My heart is full of so much thanksgiving this year. God Has brought me so far and He has been so good to me every step of the way. I think back to where I was in the beginning of the year and it’s crazy to see how much change took place. I never thought I’d be where I am right now but God is so cool. I love how He orchestrates all of our steps. I am so thankful for His faithfulness and where He’s led me. This year has been a year of so much growth. I’ve learned to trust God in new ways. I’ve learned how to walk in freedom and forgiveness with myself. I’ve felt God and seen Him move in ways I never expected. I’ve learned how to say yes to what He has, even though sometimes it looks scary. He’s closed doors and He’s opened new ones. He’s been with me through the times that were hard. He’s been with me through the victories. He’s pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. He’s never left my side and I am forever thankful for all that He’s done.
When I try to think of a phrase to summarize what this year has been for me “New Beginnings” comes to mind. This year I said goodbye to all I knew for the last 25 years. I left my family, friends, and community to go and do what God had called me to. It took so much trust and faith. It was scary and I was nervous, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. There is no place I’d rather be than in the center of God’s Will.
This year my family gained two new additions. Back in July, my brother and sister in-law welcomed their second daughter into the world, Nora Elizabeth. She is so beautiful, dearly loved, and is such a joy. We also welcomed Grace Marie Fillion into our family, who, for those of you who don’t know is my best friend. My brother and her got engaged in October. I am so happy for the both of them and am so excited to gain her as a sister. Their relationship inspires me each day and I cannot wait to see how the Lord uses them as a married couple. I am so thankful to God for both of these new additions to our family.
Something else I am so thankful to God for are my beautiful parents. They are amazing individuals who love God, love others, and lead our family well. Since being gone I feel like I’ve gained a new appreciation for them. They continue each and every day to love me so well and I am so thankful for that.
I miss my community back home but God has been so good. He gave me a new community to do life with. They have encouraged me, challenged me, spoken truth over me, and have loved me. I am so thankful for each one of them.
My heart is full of so much joy and thankfulness as this year soon comes to a close. I thank God for all that 2018 held and am looking forward to what this last month holds as I head to Malaysia. I thank Him for the triumphs. I thank Him for the new additions. I thank him for all the wonderful people He has placed in my life. I thank Him for seeing me through the hard times. I thank Him for continuously loving me. I thank Him for pushing me and calling me out of where I was to greater things. I thank Him for where He’s led me. He is so good and I will forever praise Him. I am so excited for to see what’s to come in 2019.
Much Love and Happy Thanksgiving to all! ~ Calin
