Hello 2010!

As we changed calendars on our wall, taking down our beautiful 2009, and putting up a nice 2010 one, we want to wish you all a most blessed New Year. We hope your celebrations were all safe and filled with fun and joy.

Moving into a new year is always a good reason to look back and reflect on the year just completed. Our review included quite a bit of travel to various parts of the US (for me, it included places like Minnesota, New York, Minnesota, Colorado, and, oh, did I mention, Minnesota?; while for Carrie it included Texas, Minnesota, Minnesota, (no that's not a stutter) and Georgia). The frequent flier miles should really be piling up, right?

We completed our four year commitment to my leadership program, bringing an end to a wonderful time of learning and growing. We both have been so excited to have been a part of this program, and know that we are better off for our participation.

We also did manage to squeeze in some time to work. Carrie continued her work with international students, and we continue to be thankful for the opportunities God has given to us in providing for our life. Her employment allowed us to replace my old car early in the year, and we are so thankful for all that God has given to us. I also continue my work, and have had both joys and sorrows, but I do have to say that I get to work with an overall pretty fantastic group of people.

In terms of personal achievements, we both had a few significant ones. I made it a goal to run a half marathon (yes, that's 13.1 miles!), and ran one in late August, finishing in a whopping 1 hour 50 minutes. This goal has introduced a new feature into my life (running!!!!), which I now do several times a week. As part of a lifetime goal, I also want to run at least one half-marathon each year.

We faced our share of difficult times throughout the year, and know that God will continue to show us His care and love. We are so thankful for all the people who have supported us through the difficult times of life.

As the year rounded to a close, we were also overjoyed to have one of Carrie's overseas friends come to celebrate Christmas with us. It was her first time to see snow falling, and so we had the joy of taking her skiing, sledding, and having snowball fights. Ah, it was almost like being a kid again.

As we look ahead, we face the coming year with a great deal of excitement. There truly is no telling where God will lead us through 2010, but we do know one thing; we are excited to be in His hands as He leads us there.

Happy New Year, everyone! And God bless us, every one.