I first heard about Medjugorje during a screening in Omaha of Cross Mountain. I thought the film was eye-opening. It was a place I’d never heard of, but found myself very fascinated by all the stories and the apparitions and the whole village itself. 

I want to make sure that I am open to what is happening here and learning more about myself while I’m here. 

I didn’t quite find what I’m looking for in life, in terms of marriage or things like that. That’s what has been on my mind at my age.

I was in a pretty low place for the last five or six years of my life. I feel like that’s partly why the Blessed Mother called me here. Based on that, I feel that I’ve been a happier person since I’ve been here, not only meeting the great people in the village, but also changing my perspective on my life on a daily basis. As far as feeling more calm and happy, Medjugorje has filled that within me the last week. I hope to get more graces from this when I go back to the states. 

God is in control. No matter where you’re at in life, whether it’s a low point or a high point, it’s reassuring to know that not only the Blessed Mother but God Himself loves you and will reveal Himself in some way. It’s our job to trust His timing and to be patient with that. I think this has only strengthened my ability to do that. Hopefully, throughout life’s trials, I’m sure I’ll run into other situations, and I think this will be a place that I remember and hold onto in those moments. 

The environment is very accepting. Everybody you meet seems to be very friendly, very genuine, very authentic. You feel a sense of calm with that, and you feel like you can be yourself and you can relax and just trust the process when you are here with an open heart. Medjugorje has done that for me. 

Experiencing the apparition was unique. When the Rosary stopped and it got silent and it was 10 o’clock, I felt like I had to stand. I felt like I was in a trance in a way. I can’t explain exactly. It was so peaceful. I felt like I was zoned in not even really knowing what I was looking at or what I was trying to listen to. I was attempting to pray and think about things, why I came here. I also felt very focused during that time. It was different than anything I felt the rest of the week. 

Meeting Mirjana was a unique experience. When I first saw her from the bus, it was surreal. Then when I saw her throughout the first few days before she sat down to talk, I tried not to see her as an idol because I know that she’s not. She knows that, and she says that. She’s just another human being, and she’s been blessed with these apparitions. 

When she spoke, I felt her sense of honesty and that she does care. When she got emotional, I felt how much the Blessed Mother means to her. She’s had apparitions for the last 42 years and you can tell the humility she takes that with. She has the ability to explain the story and make it so relatable where you can gain more spirituality from hearing her. 

I really enjoyed Cross Mountain. I felt really at peace up at the top of Cross Mountain, reflecting on my direction and trying to tune into what not only the Blessed Mother but what God is ultimately trying to accomplish through me. 

If you’re looking for a unique place to come, and instead of doing your typical trip as a tourist and you want to come as a pilgrim, this would be the place to come. You really can relax here and have a loose itinerary and enjoy the village and take it all in, the shops, the people, the church, the Mass, adoration, Cross Mountain, Apparition Hill.

What I will takeaway personally is that the Blessed Mother will and can intercede for you with Her Son. This place has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to have an open heart to Her graces.