Adventures with Rae Rae

....... Who do you want to be? It’s a question that holds more weight than we realize. It’s not just about careers or accomplishments—it’s about how we show up in the world, the energy we bring, and the love we share. For me, it’s always been about the energy I radiate and the people I surround myself with. I’m a person of energy, and my whole life has been shaped by the love and connections I’ve shared with others. One of the people who inspired me to write this post is my roommate, Addie. She recently reminded me of the impact I have on others, especially when it comes to love and energy. She told me how the things I’ve done for the international students who came to America—how I tried to make their experience the best it could be—have left a lasting impression. Her words inspired this blog because they made me realize just how powerful love and energy can be. Energy and Connection Energy is contagious, and it thrives in the presence of others. The people around us shape who we are,...

Studying Abroad: Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences, but it also comes with challenges and a lot to prepare for. If you're thinking about studying abroad, especially in a place like Germany—less touristy and bustling than major European cities—this post is for you! I began my study abroad journey in March 2024, but my preparation started a year prior. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and explore somewhere unique—not the typical Italy or Spain experience. I chose Germany, a country with a rich culture and history but quite different from the bustling, warm city life I was used to. Here's my story and everything I wish I'd known before starting this adventure. 1. The Visa Process: Start Early! One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of getting my visa sorted before arriving in Germany. Initially, I was told I could get my visa after arriving, but this wasn’t true....

As I sit here listening to Elevation Worship, I feel inspired to reflect on how my faith carried me through my journey abroad. The song "Sure Been Good" was my anchor during those months, and every time I hear it, it opens my heart and reminds me of God’s presence. Whether I was sitting on the Deutsche Bahn, staring out the window with my AirPods in, or navigating a completely foreign environment, this song became a source of peace and reassurance for me.   Before leaving for my trip, I attended Coastal BCM at C3 Coffee Bar (a place I absolutely love right across campus). During one of our sessions, I asked David, who was leading us, how I could stay connected to God without having a church overseas. He told me something simple but powerful: “Take your Bible, listen to your favorite worship music, and find your peace in Him wherever you are.” That advice stayed with me and became my guide in moments of uncertainty.   There were times I felt overwhelmed—whether lost i...

The Feelings Returning from my time abroad has been a complicated tangle of emotions I’m still trying to sort through. It’s amazing how transformative a few months can be, how they can etch themselves so deeply into your life and make everything familiar feel... unfamiliar. The whole experience changed me, and I want to share every detail of it with everyone around me. But how do you explain that feeling, that longing, without feeling like you’re trying to relive a past that no one else was there for?  I catch myself wanting to bring up stories and memories constantly—small moments that defined my day-to-day life while I was away. Those late nights laughing with friends who understood me without needing to try or the mundane daily routines that became comforting in a strange new place. It feels like these memories are right at the surface, begging to spill out, but I hold them back. I don’t want to be “that person” who seems like they’re always stuck in the past. I don’t want peopl...

There’s something strange about reflecting on my experience of studying abroad. When I try to remember how I felt before leaving, my mind goes blank. It’s almost like the experience was so broad and eye-opening that I can’t separate the emotions I had back then from the lessons I’ve learned since. But I found a way to piece it together. Recently, I opened up the journal I took with me to Germany and reread my first entry. The date was March 5th, 2024, and I was sitting alone at Atlanta airport, about to start what I called “the adventure of a lifetime.” I remember feeling excited—but scared. My parents had just dropped me off, and I was sitting at gate F3 with my brown sugar espresso in hand after a chaotic encounter with TSA (which involved me getting yelled at because I didn’t know “common sense,” apparently). As I sat at the gate, I did what I always do when I need comfort: I opened my Bible. That’s when I came across Proverbs 11:24-31, which says, “There is one who scatters, yet in...