December 27th

    For the past two years, I have woken up at 4am on December 27th, to catch an early flight out of Charleston, SC, to begin my travels to India. These were always the best days of my life. I usually had troubles reaching India, (lost baggage, missed flights, bomb threats in security, ect), but even through all the stress I randomly come across with each trip to India, I have a huge happiness in my spirit because at least I am on my way.
    I can't describe the love I have for that country. Many people tell me I am crazy- I have even had people beg me not to go back. But there is a calling on my heart for that country. Usually once a month I will miss that country so much that I will actually begin to cry thinking about it. Especially this month, knowing I would not be making my usual trip over there after Christmas... many tears have been shed these past two weeks.
    As I travel to different countries, I often wonder if that same calling will be put on my heart, like India has been. But I seriously doubt it. India has a very, very special place in my heart, and it could have only been planted that deep within my heart by the Lord.

     I remember my very first trip to India, back in 2009. I was in New Delhi, and we planning on going to a Sikh temple one day. That morning as I journaled, I asked the Lord to show me things through his eyes that day. (to be completely honest, at this point in my life, I absolutely hated being in India... I never had intentions of returning after this first trip- that's how much I did not like being there). But as I went out into India that day, I completely forgot about my prayer that morning- but God didn't.
     As we were walking up the many stairs into the Sikh temple- I clearly remember being fine- I felt fine, a little hot (okay, a lot hot), but other than the temperature, I was just taking in the sights around me. All of a sudden, the guy in front of me hit the ground, in a prostrate pose, right there on the stairs. I will never forget that moment- something hit me- hard. I BROKE inside... and began to cry... no, not cry- WEEP. As I climbed the stairs, the weeping continued. I had no idea why I was crying, but once we were inside the weeping got worse- and louder (like, shoulder shaking and whining uncontrollably loud). People began to stop worshiping, and look at me- that's how bad my sobbing had become. And I couldn't stop! The people who were with me began to hold me, and try to calm me down but I couldn't stop, and didn't stop sobbing until we left.
    I had never experienced anything like that, and at the time it was very confusing. I didn't know anything about the Holy Spirit back then, but looking back now, I know the Lord had put just a small part of his broken heart on my heart, to allow me to feel a small part of how He feels for those people.

I think that's when He planted the seed in my heart, that would grow into a supernatural crazy love for that country.

   I was hoping to be on my way to India yet again tomorrow, but the Lord had different plans for me. I don't know why I am not suppose to go back in this season of my life, but the Lord has promised me my feet will be in that country once again. I'm clinging to that promise, and praying for that country, and my loved ones that I have come to know there. I miss them terribly, but even when I am here, I know God is doing some awesome things there.