Seven.

Want to know a crazy thought?

In exactly seven days I will be (God-willing!) in a  plane flying over the Atlantic Ocean.

I can't believe it ... this is actually happening!

As far as I know, all the documents, immunizations/medications, and finances have been received!  The only thing standing between me and this adventure is 7 days, packing and several Walmart runs!

I think it finally started sinking in today when I started packing my clothes.  For the first time, I actually felt fear and doubt.  Like, can I really do this?  I can barely sing ... much less teach others!  BUT - I know that God has pushed me towards this trip for a reason, and I need to TRUST that He knows what He is doing! :)

So that is where I am at right now, and now I thought it'd be nice to share a couple of general facts about India to give you a very broad idea of where I'm headed!

A common question I get is about the language barrier.  Being so diverse, India actually has 22 national languages.  While the majority speak Hindi, English is taught in schools and is used in national/political/commercial administrations.  Although there may be more difficulties with the youngest kids, I should be able to communicate with the students.  While teaching, there will always be someone with me to translate :)

The majority of Indians are also devoutly religious - with approximately 81% identifying with Hinduism, 13%  with Islam, and 2% with Christianity.

Even though India is slightly more than 1/3 the size of the United States, it's population is almost 4x the amount of the United States.  India is also ten hours ahead of Eastern time.

Prayer Requests:

• That I would be able to trust God and daily surrender to him, so that he will be able to work fully through me!
•  That I would be sensitive to God's voice as continue to plan out my "lessons" and musical experiences*
• That the rest of the team's preparations would go smoothly.

Thanks so much for all of your overwhelming and humbling support!

Amanda 

*Music Therapy lingo for activities with a purpose :)

The Backstory

(LCMI)

Over my winter break I connected with Bethany for the first time in years.  We graduated together in eighth grade, I didn't keep up with any of my old friends*.  Anyways, so she Facebook messaged me and we got frozen yogurt and spent hours talking and laughing.  She mentioned that her and Heather (another friend from our graduating class!) were going to India in late May.  I've always wanted to go to India, but I was also thinking about applying to be a counselor the whole summer.  I think deep down I knew that I would be going on that trip, but I was scared to acknowledge it.  

Before I knew it, I was back at school and trying to get back into a routine.

But I couldn't get India off of my mind.  One Sunday, I spent time praying about what God wanted me to do this summer.  I didn't have a job back home, and I knew that it would be smart to work full time.  

But as I was praying, I felt God's calling so strongly ... 

He wanted me to die to myself and give the summer of 2014 to God.

I would love to say that I did just that right away ... but it took some time.  I really tried to wrestle with God - even though I knew that he would win. :)  But it was good ... I was forced to take a good, hard look at my life and recommit every single area of my life back to God - and I still have to continue to do that everyday!

But anyways, I handed in my application to LCMI.  Over my spring break I met with the wonderful people there, applied for my passport, and wrote and distributed my support letter!  It's been a whirlwind, and some days I can't believe that this is actually happening!!

This trip is perfect for me!  The main thing I will be doing is teaching a music class.  Well, at first I was excited but now I'm kind of scared.  I mean, I can barely hold my own up here at college!  But then at church on Sunday we were talking about how all these "great" men messed up.  This verse is quickly becoming one of my favorites :)

1 Corinthians 1:27

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 

 So - even though I feel like I am not adequate, I know that through me, God will be able to touch the lives of those that I will meet!  A couple pages later, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9 ...

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so tat Christ's power may rest on me."

So there you have it, folks!  This is where I am at right now ... I'm hoping to post tomorrow about where I'm at financially.

Prayer Requests/Praises:

• I was able to get my Hepatitis A shot for free through my university!  Come one, It's the small things that are exciting :)  I just need to find someone willing to drive me 30 miles so I can get the rest of my shots (this doesn't have to happen right away).
• I'm looking for 2 more dedicated prayer partners!
• And you can continue to pray for my passport, communication among the staff, finances, and that my faith would continue to grow as I prepare for this trip!

Thanks for reading!

Amanda

*I feel really bad about this ... I'm sorry everybody!

My Adventure

**Here's a modified version of my support letter ... I feel like it gives a general overview of the details!**

Hey guys!

I am so excited to tell you about an amazing opportunity that God has provided for me!  On May 22^nd, I am planning to travel to India for 16 days with Life Change Ministries International.  LCMI focuses on reaching Central India’s children with the Gospel through a summer camp based ministry.  During the camp, the Gospel is shown to the campers of all backgrounds and social castes.  They also participate in worship time and receive one-on-one attention from counselors.  This camp is unique because it allows the campers to transcend the social boundaries that divide India, such as religion (the majority of campers come from a Muslim or Hindu background), and the caste system.  My time in India will be spent teaching a music class, helping to lead worship, and most importantly – pouring out God’s love to the campers and staff!

An outside perspective might say that a mission trip at this time does not make sense … and that voice certainly has its merit!  The lack of finances, projected temperatures of 120° F, and time away from family could easily be very discouraging!  However, I strongly feel God calling me to India.  Ever since my eyes were open to the immense need for God’s love worldwide, I have felt a pull towards India.  It could be the female oppression and domination of the sex slave industry, or the darkness that holds the caste system in place.  Either way, I am incredibly excited about this opportunity! 

Now that you understand a little bit of my heart for this trip, I am asking that you partner alongside of me in two ways.  Most importantly, I am looking for prayer support as I go through this journey!  Passports, Visas, and immunizations still need to fall in place, with the extra hurdle that I will away from home until two weeks before I leave.  Also, all training will need to be done through Skype.  I would also covet prayers for myself, and my two other teammates as we prepare for this trip spiritually, mentally and in all other aspects of our lives.

Finally, I am also asking for financial support.  The trip is estimated at costing $2800.  This cost covers my travel expenses, passport renewal, immunizations, room and board, and all other expenses.  It also helps to bless the camp in India by providing funds for things like equipment and food.  LCMI would like to have this money by April 23^rd.   If you would like to support me financially, or have any questions, leave a comment and I will get in touch with you!  I will be away at college until May 10^th , but I'm hoping this blog will become a central place for communication.

Thank you so much for joining me on this adventure!
Amanda