When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay

2012.
Crazy.

One resolution this year is to write more.
Or actually just to write.
I stopped for a while.
It takes courage to write.
And time.
Neither of which I had ample amounts of.

2011 was...amazing.
I didn't think it was possible to change so much in one year or to learn so much in such a short period of time. But it happened.

The first part of 2011 was filled with such anticipation. Preparations for the upcoming summer filled my mind and dreams and I was a bubbling mixture of anxiety and nerves and overwhelming excitement.

2011 really was the year of Costa Rica.

And then I went. And lived. And loved. And learned.

And left.

And while I feel such contentment and peace where I am in life, at times a piercing aching longing travels straight through my heart and makes me breathless for the people I left. It hurts to love. It hurts to be away from those to whom you gave your heart. Those who gave their hearts to you.

Yet many times when I sing a certain song or remember the Lord's death, I think of those who just south of us are doing the very same. And I smile. I feel their hugs and kisses. Their bendiciones y sonrisas. And am so thankful to know such sweet and hospitable hearts. Apart though we may be.

Last semester was rough. It was busy and sleepless and crazy.
I went from a summer of absolute relaxation and growth and peace and plunged straight into reverse culture shock and the heaviest workload I've ever had coupled with mornings in Ms. Early's fifth grade bilingual class.
I didn't do very well with the transition.
Fifth grade was fun and a blessing in so many ways.
Twenty eight precious and exhausting Spanish-speaking blessings to be exact.
Looking back over the semester, I see a hard one but one that is coupled with pockets of joy and happiness and learning.
I love teaching. :)
God gives us some incredible blessings. Especially in His people.
I am blessed. abundantly.
And while I see so many areas where I need to grow and where I frankly failed last semester, the nice thing about a new semester and new year is that...it's new.
New things are nice.

"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"


So thankful for beginnings and newness and looking to the uncertain future made certain in His promises.

I already know that 2012 will bring specific challenges.
But it will also bring specific blessings, though in the form of challenges they may be.
And I'm ready.
God is with me, what have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercies who through life has been my guide?

So happy 2012 everyone! Can't wait to see what wonderful things God will do with this new year. Let's live it for Him.

And, as always, Pura Vida!