I can't believe it's the 31st of December already. In some ways it feels like 2012 has flown by, in other ways it seems like it has been a long year with many ups and downs. Overall, it has been a good year. I have great memories and have been blessed to meet some amazing people. Sadly, a number of good friends left Sierra Leone in 2012 and they are missed a lot. That's the hardest - so many comings and goings.
2012 highs:
Fortunately the highs exceed the lows by far. The biggest low was probably my less than 100% health, which made me a bit miserable at times. However, it could have been so much worse so I can't really complain. My Nigeria trip was also not on my highlight list. It was a very difficult time - a lonely time and extremely busy and tiring and at times a little scary. Failing the primary exam for the West African college was a definite low - although the pass rate is very poor, I was hopeful and disappointed. A trying time. Another low was the number of children with hydrocephalus that passed away after their operations - made me feel a little guilty and helpless. Relationships have been a challenge at times too. I am sure that all of these lows are making me into a better person.
I am thankful for 2012 - the good times and the not so good times. God has been faithful and I will continue to trust that His ways are better than mine! I'm looking forward to a great 2013.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!
2012 highs:
- Multiple trips to Namina's village
- Beach time with friends
- Long weekend at Turtle islands
- Helping with a workshop at Kenema Hospital
- Hiking up Sugarloaf (finally!)
- ETAT training at the Children's hospital
- Investing in a car (a loan) to help a friend get closer to his dreams
- An MRE feast with John, Katy and Suzanne
- Two trips to Guinea
- Birthday trip to Guma Valley Dam
- Visiting the Africa Mercy
- A 4 day trip to a friend's village in Guinea
- Sunday afternoon walks on Lumley beach
- Peaceful presidential elections (and sneaking out)
- Thanksgiving dinner (and prep) with friends
- Attending a conference in Accra, Ghana
- Slow but steady progress at the Children's Hospital
- Working on the x-ray project - a huge challenge but also fun
- Snow for Christmas and sledding
- Seeing friends and family in the UK, Netherlands and USA
Fortunately the highs exceed the lows by far. The biggest low was probably my less than 100% health, which made me a bit miserable at times. However, it could have been so much worse so I can't really complain. My Nigeria trip was also not on my highlight list. It was a very difficult time - a lonely time and extremely busy and tiring and at times a little scary. Failing the primary exam for the West African college was a definite low - although the pass rate is very poor, I was hopeful and disappointed. A trying time. Another low was the number of children with hydrocephalus that passed away after their operations - made me feel a little guilty and helpless. Relationships have been a challenge at times too. I am sure that all of these lows are making me into a better person.
I am thankful for 2012 - the good times and the not so good times. God has been faithful and I will continue to trust that His ways are better than mine! I'm looking forward to a great 2013.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!
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