Happy New Year! I cannot believe it is 2015. Well, actually, it's not too shocking. So much happened this past year – like a lifetime's worth of adventure all in a short period of time. As I sat journaling yesterday afternoon, reflecting on the past 12 months, it occurred to me that 2014 was quite possibly the craziest year of my life yet. And by crazy, I just mean I was all over the place. Literally. The end of 2013 was tainted by heartbreak and disappointment, so I was hopeful for a more lighthearted New Year. Here's a little recap of what 2014 held in store:
- Rang in the New Year with coworkers in St. Louis
- Went to an Underground Disco and a 90's Dance Party with my girl Rita
- Held an International Dinner/Fundraising Presentation at Messiah
- Rachel came to see me in the Lou : )
- Played pinochle with my some of my FAVORITE people on Sunday evenings
- Went on like 10 dates within a 3 week period (don't ask, I went through a brief "I'm sexy and I know it" phase)
- Girl's weekend in Peoria, IL
- Made memories with my awesome coworkers at the Gelateria del Leone
- Spent quality time with the Moody's
- Fun St. Patty's Day celebration with Rita & John
- Held a Fundraising coffee hour at St. Mark's
- Traveled to WI to help mom move into her new place, celebrated my bff Ashley's birthday, and hit up 2 Brewer's games in the same weekend
- 1st trip to Washington, D.C. & a fundraising presentation at St. Andrew's
- World Race Training Camp in GA
- Neil came to visit! : )
- Rita & I visited Joanna in middle of nowhere MO
- Trip to WI to say goodbye. Going away party. Vaccinations. Lots of hugs.
- Last minute WR shopping/immunizations
- Trip to Chicago for 2nd attempt to get Indian Visa – what a nightmare of a process that was!
- Pulled an all-nighter packing for WR (another huge headache!)
- Road trip to Atlanta, GA for LAUNCH
- Flew to Nepal, built a principal's office, taught kindergarten, prayed for believers in the village, rode elephant
- Flew to India, village ministry, prayed and gave testimonies, swam in Bay of Bengal
- Flew to Thailand, farming, taught English, relational ministry, saw waterfalls, rafting
- Bussed to Cambodia, taught English, painted rooms, laid gravel, Angkor Wat, Killing Fields, Birthday!
- Flew to Swaziland, led preschool, care point ministry, dug trenches for water line, safari
- Bussed to South Africa, led a youth camp, painted a house, Christmas by the beach, got Maz glasses!
- Bussed to Botswana- getting ready for Month #7: Unsung Heroes month!
Looking over this incredibly condensed list, I feel very blessed. And hopeful. Hopeful that even though this past year was greatly filled with love, laughter, adventure, and God's comforting and healing hand in times of distress and heartache, 2015 is going to be even better. I expect the Lord to move in big ways this year and I hope you do, too! I think He delights in showing us favor and lavishing us with love. When we come to Him with thankful hearts, no matter the circumstances or the events of the past year, He rejoices! And when we cry out, "Lord, I want to know and see more of you!" I think he responds, "Challenge Accepted." : )
With that, I just want to thank everyone who has supported me so far on this journey. I am officially FULLY FUNDED to complete the rest of the Race, which means the first 5 months of 2015 are likely to be just as crazy as the last 6 of 2014! Please continue to keep me and my Squad in your prayers as we enter the 2nd half of this faith-filled adventure. Also, I am still in need of funding for things like hygiene products, winter clothing for Romania and Moldova, food and transport on off/travel days, and blessing the people around me as God reveals needs (like getting our ministry friend Maz eyeglasses last month! What a blessing it was to give the gift of renewed eyesight! Blog coming soon!). If you'd like to help, please visit http://www.gofundme.com/thelast1000 or message me about mailing a gift. Every little bit counts : )
Oh, and look forward to big hugs from this girl in June!
Cheers to a happy, healthy, Spirit-filled New Year!
Love,
Mandy Marie
