it's been a good year

this year has been really crazy, and truthfully it's been really full of heartache. i didn't write an annual Christmas letter this year because it was hard to sum up this year without being really surfacy or being a downer... but today i choose to say it's been a good year. i made the collage picture above to send a few family members with their Christmas card. when i look at this, i can say it's been a good year.

most times in my life, when i've gone through a tough season i've just begged God for the next season to come. most times, in hindsight i realize i missed some of what the Lord had for me in the journey. this time is different. maybe i'm older and wiser, or maybe God is showing me how to see Him in the journey.

this year was really tough at some times. my family went through some tough stuff, i went through some tough stuff at church, and found myself starting over with the questions "what the heck am i doing in Fort Wayne" and "what do I want to do with my life."

the pictures above represent a lot of change-
some of my best friends moving away to uganda, new orleans, and south carolina
two of my close single friends getting married
my trip to Kenya that was part of a job i no longer have

however, it represents times of great joy also-
good times with friends and family
my dear refugee friends
a great trip to Kenya that has served as a launching pad for the next season of life
rejoicing with friends at their weddings, and catching up with old friends

i've known since January 2007 that God was moving me toward a new season, i just didn't know what it would look like or that i would still live in Fort Wayne. God is continuing to move me toward tne next season, but He is faithfully allowing me to learn and rest in Him during the journey.

when I think of 2008, I am reminded of a great truth:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28