In 2011, I...

...welcomed in the new year in Uganda with some of my best friends and illegal fireworks.
...watched and encouraged Emily in starting an orphanage for kids with disabilities. Look how far it's come! www.ekisa.org
...fell in love for the first time.
...had good coffee with great friends.
...grew in my faith.
...learned more about God's grace and mercy than I ever knew.
...did things I said I'd never do.
...regretted some things that I didn't do.
...graduated from university. Finally.
...had my heart broken and put back together.
...took my 4th trip to Uganda.
...had my heart stolen by even more kiddos.
...fed a monkey by hand.
...named a one-month old baby girl in the slums.
...visited a prison for teenagers.
...relaxed at a pool overlooking the River Nile.
...rode a camel.
...watched families embrace life with their adopted children.
...fell more and more in love with Africa.
...was a bridesmaid in a wedding for my sweet friend, Laurel.
...spent time with people who have challenged me in so many ways.
...learned how to be a better wife and mother in the future.
...took steps of obedience that I didn't want to take.
...didn't take steps of obedience that I should have taken.
...ate fish head soup.
...met the people I will be spending 2012 with.
...had the priviledge of being part of my friend Katie's book tour. Read about her work here: www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com and here: www.amazima.org
...was at a home-birth for my friend's son.
...ended the year on a beautiful, 70 degree day with some of the people who have affected my life the most.

Lord willing, in 2012 I will...

...start the year in the arms of loved ones.
...go to 11 different countries and spread the hope of the Gospel.
...make a difference in the world for the Glory of His name.
...have as much of an effect on others' lives as they have on mine.
...ride an elephant.
...love better than I ever have.
...be a faithful prayer warrior.
...draw in closer to His heart.
...let go of what could have been, and trust that it is in His control.
...swim in the ocean again. (It's been too long!)
...see a witch doctor come to know Jesus.
...grow in my faith.
...not get too terribly sick.
...let go of friendships that God meant only for a season that has passed.
...embrace the friendships that He has given me for the present.
...be a catalyst in the spreading of the Gospel.
...see girls freed from the sex trade.
...learn many new things.
...learn things that will make me a better wife and mother in the future.
...allow Christ to weaken and strip-away the footholds that the enemy has in my life.
...see more orphans be adopted into their forever families.
...let my guard down so that I can learn more from others and they can learn more from me.
...see people get healed.
...die to myself daily.
...go great white shark cage diving.
...go on a beautiful hike. Or 2. Or 7. Or 11.
...drink good coffee with great friends.
...go to sleep in so many different places that I'm not always sure where I am when I wake up.
...trust Him more and more for what He has in store for me. The people, the places, the plans. Trust that He is good and wants to bless me as His daughter.
...end the year in the arms of loved ones.

2011 has been quite the year.. Excited for 2012!