A Year of Surprises

During the summer of 2015, I had someone tell me the next year was going to a big one for me.

I cannot say I believed those words much. It had been 26 years of hoping my life would change, that something ‘big’ would happen. My entire life, up to that point, had been filled with waiting. So what would make me think anything was going to change now?

Well, that man was right!

The last year has found me living an inconceivable adventure!

And to be honest, I think this year has only been the beginning of a lifelong journey of surprises by my Creator in Heaven. This year, I tasted the sweetness that comes with saying yes to God’s crazy propositions, like jumping on a plane all by myself to travel to a tiny African country. Oh it sounded crazy at the time, and still sounds crazy, but oh the joys, surprises, and beauty that came from that adventure!

At this time, last year, that proposition wasn’t exactly on the table yet. Oh the dream of going to Rwanda was there, but not yet was the proposal of me going alone. At the end of 2015, I was dreaming about stepping foot on Rwandan soil, but couldn’t possibly comprehend what was to come when that dream actually became reality. I had no clue I would go alone, meet some beautiful people who have left stamps on my heart, take multiple more risks, begin the process of starting a ministry, and see God surprise me day after day!

I have been trying to reflect on the last year and so much has happened it is hard for me to wrap my head around it all. My life has changed in exponential ways in the last 365 days.

If I tried to explain it all it would take me hours. So, here is a snippet of all that happened in the last year:

• Chains of fear, which have restrained me most of my life, began to break

• I began to be set free of the bondage of fear

• Learned I am stronger than I ever thought I was

• My trust in God changed drastically

• Boarded a place, by myself, to travel to a foreign country for 10 weeks

• Stepped farther out of my comfort zone than I knew was possible for me

• Learned to stand up for myself; that my voice really does matter

• Made great strides in overcoming my fear of public speaking

• Led multiple trainings in Rwanda and spoke in front of multiple groups

• Met some of the most beautiful people who have come to mean more to me than I can comprehend

• Saw some pretty gorgeous places

• Was asked, and said yes, to partnering to begin a ministry in Rwanda

• One God had placed on my heart (and I dreamed about) a year prior

• Was surprised by God over and over and over again

• Witnessed words God has spoken to me over the past ten years become reality

• Traveled on a bus across Rwanda and Tanzania

• Visited a country, Tanzania, I never expected to step foot on

• Experienced years of tears, doubt, and fears of a life of singleness and being unwanted being swept away

• Had God challenge my dependency on money in mind-blowing ways

• My passion for seeing vulnerable children have the chance to dream big and pursue those dreams was given new life

• God answered some lifelong prayers

• My health did not hold me back from pursuing my dream of ministry in Africa

• Changed my diet significantly, for the better!

I guarantee there are many more experiences I could put on this list, but that would probably take me hours. It is still hard for me to comprehend all that has happened this year. It sure was one mind-blowing 365 days.

What this year has taught me is to never stop dreaming big and praying impossible prayers! Reflecting on 2016 has fueled the fire in me to keep asking God for the crazy impossible dreams and hopes still within me. Because, well, God has has shown me anything can happen when you say yes to him and push through the fears to pursue the things the world says are impossible.

"Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures..."

~Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland"