Tug of War

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  Mine was great!  I was able to spend it with my parents and my sister and brother-in-law.  We relaxed and played games for several days.  We didn't have much of an agenda and just enjoyed visiting with each other.  We were even able to get out to PA to see my grandparents.  I feel so blessed that my time with my family was such a refreshing and encouraging time.

At this time of year I sometimes feel caught in a tug of war between what was and what is to come.  2010 was a great year.  I have enjoyed being in Muncie and have found a place to call home here.  I am thankful that I have been given a way to contribute to the work in Kazakhstan while in the States.  It seems like my experience and my giftings have fit well with the current need here.   I am also extremely thankful for the friends that surround me.

Although I look back at 2010 full of thankfulness and good memories, I am even more excited to see what 2011 will bring.  I know that it will bring the chance to not only train delegates and interns here in the States, but also help care for them while they are in Kazakhstan.  I am excited about the four months I will be able to spend in Taraz (April-July) supporting the work Interlink is doing and the staff there.  I am also excited to see how my place in the community here in Muncie will continue to grow during this coming year.

Although I sometimes feel drawn by both the longings of the past and the anticipation of the future, I have been focusing more on the joy of today.  I am enjoying the moments that each day brings me and trying not to live in anything except the present.  Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.