The End?

It's strange to think that the end of the year is fast approaching, and in fact, is really here already. I know it seems that at the end of every year it just feels like everything went by so fast and I tend to say, "I can't believe it's the end of the year already." This time, I feel like a have a whirlwind of feelings and thoughts about this past year.

In January I started to spend time with my team, most of whom I knew very little about. I moved in with Shae and Josie and spent a lot of time getting to know the rest of the guys. We walked in the snow and a river of ice once to get to the bus stop because we weren't allowed to drive (Mission Term rules restricted us from doing a lot of things that made life easy for us). Our whole class traveled to Mexico City and for a week got to spend time with AIMers and missionaries there.

We had Camp Adventure and were in charge of campers. We attended the class of 2007's graduation, a preview of where we'd be in 2 years. Then we hit the road for the Tulsa Workshop and visiting other congregations in Arlington and Oklahoma. Teams then split up and went all across Texas and other states for a week on our own working with a church. Our team went to Montgomery, Alabama.

When we got back to Texas we had to say goodbye to the friends and family we'd come to know better over the 7 months in Lubbock knowing that we probably wouldn't see most or any of them again until our graduation, 2 years later.

I had a short amount of time at home and then the big move came. I came to a different world, living in Europe. In Italy I've encountered a different way of life than the one I was used to. The people, the food, the language, the customs, the dress, so many things are different. I've traveled to major cities like Rome and Florence. I've been on a mountain and walked past vineyards. I've helped organize parties for the church. I've had a bible study with future-Christian young ladies of the church. I've helped format electronic songs for the church. I've attended language classes and learned the basic rules of the language and that learning a language is a continual process for me.

I've met local non-Christians and hung out with them and felt the rush of excitement at the thought of helping them know Christ.

In November I traveled to London. I got to meet a group of Christians there and was reminded how great the family of God is. I went on to Scotland to meet up with other AIMers and relish the few days spent with them touring Glasgow and Edinburgh.

I've spent time with the mentally disabled.

I've fed the poor.

And I've realized that the end of the year is not an end to anything for me. It's like a page is being turned and what is about to be read is only more intriguing. It's like this past year was a step ladder that will help me climb over a wall and I'm able now to get a peek at what's on the other side.

This pas year has been amazing and truly blessed. God's been working me like a piece of clay, cutting off pieces that don't belong and shaping me into what he wants me to be.

It hasn't been easy this whole time that's for sure. I've been frustrated with myself and with others. I've been disappointed, annoyed, angry. But the growing process sometimes hurts. Knowing that God's got it under control has brought me peace and keeps me going.

And for all the temporary difficult times, there have been times when I was filled to the brim and overflowing with the joy that God provides. God is the Great Provider. And yes, God is good all the time.

Happy New Year!