2015 is now just around the corner and I would not let the opportunity pass without recalling the things which made our journey this year a great one!
First on the list of course is our Home, Sweet, Home. It started our year with a bang! We didn't have any idea that our good Lord will lead us to into something that big this year. The construction is yet to start but everything is set. It's the paper work that keeps us in this waiting game. We still can't believe that one of our biggest goals is now on its way. We were led and we just followed.
Second, my full-time job this year. Again, we didn't expect that such an opportunity will come my way. It landed on my lap as a complete surprise. It was challenging and hard but it was all worth it. I will be back doing casuals next year but looking back, this opportunity to work full time has served its purpose and we believe it was God's way of helping us and reminding us that He is in control, easing our worries about how we are going to finance the home which we purchased earlier this year.
Third, the opportunity to travel again as a family, overseas. There was a longing inside me but I knew it might not materialize especially after we bought the house and lot. But God is really a generous God and he gave us this bonus. The kids loved it and Alvin and I did too. It's one experience I would love to do again (maybe next year?).
Aside from the overseas travel, we were able to go back again to Snowy Mountains and actually experience real snow! It was memorabe because my in-laws and my parents were with us. Another opportunity to marvel at God's creations!
It was a good year for both me and hubby, career-wise. We both got back to school and I, of course, got my Professional Competence accreditation for BOSTES.
More than the monetary or material things, there were a lot of things which made this year a truly memorable one. One, my parents and my in-laws were able to spend time with us and their grandkids.
Two, relationship-wise, I have never been more proud of me and hubby. It was a pruning stage for us, but unlike in the past when we just ended up nagging and fighting with each other, this time it was much different. We came out of our comfort zones and rose above the occasion. We've made a lot of sacrifices and adjustments so we can work out things at home, at school, at work, and in our service. It was a year of realisations and achievements. Achieving things, together.
2014 was also a year when we grew in faith. A time to realise that He is control. A time to show our faith. Truly, it was only thru His grace that we were able to do everything what we have done this year. I still can't believe we've managed to survive having to juggle everything. He started working with Alvin, with me and with us. I know He's still not done with us.
This year was a year of rediscovering passion. Career-wise I was able to re-ignite my love for teaching and why I have chosen to respond to this vocation. It wasn't easy. There were humps along the way but God sent many angels too along my way. I have learned a lot of lessons and is ready to face the next chapter of my professional life.
As parents, we also grew tremendously this year. We had many first with our kids and it is through His guidance and the help we got from people around, particularly from our CFC community, which made the task a little bit bearable. We had a lot of time to bond as a family. Had the oportunity to watch APIA early January, go back to Canberra twice, and our long drives with family and friends.
Speaking of which, it was also a good year for the kids. Liam, even with a difficult and slow start, was still able to excel in class and in his extra-curricular activities. More than this, I am happy that he is now more self-confident. Sam, although she drives us crazy with her stuborness and feistiness, continues to become better with her talents and skills. Our home will not be laughing out loud every night without her crazy antics!
I know that like in the past, God has something great planned for us next year. And we know, just like in the past, He will just continue to surprise us.
2014 is indeed a year of thanksgving for us. We're still one month shy away from its finish but I am already looking forward to what awaits our family next year.
Thank you Lord for 2014!
