Christmas and The Year in Review

The First Christmas at The Justins, 2012

Eight days until Christmas! 

I'm finding it hard to work out where this year went to. So much has happened and time has flown by!

This Christmas feels more significant to me someone. It's the first one married and the last one without kids. Also, because most years one of us is away at this time of year on a mission trip, we have not actually properly celebrated it... ever.

Christmas is not a big deal for Joel's family. They don't really do presents or put up decorations.

For my family growing up, my parents made a choice to not celebrate it because of its ties to pagan culture. Fair enough.

But for me, Christmas has always been a special time of year. It means family, coming together and celebrating the year, taking time to rest, being thankful, and preparing for the coming year spiritually.

This has been an odd year, where most of my plans were thrown out the window through unforeseen circumstances. It was an incredibly good year, and a very tough one.

In February, I made a trip to Shanghai to visit Roy and have my wedding dress made. It was so fun to see him in his natural environment, to visit a new city in the country that I love and to get my wedding dress made! Triple points!

In March, I went to Aus and Mum and I went to Hillsong Women's Colour Conference. Wow! There is such a holy atmosphere there. Although I didn't get major direction or a specific word (I wasn't actually looking for that), I think I needed that time of connection with God to get through the coming months.

The day after I got home from Sydney, I was moving a dining table by myself (Miss. Independent. I learnt from that experience!) and managed to drop the whole thing on my poor toe, which resulted in multiple fractures and months of pain.

In April, I freaked out. One month before the wedding, all the 'what ifs' were filling my head with junk. What if marriage is terrible? What if this is a bad idea? What if his family and I don't get on? What if..? What if..? Joel should thank God for Roy, who loving calmed me down and reminded me of God's words to us.

In May... we got married! All the fears and doubts immediately vanished and it was the start of the best season of my life! We honeymooned in Sydney and Lombok, which was so restful.

In August, we made a baby! 

August until now has been filled with good days and bad days as my morning sickness dictates how I am and what I can do. It has been a struggle to keep up with the work I need to get done before I leave cease staffing at YWAM Singapore next year. It has been a challenge, but not necessarily a bad one. I am learning to balance self-care with productivity. And learning to stand firm on the decision my husband and I make. Also learning to follow through on the things I believe God has said to me.

And 2013 looks to be another interesting year. 

We've been blessed with a trip home in January. I am so looking forward to seeing my Nanna and family and also to spending time with Joel before the new and busy year kicks into gear.

Joel and I will be full time students in the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) from February - November. I will continue to work part time February until April but from May, I am no longer staff! How weird that will feel!

Our baby is due May 8 and my Mum will be coming over for 3 weeks to help out and see the little one.

I foresee a lot of lessons...