I started 2015 in quiet reflection of the previous year. There would be no drunken New Year's Eve celebration, no party hats or noise makers. Just me being thankful for a cozy apartment, a few good friends, the finances and wherewithal to travel solo.
February: Diamonds in the sky at White Beach Boracay. Each time I look at a night sky, I recall the long walk westward on my first night in Boracay. I stood there transfixed by the bigness of the world and the hugeness of Jehovah who created the earth for us to dwell in.
On the last day of 2015, I find myself in quiet reflection yet again, as I sit at my laptop in Miami, Fl. I've been up since 5:58 am contemplating life, the drama of the Steve Wilkos Show drawing my attention away every now and again. I remember the faraway places I experienced; the sunset at White Beach in Boracay, Philippines, packed like a sardine in the jitneys that make getting around Cebu affordable and being afraid to get in the water with whale sharks in Oslob, but managing to get in anyway.
And though it's been bumpy at times, I'm reminded that I in fact live a pretty good life.
Here's a wrap up of the ups, downs and faraway places that made 2015 my most memorable year:
January: A birthday in Thailand. Birthday blue, I woke with a feeling of dread that almost always is present on my birthdays. I thought of my grandmother and harsh words she spoke to me on my 5th birthday so many years ago. I cried a little (a lot). But after crying and journaling for a bit, I felt better and decided that I was okay. I made my way to Chiangmai Zoo and took extra enjoyment in feeding the giraffes and observing the green sea turtle at the aquarium. I took loads and loads of pictures and found myself content in Thailand traveling solo, meeting people as I go.
March: Being placed at Samyang Elementary School, I couldn't expect that a transition to teaching there would be so tumultuous. It's the one placement where I learned the most from my co-teacher, and I understood fully that at times, office politics is in full play and it's best to be aware of how you're received.
April: The Cherry Blossoms at Hallim Park, Jeju-do, South Korea. I gush at the display of flowers that made for a nice walk through Hallim Park. Truly, spring time in Korea is so very beautiful.
May-July: Studying the bible with new friends and understanding Jehovah that much more, my summer of 2015 proved to be a time for fellowship of the very best kind.
August: Exploring Asia's World City --Hong Kong. Taking in Victoria Peak and the skyline at Victoria Harbor, beats any skyline I've had the pleasure of capturing with my eyes and also with the lens of my camera. It's pretty amazing!
A September to Remember: I met my now love at a Starbucks in Kendall for the first time. While he browsed the menu online as to avoid holding up the line, he in fact held up the line after recognizing that menu differed considerably. Is that a coincidence or is it ironic? Either way our coffee date turned into dinner and another dinner and Wednesday night ice-cream and well you know how the story goes :)
The Daily Struggles of Teaching at School that's Failing-- 4th Grade I leave each day and it's troubles behind and start the next day fresh. Teaching at an extended day school is one of the hardest jobs I've taken on. I'm glad that I have a comfortable chair to sit in.
November, World Vegans Month and being thankful
Kissing under the Full Moon in December. The full moon was out in all it's glory
August: Exploring Asia's World City --Hong Kong. Taking in Victoria Peak and the skyline at Victoria Harbor, beats any skyline I've had the pleasure of capturing with my eyes and also with the lens of my camera. It's pretty amazing!
A September to Remember: I met my now love at a Starbucks in Kendall for the first time. While he browsed the menu online as to avoid holding up the line, he in fact held up the line after recognizing that menu differed considerably. Is that a coincidence or is it ironic? Either way our coffee date turned into dinner and another dinner and Wednesday night ice-cream and well you know how the story goes :)
The Daily Struggles of Teaching at School that's Failing-- 4th Grade I leave each day and it's troubles behind and start the next day fresh. Teaching at an extended day school is one of the hardest jobs I've taken on. I'm glad that I have a comfortable chair to sit in.
November, World Vegans Month and being thankful
Kissing under the Full Moon in December. The full moon was out in all it's glory
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