The one thing in my life I have been forever thankful for is being introduced to Jesus at a young age. A member of Orchard Hill my entire life, I have been blessed with a faith family that has guided and loved me to this very day. Although I grew up hearing the truthful message, it wasn't until eighth grade when I truly understood the freedom Christ offers. It was at Young Life camp in Rockbridge where my leader sat down with me one evening and held my hand as I chose to begin a life with Jesus.

As I entered high school, I held my relationship with Christ as a forefront to my life. In tenth grade, my parents got divorced, and my faith was tested like never before. As hard as I tried to cling to the truth, I ran. I didn't run like you would expect a normal teenager dealing with a broken family to run. Instead of drugs, alcohol or rebellion, I ran towards perfection. Whether through my social life, equestrian competitions or academics, I aspired to gain affirmation through earthly things. What was missing? God. Not until these past few years have I realized how lucky I was to be surrounded by the people I was at the time. My high school small group, some of the girls whom I am still best friends with today, were there for me in ways I couldn't see at the time.

I had completely shut down. As much as people tried to reach out and care for me, I refused to admit the pain I was feeling. My faith became just another activity to me - one that I used in my pursuit of well-roundedness and perfection. As I entered college, I continued this trend. As much as I said Christ was a priority in my life, I wasn't truly allowing myself to walk with Him. I went to college ministry, served some and kept in touch with my small group. But deep down, I was shutting God out.

I received a blessing the summer after my freshman year. I was asked to be an intern for KidsFest - something I had dreamed of doing ever since I was a camper. The experience was wonderful - full of growth and lessons, but I still knew I wasn't allowing Christ to truly lead me. I went back to school a bit confused and with bland conviction. My sophomore year I felt completely lost in my faith. Throughout my year, I constantly struggled with relationships, indulgence and contentment. A whisper in my heart told me I was missing something beautiful and something true.

Towards the close of my sophomore year, I was asked to come back the next summer as an intern again. Little did I know, God's will was about to sweep me off my feet. The intern team I served alongside all summer became like brothers and sisters to me. Our small group, lead by Shannon Miller, was one that truly changed my heart. For the first time in my life, I felt called to share my soul. After years of barricading emotions and pain, I allowed myself to be loved for who I am. In the book of James, it states, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." I have always clung to this verse as a representation of the power of what I experienced through those relationships.

As the summer came to a close, I finally felt myself truly walking with Christ. Step by step. Despite the beautiful growth I experienced that summer, I was still learning to be truly honest with myself, others and God. I had trouble knowing how to care for others' souls because I had shut myself out to that very thing for so long. Well, God's will was about to sweep me off my feet once more. Shannon Miller offered me the opportunity to travel to Haiti in August. There is nothing I can do or say that will express how thankful I am for that chance.

We spent a week at EBAC orphanage, and my life was changed forever. Hearing the conviction of the Haitian's faith amidst their suffering put mine into perspective. One of the greatest lessons the Haitians taught me was the importance of honest sharing. I was still struggling with being honest about what was on my heart. I noticed that my friends in Haiti were willing and almost urgent to share their pain, struggles and hope with me. This led me to notice that their faith was so strong due to their honesty with God. Ever since that short time last August, the people of Haiti have stolen my heart and helped mold me into who I am.

As I entered my junior year of college, I knew it would be a tough one. Although the truth was hard for me to see at some moments, through unhealthy relationships and some loneliness, I clung to the truth that Christ's hand was holding mine even in the dark. And sure enough, as He always does, the Lord provided. He provided me with a true friend in Shannon who endlessly encouraged me in my faith. He provided me with the strength to adhere to my beliefs when it was hardest to. He provided me with a continuously loving and healing family, and he provided me again with the chance to return to this blessed community of interns and KidsFest leaders for another summer.

As I step into my final year of college, my heart is full of hope and excitement. The anxiety that so often comes with college is slowly weakening as I learn to place more and more trust in the Lord. It is not easy, comfortable or convenient to walk with Christ. I praise God daily for the people and circumstances He has blessed me with. From my high school small group, intern small group, Shannon Miller and the Haitians, God's hand has been on my shoulder regardless if I was pushing onward or turning my back. He is faithful, and I am anticipating to see what he is preparing me for. My name is Samantha Norris and this is my story.