Exodus 33:14 says, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” I have seen this promise come alive during my time at FLBC. When I first arrived, I was nervous about living so far from Pittsburgh and worried about how I would adjust. Yet God met me in that struggle by surrounding me with friends who made me feel instantly welcomed. Their kindness, encouragement, and willingness to walk alongside me have been a constant reminder of God’s presence. Through meals shared together, studying, laughing late into the night, and simply doing life side by side, I have felt a strong sense of belonging that eases my homesickness.
These friendships have helped me see that while I miss my family deeply, God has given me a second home here at FLBC. I still wrestle with anxiety and being so far away from home, but the rest I find in Christ often comes through the support of this community. My friends remind me I am not alone, and their presence points me back to the greater truth that God is always with me. Because of them, I am learning that rest is not just found in quiet moments but in relationships filled with encouragement, joy, and grace.
In this season, I truly feel at home, not because the struggle is gone, but because God has given me people who reflect His love and make His promise of rest real.
Nicole Rhodes [freshman] Bethel Park, Pa.
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