Today I say goodbye to another decade. I didn't think there would be as much emotion involved in the transition from my 20's to my 30's, but, as I contemplate how my life has changed over the last ten years, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the many blessings this past decade has brought.
Several stand out:
- I've been able to travel a lot doing mission work, which is of my (and Kevin's) greatest passions. I was able to travel to Mexico (Spring break mission trip), Taiwan (summer mission trip), Canada (summer mission trip), and St. Lucia (mission honeymoon! hehe). One of my goals as a parents is to introduce my children to mission work early on. I'm so thankful to have been able to experience life in other cultures. More than any other life experience, mission work has helped me to gain a proper perspective of God's purpose in this world. I want the same for my boys.
- I graduated from college! After changing my major several times, I finally settled on Family & Consumer Sciences. I loved learning about family dynamics, another one of my greatest passions.
- I did a year of service with Americorps. I served with my local American Red Cross. It happened to be the year that Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. I spent the night of the storm, as well as several days after, serving in a shelter in Pearl River, Louisiana. It was one of the most challenging things I've ever done, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
- I married a man from St. Lucia. And, I must say, I made the best decision of my life. I'm so thankful that God provided me with the right husband at just the right time. The wait was well-worth it. Kevin is my best friend, and I can't wait to spend the next 30+ years by his side.
- Kevin and I lived in New Orleans for three years while Kevin attended seminary. It was a sweet three years of getting to know each other better and experiencing life on our own. We both look back on our time at seminary with deep gratitude for the blessings we experienced during our stay in New Orleans.
- I became a Mom. I experienced pregnancy and the overwhelming joy of welcoming my firstborn son into the world. There are no words. This was the single most life-changing event that I have experienced thus far.
- I became a pastor's wife. Being married to a Shepherd is no easy thing, but it has been a great blessing to be able to minister to people alongside my husband. By God's grace, I am slowly learning and growing in this new role.
- I became a Mom again. And it was just as sweet the second time around. Each child has grown me in ways that I could never have imagined. Parenting has made my life full- in a good way.
- I became a first-time homeowner. After years of apartment-living, God provided just the right house for us this past year. Having a place to call our own has given us great joy.
It's been a full decade, wouldn't you say?
I wonder what the next one will bring?
Can't wait to find out.
