2019 has come to an end and it is time to welcome in a new decade, the roaring 20’s!
As 2019 ended, I reflected on the year. The year seems to go by fast, however, it is good to reflect about everything that has happened and that you have done the past year. As I went through my phone’s camera roll, I was reminded of all the adventures and experiences I had in 2019.
2019 was full of friends and family. God provided so many opportunities to develop deeper relationships with friends and see the amazing community He has provided here.
The second half of 2019 was difficult. Many tears were shed and I was not sure why God had called me back for another school year. I was so sure when I came back in July that this would be my last year and I was determined to make it great! I wanted to end well and I had a whole school year to do it! The incident at school changed things, but God was there in powerful ways. The months of August, September, and October seemed to last forever. Each month felt like its own year, but I learned so much about myself and about the Lord. Many people would ask me how I was doing and I didn’t really know how to respond. To be honest, I didn’t know how I was evening standing. Getting up in the morning was a struggle. I didn’t want to go to work, which was weird because I was the little girl that wanted to be at school on the weekend.
When people would say, “I don’t know how you are doing this.” My response always pointed back to the Lord. How are you working and going to school? How are you dealing with the crisis and keeping the school running? How are you doing grad school and staying at school until 9 or 10pm? I don’t know. My own strength was used up the day after the incident, everything after that was God. And when I didn’t have the strength to stand anymore, God provided people to hold me as I cried. This year has brought heartache and tears, but also joy and community. Even in the midst of the trials, God’s love stands strong.
2019 was full of ups and downs. Travels and work. Friends and more friends. I am so thankful for the friendships that were strengthened this year and the new ones that formed. To be honest, I was ready for the year to end, but as I reflected on the amazing things that happened over the year, I paused and thanked God for so many blessings. Below is a calendar of pictures, a year in review.
2020 brings more adventure. I accepted a position within TeachBeyond as a Head of School, still in Southeast Asia. 2020 will begin with closing a chapter and starting a new one. The great thing about ending a chapter is that the people within the chapter don’t disappear, they come with you. I am excited to start this new decade and see all that God has in store!