a new year

I cannot believe that a new year is here however I am still in awe over the past year of my life. I started 2012 ringing it in twice due to the time change experience in Chicago. I accomplished two of my goals for the year: I ran my first 10k and I went to Africa. I guess you could say I volunteered more through the organization Volunteer Kalamazoo.

This year has been amazing.

I am able to say that I spent three beautiful weeks half way around the world inside an amazing culture, surrounded with love, God, and some of my best friends. I touched the hands of so many beautiful souls who have stolen my heart forever. I am so thankful for the journey that took me to Dakar and for all the love and support from my family and friends.

Our family grew this April by one family member and it will again grow in October of 2013 as Phil and Sam get married. The wedding of Matt and Betsy was one for the books, however creating a larger family is something we welcome with open arms, it is an exciting experience and brings us closer as a family.

I was able to check off my number one bucket list item this summer by going to see Jason Mraz in concert. It was amazing and something I would not mind doing again! I spent the 4th of July weekend with family like usual and extended it to a camping adventure with friends in Ludington. I volunteered at Camp Sunshine again, however I watched in the crowd this year at the talent show instead of participating. I went hunting for the first time, I shot at a deer however I missed. Christmas held different traditions but the same meaning and time with family like always.

Our nation struggled with some heartache this year we had several devastating hurricanes and numerous shootings. However, out of each one of these incidents we honor amazing individuals who step up to the plate and become heroes.

I am still in awe in all that I have been blessed with this year and how many lessons I have learned along the way. I am continually growing and learning and have been so lucky to surround myself with beautiful people this past year. I have learned to put aside some of the drama in my life and to continue to focus on what means the most and to stay surrounded by people will help build me up and support me. 

I have always been a fan of the number 13 and what better year than 2013 to have big things happen. I will wrap up my course work in my program and will be one step closer to graduation. I will begin student teaching and become one step closer to fulfilling my college career dreams. I am so hopeful for what this year is going to bring to my life and I welcoming 2013 with open arms. 

Blessings to you all & wishing you all the best year possible!