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| Celebrating the end of 2009 on "Ile aux Nattes" with friends |
This time last year I was waving goodbye to 2009 and seeing in 2010 to a marathon of ACDC music videos (yes, it was that weird) on a tiny island off the east coast of Madagascar. There was much dancing, excellent food, kissing strangers, and an anticipation of a bright new year. We even went swimming in the warm midnight sea once all the New Year’s formalities had been dispensed with. It was an amazing holiday with some wonderful people.
But, to be honest, I don’t really enjoy New Year’s Eve parties and, when I’m just with my family (as I am now), I’m usually in bed way before the clock strikes midnight. It may be because I have attended my fair share of weird and disturbing parties at this time of year. It may just be that I don’t enjoy watching people celebrating the end of one year with the mistaken hope that the following year will be better. I prefer looking back in thankfulness, celebrating the memories and waiting in anticipation and expectation for all that God has for us in the New Year...
2010 had its fair share of challenges, a couple of tears, a whole lot of frustration (I think I am balder and more grey than this time last year) and long hours of loneliness where I yearned for a family of my own. But it was also a year where friendships deepened, where I laughed with my “adopted” family and others in Madagascar, and where I enjoyed a greater depth of relationship with God. I wanted for nothing, and was truly humbled by the attitude and faith of some of my students, by my next-door-neighbours’ acceptance of me in their community, as well as others who just loved me despite my prickliness.
And so here I sit, in a cold wind-blown beach house with 2011 on my doorstep. What adventures, what hilarity, what challenges await, I can only imagine. But I’m sure it’ll be a wild, mad 2011. Happy New Year.
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| My niece and nephew (on the right of the group) walk down the beach with friends in Mgwalana in the Eastern Cape on one of the only semi-sunny days we've enjoyed this holiday. |
What a good read because it is honestly written and shows your heart.
ReplyDeleteWe don't really celebrate New Year's Eve. We don't drink or go dancing and it's too late for the kiddos. So our festivities begin tomorrow with me slaving (ha) in the kitchen all morning. May the Lord richly bless you with ample time to write. Thinking only of you of course! ;) Happy New Year to you.
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