2011: What A Year

Okay, I know I am a little late to jump on the bandwagon for “end-of-the-year reflective posts”. I promise, it has been on my mind (and my task list) for over a week. As Hannah and I talked through last year, we still couldn’t believe everything that happened. It was a big year for us. We experienced God’s faithfulness, provision and peace in ways that we never had before. To be honest, I don’t even know where to start (and I probably forget a handful of things)…

After months of prayer and fasting at the end of 2010 and in the beginning of 2011, we felt that God was asking us to take a step of faith and to leave our jobs at Family Life Church so that we could minister to college students in Washington, DC. We love the people at the church and the staff team, so it was a challenge. Yet, as we told those around us of the transition – we found nothing but supportive people who offered their prayers and their resources to make this thing a reality. In those moments, we were humbled and honored to feel the love of so many. And it was in that time of transition, that as a couple, we really learned how to hear God’s will and discern his direction. I never want to forget that lesson. It wasn’t always easy but the hours we spent in prayer and fasting, were well worth it. I pray that this year, we continue to keep our hearts and minds open to how God would like to use us. It is all to easy to create a plan for ourselves and then ask God to bless it. Since I love plans, that is a big temptation for me.

Well, Hannah went to Iraq, Baghdad for 4+ months with the American Red Cross. That was an incredible and difficult experience for us a married couple, but I know we are better for it. Long-distance marriage, why isn’t everyone doing it? In so many areas, I had taken Hannah for granted but let me tell you, being a bachelor again quickly pointed out my flaws! And through Google Chat, email and Skype, we probably talked more while she was away than a typical week before she left. It taught me that meaningful conversation doesn’t just happen, it’s intentional. 

Around the same time,  I became a full-time Campus Missionary in Training (CMIT) with Chi Alpha. So I started support raising and after transitioning out of my church staff role, I moved home to Texas to spend time with my family for the summer while continuing to raise my budget. Being a missionary (in a recession, nonetheless) and raising a budget for the first time, is perhaps, the most challenging faith issue I have ever experienced in my life. I am still amazed, to this day, about the incredible team of financial supporters that God has raised up to partner with us. I think that before this, I knew what faith was but during and after, I not only had knowledge but I had a tangible experience. There were days when all I got were “No’s” and I had no idea how to make it work – and that was where I had to ask God to intervene, to work on my behalf. And guess what, it’s way better that way. I have always struggled with relying on myself but this season, helped me learn that our efforts fall short and don’t produce significance.

In this moving and transition process, we sold 99% of everything we owned. From furniture to books to our pets (okay, we gave them away) – we keep the essentials. Okay, I accidentally only kept 1 plate, so I guess I also got rid of essentials, too! Well, when Hannah returned, we went on a second honeymoon and then took an epic road trip to say goodbye to family and friends. Who knew the Vibe could tow 1500 pounds on a 1,500 mile road trip? 

The crazy thing is, all of this only brings us to August!  We moved into a new place, I got settled in at American University working as a CMIT with Chi Alpha, Hannah began working at a bookstore, we started attending a new church that we love (@NCC), we made some new friends, we have gotten used to using public transportation for the first time in our lives and we are still trying to resist the crazy parking fees. All in all, I have enjoyed re-connecting with Hannah (reading dates, TV marathons, Alabama football games) and being back in the world of Chi Alpha. I am so thankful for the ups and downs, the good and the bad, the neat and messy, of 2011 – it has been a wild ride but I am glad for it (although, I tend to like being in control and avoid literal and metaphorical roller coasters).

Tell me about your 2011. Best part, worst part. Biggest takeaways…