Happy New Year! On this side of the world, New Year's is a big deal. Bigger than Christmas. I didn't really understand why, so I had a friend of mine explain what a typical New Year's looks like.
All year, people save up their money so that they can go home to their village, even if it requires selling their belongings. Their whole family gets together for the holiday, and they spend time talking with one another and enjoying each other's company until midnight. After the clock strikes 12, the party begins. Fireworks. Everywhere. In people's backyards, in the middle of the road (who cares if they're blocking traffic?).
Then the children apologize to their parents and ask them to forgive them for any wrongs or hurts they may have caused them during the year, and the parents do the same to their children. I even got some sweet text messages from friends asking me to forgive them for any wrongs. And then, at 2 a.m., they feast.
We didn't celebrate New Year's in a village, but we did ring in 2012 with some Cranium and fireworks!
2011 was a whirlwind for me. I learned so much about myself, about what it means to walk with Father, about complete and utter dependence and sacrifice. I have been emptied and broken for people, for my own failings, and have fallen on my face more times than I can count. And I have been changed. Here are some things I've learned in 2011:
11 Things I Learned in 2011
- Don't put off doing anything that requires electricity, such as emails, drying your hair, or even showering, because you may not have it in an hour.
- When crossing the road, apparently putting out your hand and crossing confidently is the only way to get them to stop. Except for buses. Never, ever cross in front of them. They will not stop.
- Don't be fooled: the little peppers are much, much spicier than the bigger ones.
- Always try whatever food is set in front of you. Eat first, ask questions later, even if it looks like brain. You don't want to know beforehand that what you're trying is pig's blood, believe me.
- Southeast Asians are very, very gracious and helpful (usually). They are willing to listen to you mangle their language, forgive you when you unknowingly commit a big no-no by arriving late to a housewarming party, or even lift your car out of a hole without being asked.
- Even the toughest-looking men light up when talking about their children.
- Celebrate every victory, no matter how small.
- Sometimes, obedience will rip your heart out, but it's all worth it in the end.
- Real gold fears no fire.
- Feeling inadequate is a good place to be. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in my weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)
- I really know only a whisper of who He is. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know.
