What Made You Want To Study Abroad- March 12th 2014. A Helpful Reminder

March 12^th: “What made you want to study abroad?”

            Professor Kluver asked me why I wanted to study abroad. Under the spotlight I sounded like a politician running for office, "Hope & Change"! My response sounded great, but I didn’t truly answer the question. It was vague and meaningless. Why DID I want to study abroad??? I knew that I had wanted to since I was in seventh grade but unlike most, I made it a necessity, not an option. I applied to seven different colleges and their study abroad programs were a major part of my deciding factor. It wasn’t until I started to write a letter to my parents that I was able to come up with an answer. I am confident in my values and beliefs but I never felt that I “belonged” anywhere. I wanted a sense of belonging that I had not found in the United States and I thought by traveling the world, I might. Instead I found something much greater. While being here I felt a sense of anxiety because of schoolwork, culture shock, and being away from my parents and friends. When I found out a few of my fellow students were going to have a bible study every Monday night I decided I would start going. It made me feel a sense of relief but it was not enough. So I began to pray more, then I began to read the Bible more. Through, worship, study, and prayer I was reminded of what I already knew but had forgotten. My belonging is in God. It does not matter where I am, or who I am with, I am always with Him. I never realized how distant my relationship became with Him when I was back at home. Sure I went to Breakaway and did some bible studies but that was really the only time I would reach out to Him and if it was not “convenient” I would just skip. I was too preoccupied with my plans to learn His plans for me. Despite all of the deadlines, schedules, tasks, and duties in my busy life, nothing could ever be more convenient and comforting than being with Him.