MY CHURCH FAMILY

BY CAITLIN HOLLAND

Two summers ago, I left my home on the East Coast to attend college in Washington State. Surrounded by the Olympic Mountains on one side, and the Cascade Range on the other, I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful setting. Only an hour away from snow-capped Mt. Rainier, it's the ideal place for students who love the outdoors. I especially enjoy the many opportunities to go backpacking, hiking, and sea-kayaking.

Still, being away from home was a big adjustment for me. Even though my days were filled with classes and outdoor sports, I missed my family and friends back home. And then there was church—I loved attending my church at home, which was familiar and comfortable, but I wondered how it would fit into my busy schedule in college. Would a church in my college town offer the same warmth and support as back home?

As I thought about those questions, I was also feeling like I wanted to continue with my spiritual growth and be part of a church family. So I decided to find a Christian Science church in the area.