Highlights of 2009:
I taught my first college class (Professor Hall, yo - ok, I'm not really sure if my students knew who the heck I was, but whatever)
The utter agonies of the wringer known as the JET Programme Application Process (this was exciting more in hindsight ;-)
Experiencing the absolute shock of Googling Soya Subprefecture and learning that I would be moving to the northernmost city of Japan
Living at home for a few months
Leaving my secure, full-time job after almost 6 years
Standing by one of my best friends as she married a wonderful, godly man
Leaving North America for the first time
Leaving everything dear to me to land almost halfway across the globe in a place where I could barely say "Good Morning."
Experiencing the aching beauty of a Hokkaido summer
Experiencing the pure joy of learning katakana and hiragana
Skyping with my family - oh, Skype, I could write poetry to you!
Learning important things like "Watashi wa terebi o mimashita, demo wakarimasen" (I watch television, but I don't understand"
Going from being the office techie to the person who is like, "Uh, does this say Start?"
Watching snow fall at midnight on the first of November
Writing my first novel (well, at least my first 50,000 words)
Writing all 50,ooo words in the month of November
Walking through a blizzard
In one week, taking buses, ferries, taxis, trains, cars and airplanes
Coming home for a Christmas visit!
And naturally, blogging ;-)
There are so many more as well. This has really been one wild year! I can't wait to see what is in store for 2010!
Comments
By the way, I forgot to mention that Minna San means everybody. :-)
Also, because I was there for a few of those highlights, reading about them renewed my own feelings. Keep reminding yourself about Jeremiah 29:11 as you contemplate what this next year holds.
I love you so much and am achingly proud of you and your goal and desire to follow after God with all your heart and soul.
I liked your earlier use of the word achingly and therefore copied it! It is a very appropriately descriptive adjective for many of my life experiences---like dawns over the Rez and an unexpected Christmas Eve golden sunset and the JOY of reading the Christmas story from Luke to little friends.
Thanks for being so faithful in your postings to your "Liz-news-hungry" friends. Your writing quickens our imaginations and your gorgeous photos stir our hearts. This combination helps me get past the "missing you" part and focus on the "praying for you" part.
I love you, Brave Young Woman!
I have enjoyed these past several days with you and I am looking forward to the days ahead. I love you dear daughter and am delighted in your progress in your life. I love being your dad.