That's one of the challenges of life, Mckenzie. Here's what I know for sure. I don't know what path is always right for me, but GOD ALWAYS KNOWS. He just expects us to think it through first.

You probably are very familiar with this great counsel in the Doctrine & Covenants: "You have supposed that I would give it [the answer] unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold...you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it shall be right I will  cause your bosom to burn within you; therefore you shall feel that it is right." (D&C 9:7-8)

I love how clear the Lord's instruction is! And there's your answer:

Study it out. I am the queen of "pros & cons" lists. Make one for your study abroad option. Look at all the aspects of going vrs. staying home for the summer. Weigh it out in your mind. Spend time really thinking about it. Then,  and this is the hard part, make a decision. Just make a decision.

Ask Him. Once you've made the decision, take that decision to your Father in prayer. Talk to Him about it. REALLY talk to Him. Let Him know what you've decided and why and ask Him to let you know if it's right.

Stop & listen. Don't expect an answer immediately (though it might come that fast), but pay attention to how you feel. One thing I know for sure, Mckenzie...when we are living right and doing our best, God will NOT let us do something that is not right. He gives us our agency to choose, and so we have to think it through for ourselves. But, He'll let you know if your decision is right. He will. 

Let me know what you decide...and what He confirms!

"I live in a small town. I have for 16 years. But, I moved two years ago to a different state and made a lot of friends there. I've moved back and I see how much I grew and how awesome it was and I just hate being back here. I don't like my new ward and I haven't connected with anyone. I'm really close to my family and my mom and I talk all the time, but I'm really struggling with being happy with where I am right now in life. Any suggestions?"

Well, my parents decided it would be a real great idea to move me when I was 16. I left all my friends and my life in a small town in Kentucky and moved to a city outside of St. Louis, Missouri. It was hard. And I mean HARD. I was close to my family too but I sure wasn't very happy with my parents for making the move.

When I know that I am where the Lord wants me to be, I am happy. I am. Because I trust that where He wants me to be is where I SHOULD be. And, because I believe God WANTS me to be happy, I trust Him to have me where I can be happy. I know that might sound so simple, but it is one of the main principles for my life.

I didn't always feel that way. That first year in Missouri was HORRIBLE. I didn't even try to make friends, really. I wasn't happy and to be honest, I almost didn't want to be happy. But, in time, once I was willing, the Lord showed me that's where I needed to be.

You said you can see the growth you experienced in the last two years. What if you knew that the Lord moved you back so you could experience even greater growth?

What if you knew that the Lord has people here He needs you to meet?

What if you knew that He has great things planned for you this summer and you needed to move back to experience all the amazing things He has waiting for you?

Would that change how you feel?

Go read one of my very favorite scriptures, Doctrine & Covenants 58:3.

I promise, Mckenzie, that you really truly can't even imagine all the great things He has planned for you. Trust Him...and be happy.

Let me know how it goes...