The words on the computer screen brought a deep pain to my chest—"Eunice, I miss you! How's Michigan?" I could feel it climbing up my throat, threatening to flow out of my eyes as tears.

"I miss you too," I slowly typed back to my friend. I looked out the window, watching the snowflakes fall endlessly to the ground, creating a sky of white dots. The scene sickened me. I knew that once the snow stopped falling, I'd have to go out in the biting cold to shovel the driveway, a chore I deeply loathed.

"I can't stand Michigan," I finally typed. "What I'd give to be in California with you right now!" After clicking the send button, I collapsed on my bed in confusion. I remember the day my parents asked me the question that would change my life.

"We want to move to Andrews University to continue our education. Do you agree to this move?" It didn't take me long to answer. There was just too much drama in California. I thought that by moving, I'd be able to run away from my problems. So I gave my parents a cheerful, "Yes!"

But on my last week in California, as my friends tearfully hugged me farewell, I realized how important they were to me. I took them completely for granted, and as I lay on my bed, six months after the big move, I did nothing but regret agreeing with my parents to move here. I had been crying almost every night, praying to God that some good would come out of my loneliness. I was awakened from my daydreaming when the phone started ringing.

It was a Michigan friend. "Hey, Eunice, do you want to go snowboarding with us tomorrow?" And then it hit me. All those times I had cried out, God had listened. He sent me many new friends, gave me good grades in school, and opened up so many other opportunities for me. God has blessed me! I was just too blind with the negatives to see the positives.

I may never see most of my friends in California again, but there is one Friend who is always there, no matter how far away I go. He's my Lord, my Savior, and my Best Friend. I looked out the window with new eyes. The snow had stopped falling. I smiled. Snowstorms may come, but soon, the sun will shine again.

Eunice Marpaung, 15, is a junior at Berrien Springs High School. She attends Pioneer Memorial Church. Eunice will receive a $100 scholarship since her submission was selected for publication.