See Ya Later, 2008

Because I love new beginnings so much, New Year's Day is one of my favorite days of the year: it is the biggest beginning. Before I start thinking ahead too much about all that 2009 has in store, I thought I should remember all that 2008 held. A lot happened- friendships were formed, some changed, and some were restored; I started working on a third language, Arabic; I read 71 books; I picked up two hobbies, jewelry making and card making; traveled to one new country; spent a lot of time with my family; made more money than I ever had; a couple of boys broke my heart, and maybe I broke a couple too; I went to my first Major League baseball game and had my first experience at a circus--the list goes on. But when I think about 2008, some specific things really stand out to me. And since I love lists, here it goes


1. Mission Trip to Venezuela
It was definitely one of the best trips I've been on. We had such a great group and I enjoyed the different ministries we did with poor children, college students on campus, and also the Student Life ministry through a church. I had the blessing of leading two girls to the Lord, and many other students also accepted Christ in the week we were in Maracaibo. The culture is so much fun with lots of dancing and staying up all night talking, and it was fun to experience South America for the first time.



2. Josh & Heather's Wedding
I love weddings, but when it's two of my closest friends who are marrying each other it's even more fun. Their wedding was also unique, because the entire wedding party was good friends and we had all been close since high school. It was such a fun weekend of spending time all together, something that won't happen very much since we're all moving and doing different things in our lives. Plus watching how the Lord has moved in Josh and Heather's lives to bring them to each other in His perfect timing was an encouragement.

3. Family Vacation
With Bradley heading off to boot camp in July, we were very blessed to be able to spend a week together at the beach with our whole family. We treasure the time we have together, since we know it's always limited with two kids in college and two kids married and living their own lives. We had such a relaxing and fun week, complete with a luau and trips to downtown Charleston. It may be the last vacation all of us have together for a very long time, and I certainly will remember it for forever and laugh at the funny memories we made.


4. Hokie Football
Every fall semester kind of revolves around football at VT. This season seemed like it was more fun, even if the games weren't always our best-played. Plus I actually went to more games and stayed for longer at each of them than I have in the past. We had great seats and a great group, and tailgating before every game with Nicole's Granny's food was an obvious bonus. Also it was my last season of Hokie football since I'll be studying abroad this coming fall. In that way it was bittersweet since it's such a central aspect of being a student at Virginia Tech.


5. Servant Team
A lot of my time both this past semester and spring semester was devoted to my responsibilities with CRU servant team. It was a big commitment and responsibility, but it was also a highlight of my year. I learned so much about ministry and working together and am so thankful. Leading World Team with Bryan was a lot of fun but also challenging, and I know God will use that in the future as I desire to do ministry overseas. Also the friendships I built through the team, especially with the other girls, were so incredible. I have never felt so loved and encouraged, and it was awesome to experience community in that way. One of my favorite parts of Servant Team was working on the Skit for Fall Retreat. We spent a lot of time working on it, yet we knew that it was only through Christ and how He would work in people's hearts would it be effective. It was by His grace and our constant prayer that it went so well. I think it might have impacted us more than those watching even.


6. Bible Study & Discipleship
I love my Bible study girls. That's all there is to it. This year I think we've gotten a lot closer and I'm thankful that the girls seem to be more comfortable sharing with each other. One of my favorite parts of Bible study is when we break into small groups and pray for each other. I love hearing four or five groups praying at the same time, lifting each other before the Lord and loving each other in that way. It's so encouraging. I also discipled Megan this year, and it's been amazing as we've gone and shared the gospel in PY and had conversations about spiritual things with students. Megan is so easy to love and our friendship has deepened in more ways than just in ministry.

7. Girlfriends
God has really been teaching me a lot about investing time and emotion into my girlfriends who can encourage me and help me in my walk with Christ. My roommates have been a lot of fun this semester, and I'm thankful that we all get along! We have good times just hanging out and also good talks about important things. I'm also thankful for the accountability group that I'm in, knowing those girls are there for me and we desire to grow in our walk with Christ together, committing to pray for each other and love each other through it all.


8. Growing in Christ
This past year has been challenging for sure, but God has used it all to teach me so many lessons. I'm especially thankful for the peace and contentment God has given me in being single. I struggled for a long time with discontentment and in the past months God has reassured me of His promises and His love and His perfect plan for my life. While I'm not opposed to the idea of a boyfriend in the near future, I don't need one and I am patient in waiting on the Lord's timing. Also I learned a lot about being dependent on Christ and nothing else in my life for peace and comfort during stressful and emotional times. I have a tendency to look for that in other places, and through God's grace alone I experienced victory and continue to walk dependent on Him alone.

9. The Whole School Thing
I've always worked hard in school, but this past semester I really was able to say that I worked my hardest for the Lord the entire time. Previously I would slack and give up in some classes, but I wanted to devote this fall semester really to the Lord and His glory. I was so busy this past year, but the Lord strengthened me and blessed my efforts, and I was able to achieve my goals and be very pleased with the way I finished my courses.


10. Isabella Claire
Last on my list, but certainly not least, is my new niece Isabella Claire. She was born on December 29, making it in a few days before 2008 ended. The Lord answered so many prayers surrounding her birth, including good health and allowing Bradley to be here for the birth of his daughter. Isabella is doing so well and is seriously the most adorable baby ever. She's already sleeping well and is a very content child. I can't get enough of her and will be so sad when she moves to the other side of the country.


2008 was filled with blessings and great memories. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for 2009.