Here's to a new year! {2021}

A lot of good things happened in the end of 2020. No, really. 

At the end of October, the 27th, to be exact, I was working and I got a text from my sister, saying she'd just gotten a call from Mom, and that they were on their way to the emergency room because she thought Dad was having a stroke. The hours that followed passed in a blur of tears and prayers and phone calls and a few days off work to just... Try to make sense of it all. I am beyond thankful for caring and supportive supervisors. I would not have survived otherwise. The good thing about all of that? He was home in two days, and significantly better 24 hours later. It still marvels me almost three months later. He is getting better every day.

This will always be one of my favorite pictures of my dad and I.

Justin and I had a socially distanced Thanksgiving at home with just the two of us in our Berea apartment. We cooked and ate way too much food for two people. Let me just say that throughout 2020, being at home with him made the pandemic a lot more bearable. I really learned just how much I enjoy his company, being with him whether we're doing nothing or not. 

In December, I accomplished a huge milestone and completed the end of a journey, a journey that started back in November of 2018 when I applied for a graduate program. I was determined to finish in six semesters (partially because 6 hours a semester equaled EKU paying for it 😉) The last semester, in particular the last three or so weeks of the last semester, were the most difficult of my entire graduate program. I prayed so much, praying I'd just pass my classes, never mind if they were straight A's or not. I prayed for strength for one day, and the next, and the next. I prayed for calm nerves for presentations, wisdom for final exams. I prayed for motivation to do what I needed to do, because some days I just DID NOT. I prayed for God to see me through to the end, because He finishes what He starts. And on December 11, 2020, I finished. 

Of course, my beautiful friend Ray came down to campus on a SUPER windy Sunday afternoon in November to take some pictures. 

I'M DONE, Y'ALL!

Unfortunately, my dreams of walking across the stage, getting hooded, seeing my family and bosses cheer me on were dashed because of COVID, so I had to settle for watching a virtual ceremony in the comfort of my living room with my darling husband next to me. The one perk was all the coffee I could drink! My family got to watch it too, though, so that was a neat experience to share together. Even my in-laws stayed up to watch it- it was 1am their time! I'm so thankful I got to still celebrate with people I love. 

A few days later, Justin and I sneaked away for two nights away in a cabin at Snug Hollow Farm to celebrate our third anniversary! It's insane how quickly the time passes. We were basically unplugged, and the time away to rest, play games, talk, cuddle, and eat so much good food could not have come at a better time. If you are in the area and need a quiet, restful night or two away surrounded by God's creation and some wonderful home cooked meals, I cannot recommend it enough. 

We got a little dressed up for our dinner in 😊 

A week later, Justin and I got up really early and drove six hours and met Kelly in the middle-of-nowhere West Virginia and picked her up and brought her back to Berea to spend a few days with us for Christmas. It was a very, very long day. We were more than happy to spend the next two days at home doing nothing! 

And now here we are, two weeks into 2021. It's already shaping up to be memorable, with all the protests occurring at the Capitol. It's really sad that our country has come to this. I can't make sense of it. I didn't vote for Trump in 2016, nor Biden in 2020, but I am hopeful for the new leadership. 

We're quarantining, too. At least Justin is, for the next few days. He's living in our spare room. It's very surreal video calling with him, in the same house. Leaving things for him outside the door. He's getting tested tomorrow, and after that, we wait. I know God will bring us through this, just as He has brought us through every other trial we have faced, both individually and as a couple. He is so faithful. 

I hope that 2021 brings you more health, joy, and love, and that we perhaps see an end to Covid, and learn how to better take care of each other, for the greater good. 

Peace and love. 💜