Life's valleys and mountains

I don't really even know where to begin updating from this past few months. As you probably know by now, I wasn't able to go back to Africa this winter. This has been really, really tough in some ways. You should see my journal! I've journalled as much since my return from Africa as I had in the entire year previous to that!
In this time of transition and change, God has been so good. He's been teaching me and challenging me and shaping me. I've faced the question again and again, "am I willing to follow headlong after God, no matter where that takes me in life?" Tough question, and it deserves more than a flippant answer. The truth is that I'm a bit scared, but excited about this adventure that is life. God is faithful even when I am faithless.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."
Amen. May it be so.

Highlights of these past few months:
-Seeing my friend Karoline (from the ship)
-Road trip to Calgary with Ashley to see Jamie's production of Fiddler on the Roof.
-Breakforth - the amazingly awesome and exciting conference that is so refreshing and renewing!
-Trip to the Valley - Allison's beautiful baby belly, the cuddly puppies, the crisp mountain air, the stars, Shelly and her 1 to 10 games, skiing Castle with Robin, giving uncle Doug a chocolate Oilers puck!
-Starting to feel so much more myself - having ENERGY again! I've never appreciated it so much before as I do now.
-Of note: vitamins are my best friend these days.
-Spending plenty of quality time with the fam.
-Starting a Bible study with Laura on the Beatitudes. It's wonderful.
-Going back to work and realizing how much I truly love being a nurse. I find so much joy and fulfillment in it. What a rich blessing it is in my life.
-Longer days! :)

Yet to come:
-The sudden return of Kristy-Kreme and Chase Thoring to beloved Canada. Can't wait to see them Friday.
-Missions Fest this weekend!!!!
-Shelly and Caleb's visit in March
-The birth of Allison's baby in April
-Maybe a road trip down the pacific coast this spring with my friend Laura.
-Camp!
-Benin in the fall

The prayer of my heart is for God to continue His work in me, changing me into His likeness day by day, no matter what comes, and to be the aroma of Christ to the world around me. May it be so for you as well!