2018: The Journey


I know they say that time goes faster when you're older, but I didn't think it would go quite this fast when I'm only in my early 20s! Yet, I have never seen a year whip by with such speed.

2018. What a year of contradiction! I mundanely worked my 40-hours-a-week job and other usual life routines, but somehow it was full of confusion, full of the unexpected, full of beauty. May I share a short (out of order) summary?

I've now done the scheduling for my department for over a year.
I returned to my beloved Guatemala for the most incredible, deep experience I've ever had there.
My niece turned two and there's a little nephew on the way.
I finally got out to California for a Bethel conference - and spent a day in San Francisco.
I've felt lost but God reminded me that He never lost me, and helped me to find myself.
I got to speak at chapel a few times and I loved every moment.
A coworker and I began having monthly prayer times over our workplace.
There were frustrating work struggles that God got me through.
I received many prophetic words and had some good talks with God.
I got to be there for my (previous) youth pastor's ordination service.
A coworker and I left some surprises at my brother's work desk for his 30th birthday.
I bought a new car.
Time was well-spent with family.
My friend and I had a fun day trip to Baltimore.
Hilarious new inside jokes were born at work.
I started to focus more on my writing again.
I took my mom to a Celtic Thunder concert.
My niece learned to say my name.
My brother and I explored some abandoned trains.
My niece got to help decorate cookies for the first time.
My cat continued to lay on my notebook as soon as I had it opened up to write in.   
I've sang along to so many beautiful songs (see my 2018 songs list - not all-inclusive)
I sent a yearly package to Germany and received a yearly package from Germany.

This year, I decided to make a list of 365 blessings. As it's a really long list, I didn't include it in this post; however, you can see the list here: 365 Blessings of 2018.

If you're a more visual person, here are some pictures to sum up my 2018:

The view from the top of Thousand Steps
 Abandoned trains
 A lovely view in Guatemala
 Volcano view
 Warmer parts of Guatemala
 An inside joke and work...and yes, those are wet napkins hanging from the chandelier!
 Open Heavens Conference 2018!

 Meeting Bill Johnson at his book signing


 Through the heart of San Francisco
 My niece's first cookie decorating!
 My package from Germany...minus the Lebkuchen that I already opened to eat.
Some of the Christian books I read this year (though not even half!)

Truly, with God by my side every moment, it was a good year despite any ups-and-downs. God is good, all the time!

Last but not least, I am so excited to see what God has for my life in 2019. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2023: Newness & Renewal

Image
  2023 was truly a beautiful year.  God had told me to be available this year, and He definitely did bring a lot of opportunities, along with new growth, new friends, new places...there was a breath of fresh air and peace this year, and such a reminder of God's goodness. Shall we jump into 2023? St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park Adventures In January my brother and I explored Concrete City in Nanticoke, PA - in the cold and amongst snow flurries. Though each concrete home was built the same, the varying degrees of damage and graffiti made each building a unique exploration. In May we walked through the Chambersburg Mall, right before it was officially closed, and at that point it was all but abandoned though the music still played through the otherwise silent hallways.  Inside a house in Concrete City Not all the houses stand straight anymore An empty mall In the heat of July (90 degrees, to be exact) my mom and I spent the day in DC, walking at least 8.6 miles and hav...
Read more

One Cup of Water

Image
We ducked our heads and hurried along the village road, red-dirt water running in rivulets as the raindrops fell. I had my sweatshirt on so the hood could keep my head dry, even if it was technically too warm and humid for it. So far not one family had invited us inside their home as our small group walked around the village handing out goody-bags to the children and inviting everyone to our outreach planned for that evening. Then the rain had started and gotten heavier; there also weren't as many houses along this particular road. Suddenly, a house, with a young mother inviting us in. We left our shoes outside on the tiny porch and entered the small home. To the American eye, the possessions seemed a strange array haphazardly organized, but the Thai woman's smile was genuine and her manner sweet. We all sat together on the floor, and before she joined us she turned on a fan and faced it towards us to make a small breeze in the still, humid air. Too shy to say more tha...
Read more

Why is it, O Lord?

Why is it, O Lord, That I see these things That should not exist? The pain, the depression, The anguish and fear, A different dimension From the beauty and glory You exude through love. How can it be, O Lord, That these people Cannot see you as I do, Cannot feel your love That you are lavishing on them? Why O Lord, do not all Hear your cry, your beckoning, To draw them closer to you Even though they are desperate, Desperate for love, life, A second chance that they feel Doesn’t even exist for them. Why is it, O Lord, That so many do not even know The difference that you can make In their lives, the forgiveness you offer, The miracles you perform, The grace and second chances You give? O Father I pray For the opportunities For the courage For the love that you love with So I can show them and tell them That there is hope no matter what That there is life and someone Who will love them Relentlessly and uncondi...
Read more