The first step

Several years ago I started feeling called to go to India. My pastor got back from a trip with Compassion International and set out to make some big changes. Time and circumstances kept me back and I began to put it out of my head.

This summer I started hearing the call again. A new worship song at church struck me. I crumbled in my seat in tears. Hillsong United's song "Oceans" spoke right to my heart (and is incidentally the inspiration for the blog title.) I included the lyrics and a video at the end in case you haven't heard it before.

So it was time for me to take the trusting step onto the water. With incredible support and encouragement from Aaron, I went to the missions meeting, then signed up for the February trip. Right away people were telling me they knew it would be the best decision I could make. Friends, family, and in one case, a near-stranger, gave me the funding to support the trip. Doubt about the trip quickly dissipated, and excitement settled in. It was incredibly humbling to accept such generosity when I did nothing to deserve it.

One Monday night a friend introduced me to her sister who's been on the trip twice. Her photos and stories further solidified that I made the right decision. So now, 4 months after putting down my deposit, I'm counting down the hours, not the days, until I leave. I've done everything I can to prepare - okay, well, maybe not everything. I didn't read the 900+ page book recommended to me. But I did read the 77 page packet our trip leader provided, watched some videos, went shopping with a travel abroad expert, and continue to pray.

Monday around noon, I'll be boarding the plane with 14 others. I believe we are all entering with open hearts, hoping that God will use us to make a difference. When it comes down to it, I think God will also use this trip to make a difference in us. No amount of reading materials, photos, videos, stories, or meetings can prepare us fully. All I'm asking now is that you pray for us to keep our hearts open to every experience. Thank you for your support, prayers, and love. Check back on here throughout my trip for updates - I'll try to post stories and pictures daily!

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior