Understand others and myself better by taking an Intro to Counseling course, a DISC course, and reading Now, Discover Your Strengths.
I also learned to post audio and video on blogs, and in April, got “back to mac” after 8 years in the PC which meant learning a whole lot of new things for computer.
In walking with God, I grew most in…
Not feeling so responsible for things that are beyond my control.
Another way I saw myself growing was…
Keeping my opinions to myself. Being more open minded. Not needing to convince others or be understood. Listening better. Being part of a team. Not always successful, but I have learned to keep my mouth shut and my ears open just a bit more. Still loads of room for growth there!
One of my best adventures was…
Going to Bandung, Indonesia in March with Cameron. A mother and son trip to visit the Webbs before they moved here and became our neighbors!
I saw/knew God was doing something when…
I sensed, against my better judgment, that I should take on the creating of the World of Narnia for Focus on the Family this Christmas.
A real gift from God was…
A November retreat in Cameron Highlands with the COOS drama team. Doing enacted prayer with them and having sweet anonymous notes.
Something I really enjoyed doing more of was…
Playback theatre rehearsals when we shared through long forms about our lives and influential experiences.
One of the happiest memories I’d like to freeze in my mind…
Just about everything about our June/July in USA:
Camping at Doheny with old friends, being with Linda while she was sick - seeing my children make good friends with the children of my childhood friend. Time with the in-laws. Time in Georgia. A family reunion in Tennessee. Hearing my cousin Ryan Anthony play trumpet as a guest artist in an off the beaten track concert (I never thought I’d get to hear him play live!)
I was really brave when…
I spoke in my parents’ Sunday School class this summer. Any speaking “engagement” is terrifying for me. I did it once last year, and twice this year.
We signed the lease for the new apartment. Can we really afford it, even if it is a great price? It is a stretch. Will people think badly of us as “missionaries” living in a beautiful place?
Something God took from me this year was…
Sally and Franklin moved to Shanghai, Joni and Trevor moved to Perth. My friend Pat was all over the world. Agnes is going to London. Hmm. I purposely make friends with Singaporeans instead of other expats so that I can enjoy some long term friendships…then my good Singaporean friends move away! After 6 years immersed in local schools, and living in the suburbs, we’ve in a way, “given up,” on integrating into the heart of Singaporean life and are now living in a condo and have the kids in an International School. The change was right, but, it is a loss, none-the-less.
I’m still trying to learn what God wants to teach me through this hard experience…
The first few years in Singapore (2000-2003). When we are secure in God’s lavish love for us and are now surrounded by people who do care about us, why can’t I feel healed from those desert years? Why do I feel so guarded and unsure of myself in making friends of both locals and expats? I am not insecure like this when I’m in USA or in any other country, or in professional relationships here…What am I to make of these new feelings of interpersonal weakness? What is God saying to me?
The best word of advice or encouragement I can remember is…
JIM: “Cut your losses. Move on.”
McNair: “The sky is not the limit!”
Something I’m looking forward to in this new year…
Feeling settled, and enjoying the view with new and old friends. Enjoying my husband and children. My parents are coming to visit. Getting more organized and efficient. Reading some good books and learning more. Having opportunities to share life with others.
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