a year in review...

The highlight of 2011 was the time that I spent in EA. 

My favorite picture taken in 2011.

Other great things that were caught on camera in 2011.

2011 can be summed up with a phrase that I have used over and over again this year. 

What a privilege it is to be involved in the lives of people.

I am blessed with the opportunities that I had to spend time with old friends, getting to know new friends, exploring new places, meeting new faces, enjoying new experiences, facing hard things, enduring tough and stretching times, and dealing with grieving times. 

A good friend of mine wrote this in her Christmas card to me. 

"Hard year... good year... growing year. You've done it with grace." (oh how I pray she's correct) She continued, "Stay close to the Lord - celebrate all that He is, all that He came for - all the time. Keep partyin! You teach all of us how it's "supposed" to be done!!!" 

I share her words on this little piece of the world wide web for the sole purpose that I will remember her words as we all turn our calendars over to 2012.

what a privilege it is...

It went from this....

to this...

photo from a ND scrapbook

photo from a ND scrapbook

What a privilege it is to be a part of this little guy's life even with an ocean between us. 

Orphans are easier to forget until you see their faces and you know their names.”
- David Platt

Orphans are impossible to forget when you know their face and have the opportunity to give them a name.

Christmas

reflecting
pondering 
processing 

expectant 

grateful 

blessed

scarves and cardigans

There are some people who believe that it is perfectly okay for all people to wear scarves.

There are others who believe that it is NOT perfectly acceptable for all people to wear scarves.

You decide.

Then there are these two. One is a kindred spirit. One is a trusted listening ear. 

One is from the state with all the mountains. 

The other is moving to the state with all the mountains.

Both are dear friends.

Haiti team

I am really excited to see what the Lord has in store for us. 

I am really excited to go to Haiti with this group of people. 

Is it spring break yet? :)

Mau & Poppo

I adore my grandparents.

Today my grandpa turned 80. We call him Poppo.

photo by Mosaic Photo

Yesterday was my grandma's birthday. We call her Mau. 

Holly and I had the rare privilege to have our Mau as our first grade teacher.

They have been a part of so much of my life. (see post Day 6)

photo by Mosaic Photo

photo by Mosaic Photo

They love Jesus. They love people. 

I have learned so much from them.

I am blessed to be one of their grandchildren.

I love my Mau & Poppo.

It doesn't take much...

... to be involved in the lives of people.

It doesn't take much to contribute to some of the amazing things that are going on around the world.

It doesn't take much to be convinced that what is happening HERE is truly a work of the Lord. My friend Hannah reminded me once again that "They aren't sick babies who are dying, they're miracles babies, being healed day by day."

With the click of a few buttons your Christmas shopping can be done...

BUT did you know that you can help support New Day while you are shopping?

Check out this link.

Or you can just click on this link, that takes you right to Amazon and all you have to do is SHOP!


Follow the link - just click the above button, and submit that order.

There are some amazing places that are tangibly helping people. Check out this blog and online store. 

PS. Be careful though... it's risky business to open your heart up.