When I stand here and look back at 2011 as it slips away, I feel the excitement of starting out on a journey that I have no map for. It’s like being in the womb, getting ready for re-birth- I know God is doing something in our hearts, minds and lives through all the experiences He has given to us.
Even though I am enjoying it and my heart is full of joy in the midst of it- this is not to say that there are not moments when I’m not kicking and screaming; I know for sure that I would be choked with gratitude and amazement down the road when I see his plan unfold further. This would perhaps be the best summation of my 2011.
Magazines draw up lists with their annual swan issue, and I will not be outdone. So here are some of my lists.
Ten things I'd like to remember about 2011
1. Visit to Bemidgi – meeting Grammy for the first time, snow-mobiling, playing games with Uncle Vic, Aunt Carol, Aunt Marty and meeting Dave’s beautiful family.
2. Ice-skating – it was one of my goals to learn how to ice-skate last winter, and I am proud to say that after several trips to the rink, at least I can ice-walk and ice-glide. Thanks to my ever patient husband cum ice skating instructor.
3. Min’s visit – loved being able to share my love of New York and Chicago with her. Every experience will only be made complete having shared it with Arthur and her, thank you for coming Moo Moo!
4. Saying good-bye to New York and San Francisco – I’m not sure when I’ll ever set foot to these 2 cities that I’ve come to know and love. Saying good-bye to TR meant saying good-bye to business trips to these 2 cities as well. I’ll miss them.
5. Family moments/ weekend – there are numerous memorable family memories this year: visiting Albuquerque and Peoria, the whole Kok gang descending in Chicago for David’s wedding, having the family in our tiny apartment, Thanksgiving tradition @ Ed & Lucy’s, seeing the Christmas lights with Dad, Mum and Susan, Christmas fun especially with Katie, Luke and AnnE of Green Gables.
6. Trinity – I cannot believe that I just started school in January! Some classes that have made the most impact to-date are: Counseling skills, Group Counseling, Ministry Ethics, Biblical Theology, and Preaching for Partners. I know they have changed me, and will continue working in me in the days to come.
7. Changing jobs – What shall I say? Three months into it has made me more sympathetic to the Israelites than ever before. I still love and miss my ex-colleagues there dearly, and turning back is more than a fleeting thought. Nonetheless, I know this whole experience is ordained and worth-it. How would I know how it feels like to be a newbie, to regret, to doubt and complain about His gift & guidance? But I’m still kicking and screaming, and not out of my vocational crisis yet.
8. Bryan’s death – “I’ll miss you Bryan, and you will always be one of the best mangers I’ve had. Thank you for bringing me to the States, and teaching me so much by the example that you are. I still cannot believe you’re gone. Good-bye, Bryan.”
9. VCL – week by week, my attachment to this church family grows. Through ministry, fellowship, and fun events, I love getting to know the names, faces and stories behind each person. God has been so gracious in giving us this healing and nurturing community!
10. Hosting – all the guests we’ve had this year, for meals or stay-overs! We are thankful that God has given us the gifts, opportunities and love for the hospitality ministry. We sure hope that this will be a long-term ministry for our family.
Ten Hope-to-Dos in 2012
1. Getting pregnant – yes, it’s right up there on our list and you heard it from here. No more speculation and nagging! It’s a huge faith journey, and I’m still praying for enough faith to embark on this. Please keep us and our unborn little one in prayer.
2. Skiing – Yes, a couple of items on this list has to do with #1. I’m hoping to squeeze this one in this crazy winter though I would most likely be tumbling down the hills…
3. Practicum – I’m really looking forward to my Counseling practicum, to consolidate the learnings thus far, and to gain more experience in this part of ministry.
4. Cutting down on carbs and sugars – this has very little to do with vanity, really. Rather, training of the will-power and self-control. I have at least 5 chocolate feeding times each day in 2011, trying to cut it down to one feeding time in 2012.
5. Consistent Quiet Time – not very good about it this year. Will need to make it the first thing I do on the train-ride.
6. Exercise – Will need to figure a new routine given the new work arrangement. At least three times a week!
7. Watching a musical/ production – keeping with the yearly tradition…
8. Reading 2 fiction books – I’m not always good about picking out fiction books to read. Need to build that back into my life.
9. Read Steve Job’s autobiography
10. Making one new dish a month – I’ll discount accidental creations, and would try my best to follow recipes! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment