A Year of Thanks
This Friday will mark one year of us being in Florida. One year since that caravan of 2 mini-vans, 9 people, three dogs and a trailer made their way cross-country to this far corner of Orlando. It's been a good year. So good in fact that I thought I would take this opportunity to give thanks for the many blessings we've had, so here goes: my Friday group - ladies, thank you for being one of the first places here where I could be myself and feel truly loved our kids' school - honestly, I can't imagine a better situation MK2MK - this is the group where Ethan has found those kids who say, "You too? I thought it was just me" and it has breathed life into him Old friends - some of our favorite people already lived here in Orlando and I don't know what I would have done without them (Katie and Jenny - I'm looking at you!) Our neighborhood - who knew we could find a place here that makes us feel like we continually live at a cabin in northern Minnesota? soccer - Megan's passion finally realized, and along with it fun new relationships for all of us family connections - I am still not completely used to the idea that I can simply pick up the phone and call family members without considering the time zone, but when I do remember I love that it's true. Even better, visits are much easier too! libraries - seriously, is there anything greater for a book lover than libraries that deliver to your home? the work we do - it is humbling to be used by God to do what we love in a way that blesses others sunsets and sunrises - I gotta say I think Orlando has the corner on these. Un. Real. our continued Asian connections - people we work with who also lived there, friends visiting from across the ocean, our kids taking up Chinese again the struggles - the times of disappointment, frustration, anxiety, and grief have brought us together as a family and pushed us closer to the One who loves us God - I always want to be able to say, year after year, "I know Him better now. I am closer to Him. I trust Him more." This is definitely true for me in 2013. Yeah, it's been a good year.