Halfway through my college experience, I was faced with the prospect of moving overseas with my family. I didn’t want to leave my college or the close friendships that had developed. It wasn’t an option to remain in the United States because the family home was being rented for the duration, and it wasn’t possible to stay at the college between semesters. I desired to find a solution that would be beneficial to my family and to me. 

One day, as I struggled with this issue, I thought it would be a good idea to get out of the dorm for some fresh air and to get quiet. I had been raised attending a Christian Science Sunday School, but I used Christian Science more like a Band-Aid than a directing influence in my life. 

It was a cold, crisp winter evening as I set out for a walk, deep in thought. The campus was quiet under the soft, clear light of the moon. After some time, I made my way through a wooded area that was completely unfamiliar. As I walked, I was unaware that I was approaching a steep drop-off. I stepped off the edge of the cliff, but was able to grab the edge of an ice-covered jagged rock to stop my fall and pull myself back up to the top of the cliff. As I reached solid ground, I realized there was a deep gash across the palm of my hand from when I’d grabbed that rock.