Goodbye 2007...

It seems appropriate that I should write a little something as I mark the end of 2007 (along with the rest of humanity!!) and look ahead to 2008.

I was riding in the car today with my nephew Nickolas, and he told me that he was glad 2007 was over, surely 2008 would be better... he's 5, I'm sure its been a rough one for him!!

I can't really say the same for how I feel about the end of 2007. It's been an amazing year to be honest. There have been some tough days and frustrations... but 2007 has been marked with amazing things as well.

It was hard to spend an entire year away from Brazil... for the first time in 6 years... but a blessing to spend time with amazing friends in Russia and Costa Rica.. and right here at home. It was hard to face frustrations on a daily basis, but a blessing to see so many new and exciting possibilities unfold. It was hard to see people I love struggle, but it was a blessing to experience the amazing things God brought to their lives.

This year we welcomed Logan to the family. We thought more than once we would be saying goodbye to Lloyd (the family dog) but he is still hanging in there. We said goodbye to the family home in Englewood.

This year I said hello to new friends in Russia, a new home in Vandalia, and new adventures in a variety of places. We started new traditions, like the Easter Prayer vigil and a Winter Retreat.

This year was also about keeping things the same in a lot of ways... I started my 4th year at Sulphur Grove, trained for the 7th year on the Challenge Course at WPW, and returned for a 3rd time to Costa Rica and a 2nd time to Russia.

There were lots of friends that I didn't see enough of this year... and a few people that I was blessed to spend lots of time with.

As I look to 2008, I know that there are amazing things in store... regardless of where this new year takes me... to the Dominican Republic? to Alaska? to Brazil again??

Thank you friends! Thank you for being part of my life and allowing me to be part of yours. Thank you for your support and encouragement. Thank you for putting up with my inability to be on time or answer my cell phone with any kind of consistency. Thank you for your love.

And now... on to 2008... CRAZY!!

Fall Retreat 2007

A few weeks back the youthies and I spent an amazing weekend at camp. Fall Retreat is always such a good time... and finally here are some pictures of our weekend. God bless 'em... I love those kids!!

OH... and I am bad at formatting this kind of thing... so... yeah.

FRUSTRATED.

Phone Conversation with a friend...

This is the phone conversation I had recently with a friend...

Me: HHHEEEEYYYYY....
Her: HHHHEEEYYYY... whatcha doin?
Me: Driving, as usual... and hoping the man in front of me learns to drive in the snow before I have to rear end him...
Her: Oh...
Me: What?
Her: I just figured you were out changing the world again....

And a text from my friend in the south:

Hey. R u in the country right now? I can't keep track. Call me if u get a break today from saving the world.

Hmmmm... why do people think these things about me?? I am 100% sure that I am not living up to these two wonderful friends' expectations of my life... but then... am I living up to MY expectations of my life.. and more importantly am I living up to GOD'S expectations of my life?

I really do want to change the world.... why am I tying yarn to jingle bells all afternoon??