"It's like He's trying to speak to me, I know it."

This is what Marlin says when Squirt is trying to lead him to Nemo. A good match, I think, because the movie is based in the Great Barrier Reef (Australia). I also relate to it in that I feel that God has been trying to speak to me for a while now too. This whole Australia thing is surreal, and if you've known me for the past year, you would understand why I feel that way.

Australia has been on my heart for a little over a year now. I remember talking about it with friends two summers ago because we liked the idea of Hillsong in Sydney. An opportunity presented itself in the form of an internship, but did not work out due to timing. I didn't realize how much my heart was in the idea until I found out I couldn't go. From then on, I couldn't stop thinking about Australia. Something would remind me of it almost everyday--from commercials, to hearing of other people going to Australia, to the VBS theme (Boomerang Express). Let's just say, the idea wasn't going anywhere.

Time passed by when finally one day another opportunity arose. Who would have thought it would be while I was working on an elementary art project with two classmates. The girls asked me to pull up a definition, and I was directed to an Australian website for kids. I explained my situation to the girls when Abby said that her friend had been to Australia the past two summers with Lipsomb University. She told me they went for a month long mission trip and worked with youth and kids. Within 5 minutes I was talking to Taryn (Abby's friend) about the trip. She told me about the heart behind the trip and asked about my faith. I explained that I grew up going on mission trips but realized I took them for granted. After spending my past two summers in British Columbia, Canada and working for Crossroads summer camp, I understood my love for short term mission projects. More specifically, I realized how much I love being in new communities and getting to know teenagers. Being an elementary ed major, of course, gives me a desire for helping with VBS and teaching the younger grades too. She said she would pass my information along to Mark (the leader of the trip), but not to get my hopes up because he was really big on group dynamics.

Within a week, I was sharing my heart to Mark from Lipscomb University. He shared the background of the trip and that this will be the 10th year Lipscomb goes to Brisbane, Australia. After talking with him for what seemed like an hour, we concluded with laying the idea on the table and not closing the door on this possibility. We both agreed to pray about this, and I would talk to my parents. After a phone conference with Mom and Dad, I asked them to consider the option. We agreed to discuss it more fully the following week (Thanksgiving break).

The week passed, I went home, and Mom and Dad took me to Partners for dinner. It was there that I brought up Australia again. Through prayerful consideration and research about the trip (see the missions website here: http://missions.lipscomb.edu/page.asp?SID=62&Page=1579) they told me they supported the idea of a missions trip this summer. I know they are a little weary of the halfway around the world part, but that is why the Daughtry family is such a huge fan of Skype. But most of all, I am thankful for their trust in God--that He is in control, has big plans, and will take care of me.

A few weeks went by and finally I get a call from a 615 number (Nashville). Mark greets me with, "Sarah? Just wanted to tell you to pack your bags. We'd love to have you be a part of the team." I cannot describe the feeling that came over me. I had just talked with Jamie the night before how I was having doubts about whether or not this was going to happen! Mark talked details with me for another 30 minutes while I just soaked it in. I am going to Australia.

Since then, the Lord has confirmed to me over and over through special people in my life (Mrs. Wells, Jim Garner), and even at the Passion 2010 conference--which is where He gave me the verse that is on my shirt (Psalm 57:9-11).

I am currently praying for preparation. For Him to prepare the way (funds), my heart, the team, and the hearts of those we will meet along the way, while we are there, and when we come back. I am so grateful for His provision already. He is teaching me every day more and more about trust. I love Him for paving the way, but what I love the most is that I cannot see the whole road ahead. It is like He is showing me a little bit more and more of the path each day, which keeps my heart protected and excited all at once.