On My Way Home: 2012.. a look back at God's goodness

I cannot get over how much the Lord worked in my heart and life this past year and then how that translated and showed itself in the lives of others close to me and around the world. Last year, I asked the Lord to give me clear opportunities to reach those around me and share His word with those that are lost; and He of course, did not disappoint. It was not until I opened my eyes and my heart to be used by the Lord that I was able to recognize the opportunities that He clearly placed right in front of me. Here is a small recap of what the Lord has done this year in my life and those around me...may He get ALL the GLORY!

January:

Passion 2012 [challenged and encouraged to live for the Lord on my campus]
Started thinking about my plans for the summer
Had multiple conversations with my roommate about the Lord

February:

Realized I didn't want to "waste" my last summer and started looking for opportunities to serve somewhere overseas
Talked some more with my roommate about Christ

March:

After so much prayer and through God's grace, my roommate accepted Christ as her Savior!!
Applied to go to Ghana through Pioneers for the summer and was accepted to go!
Began to work with Cru at starting a group on IUPUI's campus.

April:

Through God's grace and provision was able to raise over $5000 in less than 3 weeks for my summer in Ghana.
Able to disciple my roommate and help her understand how to live for the Lord.
Went on a roadtrip with my friends to celebrate the end of the school year

May:

Passed all my classes (by God's grace! ;) )
Prepared to leave for Ghana
Missed my Indy Family
Watched as my roommate continued to grow in the Lord on her own without my constant nagging and "supervision"

June:

Returned to the continent that holds such a place in my heart!
Met baby Marybeth and prayed her into the arms of Jesus.
Shared the gospel with people who had never heard the name of Jesus
Met some incredible people and children that have completely changed my life
Worked in the local clinic and experienced practicing medicine with limited resources firsthand

July:

Met Gladys, my little girl that will never be mine but will always have my heart.
Shared the gospel with James and He accepted Christ and is being discipled by the missionaries
Continued to work in the church in Ghana as well as go to villages and share the gospel
Assisted with over 12 births and was able to pray over each of their new lives

August:

Returned to America
Found out I was going to be an AUNT in 2013
Started another semester of nursing school
Began a bible study with Cru at IUPUI [started with 7 students]
Moved into an apartment with my three friends turned sisters
Missed my new home in Africa

September:

Watched as our Cru Bible Study continued to grow right in front of our eyes [appx. 15 students]
Continued to try to transition from life in Africa to life in America.
Realized that OB nursing is what I really love
Started to consider what the Lord might be calling me to after college
Found out that my best friend is pregnant!

October:

Watched as my closest friends were taking steps to actively pursue God and glorify Him with their lives
Celebrated with my new brother in Christ over his repentance of sin and acceptance of salvation
Went on a retreat with Cru that continued to strengthen and solidify the relationships in our new bible study of now >25 students

November:

Reminded of the incredible need for the Lord around the world and answered the Lord's call to serve Him long term wherever He may take me.
Listened to two of my roommates tell our bible study the story of God's great work of redemption and restoration in their lives.
Finished our bible study with over 40 students having come to Cru events over the course of the semester!!

December:

Passed my classes for the semester (again, only through God's power and strength)
My best friend and her husband moved back to Lafayette!
Urbana 12 where I continued to pursue God's calling for my future

I cannot believe what the Lord will do when you open your hands to Him and let Him take control. As I look back on this year, I am amazed, stunned, even speechless at what the Lord has done. None of this had anything to do with me. It was ALL HIM. He allowed the Holy Spirit to speak through me and lead me. I am so thankful that I listened to His call. What a blessing it is to live in God's will and to follow Him to the ends of the earth.

After this whirlwind of a year, I cannot wait to see what He has planned for me in 2013!! :)