“People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success.” ~Norman Vincent Peale
One of the hardest moments of my life was when I lived in a home-stay while I studied abroad in Spain. At first, I was really excited about this opportunity. I knew it would be a fun experience to have with a family and the perfect chance for me to perfect my Spanish, learn the Spanish culture, and have a great support system while I studied abroad.
But I was completely wrong… at least about the family part.
I know every student has a different experience in home-stays while abroad; some really good, some really bad. However, mine was a hot mess. Granted, at the beginning of my time there, it was fun and I was happy. However, slowly overtime, I felt like I was living in a nightmare. I mean some days I would cry so much that I would wake up with puffy eyes. My senora made up all of these crazy norms for her home, and I felt like I was in a prison–literally. I was so sad sometimes, and I often questioned why I had to go through that. I mean I loved Spain and being there; I just had a bad home-stay experience.
Yet, deep down, I knew that my time with her and her family was going to come to an end. Although some days seemed like they were going by so slow and that it would take forever for my time to end there, I would constantly keep praying, doing my schoolwork, and traveling as much as I could to escape her home. Then, soon enough, the time came for me to leave. In fact, I didn’t even linger around Spain after classes ended. LOL Instead, I literally hopped onto the first flight I could get back to my home. When I got home, I wanted to kiss the ground. I was so happy. Just so happy.
Now, I look back on that experience and realize that God was my anchor and He helped me get through that. Indeed, when I look back at that experience, I realize and believe that if I could get through that experience, then I can get through anything that comes my way.
Some of you reading this now are going through a lot. You’re having a really tough time in figuring out your purpose and what you are called to do in this world. Some of you are trying to figure out when is it time for you to take that next step, turn that next chapter of your life. Some of you are sad about your current situation. And finally, some of you are complacent where you are, but know that you could, should, and even would love to live a better life for yourself.
However, you might be scared to take a risk, or to turn the next page of your book. But I want to encourage you today that when you feel that one path of your journey has come to an end, then you must move forward onto a different path. Miraculously, God provides us with signs as to what we should do or where we should go — even when we don’t have a clear sense of direction.
You may not understand why you are going through what you are, but you have to realize that God does everything for our good. He molds us into who He would like us to be, so that He can use us to change the world. Your terrible experiences that you’ve faced will shape you, and also help you to have more compassion for humankind and others who may also have to go through what you went through. Trust me.
In times of fear, doubt, or trouble, don’t worry at all. God has your back. In fact, this is a random fact, but did you know in the Bible that it says “fear not,” or “do not be afraid” 365 times!! Crazy, right? Like God wanted us to remember blatantly that we need to not worry about anything– every day of the year! He has our hand as He guides us along the journey for each of our lives.
Feel hopeful today that you are getting stronger from all of the hard experiences that you are going through, and that God has a great plan for your life. You see, if I didn’t go through my experience, I couldn’t have helped numerous other students at my school prepare for studying abroad or even share with you and others about this painful experience that I went through. I also may not have had the strength to get through the many challenges that I faced after that experience.
Now in my life, I’ve gone through so much that I have endorsed these immortal words: “Try me. Been there, done that,” because I know that God has had my back and He will continue to be on my side every step of my journey. So now, the limelight is on you. Turn the page to your next chapter!
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