I know it's only the first couple weeks of December of 2008, but I still want to reflect on the year 2008.
It is truly an amazing and blessing year! I started out with a mission trip to Dominican Republic which changed my perspective on life in America and all around the world. No, Dominican Republic does not represent ALL countries, but it does give me a picture of what the majority of countries are like all around the world.
It also changed my perspective on life itself. I thank the Lord for that every day, He humbled me and helped me to grow more. I was very truly humbled, and I cherish that.
That Spring, the Lord showed me that it was time for me to go back to school, to college. I was so excited because I wanted to go to college, but the timing wasn't right before, but now!! YAY!
So I worked with VR to get all the paperwork processed and all that. During that time, I was so looking forward to working at this one Christian Deaf camp.
The next biggest thing was working at a work place for the longest I've ever had, past 8 months (my first longest before this one)
While working for longer than 8 months, I got really blessed with a position to work with middle school girls at Christian Deaf camp. When I first found out that I was assigned that position, I freaked out a little because I thought I didn't know the first thing about middle school girls, but I knew that God gave me that position for a reason so I thanked Him and praised Him, looking forward to what I will be learning that week.
Sure enough, that week the girls taught me that I know a lot of things about middle school girls and I totally could relate to them because I had this "been there, done it" experience so I could tease them and just be there for them.
Each and every girl I had holds a special place in my heart because they are my first girls. I know there are so many to come and they all will have a place in my heart. I thank God for teaching me this and giving me such a rich experience I had that week. I am truly blessed to work with these girls and I look forward to every year I'm going to work with them!!!! Praise the Lord!!!
At work after the camp, I figured that I will need to quit my job. I was so scared because I know I depend on that income, but I trusted the Lord that He will meet and provide for every need. I was working with my boss on when to leave and all that. I originally decided to quit the first week of August, but after more thought, I decided to quit the first week of September. Exactly a year and 2 days to the date from the day I started my job.
During this period between first week of August and September, I had an opportunity to go on a camp out to get away from the busyness of the world and just to relax. I enjoyed it and I got to know a few people better, I had originally met them before but didn't really know them. I enjoyed the camp out. My favorite part of that camp out was laying on a dock at the night, looking at stars. I saw how BEAUTIFUL the Milky Way is and I saw the most shooting stars I've ever seen my whole life! There were over 20 shooting stars that night, it was so beautiful. That's God's creation and it's amazing.
After I got home, I found out that I had gotten more out of that camp out than I had thought at first. This one guy was pursuing me after getting to know me better. I was surprised. I honestly didn't expect that at all. But... that's the Lord! He loves to amaze and surprise His children! I thank the Lord everyday for letting this very special friendship I have bloom. It's growing more and more everyday and I love how it's progressing, it's very special and very cherishing to me. The Lord is in middle of it all and He's guiding it!
First week of September I quit my job, started college 2 weeks later. My younger sister moved out to college out of state. It was so different. I was scared of how college would be, but I quickly learned that it was so easy! I love college, I can work at my own pace, and it's such a different atmosphere!
For the past 3 months, it was really different being without my sister. For the past 2 years, we've grown closer, less fighting (hahahaha!) and really bond as sisters. I thank the Lord for that!!
I cried at times because I truly missed my sister, and realizing that we're indeed growing up. I guess I experience a little of sense of loss, loss of my childhood. I'm not a little child anymore, I have responsibilities now, and I'm starting a huge and new chapter in my life... College. Amazing.
Then in November, after turning double big 2's, I got to visit Gallaudet, and learn that the Lord has a plan for me there. I was scared and thrilled at the same time. I can NOT say no to the Lord, His plan is always the best and the most awesome! I'm still a little scared majorly because it's so far from home. SO FAR! But, no where is too far for the Lord! He will be with me ALWAYS!
Oh, oh, oh! One more thing!!! For the past 3 months as well, I've found my complete identity. I knew I'm Christian because I belong to Jesus. I know I'm deaf because that's what/who I am. I know I'm woman. What do I mean by "complete"? Well.. I took a class at college, Deaf Culture studies. It truly opened my eyes to the Deaf world. I learned and became proud of being Deaf. I am Deaf. That's my world, that's my culture. But understand this, I'm first Christian. THEN Deaf. I finally see more of what God wants me to do. I knew I was called into the Deaf ministry, but I couldn't work there until I knew more and understand the Deaf culture. Now that I have a much better picture and understanding of it, I know I can work more effectively there. I'm part of it, it's part of my daily life now and it will be fun!
I'm truly excited to see what the Lord has planned!
Now it's December. 11 months down, 1 more to go. It indeed has been a life changing year. I'm so glad that it happened this year, the timing is perfect. I finished the first quarter, I have 3 years and 2 quarters to go. It's only the beginning. I am truly excited for what will come this month, I know it will be an amazing finish to the year that had an amazing start. My loved ones will be with me, and I will have another amazing start of another year!
And I must share one more thing.... My friendship with the guy who I'm in a relationship with has truly bloomed from the beginning to now, and I know more will come out of this relationship because we've put the Lord in the center of it before the beginning. I love it! I remember when I got with him again in the person for the first time in a relationship, when I went to Gallaudet, it definitely was different. I mean we started out our relationship already long distance, we weren't in person when we entered our courtship. It was ok with me not being with him in person, I didn't know him very well yet and was learning so much still. Then when we got together in person, I learned more of who he is and how he is and how he interacts with others and me. Our bond grew stronger quickly, especially because of our long distance relationship. We developed more of a trust bond, and our relationship has grew so much more. Since we are so far away from each other, after being in person, it was really hard for me. Having him with me in person then not, was such an experience. I know I don't like long distance, but I trust the Lord, that He has a reason for this. I can wait and I choose to wait and be patient. The Lord is awesome, His plan is awesome, His purpose is awesome, nothing can exceed it! I really look forward to spend time with him again this coming winter break after Christmas! I'm so excited for him to meet my families and see how beautiful and unique my hometown is! Hehehe!
2009, who knows what that will bring. But I know that the Lord already knows. I have nothing to fear, I have nothing to worry about, because the Lord is with me always.
2009... Wow! Time really flies so fast.
God is GOOD all the time.
_\m/
K
