Half a year in review

2012 is almost half over.  It has been a wild, bumpy, and fun ride.  Just thinking about the last six months just makes me step back in amazement at the person I have developed into. Since January 2012, I have: - broken off a relationship that wasn't working and had my character tested over and over again. -lost my dog of almost 16 years. -taken a weeklong vacation to Florida with my family and all three of my grandparents. -passed my license  for my job (it still makes me want to squeal). -moved out of my parents' house with a super awesome roommate in probably one of the sweetest deals I could ever have finagled. -did a long distance triathlon fairly well without much training. -overcome the most intense heartache of my life to see the beauty and brokenness of this world and to develop a deep empathy and understanding of others. -started attending a church really close to my new house where I can serve in the community where I Iive, forcing me to put my money where my mouth is. -overcome allegations of my character and developed deep relationships with people who have encouraged me and loved me through some very difficult times. -tried a gluten free diet (which I stopped after almost passing out on a run). -wrestled with Christ and learned the amazingness of constant prayer and fasting to come to a place where I am at peace living in the one city I swore never wanted to live again. -registered for the Chicago marathon with a rockin' charity (I already have half my money raised!) -signed up to do therapy with women in Haiti for a week, straddling staying in my current job and serving internationally (which is where my heart is). On Sunday, we will be boarding my first cruise ever to the Bahamas with a sequential trip to The Happiest Place on Earth.  Pretty much, it is going to be fantastically awesome. I am constantly amazed at how much has changed and happened in the lot few months.  However, I know more changes are coming.  Good things are coming peeps, good things I tell you. L