Four big suitcases, one carry-on, and one personal item were in the car ready to go. But was I ready? Ready to leave my family? Ready to board a plane and fly to the opposite side of the globe? Ready to go on this new adventure with God? It had been exactly 385 days since I had agreed to join the Tai-Kadai Project. Ready or not, the day of departure had come.

As my brother drove me to the airport, a gorgeous pink sky heralded the dawning of a new day. Yes, by God’s grace, I was ready. Peace filled my heart.

Having checked my bags and made it through security, I headed to my gate and waited for the agent to assign my seat. As I stood there, I was startled to hear someone behind me calling my name. Turning, I saw a member of my Tai-Kadai support team—a generous donor and longtime friend—waiting to board the same flight. The serendipity of this “chance” meeting filled my heart with awe and courage. It was God’s tangible reminder at the very beginning of my journey that I was not traveling alone.

Twenty-six hours later, it was dark outside as the plane landed in the city that was to be my new home. Approaching the immigration desk, I opened my passport and pulled out a copy of the business visa I had received via email. The officer took my documents, looked puzzled, asked me questions in a language I could not understand and then handed the documents back to me and walked away. Unsure what my next move should be, I waited as other travelers moved past me. As I stood there, I was once again startled to hear someone calling my name. There stood Zoë Lieben, a 14-year veteran member of the Tai Kadai team. Fluent in the local language, and with an official airport pass in hand, she had brought my original business visa to help get me through immigrations and customs.

I fell asleep that night in awe of the Father’s love, care and protection. Knowing my trepidation, God had bracketed my travel with human angels of mercy.

• Twitter