The year that was!

Happy New Year!!!!!!

Wow! What a year this has been.

Terrible, sad things happen every year to so many and this year was no exception. Devastating incidents have affected friends and family and my thoughts turn to those who have suffered this year.

Amongst the truly sad events of this year there have been times of rejoicing. Times where God has miraculously lifted our eyes in the midst of our struggles and has shown us his never-ending grace and love.

The end of the year can be a time of sadness for many. Another year older, things still not accomplished, life plan not where it should be by now… That’s why I have a tradition where i don’t forget the bad but I try to praise God for the good that has happened this past year. Sometimes it can be lost amongst the struggles but it’s there somewhere- don’t lose it! For me, I like to write down the praise points for the year. It helps me to remember I am where God wants me to be!

So I thought I’d share just a few of the happy moments of what really has been an exciting and rewarding year for me.

-       Going on the African global exposure trip in January. Visiting Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana. Seeing Victoria Falls, elephants, lions and being attacked by a baboon (that last one doesn’t sound like a praise point but it makes for an exciting story!)

-       Visiting my family in South Africa after 20 years of not seeing them- TWICE!! What an absolute blessing. A particular highlight was to see my mom see her big brother again- precious! I am so grateful for the family I have both in Perth and in South Africa.

-       Seeing some beautiful friends get married, and being able to play a part in their special days.

-       Learning how to waterski- at Lake Niassa no less!

-       Starting to learn and understand a new language- still have a long way to go, but it’s an exciting step!

Oh and ofcourse…

-       Moving to another country and experiencing a different culture and environment.

It really has been an incredible year and I’m so grateful God has placed me where I am. If not for His strength and confidence I would not have been able to experience all this and learn more of His ways.

Lets look to 2013 with joy. Who knows what this year will bring for any of us… but we can have confidence that God will continue to lift our eyes and grow us, in our pain, in our suffering. And lets rejoice in the happy times as they come.

Not the lightest of blog posts to start the new year off but this is what happens when you’re in your room alone on new years eve waiting in the new year! A happy point of 2013 already is the bar next door is playing Jason Mraz through the very LOUD speakers! Wooooooo!!!! That must be a sign this is going to be a good year! Can’t wait!

Happy New year everyone!!!