Home Away From Home

When it came time to choose what university I was going to attend, it took me about three seconds to choose. I have dreamed of going to the University of Alabama since I was about ten years old. Part of this decision was figuring out how to adjust to a bigger city and knowing no one. I was used to living in a small town whose name isn’t even on the map and where almost everyone knew my name or someone related to me. It was going to be difficult to leave my family and friends and go where no one knows who I am. The hardest part however, was going to be choosing a church to attend. I have grown up going to a church where the people in my youth group were my best friends and my brother was the youth minister. We were involved in every youth event possible and we were very close knit. I was afraid that when I did find a church in Tuscaloosa, I wouldn’t fit in with any of the people there. Just when I was beginning to fear that I wouldn’t find a church home, a few people who attend my home congregation told me about Central and the Tide 4 Christ program. Multiple people told me that it was very welcoming place to be because they attended Central while they were in college. I can truthfully say that I am extremely glad that I was introduced to T4C and Central. Being able to be a part of a group who is just as excited to worship God as I am is a great blessing. Right from the start everyone I came in contact with from T4C has been extremely helpful and encouraging. There are no words to explain how great this group has been for me. Tide 4 Christ has helped me to adjust being away from home, to stay focused on God and stand confidently in my faith. Knowing that I have a group of people to turn to who are willing to help me, pray for me, and stand by me in times of need is extremely uplifting. Most importantly, T4C has given me a home away from home, a place where I can come and feel completely comfortable. After being introduced to this group, I no longer feared that I wouldn’t fit in. Within minutes of meeting everyone, I knew that I would have lifelong friends. For that I am extremely grateful.