Happy New Year!

I can't believe we're here in 2011 already. Nick and I have enjoyed the pretty good snow storm that came in Thursday and the temperatures have seriously dropped. Even Nick who LOVES the cold thinks it's a bit chilly.

Last night I was pretty content with the idea of lounging in my sweatpants, hoping to watch the ball drop at 10 mountain time and get to bed. Nick decided to stop by the neighbors house for a few minutes, came back home and said we were heading back over- together! I begrudgingly hopped in the shower and am happy to admit I was glad I did. We really do have great neighbors, and they have great friends and family. Lucky us. We played some games, ate, talked and missed the ball drop because we were having so much fun. I've always thought New Years was a bit overrated with the whole build up and need for big, expensive plans. I've found (other than our New Years spent in Rome in 2006) the best memories I have from ringing in the new year involve quieter nights spent with friends at home. I appreciate these times of fellowship with others and am so thankful to have those opportunities now.

Nick and I are sending in our visa applications for our upcoming trip to Ethiopia. We leave in 42 days and are SO excited. I have to admit I'm a little anxious about a few of the details coming together...mainly what we'll be doing with Duke. We have a few options, so we'll see how it all turns out. If God has brought us this far, I trust that He'll bring all the little details together. That gives me the most peace about it all. That, and the fact that we have a direct flight :)

We pray that you all were able to ring in the new year with friends and family and that 2011 brings you all the peace and joy in the world.