That 'something huge' would be my future. Especially lately, that thought and excitement has been constantly on my mind. Over the past couple of months, I have undergone some painful changes, but those changes have made me embrace life and look ahead instead of behind.

Recently, God has revealed in my heart the dream of becoming a Christian author, specifically writing Christian Living books for teens. Ever since I became a Christian, God has laid a passion for youth on my heart. At first, I assumed this passion would be fulfilled by becoming a youth minister for a specific church, and started looking into colleges that offered that. And as much as I wanted to follow God, being a youth minister just didn't seem to 'fit'. And my dad (whose opinion I highly value when it comes to my career...and of course other areas =]) agreed. When I told him about the idea of me becoming a Christian author, his exact words were "Ah-ha! That's you!"

Not long after that, I found a writing conference a few hours away specifically for Christians. They even have a day for teen writers! And a few weeks ago, my dad found a Christian college that we had never even heard of 60-odd-some miles away. They have everything I want (English, Drama, Music, and Youth Ministry), and everything is taught from a Christian perspective. We drove up there last weekend and I fell in love. Not only with the college, but also the town. It has an adorable main street complete with Christian book store, fantastic deli, several cookie-cake-pie type places, plus a super Walmart 5 minutes away.

I love this feeling of purpose. Of knowing my talents and passions and how to nurture and use them. This feeling that I can and will go places and that even though I may not change the world, I will change my world.

Drink the Garden - Rachel