Year 1

This weekend marked my one year anniversary in Boston. I cannot believe that it has already been a year and that I have finished with my first master's degree.
I did a bit of reflecting over the past few days:
I couldn't see out the rear of my car. I had loaded as many of my possessions as humanly possibly into every spare space. I left and literally wasn't able to look back. I drove onto roads I had never traveled and came to states that I had yet to check off my list. After hundreds and hundreds of miles, I finally reached my destination. I was scared! As I climbed the two flights of stairs and walked into the empty apartment my stomach did a little turn and the fear began to creep in. Could I and was I really doing this? Slowly that little apartment became a home and the other two gals who shared the space became dear friends and prayer partners.
The leaves changed into the most glorious colors and my favorite season was more breath-taking then I had ever before experienced. I bought things I swore I would never buy, can we say long puffy coat! I didn't freeze to death like I had anticipated and to my disappointment, I did not experience my first blizzard. I explored, explored some more, and explored even more, marking new states off my "need to visit" list and soaking in all the history this place affords.
I met friends that shared new experiences with me and studied the Bible with me. I had visitor after visitor after visitor, hey when you move somewhere fun, people will come visit!
I went to class, I supervised undergraduates, I wrote papers, I read articles, I student taught, I made good grades, I earned awards and high honors, and before I knew it, I was DONE!!!
I do believe that as you get older the years go by faster and though this year definitely went by fast, it was marked with tremendous events along the way. It was one of the hardest yet most fulfilling years of my life and as I look back I see one constant through it all, God. He held my hand and led me here, He calmed my fears, and believed in me when I felt that I was all alone. I lost a lot this year, but He kept me safe and provided all of my needs even more abundantly than I could have imagined. He whispered words of love and wisdom to me on my darkest days and through it all He remained steadfast and loving and was there to catch each of my tears.
In just a few days I will begin year 2, program 2 and I cannot wait to see what year 2 will bring!! Oh Lord my God, I praise You for who You are and Your love in spite of who I am. Be my Rock, my Strength, and my Shield. Thank you for Your faithfulness!!