2012

It has been centuries since I have posted anything on here but between finals, papers, family and the holiday I can now find the time to sit down and write on a year that was quite an adventure. It's been an interesting year, to say the least and I sit down to reflect on it all I know that I am truly blessed and all that the past year has been filled with has been a blessing in some way. This post is more of a reflection, I have Africa updates of course, but to really understand why I'm venturing to Africa I think it is only necessary to look back on 2011 and welcome 2012 with open arms!

Family. The holidays is always something I look forward to. There are never any deadlines to meet, classes to attend to and only family time to fill the voids. I found this break that traditions that we have held for years that haven't seemed like much have begun to bring so much more meaning to the holiday season. Over this year I have also found that family is not always blood related it can come in many people and places. I look forward to our growing family as Matt & Betsy wed in April. Family regardless of who it may mean for each of us is important, they grow into your backbone. yipee!

My family. Looking quite lovely, we have taken on ups and downs of 2011 together and will happily take on the journeys this next year has to offer! Love them.

Family isn't always blood, its the people who take you for who you are and love you for it. Thanks for a late night chat with one of my bestest friends ever. These boys are awesome and are something special!

Our table continues to grow every year for the holidays, but this is where the best laughs are had with my family and some of the best times!

Friends. I may not always be the best at contacting or getting together with old friends, but I have found this year that I have been blessed with some of the most wonderful friends in my life. Not only are we venturing through school together but many of us have began forming bonds that I will forever cherish.There is always time for a cup of coffee or an early morning breakfast to catch up with old friends. One thing I have found over break is regardless of how long you have been apart from a friend there is always room to pick up right where you left off. There is always a deep conversation to be had, a tear to shed, and a laugh to reach every tip of your body. That is what makes a life time friend, I'm grateful for those. I have found too that friends can encourage you and support you when you didn't think anyone was either! It is a great feeling to know that friends can really begin to feel like family. Friends are like the family God allows us to choose!

Africa. The ball is definitely rolling. I can officially say that I have my mentor for my trip and I am continuing to decide and prepare the rest of my chair for my committee as I travel. I have a lot of work to do within the next month and the months to follow. As for now I have been reading a book for the premise of my research that needs to finished by time I go back to school...I'm on page 25. And instead of reading it right now I'm blogging, typical. But no, it is a really informational book and just within the first 25 pages I have learned so much about what I will be immersed in.

Memories- This year has been a big growing year for me I think it would easier to showcase through pictures, I am thankful for everyone who has come into my life and who continues to help shape me and create some of the best memories to hold onto.

Thank you Laura. For everything.

hmm..where one door closes, another opens. enough said.

Oh Tina! There is lots to say about her, but thanks to her she made living in Kalamazoo a fun time and I am so sad that she is almost done with college. She's pretty awesome! Reality tv has never been the same either has pasta, wine and youtube videos. Thanks girl! :)

I am thankful for my parents and all that they have given me and have done for me over the past year. Living in Kalamazoo and them being in Holland has been an interesting transition. This past year has shown  me that family will always have your back and I have felt tremendous support from them. I am glad they have encouraged me to challenge myself and support me while I do so.  I am also thankful they bought that lovely boat in the background, it makes for great summertime memories!

I love Camp Sunshine and am so proud that I am part of this every year!

This year was full of birthdays and one of those being Brittany. I had a really hard time where to put this picture whether I wanted it under the family section or under the memories. There is endless things I could say about Britt but I will keep it some what simple. She is the sister I never had and the best friend I could ask for. She keeps me so grounded and puts life back into check. She brings out the best in me I think and we always find a way to have the best of times. Thanks for putting up with me Britt and for sitting and talking, crying, and laughing for hours. You always seem to have the right thing to say and are truly something special.

I love this girl and the friendship that her and I have. There are some really great future teachers out there and it makes me so excited!

I added this for a couple reasons, one for the people in it, and two for going to Western and being able to spend fun times with great friends!

First off, I love this picture for so many reasons. It makes me smile every time I see this. These are two really great people, enough said. Three best friends? lol

Big step! It is so odd that I have been with Brad long enough to see TWO graduations but am so happy for him and hope he finds a job that he enjoys and can put that college degree to use with. The past four years have been full of highs and lows and it all paid off for him.

Although I don't always see this lovely love I am so grateful for her and am so proud of all that she is doing!

This seems like forever ago but I was part of Big Brothers, Big Sisters this year and although things didn't work out, it was necessary for me to give my time and have this little girl come into my life. She taught me how fragile and scary life can be for young kids in the Kalamazoo area, and has made me stronger through it all. Plus lets face it, she is ADORABLE! I am hoping she is now paired with someone who can wrap her in love and support!

What I'm reaching for in 2012...dream BIG:

1. Run the Fifth Third 25k---May 12, 2012

2. Travel across the ocean

3. Volunteer more

Wherever this next year brings me I look forward to gaining personal growth and finding myself more not only personally but within my education and my outreach to others. Thanks to all that have supported me, kept me dreaming, loved me through it all, and keep me pushing myself. I am surrounded by beautiful people and things. Happy 2012!

 "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough"