As I watched the Times Square ball drop from TV on New Year’s Eve, I couldn’t help but think about 2005 and 2006. Looking back on 2005, I must say, it wasn’t one of my favorite years because it was quite a rollercoaster ride. In Januray Cruz was called by the ARMY to a base in Arizona for 5 months of training while I remained in NYC. Then in Februrary I went to Matamoros, Mexico for 5 days which totally changed my life. It was there that missions became a centerpoint for me. On May 3rd my loving Grandpa (who was such a man of God) went home to be with the Lord after spending 37 days in the hospital and enduring 3 brain surgeries to combat hydrocephalus (water on the brain). One month after my Grandpa’s passing, Cruz received another order from the ARMY. This time they were sending him to Iraq to fight the War on Terror/Iraqi Freedom for 18 months. Talk about a blow to the stomach. At one point I thought I couldn’t breathe. What was going on? Why was all this happening at once?
Yes, 2005 was a tough year, but the Lord showed me so many things in different ways. I had never in my life felt God’s presence so strong during my Grandpa’s death, Cruz leaving, and in Mexico. He was with me every step of the way and was beside me the whole time. When I would cry, He would comfort me with peace, when I felt alone He comforted me with love and joy. There were times I felt His arms around me. It’s very hard to describe, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that God was there. He says in Hebrews 13:5, “…I will never leave you or forsake you.”
As much as I was ready for 2005 to be over, it was a year of learning and trusting for me. I look ahead to 2006 as I embark on this 11 month World Race Missions Trip. I am excited to see how God will use us around the world. I am happy to end the chapter of 2005 and I am am filled with anticipation as to the new chapter. Stay tuned 🙂
