2012, in review

Although I have very mixed feelings about New Year's Eve, I really enjoy the opportunity a new year brings to look back and reflect on the year that is ending and to look forward and plan and dream for the new year.  And even Google help out with producing Year in Review videos. 

On December 31st lots of people were posting on Facebook and Twitter about 2012 and I tried to think of something to say.  And, well, 140 characters are not enough to sum up a year but I arrived at:

2012, you were incredible! Amazed at God's grace and goodness over the last twelve months and so excited to see what 2013 will hold!

I'm not sure any words will ever be enough for 2012.  It's hard to even think of all the year held, nevermind trying to sum it up.  But here are some of the highlights:

In January I travelled over to Reading (England) to surprise one of my best friends for her birthday!  It was such a good weekend.

Until May I was in Northern Ireland as a youth ministry intern in my home church and I loved this, and learnt so much doing it.  

Also during those first months of 2012 I applied, was accepted and miraculously became fully funded for my three month internship in the Czech Republic.  Those three months were truly life changing - I learnt so much about myself and God, and it was such a privilege to serve in Czech.  And we all know how that trip ended.

So, September saw me back in Northern Ireland, applying to be a full time missionary.  Which led to my trip in October/November to America for orientation, followed by a week with my friend Julianne in Canada.  Those two weeks refreshed me and got me so excited for the road ahead.

And the end of the year seemed to just fly in.  One of the highlights of December was seeing Mumford and Sons live in Belfast - they are an amazing band and when you hear them live their music just goes to another level.  Definitely check them out if you haven't already.

I also started support raising so hopefully, in 2013, I will be in the Czech Republic full time and it has been so amazing to get to talk to people about the amazing things God is doing in central and eastern Europe.

Of course, there's so much I've left out.  

I met people this year who have become great friends and I am so thankful for them.

I have relationships that are now so much deeper than they were twelve months ago.

There were moments that took my breath away.  Beautiful sunsets.  Spending time on trains.  

I experienced God's provision and guidance in ways that truly took my breath away and provided so much peace.  Journalling how I've grown, changed and been challenged.  

I spent time on Skype with friends around the world, and time in coffee shops with friends who live down the road.  

There were moments that were photographable.  Watching sunrise on Charles Bridge.  Beautiful coffee shops.  Beautiful friends.

And, perhaps even better than those moments, there were moments that could never be photographed - laughing until it hurts, people who inspire me, talking over cups of tea for hours, holding babies, breakfast with Rose in Czech at second term training or the breakfast at third term training where I was officially invited to apply to join the JV family.

2012 has now ended and it truly was a life changing year.  I end the year seeing God bigger, knowing even more deeply how much He loves me, that He can be trusted, and knowing that He is at work in and through me.  

What incredible grace.