I remember the first time I saw someone pray to something other than God. My team and I were on our way back to where we lived from a look around the city, and along the way we were passing through a busy section of town decorated on all sides by brightly colored storefronts and restaurants.

There is something about the stripping away of expectations that draws us face to face with reality Himself. Through this process, I have been introduced to parts of myself I dislike most. I am guilty of fixing my eyes on God on the basis of where I am going and what I get to do rather than on partaking in life with Him. Through this conviction, the Lord has extended grace and forgiveness by continuing to walk me through my selfishness.

Truly, I have seen how much I have taken for granted the liberties and freedoms we have in America. Abiding in God looks so much different here, having to gather discreetly, safe language, praying with the blinds shut, and not being able to worship out loud. But even in the midst of limited freedom, God is present and God is good.

Through my teammates I have seen and experienced the intimacy of the Father in ways that I have never experienced before.

This idea has changed through classes and personal reflection - first and foremost, the Father wants me to draw near to Him, and to continue to learn about who He is and who He wants to be to me.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." John 15:4

The transition has been exciting and challenging in so many ways. The first week, we spent some time as tourists, getting acclimated to the time change, while also seeing some of the beauty here in South Asia. After the first week, we got settled in basetown, which I have begun to call home.

It wasn't until part of our team took a trip and we stayed with a Muslim family during Ramadan did I feel the weight of a new culture.