Sunday, August 17, 2008

one year

It was one year ago today that we left the US and boarded on a plane to move here. It was one year ago that we started this phase of our life. A lot has changed in that one year. We've learned a lot in this year.

Of course it's hard to summarize a year that has been filled with incredible challenges, countless frustrations, and some of the most growing experiences in my life. Even with difficulties, I wouldn't trade any of it. I have loved it, although not always during the frustrating parts. I think about where we will be a year from now even, and I have no idea. Will we be back in the US or will we stay for another year? Lots of decisions to pray about in the upcoming months. I don't like the unknown and so much of my life has been unknown during this phase! We would appreciate prayer for that. Thanks!

I cried myself to sleep the first night we were here...and the second night. That was it. I know pregnancy does a lot with the hormones and all, but it was an overwhelming move to make anyway, regardless of just entering my third trimester. I was shocked though that I only cried for two nights. I awoke EVERY morning for weeks at the crack of dawn to the dogs in town barking like crazy. That bugged me. I couldn't seem to fall back asleep. Now? I never hear them barking, although I know they still do! Funny that I can sleep through it now.

I shared our first laundry experiences on here, as well my cooking challenges and our first driving experience. I talked about my first doctor's appointment. I shared about losing hot water the first time and then the second time when we lost all of our gas... I obviously could go on and on. Everything has been a learning process, and things continue to be that way in some areas. But it's a good thing. We should all be lifelong learners! Listen to that "teacher" in me. :)

I sit back now and think through all of these things and reread what I wrote a year ago about these things, and I really do laugh. I laugh because I remember what I was thinking and what it felt like. I laugh because most of those things aren't problems or difficulties for me any more. I laugh because it's good to laugh at myself.

It's good to recall all of those things and be reminded once again how God took care of each of those things in his own way. He has constantly provided for us, and he will continue to do so. He never promised it would be easy, but I know he will never leave us or forsake us. I started this blog for the sole purpose that I could keep record of what has happened and how God worked. I like going back and rereading and continually seeing that. Family, friends, and supporters have joined along the way to offer love, support, and encouragement, and we are incredibly grateful to all of you for that. It hasn't been the easiest of years but one that will never be forgotten or traded for anything.

I have loved this past year and GREATLY look forward to what God has in store for us this next year!

4 comments:

jennifer said...

Kristen, I just love you! You are so precious. I love reading your blog.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your one year anniversary in Hungary!

BTW - for some reason your posts here show up empty in my RSS feed (they used to show up just fine) - do you know why that is? Have any settings changed? I've missed reading this blog (Seth's blog shows up just fine).

Anonymous said...

Hard to believe it's been 1 year already! We miss you. Love, Dad

Kristen said...

Raechel, I don't know what happened. Maybe I hit something, but I don't know what it was! Sorry!