As I was getting ready this morning, I was thinking about the changes that have happened in my life in the last year and how far I've come. I was also thinking about the changes in my life that will be happening in this next year and how different I will be a year from now and decided to write a reflection blog about this past year.
Ukraine:
A year ago, I had barely started my support raising. I knew that I was hoping to go to Ukraine in August (which obviously didn't happen), but it was way off in the distance. Now, it is 16 days away! I will be on a plane to spend many months of the next year in Ukraine in 16 days! Reality is hitting me and honestly it's a mixed emotion. I am so excited for the unknown. To do something that is not familiar to me and to get to love on kids that haven't been loved before. I am also sad to leave my friends, my boyfriend and my parents. I know my relationships with them will be a lot different this year while I am away.
Relationships:
A year ago, I was single. Then after a month or 2 into the new year, I started dating someone. The relationship didn't work out but a blessing came from that relationship. I dated another guy who had his heart set on another girl, so that obviously didn't work out either. After those 2 failed relationships, I wasn't sure if I could endure anything else for a while, but that blessing from the first relationship came back into my life. I met Craig when I was dating the first guy and kept in touch with him, but in August...we decided to meet up for our first date. And the rest is history. We have been dating for almost 5 months now! He has helped me heal from my past rejection and has helped me learn that I can truely trust people again...especially guys. I am so thankful for God placing Craig in my life.
Friendships:
I have realized who my true friends are this past year. Many people have aquaintances and maybe even friends, but I have been able to have a few very good/best friends.
Lindsay: I've known her since college and every single time we are together, we can pick up and just have fun. Lots of laughs together!
Jamie: We are brutally honest with each other. We share about our struggles and things we are going through and thinking. It's amazing how similar we are. I can't believe that I've only known her for 2 & 1/2 years!
Bethany & Amanda: yes, I combined them, because we were like the 3 amigos at work. We have been through a lot together these past couple of years. Stupid boys. Work stuff. And just life. I'm so glad I met both of you & I wish we were able to hang out more like we used to!
Jobs:
I ended almost 2 years of working at Southwestern Mental Health in June. It was a difficult transition since I had grown to love the patients there, but I knew I needed to be done to concentrate more on going to Ukraine.
I was unemployed for a while, but realized that I wasn't leaving for Ukraine as early as I expected and knew I'd need some sort of income before I finally did leave. So I applied to different places, but ended up getting a job at Kohl's! I worked in the intimates/accessories area and spent a lot of shifts on the registers and jewelry. Even though it wasn't my dream job, I am thankful that it was a job! Once again, I am now unemployed!
Church:
It's weird to think of all the transitions that I have gone through in this past year with my church. Last year, I was very involved in EVERYTHING...youth, praise team, choir, kids klub, Bible studies. But this year has been a gradual turn of events. Because of traveling and speaking at churches, I have had to minimize my involvement in those activities. It's been hard to do this as well, but once again, I knew I needed to if I was going to get to Ukraine. I haven't stopped caring for the teens or the kids at all, but God is leading me to another place. I hope and pray that I can continue to be an example to the teens, kids and my church as I take this leap of faith and embark on the adventure that God has for me in Ukraine.
New friends:
Because of going to Ukraine, I have had opportunities to meet lots of new friends! I have had 2 trainings this past year where I met many other missionaries. It has been great getting to know these other missionaries and relating to each other since we are all in similar stages in our lives. I have met lots of new people at the churches that I've gone to to raise support. It was scary at times traveling alone and speaking to unfamiliar people, but God blessed me with encouragement and new friends at each place!
Family:
Last year on Dec. 27, my uncle (dad's brother) passed away suddenly. I had no clue the impact that his death would make. Since then, my family has been able to get closer to my uncle's family. We've been able to spend more time and have lots more laughs and tears together this year. Also, my dad went to get checked out. We had a few scares after his checkup, but so far so good. He doesn't have to go back to the surgeon again until next August! Praise God! Even though my brother has now been gone over a year, I have definitely continued to get closer to him! I love that we can relate about missions and just talk about life in general. I miss him a ton!
In some ways, this year has gone fast, but in a lot of ways, so much has happened and it has seemed like a decade! I sit here and think wow...I'm not as thankful for these blessings as I should be. I have had tears. I have had stresses. I have had sad times. I have had times that I've been angry. But I've also had laughs. Tons of laughs. I've had hugs. I've been able to see smiles from others and give my smiles away. I have felt love. And I've been able to love. I have had many happy times. These good things have definitely outweighed the bad. And with God, I know that even when I have those bad times, He will never, ever leave me.
I wish you all a Happy New Year. May 2008 bring you many laughs, smiles, and good times. But most of all, I hope that we all grow closer to God and find comfort in Him. That He knocks your socks off this next year with the blessings and paths that He has for you.
