I've been meaning to write a blog for a while. I'm just not sure I can find the words to do even an ounce of justice to the unbelievable faithfulness and sovereignty of God. I am blown away daily by the ways He chooses to pour into me, provide for me, speak into my heart and my life through His Word and His beloved children, and show up in my moments of weakness in all His power. I do not deserve an ounce of it. Grace blows my mind.
So, instead, I'll share this. :)
1. graduated from UF!
2. lived in South Africa (I know...duh.)
3. hiked Table Mountain...and lived to tell the tale.
4. bought a Mac.
5. learned to drive on the right side of the car on the left side of the road.
6. stepped foot in 3 continents in 24 hrs.
7. ate a chicken bone. don't judge me.
8. lived alone for the first time.
9. put my toes in the Indian Ocean!
10. learned a few words in a new language
11. got a real job!!
12. visited California
13. put my toes in the Pacific Ocean! (that's the three largest oceans, all in one year. pretty sweet!)
14. missed an entire Gator football season...and lived to tell the tale.
15. attended Passion 2010 (and had my world rocked.)
16. Three words: Summer.Of.Ambush.
17. went on a real game drive (I realize this list includes lots of things I did in South Africa)
18. ate an ostrich burger. and liked it.
19. read 27 new books just for fun. (let me know if you want a list of recommended reads!)
20. learned to love and be loved in a whole new way. Thank You, Jesus. Thank you, people of Avian Park.
10 Lessons Learned in 2010:
10. eating a chicken bone will not kill you.
9. neither will hiking up AND down Table Mountain, although you may seriously doubt that in the process.
8. I am not in control, no matter how much I pretend to be.
7. what it feels like to be homesick
6. TRUST.
5. obedience
4. the value of family
3. patience
2. pray like you believe
1. GOD. IS. FAITHFUL. Always and forever.
Well. It may not be eloquent or overly exciting, but there it is.
I'm sure I've left things out, I tend to have the memory of an ant. BUT. I am thankful for every moment the Lord allowed me to share with friends and family, the laughter and the tears that 2010 brought, and the way God showed up BIG TIME. I pray and BELIEVE that 2011 will be nothing short of amazing, with new challenges and adventures to be had and lessons to be learned. BRING.IT.ON. (And I'm not just saying that because I'm a cheerleader.)
P.S. for those of you wondering, I wound up taking a first grade teaching job at Frostproof Elementary for the remainder of the school year. I'm pumped about what Jesus has up His sleeve for my time there. And I'm praying that He sends me back to Africa real soon. :)
