Reflections and Resolutions 2011

The coming of a new year brings about opportunity for reflection and resolutions.

We can look back on the year that has past...its highlights, joys, sorrows. Its successes and failures.

This year I have so many things I want to do!

Professionally, I want to develop deeper relationships with the teachers i work with, offer more trainings, visit schools more, teach more classes, learn more. I want to communicate better with my supporters.

Personally, I want to be more intentional in my relationships with those around me, live a healthier lifestyle, give more, rest more.

That's a mighty long list!

I was just hearing on the radio that people generally make the SAME new year's resolutions for 10 years. What does that say about keeping them?!

The truth is, I can't do it all. As motivated as I am, I am only human.

So, I will start my year by reflecting on these verses...

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!"
2.cor.5.17

"My grace is sufficient for you
for my power is made perfect in weakness"
2 Cor.12:9

Why these verses?

I need to be reminded that it is not me who can accomplish anything. I am God's child, and he has created me for His purpose. HE is the one who can and will make things new - my relationships, my work, my health. In fact, He already has. And it is only as I give myself to Him that all things will come into perspective. For they are not mine to begin with.

I am resolving to...

"Seek first HIS kingdom and His righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matt.6:33

"In Him we live and move and have our being"
Acts 17:28

As I submit, as I keep my eyes on the One who made me - this is where I will find abundant life.

This is where I will find meaning.
love.
joy.
peace.

From here I can move forward and accomplish that which HE would have me do this year.

Maybe it will include everything on my list.

Maybe not.

But I will have success as I walk with my Creator.

And really, that's all there is to it.

Bring on 2011.

Looking Back at 2010

I will start today by sharing a few snapshots/highlights of the last year.

As you look through the pictures please join me in thanking God for a fruitful year. Thank God for the relationships built and established with teachers, schools, and friends. Join me also in praying for those involved in Christian Education all across West Africa. Pray that as God continues to bring about growth in their lives, each may do their own part in sharing God's love with those in their care.

January.
parents visit nigeria.


February.May.
volunteers come.




Gary Dewey.

John VanderHoek.

May.
train the trainers group launched in abuja.
meeting monthly.

I am very excited about the launching of this group! This year, I have become most passionate about developing leaders in Christian Education who can lead and teach others. The group of teachers, principals, and owners of schools represented here are just those type of leaders.

They are passionate about their calling as teachers. They are eager to live out their faith in their schools and classrooms through how they teach and what they teach. They are thirsty for knowledge, and seek to grow in wisdom! Praise God for each of them!

July.August.November.
visiting other parts of west africa

















January.Takum.
April.Abuja.
May.Jos.
September.Gboko.
and many in between :)
conferences and workshops with schools and teachers
























April.August.Kenya.
developing and testing educational care materials

June.
flatmates!

I moved into a lovely house with two friends: Yetunde and Eunice. It has been great to have people to come home to, laugh and share with.



















All Year.
school visits with teachers and children










working with my colleagues.

It has been a wonderful year growing together with my colleagues Mike and Megan Ribbens. They have been a source of joy and encouragement as we work together in ministry.





December.
trip to Paris with my sister.





christmas in Canada with my family!