All of a sudden, it's 2013. The world didn't end, again, and here you are reading my humble little blog, enjoying the first day of this new blessed year.
So. I'm feeling particularly sentimental today. Always seems to happen in the new year, as the reality of another year passed catches up with me.
I started out 2012 in the Dominican Republic, on my DTS outreach. YWAM Ensenada, Denver, and San Pedro celebrated together and praised the Lord for a new year. On January 1, we had the day off from usual ministries, and many people headed for the beach. It poured rain, I recall. It was like having a shower in +35 degree weather.
January 13 of 2012 I lost a friend. Yesterday I re-certified my first aid; and was struck with the memory of performing CPR with Cory, desperately trying to save Federico. I remember the doctor coming and shoving us out of the way. "Él murió! Él es muerte!" he yelled at us. Yesterday those memories resurfaced, as clear as if it were yesterday. I remember his family coming to the base, wailing and crying out to Jesus. I sat off to the side, still bikini-clad from the beach earlier, Federico's vomit still on my shorts. Stunned. While I am sad at these recollections, I praise the Lord for Federico's beautiful life. The impact he had on his community, teaching music lessons and showing everyone the love and the joy of the Lord. His death has fueled me to show people Jesus in the same way that he did.
February 2012 I graduated from my DTS, and spent a lovely week showing my best friend Michelle the city of Ensenada. A place I have grown to love dearly and miss nearly every day. God blessed that time so richly. At the end of February both of us returned to Canada, Michelle to return to school and me having no idea what tomorrow would bring. God was completely faithful though, and I quickly found a job, with the plans to return to school in September, although not at Kings; I got accepted into the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta.
In July I took a trip to Washington to visit my dear DTS sister Jessie. We had such a blast :) Way too much fun was had that week, including a trip into Seattle to see McKenna, Pike Place Market and of course the first Starbucks. Jessie is such a refreshment to my soul, her faith is ridiculous and her perspective on life is so joy-filled!
September was the start of a new era, nursing school. It's been challenging and stressful, but at the same time SO perfect. What a dichotomy. I know I am exactly where God wants me to be! Despite the nights of 4 hours of sleep, despite nearly failing a final exam (first time I've ever said that!) God is SO RIDICULOUSLY GOOD.
In November, I started dating Jeremiah. If you haven't met him, let me know and we'll visit :) Yep. God is so good to me, I am so deeply blessed, and so looking forward to this new year. God has revealed so much of His heart for me in the last year and particularly in the last two months. I cannot wait what this year holds, where God will lead me, and how I can show Him off to everyone I know.
So. Blessings to you, dear reader, in this new year. Seek God first, make new discoveries about Him, allow Him to lead you and it will be a year to remember.
