The last year has been brought a number of changes to my life! I got a job, not in the city I'd moved to find a job, but instead in the town I had just moved from! After a quick two month stay in the Big City, my dear father borrowed my brother-in-law's truck and, with the help of a friend of mine, moved me back to small town Pennsylvania. A week later, I jumped straight into a very busy job, working with international students at a small private college.

It really wouldn't be possible to fully recap the past year, so I won't even try. Obviously, I survived, although at times, I doubted that I might! Instead, here are my highlights (in no particular order):

1) I'm living in my very own little apartment, just me and my houseplants. I didn't think the houseplants were excessive, but whenever anyone sees my apartment for the first time, they comment "Oh, you really like plants."
2) I went to the Grand Canyon! (Pictures to follow...)
3) I took an impromptu road trip to Montreal at Christmas-time with a friend from work, ensuring that I exited the USA during 2015.
4) Friends from Youth with a Mission invited me to teach for a week in their DTS, which led to a week in March in Nova Scotia, teaching about building cross cultural relationships. (The week was great but the weather was cold!)
5) I became responsible for 110 college students. (I used to joke that instead of having my own children, I would adopt 18 year olds because it would be easier. I've changed my mind. In fact, I have mixed feelings about this being a highlight, but it certainly has been a significant event.)
6) My father, mother, sister and I have lived within ten minutes of driving distance for nearly a year.
7) I bought a 1998 Chevy Tracker. (Love my Tracker!)
8) I've gotten to see my sweet niece and two nephews almost every week.
9) I managed to practice yoga almost weekly. Not only did it help me put aside work for an hour, but I learned to love seeing my flexibility and balance improve.
10) I've learned a lot about myself. This point alone could be pages of words, but instead, I'll leave it at that. It's been good.

After a whirlwind of an academic year, I remain hopeful that my summer will have some slower days, times to enjoy the nearby state parks and bright blue skies, perhaps a few hours to steal away with my sister's kayak...and maybe even some more regular blog posts. :)