To God Be The Glory

As this journey comes to an end, I can only say: All thanks be to God. All thanks. I post a lot about the things that I have experienced here in India, but you all must know that God’s favor is behind it all. And prayer is what gets me through each and every day.

I don’t think I’ve ever made one of my prayers public so here goes nothing. I wrote this prayer shortly before I left for India and I have decided to share it with you because the only reason that this experience was possible is because of God. God has most certainly taken care of me during this time and I am so grateful. I posted this prayer in my room and read it frequently because it served as a reminder of why I was here, it got me out of the hustle and bustle of everyday India life, and it kept me focused.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this opportunity. You never cease to amaze me – a Fulbright award . . . to India! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. As I prepare to take this trip, I must admit that I am nervous and anxious to say the least. This is BIG Lord & I am going to be so far from all that I know . . . as my heart yearns to be calmed & put at ease, I ask that you remind me that I am always, ALWAYS in the palm of your almighty and protective hands. Please grant me safe travels from the beginning to the end of my trip. Please calm the hearts of my family members. Just be a fence around me Lord. . .

Also, please help me to make the most out of this opportunity. I won’t waste it Lord, I promise. Just please do your work through me . . . help me to fulfill the purpose that you have for my life at this time. Help me to remain focused. Help me to do a good job. Help me to be a good representation of the U.S. and black women :-) I am still shocked that you have done this for me . . . But, my oh my, am I grateful!!! Help me to be your vessel . . . help me to show my students to dream big. Help me to set a good example. You know I still have trouble with the fact that people admire me. All I can say is: Thank you for shining your light through me, for I know that nothing I do/accomplish is because of my own merit. I am only where I am because of your unfailing mercy and grace. Thank you.

I’m excited Lord. I think this is going to be great :-) Hold my hand please . . . Let’s do it! In Jesus’ name, I pray . . . Amen.

-Jessica

At the end of the day, this prayer was indeed answered. I had an awesome time. I am absolutely in love with my students. I was safe and protected every step of the way. My family and friends are all well in America. Yes, my God listens to and answers prayers.

My Favorite!

I’m just gonna call it what it is – the most appropriate name for this post would probably be: An Ode to Violet, but that’s awkward hahahahaha. Anyway, this is my homie. And it made my day/week/month/year that she came to India to see me. Although I have already talked about the visits of my friends to India, I feel the need to say a few words separately about this one because her trip/visit was especially meaningful to me. Violet’s visit was so special because during my time in India, she has been the one (in conjunction with Jesus of course) taking very good care of me and who made this trip possible (and by possible, I mean she kept me sane lol). With this being my first time out of the country, and for nine months no less, I knew that it would be difficult being away from family, friends and all things familiar for so long. Luckily for me, homesickness was at a minimum and I have this girl to thank for that. She went out of her way to check in on me regularly, she sent me my favorite magazines each month, we burned up a ton of minutes on both of our phones at all kinds of crazy hours, we skyped our behinds off . . . the list goes on. And then on top of all of that, she flew ALL the way to India, just to see me!!! I mean I was too excited to hang out with this girl – you have no idea!

Aside from how awesome of a friend she’s been during this time and how unimaginably excited I was to see her, the coolest thing about her visit was her desire to really get into this whole India thing. She demanded a sari, which I had to pick out and have tailored before her arrival, so that she could wear it to the Taj Mahal. She wanted henna hands. She wanted to get a salwar kameez suit tailored. She would not let me keep her away from street food. An elephant ride was put on the agenda all the way back in November. Yes, this girl was serious about getting as much out of India as she possibly could and I did my best to make sure she got it all :-) At the end of the day, I am so happy she came and I am glad that I got share this experience with her :-) #thatisall.