2010 in Review (from Whitney)

This is the survey we each completed last year, and now that we're half-way through January, I remembered that 2010 might be worth reviewing.

What was the best part of last year? - This is hard question this year as so many fabulous things happened. Let's just say that the summer of 2010 was by far the best summer ever. Yes, even thinking back to the glorious days of summer breaks, this summer was incredible with the purchase of our first home, traveling to Africa, Mosa, and the like.

What was the worst part of last year? - The worst part... I think some of the worst parts were probably associated with the great parts. Seeing the orphanage is Lesotho was heart-breaking, but also life-giving. There was a lot to wrestle with through that experience which provided access to some dark places, hard questions... but good questions to be asking.

What was the biggest surprise of last year? - We bought a house. Seriously, that's crazy.

What are you most looking forward to next year? - Duncan finding full-time employment—and the paycheck that will come with it!

Is there anything you are not looking forward to next year? - I'm sure there are few things here and there, but nothing worth spilling here.

Which new years resolutions did you keep last year? - Based on my answer from 2009, I did read much more. Time management got somewhat better... exercise, always a fail. :(

Which new years resolutions did you break last year? - See above...

What will be your new years resolutions next year? - Read the Bible 5 days per week, kiss my husband more, give more money away, and save more money.

Which resolution are you most likely to break? - The money one is definitely the hardest.

Which resolution are you most likely to keep? - Kissing my husband, duh. That's the easiest resolution ever!

What will you be doing on new years eve? - What did I do? I went out dancing with my dear friend Andrea, and we had a ball!

Who will you be with at new years eve? - Andrea and Duncan (who made a late-night appearance after work)

Who do you want to kiss to see the new year in? - My one and only!

Who will you probably end up kissing to see the new year in? - Wow, we're focused on New Years...

What was the best song of last year? - Best song of 2010? That's hard... let's see... I think I have to give it to "Dog Days Are Over" by Florence + the Machine. Every time they played it on Star 94, I wondered if I was still listening to that station... in a good way. I thought it was way too good to be played on Star 94.

What was the best TV show of last year? - I still have to give it to Dexter. Seriously, could they stress me out any more? I'm literally on the edge of my seat at the end of every episode. This season started off slow, but it quickly returned to awesomeness.

What was the best book you read last year? - Oh my... 'Not For Sale' really changed the way I looked at the world... also, Brothers Karamazov was excellent (and I was proud of myself for reading the whole thing in less than a month!)

What was the best film of last year? - We still don't often go see movies, so I'm going to refrain from answering this one. I think the best one probably came out at the end of the year, which means we have a while before they hit Netflix, which means I haven't seen the best movie of 2010 yet.

What change would you like to make to your life next year? - Spend more time with friends

What change would you like to see in the world next year? - This year I found myself often praying that Jesus would come back—like, let's end this thing; it's gotten too crazy. Learning more about things like human trafficking and reading books like 'A Child Called It' make me long for reconciliation, for things to be put right... for things to be as God originally planned. When I stand back and think about how evil humanity can be, I think, surely there must be a God, because without Him, what hope do we have? So, to answer the question, I pray we see reconciliation in the world. I pray we see people turn from brokeness and toward goodness, toward love, toward hope. And here's hoping I can be a part of that shift!