Impossible... Doesn't make sense and so it is, IMPOSSIBLE.  How can time stand still and yet be over before you know it.  It's my same philosophy in RSVPing, sending cards, and inviting someone(s) over for dessert or dinner.  I have the best intentions, yet one day turns into a week, that turns into a month, and so on.  

Some of the lessons I learned over the last year can't be put into words.  Others so wordy I will try to shrink it all down.

Realizing your wants vs needs is probably the only thing that could fit into both categories.  The parts I can't put into words is more like I "shan't" for the sake of keeping friends and also not making you vomit.  Let your mind think water and all that's involved with that and then add 10 or a 100.  My wants took over my needs many days.  I wanted to have a Wal-Mart or Target around the corner to get my "needs" like- we are out of sour cream for our baked potatoes, or powdered sugar for the icing, or yogurt for lunch, rabbit food for the rabbits, all "needs" in my mind.  That's when you realize the difference between your needs and your wants.  Not even to mention more meaningful "needs" like gas for the propane stove, so you go outside and buy some firewood in the market and move your lunch 45 minutes later, that was half way through already.  (And ruin your pan all while trying to make it happen bc you don't want to waste food here)  

I have also learned more about myself.  Some good and some really ugly stuff.  The good is that I can put one foot in front of the other and make it.  The ugly that I was so angry at God and my husband for calling me to a place that would strip away the ugly.  I would be brought to my knees before the Holy Father who loves me more than anyone or anything and shown us what it means to follow Jesus.  It's sad that it took coming to Africa to do this, but man it is SO WORTH IT.  I now know that my life is COMPLETELY in Jesus's hands.  He is not only my Savior and Redeemer, but he is my families healer, provider, comforter, helper, peace keeper, lover of life, and our ALL.  When you are taken to a world where you can't call 9-1-1, drive to a world renown hospital, call friends to come and give you a hand, be involved in "social" activities, cry on your momma's shoulder, or send your kids to the neighbors for a moment of peace, you only turn to Him.  I PRAY that I will never turn back.  I PRAY that my kids will learn to fall at Jesus's feet first, not when it's your ONLY option.

I have learned how to make a meal from scratch that's edible :)  I have perfected my "bargaining" skills.  Kinda...  I am saying my garage sale Saturdays could've been preparing me for these days.  See, honey, God was in my treasure hunting! LOL  I have learned that sometimes the less you know about your food the better.  Bugs and ants could be part of the flavor.  I have learned that simply smiling or waving could break down a thousand walls.  I have seen how giving can change a person's life.  Read that again.  I mean it in a LITERAL sense.  It could change their life!  I have seen how giving can sadly hurt a person's life, too.  Wisdom and discernment are a must.  I pray for it and hope that's what you pray for us, too.  

One more thing I want to share since I can't just go on and on, is that I have learned that no matter where you are or what you are doing...it means nothing without Jesus.  You can focus on yourself and your own problems whether you are in want/need or in abundance.  It's all the same when you can't keep your eyes on Him.  I know why Paul wrote about this in Phillipians 4:11.  He said he has learned to be content.  I am not sure I could honestly say that wholeheartedly, but I get it.  I get that when you keep your eyes on Him you can and will succeed and overcome. I know I fail all the time, but thank goodness for His grace and mercy to start fresh every single day!  

Here is an online album to relive this past year with us :) I get it's long and you probably won't make it to the end, but revisit it when you are bored.  (It's more for me haha)

Let's see where the next year leads together!!!

Hugs,

Lace