Many people ask me why I chose Alabama? Why did I not go to a more known place like New York, Las Vegas or Florida? As European it’s hard to understand why you would move to a state like Alabama. All I have to say is ROLL TIDE! I don’t understand it either why people would think that, because I love Alabama dearly. Now, it was not always that way. At the age of 16, I first left my home country to go on an exchange year to Nashville, TN. I was blessed with a wonderful American family that up to this day is a huge part of my life. It was an incredible year but also very scary because I started to realize that I have found my earthly home in America. Telling my parents about my decision of going back to the States to get my teaching degree was probably one of the hardest things I have done. A lot of tears were involved when it was time to depart my plane. At that point it hit me like a crashing wave that I will leave everything behind me that is closest to my heart. Off I went into the most adventurous time in my life. I started to attend Shelton State in December of 2015. After leaving my childhood home I began to question many things. I was not sure anymore if I had made the right decision. I felt lonely. However, God was right there on the spot with me holding me in his arms.
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
Shelton State brought me a lot of joy, but nothing compared to the Tide 4 Christ group. Even though I had to trust in God’s plans unconditionally, my faith was not the strongest when I got here. However, my friends at Tide 4 Christ slowly built me up to the point where they feel like family now. I found some pretty awesome and lifelong friends, y’all! I even picked up the word “y’all”. I mean it doesn’t get much more southern, right? Many things work a little different over in Europe and I won’t lie, there have been some culture shocks while I have been in the States. My church back home is a very small congregation. Probably the most dedicated people since it is very hard to be a Christian in a country where you get rejected if you show your faith on a whole other level. As I first walked into Central I thought God sent me a piece of heaven since I have never seen that many Christians in one spot. Central has made a huge impact in so many ways in my life. Seeing hundreds of people worshiping the one and only God at one place is and was so amazing to me personally. Every time I walk out of the doors at church I feel ready to tackle another week in this world. Today, I truly believe that God sent me to the Bible belt to learn more about him, become stronger in my faith and especially be a server for Him. Sometimes you may not know where it will take you but God always knows, so trust in him!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
After living in Tuscaloosa for little over a year, I came to the point where I can conclude: wherever you are on this earth or in the states, no matter how far away from your loved ones, you will always be close to your heavenly father. We came to this earth to let our light shine and therefore go and be bright!
Judith Minder
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