Meet Our Immersion Guide

Dr. Shazetta Thompson-Hill's relationship with India began long before Sarayu Sojourns was imagined. At the age of eight, she accompanied her missionary parents as they served in Kerala, an experience that shaped her understanding of faith, culture, and the transformative power of authentic relationships across differences. Those early years instilled a lifelong appreciation for India's rich religious traditions, vibrant communities, and extraordinary cultural heritage.

An ordained clergywoman, seminary professor, preacher, scholar, photographer, and educator, Dr. Thompson-Hill has spent her vocation helping others discover the intersections of theology, spirituality, and lived experience. Throughout her ministry and academic career, she has remained committed to preparing leaders who are thoughtful, compassionate, and equipped to serve in an increasingly interconnected world.

Over the years, Dr. Thompson-Hill has returned to Kerala many times, not simply as a visitor, but as a learner and partner. Each journey has deepened her relationships with local communities, ministry leaders, educators, and friends whose generosity and wisdom continue to shape her understanding of faith and global ministry. These enduring partnerships form the foundation of every Sarayu Sojourns experience.

As the founder and director of Sarayu Sojourns, Dr. Thompson-Hill believes that some of life's most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom. She designs each immersion to integrate theological reflection, cross-cultural engagement, spiritual formation, and meaningful dialogue, creating opportunities for participants to encounter new perspectives, deepen their understanding of ministry, and return home transformed by the people they meet as much as the places they visit.

For Dr. Thompson-Hill, Kerala is more than the location of Sarayu Sojourns' inaugural journey. It is the place where a lifelong calling to build bridges across cultures first took root—a place she is honored to share with others through experiences grounded in humility, mutual learning, and faithful leadership.