Why I'm thankful for 2013

I'm thankful for 2013 in two ways.

Firstly: I know I'm not the same person I was when the year started.

I went into this year with completely different dreams than what I hold in my heart now, and I'm grateful for that. I've learnt that it doesn't matter what happens to me, as long as Jesus is happening in me. I was shown the joy of friendship, the pain of heartbreaks, and the fullness God brings to lives who reach out to Him. I now have a new focus and a new drive for next year. I walk in expectation for next year, filled with questions, and a heart to give the first year of my degree with everything I have. I found that when I thought God had abandoned me when the course I had set my heart on was cancelled, but it turned out that not only was I right where He needed me to be, but He had a better plan than the one I had. Funny that.
I applied for a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing course in Wellington for July this year, but due to low funding, the course was postponed to the new year. That was God closing the door on that one. Although, I must admit, I felt very alone at that time in my life; it was a big fat no and I didn't know where to turn. Well, I did but it took a few tears to reach out. Little did I know then that God was bringing me to a place He'd already planned before time was spoken into creation.
I signed up to a certificate course to fill in time and reapplied for the EN course. Its crazy how God works aint it? My tutor encouraged me to apply for the Bachelor of Nursing, and although I'd been told to do the course many, many times, hearing it from my tutor changed something in me and a new outlook was planted in my mind. Within two weeks of applying, I was accepted. Woah!
I couldn't think of anything more I'd rather dedicate my heart to next year and I know it will be hard but I'm ready.

Secondly: I know that when I start my adventures next year, I won't be the same person I am now, at the end of next year. I don't fully know what next year will bring but I know that the person I am today, will be challenged, stretched, inspired, and bent, but I won't let go of my values and morals. '

What are you thankful for from this year?

Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order.
David Gerrold
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/grateful.html#qLFKvsyRtEEXziHy.99

Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order.
David Gerrold
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/grateful.html#qLFKvsyRtEEXziHy.99

Lesson learnt on the first day of course

There have been many defining moments for me this semester. Some good, some not so.

One amazing lesson that came to me, started on the first day, and followed through to the very end.
The value of friendships from complete strangers.
The bus arrived right on time.
Though, my insecurities made me three quarters of an hour early.
I walked through town, ready to step into a new season God had led me to. Embracing the sun upon my cheeks, I walked nervously towards the big building. 'What will they think of me? What if I fail this mission?' Thoughts such as these swirled in my mind but my heart  refused to listen. Grabbing the door handle, walking up two flights of stairs and my mind double checking my books, I found myself at the entrance of the lecture room.
There was already someone there. "Oh thank God I'm not the first one here... hey, I'm Ellena."
"Lewis." We started talking. Talking about previous schooling, our ambitions, and who our new class mates will be.
 Its amazing how, two strangers could become great friends, in a matter of weeks. The rest of the class arrived in dribs and drabs, but we stuck by each other's side throughout the course.

So this was it. Staring at my new class, on a first name basis I felt comfortable.  I had a dream unravelling itself before my eyes.
Another fella Lewis knew from school made himself friendly to us, and we ventured out, trying to find our way around a big new campus, getting lost in the library, and helping ourselves to free coffee courtesy of SANITI. Little did I know we'd become great friends. But that's the beauty of friendship, isn't it? You put yourself out there; sometimes, on the wrong foot, and see what happens.
You just have to let it grow.
I must say, having those two boys to keep me company throughout the course, helped me see that NMIT wasn't so big after all.
They often asked me for a pen to use.
Sometimes, a ride to course. I didn't mind, at all.
It was pure joy for me.
Very soon, the coffee got old, and we found a new love; the Fish and Chip shop on the corner. We became regular customers within seconds of tasting the crispy deep fried potato reaching our empty stomachs, because who doesn't love a $1.50 cone of chips?
Our class breaks often saw us confidently handing over our loose change in exchange for the deliciousness that satisfied our cravings.

Now that it's the end of our course, the friendships we've made will forever leave a new impression on our hearts. I'm so grateful for the friends I've made and it helps me look forward to next year with joy and the expectation of more adventures. Thank you, each and every one of you for letting me be a part of your lives these past few months, and I wish you all the best for wherever life may lead.
It's also shown to me that if we take the time to listen to those around us, we can learn the greatest lessons in life, and these are ones out of the text book.