Well, we’re all moved in! (For the backstory on our transition, click here). Iris and I finished unpacking almost all our boxes and turning the chaos into a home as fast as we could. It wasn’t a season I’d readily want to go through again (3 months apart, church/Christmas production, conferences, and packing/moving chaos) but I suppose that’s part of the sacrifice when you try to keep your word and there are people/things that depend on you to finish what you started. Some things I learned:

• God’s grace is sufficient and empowers.
• We are stronger than we thought…and have gotten stronger still. Never would have known had we not gone through a season like this.
• Building and keeping a healthy marriage must be intentional (we knew that but know it even more now).
• God provides.
• John 10:17-18 really came alive to me (thanks to a mentor calling me out during my complaining):  “I lay down my life–only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” Saying yes to God isn’t always easy, but He empowers us to stick by our yes.
• How you end one season determines how you enter the next. Do what’s in your power to finish well.

We moved back into our condo (we bought it when we first got married so it really is like coming home) and excited for 2012. I’m taking some downtime to recalibrate before taking on some new projects and initiatives. Travel really picks up at the end of February and I’m looking forward to what awaits. Thanks to all those who made this a happy New Year for us…your prayers, love, gifts, and support went a long way! =)