What do you mean by "the dark night of ther soul" ? please explain as you would explain a child :)?

I'm pretty sure I went through one last year. St. John of the Cross wrote a book about what it is like if you want more information. Basically, you go through an intense time of testing your faith, changing your ways, dying to self and through it all the presence of God is absent. You keep going forward out of service. You question a lot of things. Even though God seems far away he is right there guiding you and he makes that clear. When you are in it you know something is going on. I had never felt anything really like it. When it stopped I felt like it had lifted off of me and I was relieved. It was very very tough but I am so glad I went through it! It has changed me into a better person and brought me closer to Christ. Hope that helps