Alas, another year older, another year has come and gone just as quickly. How does it happen? The years seem to pass much faster than they used to. It seems I was just, last week, home in California celebrating my 21st with friends and family. But no, there have been many trips, travels and happenings since then, and somehow, I've woken up to find they have taken up a whole year. It seems to go much faster living month by month. One month here, three months there, two months, two weeks, five weeks, three months… and so it continues. My 21st year ended in the Middle East, and my 22nd has picked up where the other left off. As I reflect on all the last year has held, all I've learned, all I have done, I am taken back, only left with thoughts of how amazing this God is. To Him must the glory be given.

This week was a wonderful week, I witnessed three more babies being brought into this beautiful word, IT RAINED (which doesn't happen this time of year) and I got to spend a very special day yesterday with 14 people whom I've grown to love very deeply. I shared my birthday with Hollie whose real birthday is on the 5th, and they surprisedus with a wonderful evening, one in which I couldn't have even dreamed up on my own. I knew only what they told the taxi driver, and the rest was a beautiful mystery that unfolded magnificently throughout the evening. It started in a beautiful park along the Nile River. I was escorted down the side walk, under a fence, to this grassy area free from the many people and distractions so common in this part of the world. I gasped as I saw a picnic set up, over looking the Nile; white sheets sprinkled with rose petals, surrounded by lit candles. They sat us down and we began to feast on yogurt, honey, pomegranates, muesli, pineapple, grapes, crackers, cheese, potato salad, green beans, and olives. It was perfect. After we were fully satisfied with our meal, we were presented with gifts. I opened mine to find a beautiful brown scarf. Then, the cake… Oh the cake. It was black forest ice cream cake, and I'm fairly sure heaven on earth. I thought I should explode once the night was through. Well, I only thought the night was through. We cleaned up, left the park, and I was ready to find a taxi to head home, thinking about what an amazing birthday I had just had, only to find that the night had only just begun, and the rest of it would be spent in a boat out on the Nile. I let out an excited scream, as thankfulness poured from my mouth. The rest of the night, as promised was spent sailing up and down the Nile, singing, laughing, dancing, being encouraged. It was more than I could have ever dreamed of. Simply amazing.

I think of who I once was, five or so years ago. I think of the changes that have occurred, the struggles, the blessings, the hope, the life, the lessons, the tests, the gifts… and I am undone. Who has known a love like this? Who has felt a hope like this? How do people live without Life? I, myself, five years ago would have laughed in the face of one who told me where I'd be now. A lost, hopeless, insecure, sad, directionless girl, with no thought of anyone but herself. He is a restorer of brokenness, a King giving beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness, direction to the lost, friendship to the lonely, food to the hungry, homes to the homeless, and love to the orphan. This is my God. This is my king. From a book I love deeply, Tales of the Kingdom-

"Once upon a time, there was a King who walked astride his world—here there, and everywhere. He became poor in order to be like the people he loved, and he lived among the outcasts in order to feel their pain."

This is the King who has changed me these last five years. And as the years continue, I find I only fall more and more desperately in love with this beautiful King. I commit my 22nd year to Him and to His beautiful kingdom. Only in Him will people truly be loved, will people truly belong. This is what I long for, this is who He is. Love, Life, Joy, Peace.

Whom have I but you my Lord, whom have I but you..