I am an emotional person…to say the very least. I feel deeply and, through years of work and prayer, I am able to accurately express those emotions in a variety of ways. Oftentimes evaluation of my emotions ends in tears. If this is NOT your first time reading my blog, you’ll know through my other posts that this happens…A LOT. I cry when I’m happy, mad, overwhelmed, frustrated, moved  to compassion, etc. I cry when someone does something kind for me, when I watch a sad movie, or when I see someone else crying. Tears flow ESPECIALLY easy when I hear songs. One song in particular, Auld Lang Syne, induces the shedding of tears like no other. This New Year's anthem brings to mind the unstoppable force of passing time. It brings to mind all that happened the year before, the events and the people, and

how the coming days hold all new blessings. 

It feels a little odd celebrating overseas this year. I haven’t seen sparklers or champagne or oddly shaped novelty glasses. I’ve not made any plans and I don’t have anything with sequins to wear as I participate in a collective countdown. And still, the twinge of sadness rings hollow as I know I must say goodbye to everything that has shaped me this past year. 

And what a year it has been! It has been tumultuous to say the least, but not in a “ship tossed about a storm” kind of way. It felt a bit like hopping between rides at a county fair. Wait in line, hand the man your ticket, sit on a cold metal seat, get strapped in, let your senses be rattled, laugh/cry/vomit(or all three), exit, get your bearings, repeat. It has been somewhat repetitive, jarring, but dang has it been a thrill! I am so beyond thankful for the gift that has been 2021 and I am even more excited to see what the LORD has in store for 2022. 

Please enjoy the pictorial compilation from my 2021.

Cheers!