Reflections on a Crazy Year and Projections on a New One

2015 has topped 2012 and earned the title of "Jean's most exciting year."

*applause*

2015 brought me...

my first visit to another country.

my first hostel stay.

my first mission's trip.

my first existential crisis. (wohoo!)

my first real break up.

a heartfelt goodbye to many friends.

my first car.

my first time as a bridesmaid.

my first baseball game.

my first trip outside of my timezone.

my first time driving in a big city.

my first youth ministry job.

an amazing youth group.

amazing co-workers.
my first drive-in movie.

my first white water rafting trip.

love for Hugh Grant.

my first parking ticket.

my first surfing experience.

my first jump on a high dive.

my first attempt at water skiing. (and last)

a killer flip flop tan.

the beginning of my senior year.

a ginormous group of freshmen friends. (and Will)
my first jury duty.

another amazing youth group.

another amazing group of co-workers.

a new love of coffee.

a new love of sports.

a new group of REACHers.

my first speeding ticket.

a dog! (who is my sister's but I like him too)

a position as a writer.

I'm proud of myself because I've done a lot of much needed changing.

Between graduating, visiting the Philippines for the first time, and (hopefully) getting a job and an apartment, 2016 is probably going to be another big one. I'm starting to realize that what I really want is adventure. I might not be able to afford to having exotic over-seas adventures- especially not with the debt I'll have- but I love new experiences and the stories they create.

Change is getting scary. I've called a lot of places home now and sometimes I feel like I have no longer have a home at all. I don't know who will be in my life next year and who won't.

But despite the setbacks, I love the rush of change.

I don't remember my past New Year's resolutions. They must not have been very great. I'm going to try it again though, and this time keep it pretty simple.

Try New Things.

This world may be a battlefield, but it's also a playground.

I want to go find people, places, and art to love, and figure out new ways to love them.