At the end of the year we always like to take time to reflect back on what has happened and plan for the next season. It has been quite the year for the Stones…
Most of January we were in Switzerland and then we flew back to Phoenix. The highlight of the month was my younger brother and his wife’s vow renewal/10th Anniversary party and getting to see all of my family! We spent half of February in Houston for a development sprint for YWAM’s University of the Nations. Darrel coded and I took care of the food and logistics for the team that was there working. March was spent in Kona, Hawaii at the YWAM base helping run a couple of conferences. In April we were in Arizona and got to visit relatives in Tucson and spend time with friends. Then we were back in Montana for the summer.
In May we were able to make a trip to visit Darrel’s family in Canada and take a road trip to Utah with John and Brianna. We camped and hiked and saw many beautiful sights! In June and half of July we were back to Switzerland for a development sprint. In August we were blessed to be able to do some epic hikes in Glacier. In September, Ben came to visit and we were able to make a trip to Canada with Ben and John and Brianna to see the Canadian relatives and friends. In October, Darrel began working for the Mountain Health Co-op. He is able to continue to work remotely. In November and December we have been back in Switzerland so Darrel could plan for and prepare things for the next development sprint which will be happening in Orlando, Florida in January. Of course, it is wonderful to get to spend time with Ben too. For Thanksgiving we made a four day train trip to Milan, Italy.
Christmas was a very special time because John and Brianna were able to join us in Switzerland. We enjoyed many day trips from here and explored Zurich, Basel, Montreux, Gruyeres, Zofingen (Darrel’s ancestors came from there in the 1500’s) and of course, Lausanne. We loved getting out and exploring and experiencing new things together…then we all ended up sick for Christmas so we slept lots and took ridiculous amounts of cold medicine. Flying at Christmas has proven to be quite the trial for John and Brianna…including airport evacuation, an extra night in London, and losing luggage both coming and going.
As we reflect back on the year, we realize how rich if has been to spend time together with family and friends. We are so thankful for all the time spent with friends and family and relatives that came to visit us or we got to go visit!
Zofingen (Darrel’s ancesters came from there in the 1500’s)
Paper Museum In Basel
Castle at Gruyeres
Zurich – Christmas Markets, Hiking the Bell Tower, and Shopping
Our hearts are filled with thankfulness for the many blessings and wonderful experiences. There were also challenges and low points. Darrel had to navigate finding the balance between work and volunteering. He is also refining how to create a good work environment when your living situation constantly changes. We found that we were in the motorhome way less than expected. It has at times been a challenge for me to find meaningful things for me to invest my time and energy into. I have never been a big “hobby” person, but I love to be productive and help out. Some places we have been there been meaningful roles for me and other places I haven’t had as much to do….and maybe I even get a bit bored. I keep looking to the Lord though for what he has for me each day.
Darrel and I were visiting the other morning and just reflecting on this crazy life we are currently living and evaluating in light of our life verse of Matthew 6:33 which instructs us to, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”. We are challenged by the question… Are we seeking to just add Jesus to what we are doing or are we letting Jesus be the Lord of everything and wholeheartedly participating in what He is doing. Our hearts desire is for Him to lead and direct our paths…and at this point sometimes we don’t know real far ahead where we will be at. 🙂
Looking forward we fly to Orlando, Florida, for a development sprint for the last two weeks of January. Then we plan to spend about a month on the Florida, Georgia and South Carolina coast before working our way back to Montana by May. Our hope is to be in the Helena, Montana area for the summer.
Life is good. There is so much to learn. There is nothing like being sick to make you appreciate being healthy. Take joy in the small things. Hug those you love. Treasure the moments. Express appreciation. Fully engage in the now. Focus on others. Give lots of grace.
Happy New Year!
