This semester I have had the blessing of studying abraod in Prague—a city that looks like something out of a fairytale. The 
last two months have been dedicated to studying the art and literature produced out of conflict, as the Czech Republic has known it’s fair share of conflict. Because of the nature of the work, I’ve had to approach it not only academically, but spiritually.
As a writer and an artist I’ve asked myself over and over what my role in society is, and through my time in Prague, the answer has come to me spiritually. Mary Baker Eddy is clear that we must be active thinkers in this world, and that the world has 
need of our Love. I’ve explored the Czech art and writing of World War II, and of Communism, and met numerous people who still remember those days—but underneath the horror of those events there was, and stil is, an immmense hope and love for fellow man.
The Czech Republic has showed me what spiritual resilience truly is, and reminded me not to fall back asleep to the issues that need our prayer more than ever. The growth I’ve experienced in my years at camp are invaluable to me, because each summer has taught me how active prayer can be. Demonstration is prayer, action is prayer. When you’re constantly challenged to grow and to expand the boundaries of your comfort z
one, you almost forget that you’re staking a spiritual claim to goodness and wholeness.
The foundation that I have built through camp makes me confident that I can bring what I’ve learned in Prague forward. Through the work that I do, and the interactions I have each and every day, I am praying. I can continue to tackle the tough issues in a way that blesses our neighbors and the world.
Elizabeth is a junior at Principia College from Illinois majoring in English.
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