The undertaking of a spiritual journey is seldom a linear path. For me, it was a long road filled with doubts, exploration, and ultimately, rediscovery. My recent conversion to Catholicism may have taken significant effort over the past eight months, but the roots of this transformation started in 2016, halfway across the world.

The past 39 weeks have paradoxically felt both overwhelmingly long and fast. It's strange how time can stretch and compress depending on where we stand in our journeys.

Through prayer, reflection, and communal worship, I am continuing to deepen my connection with Christ and my immediate community. My heart is open and ready to receive grace.

Questioning authority, burn out, and life support. I 10/10 recommend actively meeting with a mental health professional during conversion, which has helped me to process OCIA and join a new religious community.

As I've been pondering "what to abstain from" during this Lenten season, it has become clear that fasting within the direction of the Church is definitely something I should endeavor toward.

Something the Rector said that caught my attention was, " If people don't stay, you can't teach them to pray," and asked us to ponder: How will I contribute to the life of the Parish?

The only time I've ever felt safe and profoundly kept was eight years ago in the Hagia Sophia after acknowledging the call of Christ. I am praying for that same peace to find me once again as I continue to walk toward confirmation.