re·flect
As 2015 comes to an end, there’s this hashtag going around… #2015bestnine. Naturally, as the nostalgic, have-to-Instagram-everything type, I had to investigate. Although I did not end up posting my collection of most liked photos, I did spend some solid time revelling in the memories.
Twenty-fifteen was an outstanding year, and here’s why:
1. Ecuador
Though the excitement of my first airplane trip was incredible, it was hardly comparable to the experience that followed. I was able to travel with the loveliest group of teachers and teach the most joyful bunch of students. These kids were so bright and curious. They learned quickly and challenged me to be flexible and think on my feet. Communication was difficult at times, but there was one thing we could always share – a smile.
There is one little girl that I will never forget. She grabbed my hand one recess and instantly captured my heart. Although she could not speak any English, she held on to me as if I was a familiar friend, and the smile never left her face, as we twirled and played until the bell.
I expected to come back to Canada with some fun memories and a cool experience, but what I really got was a heart full of joy and a mind full of memories. The students I met were so interested in learning, and that desire was and always will be my motivation. I was on a mission to change lives, but really, it was my life that was changed.
2. Graduation(s)
Finishing my time at Nipissing was bittersweet. Completing two university degrees concurrently was an incredible feat. Maintaining a high average and receiving an additional award in English studies was the icing on the cake. The only trouble was I had really grown to love the great white north, the friendly faces, and the little school on the hill. The thought of embarking into ‘adult life’ was terrifying. I could not imagine life outside of school. After all, it was my life for the past 18 years or so. Being a teacher seemed like the only way to ensure I would never really leave school. Haha.
My graduation wasn’t the only one on the agenda for 2015. My little sister also escaped the angsty grasp of high school with flying colours. I often feel just as much pride for her accomplishments as I do for my own. She has an incredible sense of determination, compassion, and hope. She is already diving into a new chapter as a Laurier Goldenhawk, and I am so excited to see where it takes her.
3. A Dream Wedding
On July 18, my life was changed forever, as Andrew and I walked back down the aisle as husband and wife. The whole event was a whirlwind of emotion, but most of all, I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of love and support from so many family and friends.
We all have dreams, but turning them into a reality is a different story. When I walked into the venue the night before, and saw how all my plans had come together, I was blown away. Our wedding planner and decorator really outdid themselves. More importantly, when it finally came time to walk down the aisle, to devote my life to the man I loved, I could hardly contain myself. This was the start of a new life full of learning, adventure, and most of all, love.
Having Andrew as a constant partner, who guides, supports, and loves me in and through every situation is a true blessing.
4. Dominican Adventures
Not only did we have the wedding of our dreams, but we were also able to experience a week-long honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. Lounging on the beach or by the pool was a welcome change compared to the craziness of wedding planning. It was just us, exploring a tropical island and revelling in the new promises we had made to each other.
On this adventure, I learned to give up control and be a little more spontaneous. I didn’t even know where we were going until the night of our wedding.
This was two trips in a year for me – both so different and so special.
5. A New Home
Although temporary, we found the perfect little place to start our life together. The biggest challenge here was actually deciding which city to live in, given that we didn’t know where a job would open up for me. We decided on my hometown, and I am so glad we did. We are relatively close to both sets of parents, siblings, and most of our friends, which made the transition that much easier.
For me, the best part about having my own place is decorating it just the way I want. I’ve spent lots of time on Pinterest and at home decor stores choosing just the right pillows for the couch and pictures for the walls. Andrew likes to remind me that some plans will have to wait for a house that we own, but that doesn’t stop me from pinning. A girl can dream, after all.
6. Growing Families
While my own family grew as a result of marriage, I was able to witness a couple of other happy events in the lives of family and friends. One of my dearest friends got engaged to her dream guy, and I have the pleasure of standing up beside her this spring. Another friend welcomed a precious new baby to her family, and I cannot wait to watch him grow.
7. Career Beginnings
With Christmas on the horizon, I received an email offering a position on the elementary occasional teacher list. If you read my last blog post, you will know that this is just what I wanted most. God took my discouragement and turned it into hope. He opened the door that we had all been praying to find.
As I look back at all of these happy events, I can hardly believe they were all crammed into one calendar year. I am heading into 2016 with a grateful and happy heart. I have hope for another year full of love, joy, and adventure all because my God is in control. No resolutions needed.
Happy New Year!