Lists and Thank Yous.

The end of 2013 is here.

When did that happen?!

Does anyone else feel like this year flew by in warp speed?

No?

Just me?

Ok.

This post will consist of a few lists: 

lists of firsts, 

things I've learned, 

and my hope for 2014. 

(Plus a few fun never-before-seen pictures that are purely fun memories)

(a few) First Timers

touched the Pacific ocean

met people from Finland

fell in love

ate a Kangaroo

wrote a sermon

pretty much everything in Australia

New Year's Resolution

only use the word "literally" when something is literally happening.

I invite you, world, to join with me in that.

(a few) Things I've Learned

• a sense of entitlement can be blinding
• the goal should be to help people, not to impress them
• America is the best. country. ever.
• an active relationship with Holy Spirit is just as important as one with Christ
• not giving 100% is a waste
• my heart is for home

(this is just a special inexplicable moment)

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this year.  Thank you Allen Yam's core tutorial for being the most extraordinary group of people and for relentlessly giving yourselves to the cause of Christ.  Each of you inspire me in a different way.  

Thank you, sisters, for carrying me.  For all the "ugly cry" FaceTime calls, the kind reminders of hope,  the silent hugs and times you just sat with me (possibly the most beautiful expression of love).  Your compassion is what got me through many weak moments, and is still keeping me moving.  I had no idea how many sisters I had all over the world; thank you for coming into my life when you did.
Stay forever.
I love you all.

Hope for 2014

My biggest hope for 2014 is that it would stay on this upward trajectory.  This year has been a time of deep heartbreak and grand freedom. 

Growth isn't often easy.  

And even as I express my hope for this coming year, I am in a season of trying to form new habits and take captive my thoughts.  But I've experienced so much grace and kindness from the Lord, I am assured He's aware of me (which sounds weird, yes, but knowing you're not forgotten is a sweet sweet thing).

I have no plans for 2014.  God has shown me time and time again that my plans are weaksauce compared to His.

So here we go, Lord. Let's do this.

Cheers to 2014!