memories...

The last few days have been, in my mind, interspersed with memories of the year gone by. 2007.

Reading my post from just over a year ago, I got to thinking of the year that just was. I remember that day, sitting up in Nakina just after Christmas when Amanda asked me what the year 2006 meant to me. And now, one year later, I'm trying to think of what 2007 was. I don't think that when I was asked that question a year ago, I would have thought that just a few months later I would be back in Nakina, spending my summer in Aroland. Already last summer seems like a distant memory. Looking through the photos of last summer bring back some great memories. Aroland definitely stands out in my mind when I think of 2007. I think of baseball, swimming, kayaking, biking. I think of the kids, of Merl and Cody, Brady, Bethany and Tammy, Niki, Tiffany and so many more...there's at least 30 names and faces in my mind still. And I think of Mary, who, only after a few months, miscarried. From that whole episode, I've learned to trust God to do what's best. John and Janet remain in Aroland, continuing to serve the community in any way they can, .

2007 was, for me, a year of experience and experiencing. From the breaking of a heart to it's mending in unexpected ways. From returning to an old life to beginning a new one in a brand new place. From urban life to the almost extreme of rural. New cultures and a new way of life. And finally, settling and constantly learning to be content, whatever the circumstances. There's something to be said about contentment.