From Nomad to Pilgrim

By Kristin Pfeifer

All of our lives are a journey maneuvering through this busy, ever-changing world. For me, my travel plans were becoming a bit disheveled, and quite frankly I felt that my direction was heading off-course. For a more meaningful sense of direction, I decided that I could use a change in course to find a more meaningful life. And, this is where my journey at Central began.

I first came to Central in the spring of 2004 for Easter service with my brother Kevin and his family. I knew that when the EPIC service sang "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2, that I was in the right place. I continued to attend services at Central over the next couple of months and found that I looked forward to Sundays. I felt very much at home at Central.

I am very fortunate to have been raised by two amazing parents who provided me with the foundation of God in my life. I grew up in a loving Catholic family and attended church regularly; but as an adult, when my time became my own, I put my energy elsewhere and neglected my relationship with God. For all the blessings in my life - my family, an abundance of wonderful friends, and a fulfilling career as a Nurse - deep down it felt as though something was missing. I knew that developing my personal spirituality was the direction on my map that I needed to be heading. And, just as most things in life, I couldn't do it on my own.

Over the summer I picked up a brochure at Central about Alpha because I was looking for a group that could help me with my journey. I immediately made the commitment to myself that this was a course that I would enroll in. Thankfully, my sister-in-law Christine, already a member at Central, decided to come along for support as well as her own personal growth.

Like anyone who is starting something new, I had fears and concerns when I started the Alpha course in September. But the people that I met on the first night became a tremendous part of my spiritual growth. Every Wednesday, after a long day at work, I walked into The Loft here at Central and reaffirmed that I had made the right decision. I met people-friends-who under no other circumstances would have crossed my path, and if they hadn't I would have missed out on all the wisdom and gifts that they openly shared with me. Having gone through the Alpha course and weekend retreat, I now attend as a helper so that I can give to the Alpha guests what was offered to me. And, this would be an unconditional, supportive group of friends who are living their journey one day at a time.

I am thankful that I embarked on this journey at the Easter service one year ago. Combining the personal and spiritual parts of my life is a more fulfilling way to embrace everyday life in all aspects. For me, this is a continuous walk on a landscape full of bumps in the road, unexpected turns, and enlightening experiences to shape my life. I am encouraged that, because I have developed a relationship with Christ, I will always have a travel partner.