The word that best describes my 2016 is EVENTFUL. I think that same word may describe 2016 for many whether personally or as a community or even as a nation. Per the thesaurus, synonyms for eventful are exciting, action-packed, busy, hectic, lively, important, momentous. I can say with confidence that the antonym for eventful doesn’t apply to 2016 – dull.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            E is for “Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

V is for Volunteering. I received my pin for 400 public tours at the 9/11 Tribute Center. I also had the opportunity to volunteer at Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox center.

E is for Emily and Scott, who moved back to the East Coast after 9 years in Seattle. Emily is working for the NYPL as a Children’s Librarian. Scott is continuing his writing career as a writer for a public relations company. I am so very proud of them. Moving cross country, establishing yourself in a new city is no small feat and in a short timeframe is almost impossible. Well done!

N is for a new grandchild due to arrive in March 2017. Meghan and Kyle are doing such a super job parenting Colton God is blessing them with a second child. I am incredibly proud of them as they juggle work and family. I look forward to double the fun with two grandkids.   

T is for travel. Speaking in Brussels, ME, PA and Japan, attending conferences in CA and NC which allowed for side trips to visit family in WA and SC, a trip to DC with Meghan & Colton and visiting friends in FL were my travels for 2016.

 F is for family and friends. Visits with family and friends are a blessing whether in person or on FB.

 U is for you. Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season & a Healthy and Happy New Year     

L is for loss and love. My mother-in-law, Johanna, passed away in January after living a long life. My cousin’s son, Ryan, passed away in February after too short a life. “Trust in God steadily, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of three is love.”

 Hugs, Ann