It’s hard to believe it’s the last day of 2005. This has been quite a year for our clan. First off, we technically BECAME a clan with the addition of Chickpea. She’s only been with us 10 months, but it’s really hard to imagine life without her. Sometimes we relish flashbacks of days when we could stay out till whenever, not revolve around nap schedules, and eat without sitting in the Splash Zone. But that would mean not having Chick, so that lifestyle – even just wanting that lifestyle – no longer computes. There’s no trade, easily. She’s the best thing that’s happened to us as a family.

We decided on the location of our next home. In hindsight, we can see how God drove us the scenic tour to get there, and that from the beginning, that was our ultimate destination. All I can say when I reflect on everything about this is this – GOD IS GOOD. In His timing, in His provision, in His reliability. In a few years, when we doubt why we set up shop in this country, we can return to the summer and fall of ’05 and remember His goodness and clarity.

Kabob has a good job. He wouldn’t be happy with it if he knew he’d be there for the next 20 years, but he’s happy for now, and it fits our family well. But I guess that’s true with any job. He works long hours, but he can leave work at work, and he’s not devastatingly wiped out from it, which was true of previous jobs. It’s a blessing from God, and we’re satisfied.

We have been blessed with new friends, which we’re pretty sure is Chick’s fault. We now know so many other parents of young children, and they have kept us sane and laughing. I’m so thankful for them.

I hear friends’ complaints of in-laws, from the predictable, almost stereotypical, to the downright bizarre and unimaginable. Kabob and I both feel we’re blessed with neither situation. Our extended families are loving, caring, full of grace towards us, and just plain fun. There are different communication styles (as is really the case with anybody), but overall we couldn’t ask for a better family support system. We’re so blessed we almost feel guilty.

I could go on – but to sum up, 2005 has been a good year. I’d venture to say it’s been the best year of our marriage so far (out of three whopping years), and it’s all from the grace of God. I’m mulling over thoughts abotu 2006, but that’s best left for tomorrow or soonafter. Nothing’s really clear yet, anyway.

Have a fun and safe night, and I’ll write more next year!

posted: 05 December 31
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