Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Looking back at 2013!


 Last year, on this day, I got a text from one of my best friends, Miriam: "Yes I know. We've been praying a lot about that (me visiting them in the Summer) too and looking forward to when God says 'It's time!' One day we will get to work together, like a way long time. :) I really love you, Rachie!"




Who would have EVER guessed all that God would do in 2013?!

Let's just say that 2013 did not begin in a very hopeful way. Along with all the difficulties of wondering where I should be, etc...the year started off with the realization of Anna needing a second skin graft surgery on January 9th. All the difficulties of watching her go through so much discomfort and questioning...it was almost too much to handle, BUT God helped us through. Each day, each hour, He gave us the grace and strength to keep going. 

Anna's birthday froyo! :)


A few journal entries:
January 9, 2013 : "Also to have lots of text messages and comments on FB statuses...we are so blessed and loved. It's going to be an interesting next few weeks. Lord, please sustain us."

January 10, 2013: "Wondering what God is preparing us for?"

January 11, 2013: "I think God truly is taking me to a place of greater, deeper surrender. [..] God knows exactly what I need to be doing. Perhaps this is exactly it. 'For such a time as this'?"

January 17, 2013: "God is doing something good in our family. I know it. Although I don't know what--He will be faithful to complete the work He started. Now matter how hard--it will come to an end. I don't know what 2013 holds, but God does. He will work everything out for my good."

(Anna recovered slowly, but surely! yay! We are so thankful that this Christmas did not involve any trips to the hospital!) 

goodbye party.


Highlights:
  • Mom & Dad celebrated 30 years of marriage.
  • Anna was able to sit, walk, stand normally, etc... Things we take for granted became blessings!
  • Anna and I took a trip up to Mass. to say goodbye to our friend who joined the army.
  • Anna turned 20! 
  • I was a bridesmaid in three weddings.
  • We stayed a week at the cabin! (I drove a jetski for the first time!)
  • We went to PEI for a 10 day vacation! (and got to meet new baby Hope!)
  • Char turned 13! *sob*
  • The SKY family came for two, week long visits (one in April and one in September!) 
  • God released me to go back to PEI to work with them. :) :) 
one of the many weddings this year!


more journal entries:
January 26, 2013: "Out of the blue, dad says to me that he thinks I should go back to Canada [um, beg your pardon?


March 25, 2013: " Everything is changing. I wonder what will be next, though I dare not ask."

April 24, 2013: "When I got home I told mom, "I want to work with the SKYS." She replied, "Duh!" I laughed. I told her it just felt like home. [...] it was one of those stomach-clenches-up-in-excitement-is-this-really-happening kind of moments."

August 12, 2013: "If God calls, I must respond. It is my duty and joy to obey. It's not my call. It's not up to me to ask questions."

On October 5, 2013 I left my home to go to where God called me. It wasn't easy BUT it was a time of great JOY! :) God did it, utterly and completely, in such a way that I could never doubt it was Him! We had an incredibly blessed semester, and I'm looking forward to returning next week.

me and hope :)


All in all, 2013 was full of unexpected trials and surprises. I am so so so blessed by all that God accomplished and look forward to all His good plans and purposes coming to pass in 2014.

H A P P Y  N E W  Y E A R!
Blessings,