Reflections from 2011

Ok, so we've already established that I'm a tardy blogger. :) Even though I know I'm a month "too late" in blog-reflecting on this new year that we are already in.... (I mean, it's already the Superbowl this weekend! But better late than never, right?)...I still wanted to reflect and look back on 2011...and all the many AMAZING blessings I have to thank God for! I tried to choose just 11 pictures from 2011 that capture the memories, the stories, the people I met. But I could only narrow it down to 15! And that was even too difficult.

Some of these pictures only represent a smigden of a larger experience or on-going challenge, or a beautiful story. 2011 was exciting for sure! It was an adventure...that took me around the globe, and back home to my most favorite people. It was also a rocky year. I messed up and accepted and gave forgiveness to some of my most favorite people. I loved and laughed and traveled, and learned....oh, I learned! I dreamed. I still worked too hard. I was challenged by new friends and put in roles I didn't know what to do, but God helped equip me!

I rang in 2011 with my favorite brother, celebrating here in Rwanda, after the coolest Christmas both of us will ever have. I had wonderful visits from Heather and Greg and Joe, and Chris, from K-nap! I met a life-long friend, Mary Elise, who was years younger than me, but much wiser. :) 2011 took me to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, swimming with the hippos in Bujumbura with two great friends, and to the top of the most active volcano in the world in the DRC.  I was challenged by some new friendships, and understood what audacious forgiveness really looks like. 

This past year, I saw friends and students being transformed by the love of Christ, even though they didn't recognize it at first! I am still seeing the transformation in many of them, and others as they are shining their light now for Christ! I was blessed with the coolest group of Sunday School children, and enjoyed listening to their praises in kinyarwanda each week. Exercising and getting "FIT" with my sweet girls in the afternoons continues to be a highlight of mine that I look forward to each day! I cried with joy when Marico and Mario and others were adopted from Home of Hope, and I saw them be united with their forever families! Kang-Hee Lee and his precious family continue to change my life with their stories of faith and trusting in God, even when it's difficult to do so. They have taught me what it means to really PRAY!

2011 brought awesome trips to Puerto Rico to explore and visit my sister, and also an amazing layover in Greece, taking in all the ancient ruins and having some much-needed alone time, before making the trek back to the States. During the summer I got to take the girls to Great Escape camp for the third summer in a row, a total highlight of the summer! I love romping around in the North Carolina mountains, my favorite place. Even got to make a quick stop by Merrie-Woode and reunite with some of my favorite people on this planet. I spent many lazy summer days splashing with Aiden in Baker's Creek or in the backyard, and just marveling at how a 2 year old views the world. He is literally my best friend! It was such a rich summer...I was fortunate to spend a wonderful week in Florida with one of my very best friends, Leslie, and her great family, and also a visit from cousin Julie from camp, and her 3 year old little girl. I reunited with Ethan down there and we spent a great afternoon with our aunt and uncle. And of course, I got to spend a fabulous long weekend with my foster family...the Walkers and Hulseys, and my friend of a lifetime, Jordan. Dang, it was a good year! :) He really filled me with joy in His presence....eternal pleasures at His right hand! (Psalm 16:11) 

I hiked around with the gorillas, and started the new school year with a classroom full of fresh, fun faces from all over the world. ...with so many new friendships and relationships this past year....with people who have totally blessed me with their generosity and honesty and their presence.... and others I've been in a position to bless. Meeting and hearing the stories of the women from Tubahumurize co-op, and my sweet ladies at the market, Josephine, and Felicita, and Grace, and others...they give me HOPE. ENCOURAGEMENT. JOY! I think about their stories when I'm having one of "those days," and I immediately am reminded of God's goodness in my life. And how thankful I am to know these ladies and share my life with them. It was such a wonderful gift to me to be able to share their work and their handicrafts with my friends back home in North Carolina over Christmas. With all of your support, we were able to raise $1,200 to give back to these sweet servants of God, and their everyday ministries. Praise Him! And thanks to all of you!

Lord, thank you for seeing us through 2011 and for your hand on our lives! Help me, in 2012, to walk closer with you, to learn more about you, to desire you more, to want to love you more and love your people more. With you as my guide!

I love you all!

Em