Overview

When thirteen-year-old Lydia's father announces they're leaving their cozy Wisconsin parsonage for Israel in just forty days, her world turns upside down. What follows is an extraordinary coming-of-age journey that spans continents and transforms a reluctant teenager into a young woman discovering her divine calling. From the ""Little House in the Big Woods"" of Wisconsin to the ancient stones of Jerusalem, from the hockey rinks and speed skating ovals of northern Israel to the quiet hills of the Missouri Ozarks, this memoir chronicles one girl's pilgrimage through cross-cultural challenges, spiritual awakening, and the complex realities of growing up as a pastor's kid in extraordinary circumstances. Through candid diary excerpts and vivid memoir, witness Lydia's transformation as she navigates the shock of leaving everything familiar for life in Jerusalem, then life in a war-torn border town, then Missouri's Ozarks for a life-altering experience. Watch as she finds her identity on the ice-first as a hockey skater, then as a speed skater-while rockets fall nearby. Journey with her as she faces false accusations, betrayal, and the fortress mentalities that exclude, wrestles with prophetic dreams and spiritual gifts, and experiences a life-changing accident that breaks her body but awakens her true calling. More than a sports memoir or coming-of-age story-this is the raw, honest account of a ""Stranger Lovely"" learning to find home not in geography but in God's purposes. From Wisconsin's pine forests to Galilee's ancient hills, from hockey battles to speed skating grace, from teenage rebellion to surrendered discipleship, Lydia's journey reveals how God transforms our displacement into His appointment, our brokenness into His commission. Perfect for readers seeking authentic spiritual memoir, sports inspiration, cross-cultural adventure, and the timeless story of discovering that belonging comes not from fitting in, but from finding your place in God's greater story. A Christian Memoir of the teenage years that shaped me.

Full Product Details

9798993036113

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Reviews

""Honest, heartfelt, and spiritually rich, The Diaries of a Teenage Pilgrim is a powerful coming-of-age memoir that invites readers into one girl's cross-cultural journey of faith, identity, and divine calling-perfect for anyone seeking purpose in the unexpected paths God carves."" - NewInBooks.com CABTX 5.0 out of 5 stars Memoir of a Girl I enjoyed reading Lydia's memoir drawn from the pages of her youth years diary. It's written mostly in story form and is captivating and easy to follow. What an interesting and unique childhood she experienced! Her continued deep faith is inspiring to me, and I look forward to her next installment. Jackie 5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful spirit! Impactful writing! Spoke to my heart! Lydia did a fabulous job writing that makes the reader feel like they are right there with her! Can't wait for the next book!!continued deep faith is inspiring to me and I look forward to her next installment. Perla K. Cariño 5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read! Interesting read for anyone interested in other cultures, travel, or doing God's work! Bradford B. 5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Artwork Honest and open, a beautiful testimony of how God leads, blesses and creates a unique life experience for each of His willing children. A beautiful mural of life experience in vivid colors created by the author. Teranne N. Mccomas 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for TCK's or Their Parents I appreciated this memoir so much. Living myself in Israel and raising my kids here as TCK's, I found it moving and also a window into their experience that I don't share. I came as an adult whereas they came as children because of their family's calling. She shares surprisingly vividly despite the years that have passed since those experiences, and really gives a heart view into the emotions and impressions she had. Also, I was reminded of my own sincere faith as a teen and the heart I had for truth and integrity, while still grappling with identity and belonging. And the poetry is at times sweet and others profound and still others challenging. There were many times I also found myself identifying with her reflections as they apply in a fresh way to my own present journey (and bookmarking them in my book). Would love to chat over a cup of coffee over our shared experiences and the journeys the Lord is leading us on! Overall a moving and thought-provoking memoir. A great read, especially for anyone with experience in the beautiful yet complex world of Israel or anyone raising TCK's (or themselves one) in any part of the world.

Author Information

Lydia Friend was born in Israel and has lived between the USA and Israel, navigating multiple cultures throughout her life. Lydia holds a BA in Theology and has been a speaker in women's ministry, sharing her experiences of faith, identity, and belonging across cultures. Currently living in the Missouri Ozarks, Lydia is rediscovering her voice as a writer. She is currently working on Book 2 of her memoir series, Shattered Glass & Sacred Ground, which covers 1998-2000 on the Israeli-Lebanese borderlands.

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