So Long 2011

2011 was a pretty awesome year. It held its challenges, tears, surprises and awesomeness. Here are some of my highlights from each month:


January: 

• I rang in the New Year in downtown Lisbon, which was memorable to say the least. It was by far the best fireworks I have ever seen!

•  I spent a January day on a Portugal beach, celebrating Heidi's birthday. 

February: 

• I Experienced what is like for my heart to truly break for a country.

March: 

• We had our mid-term retreat in Vila Nova Milfontes.

• I enjoyed my first European soccer game

April:  

• I enjoyed 30 degree weather in April.

May:  

• I crammed last minute sites in before leaving Portugal

• I learned what obedience to the Lord looks like in my life.

June:

•  I had the opportunity to experience true Fado music.

• I said goodbye to Portugal, which was definitely bittersweet, but the highlight is that it was one of the most profound and life changing experiences of my life. 

• There was re-connecting with fellow Trekkers in Abbotsford for debrief.

July: 

• Derek and Courtney got married!

• I had surgery on my wrist

August:

• I did the yearly Rainbow Stage thing with the girls in my family. This year was Hairspray!

•  There was a shopping trip to Minneapolis

September: 

• I started work at the clinic again. Reconnecting with the Fixed crew is always a good time.

October: 

• I turned 27 this year. Late twenties, here I come!

• I experienced the awesomeness that is Laser Tag.

• I was acquainted with Ann Voskamp and her book, "A Thousand Gifts".

November: 

• I got a new job working with MB Mission. I get paid to get people excited and passionate about missions and what God is doing across the globe! Talk about life giving!
• I got to road trip to Calgary to meet up with my TREK girls. 

December: 

• I had the amazing opportunity to take part in the MB Mission Staff Summit.
• I Surprised Carla and Heidi in Abbotsford.

And those are a few of the highlights of 2011 in a nutshell. I have high hopes for 2012. I have a hunch this next year is going to bring amazing new adventures, exciting challenges and growing pains that will be both hard and rich experiences. Welcome 2012!


Cheers!