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After about 8 months of searching, I've finally found the church that I will be regularly attending. While learning about anything is largely a personal endeavor, it is largely at the hands of an educational institution to provide you with general guidance and a framework with which to begin the learning journey.

I see it like this - you go to school to learn. There is a framework, a curriculum that guides you in what you must learn and what you must know in what stages. Of course, learning at school is only limited in its reach - mostly everything you learn in school is going to be somewhat of a superficial crash course. You take this knowledge and bring it home, study it, apply it à la Bloom's Taxonomy. The brunt of the learning is through self-motivation and personal experience.

Much in the same way, church is an institution that I hope will guide me in framing my religious future. I'm way behind in my studies and have much to do to catch up, but am excited to be beginning. I'm excited to take what knowledge lies within the sanctuary doors and apply it to my life. You get tested formally in school, but for faith, the testing comes in the form of how it affects your life and how you affect the lives of others.

I have bounced from church to church trying to find a place. I don't demand things of the church, but when I seek a church I am definitely looking for a place I can feel a bond with, a place where I am comfortable to be. For the first time in my life, I prayed so intensely I thought I was going to burst with tears. I sang for the first time in church, not even knowing how the song goes but just wanting to participate in praise, worship. I related to the sermon, thought about it deeply, and thoroughly enjoyed both its content and its delivery. I was humbled and inspired all at the same time.

So there it is, plain as can be. I may still not participate in Communion, but I have found a place where I can love God.

So begins my spiritual journey.