A Memorable Journey

As the winter holidays began at school, the children decided that this time they wanted to visit the mountainous regions to witness the snowfall. After much persuasion, they managed to convince their parents to agree to the trip. Their father said, “I will get the train tickets tomorrow,” but unfortunately, the tickets were unavailable. In the end, their father arranged the journey by car instead. With all the necessary supplies packed, the children, Hassan and Maryam, along with their mother and father, set off on their adventure.

As they traveled, they delighted in the passing scenery—fields, farms, canals, and open plains. They stopped at several spots to take photographs and even recorded some videos. Eventually, they reached Islamabad, where their cousins, Mahwish and Nabeel, joined them. After spending one night in Islamabad, they set out for Murree. Upon reaching Murree, they were met with a massive crowd, which made finding accommodation difficult, but they managed to secure a room. From there, they planned to continue their journey to Nathiagali.

On the way, a sudden storm struck, accompanied by heavy snowfall. The family had to stop the car. The children, frightened, began to pray for safety. After a tense wait, the snowfall finally ceased. All around them, the landscape was covered in pristine white snow, as if the valley were wrapped in a white blanket. Excited, the children began taking pictures.

However, when they tried to restart the car, it wouldn’t start. Darkness was spreading, and no other vehicles were in sight, leaving everyone increasingly worried. Their father looked down the mountain and noticed a small, simple house with smoke coming from its chimney. He said, “Let’s go there; perhaps the people living there can help us.” They collected their essentials and carefully made their way down to the house.

When they knocked on the door, an elderly man appeared. Their father explained that they were travelers whose car had broken down and asked if the man could help them. The elderly man replied, “It is dark now; nothing can be done tonight. But you are welcome to stay at my humble home.” Grateful, the family entered the house, where the man’s wife and children were seated near a small stove. They were invited to sit around the stove as well. The woman offered them tea, which refreshed everyone. Observing the family’s hunger, the mother offered some of the food she had brought along, which brought smiles to the faces of the children.

The elderly man explained that during the cold winter months, life in the mountains is extremely difficult. Even basic water must be obtained by melting ice. The family felt a deep sense of respect for the struggles of the local residents who lived in these harsh conditions while tourists enjoyed the beauty of the region. They realized that whenever visiting the mountains, it was important to bring supplies to help those in need

Exhausted, the family went to sleep early that night. The next morning, they looked out the window and saw large trees surrounding the house and a natural spring of warm water flowing nearby. They marveled at the power of God, who ensured a warm water source even in the coldest weather. They washed their faces with the warm water and took some with them as they returned to their car. When poured into the car, the warm water helped the vehicle start.

They finally reached Nathiagali and thoroughly enjoyed the snowy landscape. On their return journey, they visited the elderly man’s house once more and gifted their warm clothes to the family, who were overjoyed. After expressing their gratitude, they bid farewell and set out for home.

This trip, filled with adventure, challenges, kindness, and human connection, became a truly memorable journey for the children and their parents—a journey they would cherish for a lifetime.