I used this time of loneliness as an opportunity to grow in my relationship with the Lord and also myself. I spent a lot of time journaling, reading, and learning more about the person God has intended me to be. God knows our hearts the best, so why not listen to what He has to say? Looking back, I am thankful for moments like that because it made me stronger by being open-minded during difficult times.

One night, I decided I was going to attend a Bible study at the campus ministry house. I was so excited to go, I even left my dorm room extra early. I looked everywhere for the campus ministry house. At this point, I was already late, so I gave up looking and called my youth group leader back home with tears rolling down my face. I reached out to her because I needed help. I was frustrated and I needed somewhere to go. I expressed my feelings to her and as soon as I hung up the phone she googled “Christian Churches in Quincy, IL” and the first one she told me about was Madison Park Christian Church. Little did I know at this time that Madison Park would soon be my home.