The Adventure That Changed Everything: Discovering My True Path

Cover Image by Becca Schwartz

Seven years ago, I embarked on what would become the biggest adventure of my life—an adventure that saved my life. Looking back today, I realize that everything I've accomplished is linked to that one pivotal decision.

I participated in the National Student Exchange (NSE) Program at the University of Louisville. When I moved to Kentucky, I thought it was just for an exchange, but God had a bigger plan for my life. That time in Kentucky wasn't just an exchange program; it was a divine intervention that changed the trajectory of my life.

Going on exchange taught me the power of perseverance and persistence. It was my first time living alone—well, I had a roommate, but there were no friends or family around. This was when I experienced both loneliness and solitude, and I discovered that there was a significant difference between the two. Loneliness is a state of mind that brings about a sense of isolation, while solitude is a choice that allows for reflection and personal growth. It was in the solitude that I began to understand myself better and to lean more on God.

After the exchange, one of the requirements was to write an article about my journey. As an overachiever, I thought, "Why stop at one article?" So, I applied to become a writer for Odyssey Online, and I was accepted. I ended up writing for them for three years. Through that experience, I learned about being structured in my writing, and I also learned about the online world—blogging, content creation, and more. Writing was an unexpected gift that God placed in my life while I was in Kentucky. That gift was truly activated during that time.

In 2019, I decided I wanted to have my own website. I used to say that I learned how to build and manage websites because I couldn’t afford to hire someone. But now, I see that it was more than that. God had a reason for making me spend seven years learning about writing, editing, blogging, and content creation. Seven years later, I get to reap the benefits of all the things I learned. Now, it’s not just a hobby—it’s my career.

August 30th will mark the anniversary of publishing my very first article. To celebrate this milestone, our next Sip and Chat topic will be "The Power of Persistence." Join us as I share the ins and outs of my story—how persistence has played a crucial role in my journey and how it can empower your own life. Click here to RSVP!

Looking back, I see how every step was divinely orchestrated. God took what I thought was a temporary experience and turned it into a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and faith. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that God’s plans for us are always greater than we can imagine.

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Xoxo,

DD