​I was standing in an arena full of people worshiping God on that last night of Hillsong Conference, August 5, 2016. It had been an impactful conference, full of amazing preachers and teachers, wonderful worship, and an overall Spirit-filled atmosphere. In fact, the whole trip with Elese and Brad, my cousins, was pretty awesome, from the Brooklyn apartment we were renting, to the barbeque restaurant across the street that we ate at every day, to exploring New York, and just the opportunity to fellowship and worship together in this unexplainable setting.
 
That evening was the closing of conference, and Hillsong United was leading worship. The Spirit was already moving, creating an atmosphere of praise and awe. Then they began to sing “Oceans”.  I can remember the first time that I heard this song, riding in the back of my aunt and uncle’s SUV on our way home from my cousin saying yes to the dress. I was captivated by the song lyrics – the prayer that cried out for a faith and trust that extended beyond the borders created by humans.  It quickly became one of my favorite songs, and it truly transformed my worship. Over the next few years, I sang it countless times, and it never failed to touch my soul. This time was no different.

Taya had hardly gotten through the first few words when I heard God say, “Go! Be prepared to go!” I stood there, arms raised, tears pouring down my cheeks, as the music and the people around me quickly faded away. I paused in that quiet moment, allowing myself to rest, and not panic, in the stillness of His presence. Then I responded the only way I knew how - "Ok, Lord, I'm willing". And the moment ended, the stillness falling away to the crowd of worshipers singing “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.” I joined in with urgency, and the words of that song became my prayer, my heart’s cry.
 
Later that night during the offering time, the showed an advertisement for Hillsong’s upcoming trip with TBN to Israel. I remember turning to Brad and Elese saying how fun that trip would be. Then conference ended, and I flew back home. Days passed, turning into weeks. My prayer was still, “God, I’m willing to go. I’m prepared to go wherever you would call me.” It was four weeks later while I was doing my devotionals in Mark, the Pedestrian Gospel, from She Reads Truth, that I was reminded of the trip to Israel. {Side note: Anyone looking for a great set of devotionals, I HIGHLY recommend She Reads Truth. It has completely changed my Bible study habits for the better. Guys, there is He Reads Truth for you. Check them out or ask me about them.}  

Mark 16 closes with The Great Commission and Jesus’ ascension. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15) It reminded me of my own call from God to go, and I felt a stirring to look into the Israel trip. I signed up for the email list for updates, and I waited. I thought about the trip all that weekend. And then I began to earnestly pray over it that Monday, asking God to make it clear if this was where I was supposed to go.  Another month passed of prayer before I got an email that it was now open to make reservations for the trip. For $300, I could secure my spot. I prayed, asking once again for God to lead me. When I said amen, I felt like I should go. As I registered, “Oceans” began to play on my computer, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me.
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Now I’m preparing to go, and eagerly awaiting what God is going to do on this journey!