set up breakfast while the men started digging. But one big problem remained—we had no water.

I honestly hadn’t thought it through. I was just trusting God to show up somehow… and maybe, a little unrealistically, hoping for a miracle.

Then, two young boys appeared from a neighbouring property. The workers spoke with them, and I asked if they could help us with water from their home nearby. They agreed instantly.

They brought a basin and a mug, made three trips over a small hill, and filled it with water. It was enough to wet the soil for digging and water the saplings. It felt like divine timing—every piece falling into place.

Trees in the Ground, Hearts Full

Soon, each of our parents had planted a tree. The workers were cheerful, efficient, and kind. One of them wasn’t even a wage worker—just a kind landowner willing to help. They worked hard in the heat and asked for a fair wage, not a rupee more.

As for the boys? They offered to continue watering the saplings every day during their summer break. Their grandmother even gave her blessing—and as we were about to leave, they cut six tender coconuts from their trees and offered them to us.

This wasn’t just provision—it was shalom. Completeness. Wholeness. God didn’t just meet our needs; He exceeded them in kindness and detail.

A Word from Isaiah, A Promise Over the Land

As we stood there reflecting, Obed’s parents and mine all agreed—this was nothing short of God’s miraculous provision.

Isaiah 49:8–13 echoed in my heart, a passage we’ve held onto as a promise for this land:

8 This is what the Lord says:

“In the time of my favor I will answer you,
and in the day of salvation I will help you;
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people,
to restore the land
and to reassign its desolate inheritances,

9 

to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’
and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’

“They will feed beside the roads
and find pasture on every barren hill.

10 

They will neither hunger nor thirst,
nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them.
He who has compassion on them will guide them
and lead them beside springs of water.

11 

I will turn all my mountains into roads,
and my highways will be raised up.

12 

See, they will come from afar—
some from the north, some from the west,
some from the region of Aswan.[b]”

13 

Shout for joy, you heavens;
rejoice, you earth;
burst into song, you mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

— Isaiah 49:8

I truly believe this moment was the beginning of that restoration. A small act—planting trees on a birthday—became a holy moment filled with hope.

He Provides—For the Small and the Significant

We often wonder how things will fall into place. We plan, we dream, and sometimes we worry. But if God can provide like this on a seemingly small day, I believe He’ll be faithful in the bigger vision we’re working toward on this land.

He is real. He hears us when we speak to Him. And when we walk in His purpose, heaven moves on our behalf.

My heart is full of gratitude, awe, and expectation. This is just the beginning—and I can’t wait to see what He does next.