Today didn’t go how I expected. While the rest of my squad is out on an adventure day traveling to places where the Apostle Paul once walked and visiting a beautiful coastal town, I am at the house sick again. I’ve been hit with my third ear infection in just five weeks, and now it looks like I might have pink eye too. The doctor told me that when I get home from this trip, I’ll need surgery because there’s a crack in my eardrum. It’s been painful and discouraging, and honestly, I can feel how much the enemy has been trying to attack me through sickness.

The house is quiet today. It’s just me and two others who also aren’t feeling well. Normally there’s laughter, music, and constant conversation echoing through the halls. But today it’s still. Almost too still. I’ve gotten so used to the constant noise and energy of thirty people living together that the silence feels strange.

And if I’m honest, being sick has made me homesick too. All I want right now is to be in my own bed, surrounded by the comfort of home. I wish my mom could be here to take care of me, bring me soup, and tell me it’s all going to be okay. When you’re not feeling well, home just sounds like the best place in the world. But this moment is stretching me. It’s teaching me to find comfort in the presence of God instead of the familiarity of home.

This is me being challenged to step outside of my comfort zone in a new way. At home, I would tell you that I’m such a people person. I love being around others and rarely crave alone time. But here, where we are always together, I’ve realized how important stillness really is. Back home I had built-in quiet moments: driving in my car to work or church, getting ready in the morning, or winding down before bed. Those small, ordinary pauses were where I talked to God without even realizing it.

Now, there’s no car rides, no privacy, no silence. Just community all the time. Eight girls share my room. We eat together, serve together, travel together, and even get sick together. It’s beautiful but also overwhelming. So maybe this unexpected day of rest is exactly what I needed.

I can feel the Lord gently saying, “Slow down, daughter. Rest in Me.”

I think God sometimes allows moments like this so that we remember who He is. I could have been out exploring ancient cities today, but instead, He invited me to slow down and sit with Him. To trade my frustration for gratitude. To remember that even when I feel alone or far from home, I’m never truly by myself.

Jesus often took time away from the crowds to pray and be refreshed by His Father.

If He needed that quiet, so do I.

So while my body rests, I’m letting my soul rest too. I’m believing that God will bring healing, both physically and spiritually. I’m asking Him to meet me here in the quiet and to use this stillness to strengthen my heart.

Please be praying for me, for healing, for peace, and for renewed strength. I know God can heal me, and I know He’s using this time for something greater than I can see right now.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Fundraising Update! As I continue walking in faith through this journey, I am currently 21% funded for the spring semester and have $5,400 left to raise. If you feel led to help support me and what God is doing through this trip, you can click the support button below. Every prayer and donation means so much. Thank you for being part of this story with me!