A year of firsts...

It's only the middle of January, but 2016 is already proving to be a year of firsts. It's the first time I've seen in a new year in Africa, the first time I've let a chameleon sit on my shoulder, the first time I've welcomed home a German Shepherd puppy, the first time I've actually managed to buy a diary IN JANUARY-look how organised I'm becoming!- and the first time in a really long time that I feel ready.

As I sit on the floor of the laundry watching Max settle down for his first night in his new home, I'm struck that I have no idea what this year is going to look like, or where God is going to take me. And that could be a terrifying thing. But I choose to see it as something wonderful.

The end of 2015 forced me to grow and face challenges that I didn't see coming. It forced me to take a really long look at myself, to see those things in me that aren't the way God intended me to be. And it challenged me deeply about why I do what I do; why I live and serve here, and not in England.

Whilst I am not expecting 2016 to be easy, I am expecting it to be a year of growth. I believe, now more than ever, the words of this beautiful hymn:

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth the living just because He lives"

As I step into the unknown, I'm asking if you'll walk with me this year, one step at a time. Because it's going to be quite something, and I for once can't wait to see what God does next.

P.S. This is Max. He's a darling :)