I am just thinking back on year 2011.
It brought me lot of tears and lot of joys! It was a year of many FIRSTs in my life.
First time after being married, I was apart from Kris and my children for 2 months!
Many of you know that I came at the end of January to Estonia by myself, trying to get
custody of my niece Rosie. This was FIRST time for me after 16 years to fly bymyself to Estonia form USA. God was so faithful, He gave me seats, where nobody was next to me on all the 3 flights there!
Even during that trip I experienced many FIRSTs. First time in my married life I could
not stay in my own home. We own an apartment in Estonia, but it was rented out and I could
not stay there during my stay. So, I had to totally rely on God, where to live! And God was faithful!
The first week or two I stayed with friends and even in my own apartment for almost a week, when the renters were out of town and they let me stay in my own place...And after that He provided me two nice furnished apartments in Tallinn, where I could stay for free. Some of the time
we stayed there with Rosie and some I stayed by myself, when Rosie was in the hospital.
God also provided a car for me to drive, when I was here in Estonia by myself. I only drive automatic,so He gave me that.
It was the FIRST time in my life I lived in Tallinn and FIRST time I drove in Tallinn! This was
one of my fears, I conqurered, driving in Tallinn...and in snow and ice...with a big Ford Explorer.
God is good!
FIRST time in my life I had to deal with psychiatric hospital, visiting there many times.I actually have visited
Rosie in 3 different departments of Psychiatric hospital, 2 different hospitals in 2 differents cities.
I have learned many things about that part of life, that many people dont have any experience with or much knowledge about....
FIRST time in my life I talked to psychiatrists, psychologists, social worker, advocate and judge.
FIRST time in my life I had to go to court! It was not the best experience, but it wasnt too bad!
Under the circumstances, I was not under judgment there.
First time in my life I have been so frustrated, (dealing with Rosie and her cutting and being suicidal)
to the point of almost giving up...First time in my life I am dealing with cutting issue. It is hard to see
a young women's arm have so many cuts that there is hardly any bare skin left. And her doing it over and over again...Though I know the answer for this problem and she knows it...But sometimes it takes time for healing to take place.
FIRST time in my life I had to call for the ambulance. Once for Rosie trying to commit suicide by taking pills and two other times when she also was suicidal and she was taken toemergency care. Once I had to ride with them, FIRST time for me to ride in the ambulance.
But I also saw Gods hand guidung me through these hard times and gave me the extra strength I needed.
FIRST time in my life I had a daughter!FIRST time in my life I am a stepmom/ fostermom and fisrst
time I have a foster child. First time in my life I have 3 children!
Seeing Rosie getting help she needs, also brought me lot of joy! Seeing her playing with Ryan and her reading the Bible, worshipping and praying has brought me lot of joy!
FIRST time in my life I am translating Joyce Meyer for Life TV in Estonia! FIRST time in my life I hear my own voice every week on TV, speaking what Joyce Meyer says! Very interesting FIRST!
I have been blessed with many good friends and a great church family, helping us through these things!
Our church, VFC helped me to take this first trip to Estonia to help Rosie. It meant a lot!
My friends have been there for me, when I needed to talk to someone. For that I am very thankful!
In many ways it has been the hardest year in my life and I am glad that part is over! And I am hoping for better things for this coming new year.
I dont know what this new year brings me and our family, but I believe God has great things in store for us!
Maybe even more FIRSTs in my life!?
God bless you, as you enter into this new year!
