bittersweet.
While it was a difficult year in many ways, it was also a year of tremendous blessings. Many lessons were learned, many tears were shed, but there was joy and laughter throughout the year, in the midst of the pain. God's love and faithfulness was evident every step of the way.
Here is a summary of our 2013. The ups,
the downs,
the in betweens...
the downs,
the in betweens...
January: Joe resigned from his job at BAMZ after being there for 6 years. God opened the door for full time ministry which we had been praying about for sometime. It's sometimes scary to step out in faith but we knew God was moving us in this direction and looked forward to embarking on this new journey.
February: We took a monthlong family trip to Sri Lanka which was amazing! I got to celebrate my 40th birthday there. We spent precious time with my mom and dad, making memories, not knowing for sure how much longer Ma would be with us.
March: Joe began work at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship.
April: We announced that Baby Furbert #5 was on the way and we started raising chickens!
May: Joe was ordained and officially took on the role as Associate Pastor at Cornerstone. Eden turned 6. Joe completed his first half marathon.
June: My mom went home to be with The Lord. She passed on peacefully at home with Joe , my dad and I at her side. Two days later, Marcus turned 3.
July & August: The summer went by quickly with VBS, Cornerstone kids camp, swimming, fishing, spending time with cousins and celebrating Eli's 8th birthday.
September: we began our 5th year of homeschooling.
October: Isaiah Jordan made is entrance into the world.
November: We celebrated Ma's life by planting a cedar tree, our 12th wedding anniversary and Micaiah's 10th birthday.
December: This month was a blur with Christmas preparation and activities. Some highlights for me were making mince pies which was something my mom did every year, watching the kids perform at Grotto Bay hotel on Christmas Eve, and spending Christmas Day with our parents, being entertained by the kids with a show they put together.
Definitely a roller coaster of a year but one that God used to strengthen my faith and draw me closer to him. I don't know what 2014 has in store but I'm looking forward to whatever it brings... This year has taught me that whatever I am faced with, God will see me through :)
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
