Out with the old, in with the new...

Well, we are on the thresh hold of 2010, and I can't help to reflect on all that's happened this past year. In January 2009, I had no idea that:

We would have another child, much less a daughter!
Luis would lose his job, and we would have to sell our house and land!
We would put our house on the market, and have it sell in less than 3 weeks!
We would even consider moving (again!), and to a colder climate at that!
Luis would receive his first official Pastor's license!!
My parents would be able to make a visit to SC!

There have been so many twists and turns in the road this year, and to be honest with you, I am kind of glad to say goodbye to 2009! It has been a year of stretching our faith, trusting in the Lord, not for our wants, but our needs. It has been humbling in many ways, as we have had to use food stamps and WIC for the first time ever. We couldn't afford health insurance for the children, so they have been on medicaid. We thought, when Luis lost his job, we would lose our home to the bank, and at least one car. Our biggest mistake was racking up the credit cards, and we sunk so far in debt. As I told my Mom today, I feel like I am just holding my breath, waiting until the closing for our house/land is complete and the money has been transferred. At that point, we will begin writing checks to each credit card company, and to Honda, and paying off balances IN FULL!! Hallelujah! I guess from an outside perspective, it may seem like we are losing everything, and I guess in some respects, we are in a material sense, but Luis and I can't help but think of the possibilities of living a debt free kind of life. For the first time, we will have the freedom to go where we feel God is sending us, without the worry of this debt or that payment. While we'll still owe on his car, it will be our only payment for a while (along with insurance), and really, any job would cover that. We still have days where we get frustrated...thinking about giving up our land, but thankfully, we are never both frustrated on the same day.So when one is down the other one is up, and we are able to remind each other that the Lord has better in store! Some days, Luis takes it especially hard, as he had "big plans" for this land. But, I just remind him what the Lord told him about giving "all or nothing", and that God will bless him with even more, because he was willing to give it up. So, 2010 is going to be a new year for us, in many respects. I am really excited to see what is on the way. I am trying not to have any preconceived ideas, or expectations, but rather just enjoy the ride. So here it is, my last blog entry of 2009. I hope you have enjoyed reading as much as I have enjoyed writing. As 2010 rings in, I pray for a new year of a deeper relationship with the Lord, uncompromising faith, and joying in the journey for both you and me! Love you all!