A number of other bloggers have done a year wrap up, and since I am burnt out, at the moment, at work, I thought I might take a minute of my mind off of youth ministry and fill you all in on our past year and what's to come. It will mainly be about me, but I've got a couple of highlights about Matt and Spencer as well.
I was just out to lunch with two of my favorite people (Doug and Anne Harvey) and they were talking about a best year, and I'd have to say that 2008 is in the top ranks. The year began with the AMiA Winter Conference, which was a huge milestone in my book. It not only taught me exactly what I am a part of, but really fired me up about my relationship wtih the Lord and my calling as a person who loves the Lord. I'm still fired up, excited to get back to the Winter Conference in a couple of weeks, and Matt will be going with me this year! Matt's mother was diagnosed with ALS around Christmas of 2007, so 2008 has brought NUMEROUS trips for Matt up to Pittsburgh. He's gotten up just about every 6-8 weeks for a long weekend to be with her and just sit by her bedside. It's been so tough on him. He was able to talk to her on the phone every night, 7:30pm, up until about 3 months ago. She's now unable to talk on the phone, so the only time she can hear his voice is when his sister's are visiting with him. It's tough. There's not an ouce of us that wants to move home, but it's hard being so far away from someone who's slipping away. We're not sure what 2009 will bring us with her sickness, but we pray for God's perfect healing on her life every day.
Professionaly, Matt continues to thrive with the Police Department and learns so much every day. He loves going to work, loves his team and continues to impress those around him every day. I'm so proud of how hard he works and how he is always there fore the department.
Professionaly, Matt continues to thrive with the Police Department and learns so much every day. He loves going to work, loves his team and continues to impress those around him every day. I'm so proud of how hard he works and how he is always there fore the department.Spencer had a great year. I think the toughest part for her (me) was the moving of Alfair, our nanny for 2.5 years. Alfair helped to raise Spencer and when she moved, it rocked our world. We had some great help from Gracie, which was awesome, and the Lord brought us to Wanda who just picked up right where Alfair left off. She's been great. Wanda has a degree in Early Childhood Education, so not only is Spencer "hanging out" at her house, but Spencer works on projects, learns songs and games and is beginning to learn more. She's 3. I'm not going to tell you she knows French and can count to 1000, but the strides she has made impress me all of the time. Although it was the beginning of 2009, the potty training was a huge thing for me. She's gone a successful week and I'm so proud of her!
(Above: My mother bought be the large frying pan of Calphlon two years ago and Matt has decided to start rebuilding my pots and pans. So, this was one of my favorite Christmas gifts! So, now I have 2!)
My youth ministry is going really well. I love what I do, more and more every day, and it seems as if the Lord continues to equip me and trust me with new things, which is so humbling. In fact, at the beginning of November, I was called in the AMiA offices for, what I thought to be, a meeting about the camps I'll be running this summer, Soul in the City. But, after sitting down with the President, he asked be to come on board of our Youth Ministry team and serve as the Assistant Coordinator of Youth Ministry! I was floored! This is a really exciting time and I'm really enjoying the new jobs and planning that have been added to my work week. I work very long days on Mondays and Thursdays, but it's totally worth it. I am honored to be on staff with the AMiA and honored that the Lord would trust me with not only students in Pawleys Island, but nationally!
(Above: My mother bought be the large frying pan of Calphlon two years ago and Matt has decided to start rebuilding my pots and pans. So, this was one of my favorite Christmas gifts! So, now I have 2!)
My youth ministry is going really well. I love what I do, more and more every day, and it seems as if the Lord continues to equip me and trust me with new things, which is so humbling. In fact, at the beginning of November, I was called in the AMiA offices for, what I thought to be, a meeting about the camps I'll be running this summer, Soul in the City. But, after sitting down with the President, he asked be to come on board of our Youth Ministry team and serve as the Assistant Coordinator of Youth Ministry! I was floored! This is a really exciting time and I'm really enjoying the new jobs and planning that have been added to my work week. I work very long days on Mondays and Thursdays, but it's totally worth it. I am honored to be on staff with the AMiA and honored that the Lord would trust me with not only students in Pawleys Island, but nationally! The Elliott's continue to find themselves at the feet of Jesus, daily, and are so thankful for our family and friends and those of you I've gotten to know through either this blog or Facebook!
Happy New Year and To God be the Glory!
PS: Here's what we have to look forward to this year...
-AMiA Winter Conference
-We're FINALLY going back down to Florida to visit with Matt's family
-Easter w/ Family!
-We're all going home to Sewickley in May
-I'll be away all of June, again, and most of July
-Matt has his 25th high school reunion in Stony Brook, which we'll be attending
...and Spencer's 4th birthday!
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