Happy New year - A short look at 2013

Happy New Year! This year I found myself ringing in the year with my parents, one of my brother's and his family and two friends. It was a fun filled evening and a sharp contrast to last year.

2013 was a full year for me. It was a year of hellos and goodbyes. Of joy and of pain. A year of questions and taking a deeper look at my life's path. In it all one thing remained the same, God's consistent love and guidance. Sometimes life can seem overwhelming and I am thankful that He never changes through it all. Here is a few highlights of my year. Enjoy :)

I "caught" 20 babies. 

                                                     Moved from Asia to North America.

                                       Took the most stressful test of my LIFE and passed! 

                                   

Imported my dog Clover to the States and said goodbye to my old dog Zacchaeus. 

I made a decision to serve in Doro, S. Sudan starting in April 2014.

Was blessed with my first nephew :)

Took a pack trip in the mountains of Wyoming with a good friend. 

Found myself in temperatures ranging from over 100 to -20. 

I turned 30 - the lead up to it was more traumatic then the actual day ;) which I got to spend with my favorite little girls :) 

These are just a few key points. All in all it was a great year full of many blessings. Thank you to everyone who helped me, supported me and prayed for me!

 I hope that your 2013 was a good year and I wish you the best in 2014! 

O Lord, you're beautiful, 

Your face is all I see,

For when your eyes are on this child,

Your grace abounds on me.

A walk in the rice field

There is a place I like to go when I just need a moment to myself
I like to walk the skinny paths of the rice field behind the clinic

There is beauty to be seem in the freshness of being outside

I am reminded that I am not at home anymore by the sights that I see

Clover, is my only companion as I traverses the skinny path

"Blessed are all who take refuge in Him"
Psalm 2:12

She never disagrees with me, only makes me laugh at her silliness 

I am reminded of what an amazing God I serve by observing His creation 

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths"
Psalm 25:4

"The creatures of the field are Mine."
Psalm 50:11

The rice field is a quiet place, if I see someone they are caught up in their work
and don't pay any attention to me

Clover likes to lag behind and then race to catch up

There is beauty every where, it refreshes my soul

Clover also likes to help me take pictures by chewing on the camera strap
Or trying to climb on top of the camera

He leads beside quiet waters, He restores my soul
psalm 23:2-3

I feel a bit like a child again making new discoveries 

The field isn't very big, but its skinny paths wind back and forth
separating the different fields of rice

Clover, often slips down the bank and isn't quite big enough
 to climb up again by herself

This guy is not something I see on my walks at home...
I am wondering do you know what he is?

It was hard to get a picture of these guys, they would not hold still:)

I am not sure what this guy's name is but he looks like a flying
saucer lady bug to me

The sunsets early here  and I only have a short time to walk
between dark and the time it cools off in the evening.
It is now time to walk away from my quiet place and resume
my studies.  I am refreshed!

"You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
Psalm 16:11

moments to cherish, changes to come

My heart is thumping, my mind buzzing, I toss restlessly as sleep seems to be evading me.  This was the last two nights, my first nights in my journey with Newlife.  The moment has come, I have taken the first real step and I am nervous.  Or maybe it is the thought of being at a cliff, now I have jumped and I'm at the free falling part and I don't really know what I am about to hit!  The good news is that God knows and He has lead me down this path and I know He will continue to lead me faithfully. somewhere in North Dakota I left my home in Michigan on the morning of July 25th by train.  I arrived in WA the evening of the 27th.  It was a LONG trip, but I met lots of interesting people and got to see lots of my beautiful country as it flew past my window. Flowers in OR Crater Lake, OR I spent a wonderful week visiting friends from my college days at Canyonview Equestrian College (CEC) from '04-'06.  I started in Darrington, WA, where I got to bask in the beauty for the Cascades.  From there it was on to Silverton, OR which rekindled memories of college days, always making them more perfect than they were.  On Sunday it was off to Medford with a stop in Roseburg to see a friend.  Lots of fun memories were made and will be cherished in my heart.  I soaked up friends, horses,  pretty flowers and ice cream. LaDonna, Heidi and I enjoying some ice cream :) MOO Now I am getting to know a few fellow students from Newlife before I fly to the Philippines on Monday.  I am waiting with anticipation to get on that plane.  My prayer is that as I train to be a midwife and serve the people there that I will be filled to overflowing with the love of God and that I will continue to seek Him everyday and long for more and more of HIM in my life. Future midwives Please remember to pray for me.  I will be flying out Monday the 8th at 5:30pm and arriving in Manila on Thursday the 11th at 10:30am.  I will be taking the night bus to Tabuk that evening.  Please pray for safety, health and good transition. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support!  God has been very gracious to provide for my needs.   silly squirrel I'ed like to take it for a spin :) I love to get snail mail and you can send me a letters at : Tianne Cole c/o Abundant Grace of God Maternity  Appas Tabuk, Kalinga 3800 Philippines