to 2019.

SO STRANGE that 2018 is now in the past. It was a good year in so many ways - a year full of showing up and loving my people - even if that meant getting on planes and flying to Texas or St. Louis to do so. I am so grateful that God gave me a year to breathe - a year where joy came easy and hope was in full supply. 2018 was a year of chasing after Jesus, trusting that He is writing my story and that even in unfamiliar and unexpected circumstances - the outcome will be better than anything I can put to paper on my own. It was a year where my heart beat fiercely for Rwanda and the tears welled up continuously as I prayed for those I held close from continents away. A year where every time “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong was part of worship, I could close my eyes and see the faces of our Rwandan campers play like a slideshow in my mind. It was a year of learning to trust God alone for approval and affirmation and rest solely on His validation - that was one of the hardest aspects of the year - and one of the most beautiful all the same. 2018 was a year in which I caught glimpses of the great gift it is to be present in this season alongside my dear friends who are raising up their families - the overwhelming laughter that is made possible as I dive in wholeheartedly to fun-making with their littles. I might not be able to do all this if I had my own family and I am so thankful the Lord has given me tiny pictures of the wonderment He has made possible in the midst of the waiting and the obediently walking in faith. 

NOW it is 2019, an entirely new year. I am not really one for audacious goal-setting or big dream making. I want to keep chasing after Jesus. I want to keep showing up. I want to read His word and know His heart, hear His voice, trust His way. I want to continue to grow and become and to adventure with audacious faith and bold enthusiasm. I want Christ to be my greatest dream. 

So bring it 2019 - and let’s look back with GREAT JOY and confidently say we lived it well.