A Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Billy/ January 1, 2019/ Holiday, Reflection

Well, 2018 was a full year, and largely it was a year with very little blogging or writing. I’m hoping to change that in 2019, and that includes sharing a few posts in the weeks ahead that I had hoped to share in the past.

The year was incredibly full for us as we witnessed our daughter growing and celebrating her second year of life on the earth. We spent a little less than half the year on the move, and had the privilege of seeing many old friends and making some new ones along the way.

And wow, were there some amazing moments in 2018! In February, I witnessed Jamie share her story of why she is so passionate about addressing extreme poverty…with leaders from all over the world who are part of the ONE campaign started by Bono. Jamie addressed a crowd of more than 200 leaders, and as she shared her story it was truly inspiring. I wept with joy and pride as I heard her share her passion in front of such a large crowd of leaders.

In April we took our first extended international vacation with Sylvia. Nuru was invited to participate in the Skoll World Forum in Oxford, and so Jamie and Sylvia traveled with me and we planned a little European vacation on the heels of the forum. We spent time in Paris, London, and Amsterdam, and were able to see some friends in Amsterdam along the way too! And, Sylvia ran all over the Gardens of Versailles while we were in Paris. Such fun times!

Lots more traveling took place throughout the year, and we were incredibly grateful to be able to connect with friends in Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, DC, Columbus, Portland, and Denver among other places.

Jamie and I have both had the blessing of being able to work helping people. Jamie has continued working at HealthWorks supporting patients in aquatic rehabilitation and leading aquatic fitness classes as well.  In addition, she has been moving forward with ONE, and was instrumental in getting others around our state involved with the movement.

We continue working to inspire others in confronting the crisis of extreme poverty and joining our efforts at Nuru. This year, Nuru was able to exit its second country project, and as an organization, we celebrated ten years of changing lives in remote, rural areas.

We also completed another Marine Corps Marathon this year. This time, Jamie’s dad joined us too! Honestly, if it had not been for his accountability for us, I’m afraid our training would have been hijacked by our travel this year. At sixty-two, Jamie’s dad nailed a bucket list project, and it was pretty awesome that he and Jamie were able to finish the race side-by-side.

And of course, we have been enjoying every day with Sylvia in our life. She is such a precious gift, and it has been wonderful to witness her growth and development. She has seen more of the world than either Jamie or I had ever dreamed of seeing in all of our years growing up. And she spreads joy everywhere she goes. Right now, a few of her favorite things include Pitzi (Pizza), Moana, and eating gummy snacks that Pa (my dad) supplies to her.

But the year wasn’t all fun times. In March, I had laser vein ablation surgery done on my left leg. It was a problem that I had honestly hoped would clear up with exercise and dietary changes. Not that I have ever been incredibly unhealthy, but I just hoped that making some changes would do the trick. Unfortunately, my physician and the specialist I saw told me that’s not exactly how these things work, but that I was “a good candidate for surgery.” I always knew I had potential 😉 The surgery has helped clear up a massive protrusion of veins in my calf, and I have significantly reduced swelling in my left leg and ankle as a result, and now, a few months away from the surgery, I’m getting stronger and I’m moving better too!

If there were one word to describe this last year, I think I would choose the word “full.” The year was full of blessings and unexpected gifts and joys, and honestly, I think if we look closely at every year, we will witness something similar. Each year has its own fulness, but our Creator equips us with everything we need to overcome and to thrive.

As we wind up 2018 and look toward 2019, I’m praying that you will be able to take some time to consider just how full your year was as well, and that you will savor that fullness in the year ahead. Thanks so much for being part of our lives and part of the adventure we have been called to! May you experience fullness in all that you do!