Faith, Fear, and Finding Peace Abroad

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 in the streets of Turkey or stuck in Cologne, Germany, at 3 a.m. when I missed a train. In those moments, I would quietly repeat to myself, "God’s got me. God’s got this." Saying it over and over became my lifeline, a way to remind myself that I wasn’t alone, no matter how unfamiliar or scary the situation seemed.  

My friend Eva, who studied abroad with me, was another source of inspiration. She attended a German church and embraced the challenge of worshiping in a different language. Though I never got the chance to join her, I admired her courage and faith. Together, we shared small but meaningful moments, like singing *Hallelujah* in my tiny flat or streaming Elevation Church live, even if it was in the middle of the afternoon due to the time difference.  

Being abroad tested my faith in unexpected ways. Without the usual support systems, it was easy to feel lost at times. But those challenges also strengthened my connection with God. I learned to lean on Him in ways I hadn’t before, trusting that He would guide me through every moment of fear and uncertainty.  

When I returned home, one of the first things I did was attend church at The Rock. It felt like coming full circle, grounding myself again in my faith community. Since then, I’ve been able to celebrate baptisms, join YA on Monday nights, and connect with a group of people who remind me of the beauty of fellowship.  

If you’re about to embark on a journey alone, I want you to know this: you can do it. It will be scary, but that fear is what makes it worth it. Let it push you to grow, to trust yourself, and to take that leap of faith—whatever that looks like for you. Maybe for you, it’s God. Maybe it’s a small token you carry, like a necklace, a book, or even a lucky pen. Whatever it is, hold onto it, and let it remind you of your strength.  

Life is short, and we’re so fortunate to live in this beautiful, messy world. I thank God for it every day, and I hope you’ll take a moment to see His hand in it too. If this post inspires you to take your own leap of faith—whether in life, in your relationship with God, or both—then I’m so glad you’re here reading this.  

Thank you for letting me share my journey with you. It means more than you know.  

- RaeRae