Wednesday, March 13, 2013

26.... What a Year!

Wow, what a year it has been. 
It's March 14th which is significant for 2 reasons.
The first one is that it's the day I arrived back in China.
I have been living in China for a year. 
Sometimes it feels like it's been that long.
Other times feels like I just got here.

I remember that day so clearly.
Arriving back in the Beijing airport was very surreal as I had departed from that same airport less than 2 years prior.
But this time I was back in Beijing for a few short days before flying to Guangzhou.
The other significant date for March 14th you may ask?
Oh yeah, it's my birthday.
Which really isn't that significant!
But yes, I moved back to China on my birthday. 
Kind of crazy huh?
I felt that for my 26th birthday what better reason to celebrate it than to arrive in the country where God had been calling me for so long.
And what a year it has been! 
I have seen God's hand at work so very clearly around me.
He has healed and restored.
And brought me an in-explainable joy.
A joy that comes only from Him.
It's been a year of challenges.
And a year of growth.
A year of seeing miracle after miracle take place before my eyes.
A year of new things (like starting a preschool!)
and learning more about the Father's heart.
A year where I have met so many wonderful people whether in person on this side of the world or through the adoption circles we all appear to be in.
I have fallen in love and had to let go.
These kids have changed my life so much more than I'll ever be able to change theirs. 
I will forever be grateful for the impact they have made in me. 

Wow, 26.... what a year. 
Here's hoping that 27 is as exciting or even more so!



12 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday, Anneli!!!!! You are beautful inside and out! Thank you for loving on our boy and all the other sweeties!!!!! May God bless you BIG~

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  2. Happy Birthday Anneli!!! I hope it's a wonderful day, can't wait to hang out when you come home :)

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    1. Thank you Mim! Looking forward to seeing you too and hearing all about your adventures!

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  3. Happy Birthday even from germany. May God bless you in this coming year and give you more than you´ve ever dreamed!!!

    Love
    Barbara

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    1. Thank you SO MUCH Barbara! I love that I'm getting birthday wishes from all over the world!

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  4. Happy, happy birthday Anneli! Praying that this next year exceeds your expectations and becomes one you never forget for all the blessings you recieve for being obedient to Him.

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  5. Happy Birthday, friend! Wishing you all the best.

    Looking forward to this summer!!!

    Kate

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  6. Happy Happy Birthday! Wishing you a fantastic day!

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    1. Thank you! I had a wonderful birthday celebrated with my adorable little ones!

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