Pondering 2011

It's New Year's Eve and that always makes me ponder life...What was this last year like? What were the highlights from this year? How was I challenged? In what ways did I see growth? 

And then there's the new year...What's in store for 2012? What are the things I want to do or see or experience in this year? What does God have in mind?

To give you a glimpse of what 2011 was like, here's a few of the highlights I came up with...as well as some things that I'm looking forward to in 2012.

Caden - opening his first stocking

In no particular order...

Caden Ryan Nofziger

In June, I became an aunt for the first time. This little boy has captured my heart, even if I don't get to see him very often. He's a joy to watch grow (via pictures and Skype and the stories from other family members). He has brought much joy to our family and in many ways, he has drawn us closer as a family. I look forward to seeing him grow and develop into his personality. He's a special little guy and will always hold a special place in this aunt's heart. 

with Becki, Bethany and Greta

San Diego

In January, three dear friends and I took a spontaneous trip to San Diego. It was one last trip together before some major changes took place in each of our lives. What a blessed time! We laughed, we ate, we went to the zoo (and saw the koalas, just for Bethany), we made a lot of memories and we simply enjoyed each other's company. It was a great way to start the new year! 

Quitting my job at EMM

I'm not sure if this was a highlight in the sense of "something really big and exciting that took place" but it was definitely something really big that took place. It was really strange to turn in my resignation, train someone new, and then step away. Even now, 6 months later, I still think about all that I left behind when I ended my employment on June 3. I didn't just leave behind emails and projects (though I did leave those too!), I left behind some dear people who I was privileged to call my friends. I learned a lot through my years of working for EMM. I am not the same person I was when I started back in October 2005...hopefully, I changed for the better. :) 

Family vacation

the family

In August, my entire immediate family packed up and traveled 15+ hours in one van to the Outer Banks, NC for one last hurrah before I left for Prague (yep, Caden was 6 weeks old at the time). It was an amazing week. Each one of us has expressed gratitude for being able to take time to get away and be together one last time. We enjoyed the ocean, the pool, the food, the conversation, the games, the putt-putt golf and each other's company. I am so grateful that we have this memory to look back on. I love my family! 

Prague

At the beginning of September, one of my life-long dreams became reality. I moved to Prague to start my three-year missions assignment. There were definitely days I didn't think it would ever happen. But it did. And now I've been here for almost 4 months. Throughout these months, I have been challenged, blessed, overwhelmed, frustrated, thrilled, grateful, and a whole host of other emotions. I had the privilege of living with a host family that I came to really love. I can see improvement in my language ability. I am building relationships. I love my church. I can't even begin to list all the ways I've been changed or the things I appreciate about these months. 

Becki, me, and Bethany 

Christmas in the Middle East

I was able to spend Christmas with two of my dear friends in the Middle East. This was a wonderfully refreshing time for me. I had hit the point where my brain couldn't comprehend any more Czech and this offered a perfect break. Christmas in the Czech is very family oriented and because I haven't been here long enough to develop deep enough friendships, I had no plans for Christmas. Christmas is not a holiday I wanted to be alone on...so I decided to spend it with some of my favorite people. For a whole week, we shared, prayed, encouraged, and simply enjoyed each other's company. Crazily enough, I started the year on a trip with these two and I ended this year with them too (Greta, you were missed!). :) 

I'm sure there are other things I could share that would be highlights for me, but these are the ones that immediately come to mind. When I look back over this year, I am overwhelmed by God's goodness in my life. He has sustained me through the good times, the hard times, the joyous times and the frustrating times. Without Him, I would be completely lost. 

That brings me to the things I'm looking forward to in 2012. You know, as I think about it...I really don't have a clue what to expect. That's one thing about God...He loves surprises! I am looking forward to developing relationships, to becoming a more active member in my church, to visits from family and friends, and to seeing how God will use me. I'm sure it'll be an adventure! 

Blessings upon each one of you in 2012. I look forward to hearing how God is leading your adventure! 

It's Christmastime!

Christmas is one of my absolute favorite times of the year. I love the lights and decorations, the hours of baking (and eating!) a variety of sweets, the Christmas caroling, the traditions, the times of being together with family. I love the reason behind why we celebrate Christmas.

My absolute favorite church service is the candlelight service on Christmas eve when we all gather around the sanctuary, light our candles, turn off the lights and begin to sing "O Holy Night," "Joy to the World" and many other favorites. For me, there isn't a more beautiful sound.

But, this year, Christmas looks a bit different. I won't be a part of the normal Christmas traditions with my family. And while that's quite sad, it's been fun to see the way Christmas is celebrated here.

Yep, we still have advent services. And, the beautiful lights. And the mounds of cookies and other yummy sweets. And the times of being together with friends.

But do you know what else Europe has?

CHRISTMAS MARKETS.

I think I've found my new favorite thing about being in Europe! They are so much fun.

Last week, I went with some friends to the Christmas Market in Dresden, Germany (where these pictures are from). It was so much fun to walk around and see all the different stands with their handmade ornaments or candies or jewelry. To walk among the stalls and smell the sweet combination of fried dough and sugar. Yum.

There was the same hustle and bustle like in the stores in the States, and yet, it was different. People were willing to stop and look. Shopkeepers weren't frazzled, but still had the smile on their faces.

One of the neat things about the Dresden Christmas Market is that it is Germany's oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1434 (see http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/dresden_christmas_market.php for more info on the Dresden Christmas market). 

Prague has Christmas markets too (yes, plural), though they aren't as large as the one in Dresden. Here you can buy the traditional Czech sweet dough "Trdelnik" and other things. Probably the most popular Christmas market is in Old Town. It's especially beautiful at night!

"Trdelnik" (photo from cbpictures.com)

I'm looking forward to learning more about the Christmas traditions of the Czech Republic over the next few years...and of course, seeing more of the Christmas markets! Anyone want to join me next year?! :)