Day Sixteen: A New Home

I found home. I really did.

I went to the Newman Center and it hit me.

This is home.

We did an evening prayer (which I haven't done in forever) and it was so beautiful. It's so neat to see a bunch of college students come together in prayer to God. On a Friday night, nonetheless. Wow.

I don't have friends at school like that. I really don't. I don't know anyone who would trade in their Friday night and give it to God. I have no friends like that, but I just found a family.

Everything clicked in the best possible way. I laughed as we discussed our favorite saints. I got excited when Sister Clara and I both talked about our confirmation saint St. Maria Goretti and how AMAZING she is (which, by the way, if you don't know who she is, look her up. She is for realzzzz a boss and only at the age of 11). I sat in front of the tabernacle with others who showed the same appreciation and reverence for the one before us.

I wasn't involved a lot in Newman, but once I am back on campus, I want to be. I want to make it a huge part of my social life and where I spend my time.

There is something called the Law of Exposure. Basically, what surrounds you affects you whether you like to believe it or not. Your environment can affect your mood, your choices, and your thoughts.

A Catholic Newman Center with likeminded Catholic college students is just what I need. No one talks about getting hammered over the weekend. No one talks about all the hook-ups they've had. I don't see butts or boobs falling out of clothes at the Newman Center. These students get me. They understand. They struggle my struggles.

I really need this environment in the next year especially. Being in that environment will encourage me to become a better follower of Christ and Catholic. I'll be able to come back to my campus and not be swayed in my faith. I'll be able to evangelize and show God to those in my sorority house and those I encounter in classes and on campus. I need to solidify God in my heart in order to bring Him to theirs.

Being in a Catholic environment will affect me in ways I won't even notice at first. I'll be exposed to godly music. I'll be surrounded by prayerful people. I will spend more time, most importantly, in front of the Eucharist. This will change my life for the better.

I am really excited for May when I'll be back on campus and can head to the Newman Center more. I can't wait to start meeting more people like me and finding where I belong. Finally, the family I've been looking for.