I got two weeks vacation from my job, and I told my mom, “I want to go to Medjugorje.” I could have chosen anywhere. She was like, “Okay!” No hesitation whatsoever.

Being here with my mom is the best thing in the world. I don’t really have words. Being here has made me realize that I need to tell my mom more often how much she means to me and not assume that she knows.

This is my third pilgrimage here. A highlight of this trip was meeting Katie and Shannon, they’re our new friends from Houston. We’ve really gotten to connect with them. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life. My abs are sore from laughing. It’s so beautiful that we get to share in this place together. 

Each time, I come with a different intention–I’m going to start crying. The past two times have been for other people. 

This time I was hoping for something for myself, and I think I found it—true inner peace. 

It was a slow thing. From the beginning of the trip to now, I feel totally different. There wasn’t a single moment when it happened. 

Someone I met told me that God was telling him to pray for me in Mass and that he wanted to tell me that I am good and that God sees me. That really stuck out. 

Be completely open to receiving the graces here. I think a lot of times people are nervous that they’re not going to get some huge, life changing experience like some people talk about, but it’s the little things that are actually what can change your life, little things that you do every day here. Walking around the town and interacting with the people who live here or sharing in the experiences with your group. Don’t come in with expectations. That’s how I think you get the most out of it. 

I don’t want this trip to end. I’m going to try to come once a year. It’s the best place on earth.