An Incredible Semester of Growth and Community

My semester abroad in Ecuador was truly incredible. I was challenged spiritually, culturally, socially, academically, and even physically, only to find at the end of the semester just how much I had grown in such a short time. One moment that I think embodies this growth was my decision to get baptized at the end of the semester. Throughout the semester, God showed me just how much I needed Him, and how I could only find true contentment in Him. He also showed me just how important community was, so what better way to end the semester than to get baptized on the beach of Ecuador as a public declaration of my complete trust in Christ, surrounded by all the people who had walked alongside me and challenged me throughout the most incredible experience of my life. I remember looking around the circle, looking at each and every person who had loved me with intention, who had genuinely cared for me, who had discipled me and who had spent time with me, and I felt undeserving of the kindness and openness they had shared. But God puts people in our lives for a reason, and I know with full confidence that it was no coincidence our paths crossed that semester. After the baptisms, I remember just jumping in the waves as it started to rain, laughing and hugging all the people who had challenged me to become the Christ-follower I am today, and knowing that each of those wonderful people would forever be a part of my story.