2009 was an interesting year.

I’ve been grateful, depressed, angry, humbled, bitter, joyful, and everything in between it seems.  At the end of it all, however, the sense of joy and gratefulness is what stands out the most.  We’ve withstood the economic slump (thus far) while making some pretty significant decisions.

How was 2009 for you?

Some things to note for ‘09 for me would be…

• April and I purchased our first home in March…both extremely exciting and scary.
• We’ve almost become debt-free (minus the mortgage), which will allow us to give more and more to things we’re passionate about like clean water for people, fighting poverty and halting human trafficking.  *side note* This has been a huge challenge for us, as we get selfish and do not want to commit to sacrifice sometimes.
• We visited Portland for the first time and loved it!  April has a now-constant hankering for Stumptown Coffee
• My mom got re-married and moved to England…mixed emotions with that, as anyone can imagine.
• April has had some health problems that are still unresolved.  We’re hoping for answers in 2010.
• We have been in and out of a season of cynicism with the Church due to previous wounds, but I am happy to say that I believe we’re now on the other side of things.  We’ve currently been connecting more and more to a church near our home.
• Started this site, with a hope of rallying people together, using their unique gifts to help the least of these.

There are so many things that I’ve either forgotten or taken for granted.  When it’s all said and done, I’m grateful for life.  Grateful for the ability to experience both good and bad things.  I’ve felt God change my heart in a lot of ways, and yet there’s so much more for him to shape.  So, here’s to 2010!

How would you describe your 2009?

image: sam