Far side of the sea

We board a flight with passports in hand. Tickets to the far side of the sea. 

No turning back now. 

Seatbelts fasten. Engines roar. And this capsule we’re all sitting in hurtles forward then lifts.

Up. To and through the clouds.

Sun pours in.

I look down at the neat miniature houses, roads, fields, forests. 

One last look.

Old airport

The first time we enter Karachi is at the old airport. Right before a shiny new one officially opens.

Ceiling fans turn slowly in the dark, dusty hall. 

An immigration officer sits at his desk above us. Looking down on travelers milling about. Reaching for our passports.

That night the airport is loaded with pilgrims in white clothing. Returning from the haj. 

Two 747’s just arrived from Jeddah.

Wrong exit

After immigration we go to collect our luggage. 

In the chaos, a porter stays with us. And piles our luggage high on his cart. 

Then leads the way. 

We follow him right out a side door. 

It’s the wrong exit. We don’t even go through customs. 

But there we are. Walking into a sea of men. All dressed in white shalwar kameez. Waiting for their friends and family members.

Cross-cultural instructions

Travel-weary, I’m suddenly alert. 

My mind immediately goes to cross-cultural instructions given recently. “As a woman, never look a man in the eye—it’s inappropriate there.” I’ve heard this directive several times and take it to heart.

So, I look down. Keep my eyes on our baby girl. And place one hand on the luggage. 

Todd goes to find friends awaiting our arrival. At the proper exit door.

Far side of the sea

At that moment. 

In dark and dust and heat. 

Amid noisy crowds dressed in white. 

The Lord impresses His Word on my heart. 

“These are like sheep without a Shepherd.” 

I think back to that scene. On the far side of the sea. 

And consider how little I knew of what would come. 

All the dying to self.

Still to take place.

Crossing cultures

The wildness of crossing cultures. Living life in that desert city. 

Drawn to her rich tapestry. The variety of her peoples. Beauty of her art. 

Yet shaken by devastating spiritual oppression and deadly violence roaring through the streets in those years.

Creative and steadfast servants planted their lives there—sometimes briefly— “for such a time as this.” 

And He continues to call others. Walking by faith. Planting seed on resistant soil. Watching to see how He is at work.

On the far side of the sea.

Note

Long before we boarded that first plane, the Lord gave me a song.

One I sang often. In the desert city and beyond.

If I Rise on the Wings of the Dawn (click this link to hear it)
by Susan Lynn Lafferty (November 1982)

Chorus
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea—
Even there Your hand will guide me,
Your right hand hold me—
Your power will surround me in the night.

1. Here’s an earthen vessel that is weak,
I cannot speak, but can You use me anyhow?
Here’s a heart that is broken.
The Lord has spoken, 
and His Word demands response.

2. “Consecrate yourselves,” says the Lord,
“And I will do a mighty work among you.”
And the victory is certain—
He tears the curtain, 
that divides His chosen ones.

(Psalm 139; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Joshua 1:5; Matthew 27:51; Colossians 3:11)

What about you?

Where is your “far side of the sea”? What has the Lord taught you about dying to self on this journey with Him?

Related

Safest place – Summer heat – Provision – Exiles – Challenges – This is why – Place – He is enough – Take up His yoke – Psalm 139 – Mark 6:34 – Matthew 9:36 – If I Rise on the Wings of the Dawn –