Looking Back

     I didn't realize that it's been over a year since I wrote anything on my blog! I know it's been awhile. 

     Earlier today I was journaling, and thinking about the last fifteen years of my life. I've been to some interesting places, and have learned a lot about myself. Most importantly, I've grown in my faith and understanding of who God is, I've struggled with change and growth, cried in frustration, but have also loved it. 

     Here are some of my highlights for the last fifteen years:

2001- I graduated high-school

2003 - January: moved to Baltimore for Mennonite Voluntary Service 

2004 - stayed in Baltimore, worked a temp job until Dec when I moved back to MI

2005 - January - went to South Africa to volunteer at an orphanage for 2 months

     - May: Started with summer classes at a community college

After I returned home from South Africa

2006 - in the fall I transferred to Hesston College for my nursing classes

2008 - May: graduated with my R.N.

     - July: moved to Pennsylvania where I started working on a general hospital floor

2011 - Went back to school part time for my B.S.N.

     - September: transferred to a new job in the same hospital (ICU)

     - November: went to Japan for 2 weeks

Japan

2012 - April: 2 week medical missions trip to Guinea Bissau

     - September: visited my college roommate in Indonesia 

2013 - May: graduated with my B.S.N.

     - July: I quit my job and moved my stuff home to MI

     - September: went to Africa with Mercy Ships for 9 months

Mercy Ships: Africa 

2014 - May: left Mercy Ships

     -May-July: stopped in 6 different countries on 3 different continents coming home

     - August: in the states

     - September: left for Thailand

Thailand

2015 - January: retuned home from Thailand

     - July: moved to Grand Rapids and started working at my current job

     - December: spent Christmas with my family for the first time since 2008

2016 - June: went to Toronto with my youngest sister

     - September: San Diego - I was visiting a friend who was visiting from China

     When I think about the coming year, I realize that I don't know where this year is going to take me. If I have learned anything, it's that life is an adventure and no matter where I go, God is going to be there with me, and I will continue to be challenged and grow in my faith.