I've been reading back over my blog posts, and I discovered
that next Thursday (Valentine's Day) marks the one year anniversary of my first post! It's hard to believe that it's been a year
since I made the decision to follow God into the crazy adventure that has been
FYM England so far. I read those posts
and see where I was physically, emotionally, and spiritually a year ago, and I
can see how far I've come in just 12 months.

Last year at this time I was having a bit of a crisis. I knew God was calling me to something bigger
than what I was doing, something that did not include the comfort, complacency,
and monotony I was experiencing at the time.
I was frustrated because I knew God had given me passions and desires
that weren't being fulfilled where I was.
I knew I needed to be somewhere different.

But at the same time, I wanted to stay right where I
was. I had just started rehearsals for
the Passion Play, and I was starting to build new friendships that I knew had
the potential to be really good for me.
Would God really let me start building those just to walk away a few
months later? It is only by the strength
of the Spirit at work in my life that I said "yes" to AIM last February and
chose to take a flying leap out of my bubble.

Looking over the last 12 months, I can see how God was at
work even last February preparing me for the eight months of being an FYM. A friend's challenging questions and
different ideas prepared me for living with 10 people from different doctrinal
backgrounds. Making the most of my time
with my new friends prepared me for making the most of my time here. Devotionals, sermons, and Bible studies from
the past year have come to mind as something I'm learning here in England
sparks a memory.

In spite of God's preparation, I'm still somewhat shocked
that I got on a plane in September having not a clue what I was getting myself
into. But I'm so thankful I did. I have learned so much already (about
ministry, about God, about myself) and I still have three months to learn
more! When I signed on for this adventure,
I firmly stated (to myself, anyway) that it would only be for the 8 months of
the program. I was just coming to
minister and get some experience, then I'd return to the States and use what
I'd learned to minister at home. But if
I'm honest with myself, I think I'm falling in love… with this country, with
the people, with St. Andrew's. I don't
think it's feasible for me to stay longer than my original 8-month commitment,
but it's going to be awfully hard to say goodbye in May. I'm learning that you never know what God has
planned, though, so who knows what this next year will have in store.