As we’re coming to the end of 2018 and I’m reflecting on what the year has brought. It’s something I’ve been doing a lot of over the last few weeks, and the only word I can come up with to sum up my year is thankful. I’m treasure every high and low, for every country travelled and every adventure I’ve been on.  I’ve come to the realisation that I need to be thankful no matter what is thrown my way and I’m so blessed. 

I’m reflecting that I was in Indonesia this time last year and following there Christmas traditions, I must admit I like the weather in Indonesia better but, there is nothing better than being home for Christmas. I’ve managed to see my family and share what the last year has brought which is why I’m thankful.

The biggest thing I’m grateful for is being able to fly home in time to see my Nan before she died. That her passing was as peaceful as she was; she joined my Grandad in heaven and she left this world with such tranquillity because she knew where she was going. I had the privilege to be there when she died and to share some happy moments with her, I will never forget the moment I walked into her house and she said “What you doing here! You’re early?” then she gave me the biggest hug and kiss. Those three days with her are what I’m most thankful for, and the fact that she was my Nan, she taught me about love and faith.

I also appreciate every up and down that’s happened in 2018, I lost my uncle and wasn’t able to come home to the funeral. But, I’m thankful that he is now at peace, that the time we spent on holidays together will be remembered fondly. That every time we spent together was precious, because you never know when your time is up, so make sure your life is in order and that your happy with where you will spend eternity.

I’m happy that I’ve made new friends and family this year; some people that have touched my life and my heart. I look forward to what will happen in the future, I look forward to what the Lord will do. I cherish there friendship and guidance, I’m thankful that I spent time living in there house and family, that they welcomed me into there family with such open arms. 

I have been back in England three weeks and in the western world just under two months and the one thing I am still so thankful for is a hot shower. I still thank God for hot water, for quick Internet, proper tea and coffee. This might not seem like a big deal to you but it is to me, I still savour my first morning coffee. I never realised how much I took for granted in England, how I could drive anywhere on my own, how I could just go for a walk and meet friends for coffee and how we always had food on the table or we could just go to the supermarket and get something. I missed pizza and Italian food the most, I now appreciate going out for food and being able to walk to the shops, I am grateful for the food we have and the fact that I have choice unlike some people in the world.

I can even look back on my past and see why I went thorough what I went through, why I had to learn these lessons the hard way. I am so thankful that God can turn everything around for His glory, that He can turn every dark valley around and that I am now who I am because of what I went through. I am still working things through with God but I can say that I wouldn’t  change my past because I wouldn’t be who I am now and I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now. I’m eternally thankful that God saved me and loves me unconditionally; that He could love someone like me still amazes me. 

I’m surprised at who I am now, I’m thankful for 2018 because I learnt how to accept my past and look to the future with hope. I believe that 2019 is a year of new beginning and that is what I will be praying. Thank you God for helping me and making 2018 a turning point in my life that now I can walk into 2019 loved, restored and free. God bless you.