“Throughout my childhood, growing up in India, three expectations shaped me—become independent, possibly have a family of my own, and find something I was good at professionally so I could support my family and sustain myself.
“Those expectations created a proactive mindset. I believed everything depended on me and my ability to stay in control. I wanted a smooth sailing life. When things would not work out, I felt a lot of frustration. I focused so much on building a successful future that I struggled to enjoy the present.
“After completing my undergrad education, I wanted success in my career without having a definition of what excelling professionally looks like. I started feeling stagnant at my job; I realized that the type of work I was doing did not justify the effort I put in and the sacrifices my parents made for me. I was feeling disappointed until a friend encouraged me to apply to US universities and pursue a master’s degree, which would be a stepping stone towards a more fulfilling career.
“Within about 7 months, I found myself on a 24-hour flight to the United States, headed to the University of Texas at Dallas. While I was in the air, reality hit me. I was uprooting my entire life, leaving behind my friends and family, and moving to a place where I did not know anyone. I came with very little cash and a huge desire to succeed.
“Within the first few weeks, I met some volunteers from the Watermark International Students Initiative (WISI). They started supporting me and caring for me. They took me grocery shopping because I didn’t have a car. They invited me to game nights and movie nights. They also introduced me to several American traditions and cultures. My only goal in coming to the United States was my career. I never expected to be blessed with such a diverse and caring community.
“In the midst of my new adventure, I started feeling stressed as I was failing to secure an on-campus job to support myself. As a result, I started living a very frugal life. I tried to save on food by attending every campus event I could, just for the free pizza. I also spent nights in the university library working on extra projects to gain new technical skills that I could use to secure a job.
“I was ashamed to ask friends from WISI for help. I did not understand why they cared for me so much. I had nothing to give them in return. Through time with them, I learned that they loved me because of how Jesus loved them first, but it still did not feel like enough of a reason to ask for help. I wanted to handle everything on my own.
“In desperation, I remembered how my friends talked about praying, so I tried it. I prayed, ‘God, I know you are real, and I believe you answer prayers when I pray from my heart. I need help. I am mentally exhausted.’ Several days a week, I would go to a park and sit alone, watching families enjoy their time with so much joy. I realized I was missing joy in my own life.
“Around that time, I kept applying for several jobs on campus, without even looking at job descriptions. And when I finally got some calls back, those interviews kept getting delayed or canceled. However, surprisingly, I received a job offer without an interview.
“I learned that the staff already knew me from all of the workshops I had attended. They enjoyed talking with me and thought I would be a good team player. I had been going to those events for free food, but God had a plan to use all of it for my good.
“I cried when I realized the care and provision of the Lord. What I experienced matched everything I was hearing about God’s goodness.
“From that moment on, I told myself that when things in my life do not work out the way I want them to, I will remember that God is doing what is best for me. When I am not in control, God is, and it is for my good. That was the turning point for me. I wanted to give my life to Jesus and let him lead everything. I wanted to spend not only eternity with him but also experience his presence all of my days on earth.
“Later, through Re:generation, Watermark’s Christ-centered recovery ministry, and a biblical community around me, I began to confess my sins honestly, share my wins and struggles openly, and receive guidance and support. I felt connected to the people around me, witnessing how God was working in their lives.
“Now, I serve at The Porch and with the Watermark International Students Initiative. I get to share with students and other young adults the love that I experienced from Jesus and from volunteers when I was in their shoes. It is a privilege and a goal to share what God has done in my life.
“For so long, I had been oblivious to the good things God was doing in my life. Even when everything felt like it was falling apart, God was using those same things to give me blessings I did not deserve. Jeremiah 29:11 says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.’”