I knew from the beginning that I wanted to keep going to church when I came to college. I really made an effort to seek out the Methodist group on my campus. I know that I really wanted to keep this a part of my life as I was transitioning into the next step of my life that would ultimately consume me for the next four years.

I had grown up surrounded by a church family. I’ve attended church for longer than I can remember. I was so familiar with the people and the community I had there. My church back in Augusta really was my second home. I was comfortable with everything I had there that was familiar. But going into college, I knew that the transition would be difficult for me. Charleston was so new and different to me, but I was hopeful for all the opportunities that would be waiting for me there.

At first, I didn’t know where to turn to find my group or the place that I fit in. I found the Charleston Wesley Foundation suddenly and I was instantly swept into their group. From the very beginning, I could tell that the people in this group would be the people I would have my third home with. Everyone in the group, all the leaders and other students, they treated me as though I had been there for years. Even though I was hundreds of miles away from my home, when I was surrounded by such amazing people who all shared the same commitment I had, I felt at home. I was so fortunate to find this group so early on in my college life.

My faith drove me to seek out this second (or third) family. I was tentative about the college transition, but I knew that everything was going to be all right. God knew that it was time for me to expand to new experiences. He knew that this search to find the place where my faith could grow more than it ever had before is exactly what I needed. God knows his path for us, He knows what is best for us, and He knew who needed to be in my life to continue to faithfully serve Him.

Being around so many new people has expanded my ideas and thoughts. The discussions that I’ve had have been different than what I’ve had before. The new dynamic from this church group in Charleston prompts me to think and to have complex discussions. The people in this group make me strive to be the person who God knows that I can be. God knows the plans that he has for me, and this path through a new city has placed me in the right position.

I have had the typical struggles that many freshman college students have. I’ve had to learn to manage my time, and handle school life as well as my friendships, and I’ve had to learn to take care of myself with no other help. Each time that it got to be too much, I was able to turn to someone from the CWF and get advice and help. They really cared about my well being and offered me advice, both spiritually and with everyday issues. Each person that I am surrounded by cares a great deal about my faith and making sure that I continue to be devoted.

With all the struggles I’ve had, I’ve had just as many great moments. My two homes have supported me endlessly, and I am so endlessly thankful to every person who is involved in my religious life. I miss my first church family, but I am so thankful for all that you have done for me to get me where I am now. God puts change into our lives; it is an important part of our life. God knows the challenges we go through, and he knows that our challenges can be overcome.

Faith drew me to Charleston Wesley Foundation. Faith drew me to the amazing people I have in my life. Faith helped me get through my first college semester.