2025: Another Year to Remember

Wow, another crazy year in the books. Every so often, you will still catch me saying something along the lines of, "wow.. I can't believe I went here, did this, or saw that!" I am so grateful for all the experiences I have had this past year. As cheesy as it sounds, so many of my dreams came true this year. I've had to start thinking of new things to fill my bucket list!

There have been so many life changing moments this year, many of which I look at fondly, and many others that have seriously challenged me (some of which I do not mention here). I can't really think of anything sappy or inspiring to say about 2025. I think the year sort of speaks for itself. At the beginning of this year, as I reflected on 2024, I said, "2024 has also been a year in which I have seen God working in my life and on my heart more than ever before. He's preparing me for something big, I can feel it. There is purpose in each stride I take even though I don't always know what I am walking toward. This is both exciting and daunting. I often fear all this change, all this excitement, and all these new experiences will come crashing down on me, but then I remember how far God has taken me, and that he has put a calling on my life and I need not fear for the future."

I still believe that is true. This last semester, I made the decision to pursue Biblical Studies as a second degree. This is a decision that has been on my heart for awhile now, but I felt like it might set me back in my longterm goals. However, God showed me that it was the right decision by providing more opportunities through it, for which I am so grateful. I truly never thought that Jesus would pull me this direction, but it makes me so excited to see what He has in store for me. I so enjoy seeing the way my love and excitement for the Bible and the Lord continues to grow and change. I always feel so blessed that God led me to a place with people and classes He knew would inspire me, so that His word would not just become an obligation, but a passion.

Just like 2025, 2026 is going to be another crazy year full of adventures. In March, I'm going to Costa Rica for a ten day mission trip, and in June, I am going to be a bridesmaid in Gideon's wedding! If things go according to plan, in July I will go on an archaeological dig overseas (I will not say the location yet, as some things are still up in the air), and than begin my senior year of college. There is so much to look forward to. My hope is that as the year picks up speed, and all the responsibilities and experiences come flying towards me, I won't get caught up and tumbled in the white waters of life, but instead float with the current, enjoying the scenery and taking the time to become more confident, more loving, more caring, more patient, and more like Christ.

In my post from this past January, as I looked forward to 2025, I said, "As I go into the New Year, I am constantly reminded of one of the last things I told you all before I came here; "Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the Purpose of the Lord that will stand. Perhaps we were born for such a time as this." Proverbs 19:21 & Esther 4:14.

These verses still ring true. However, there is a new passage which has weighed on my heart recently and that is 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6, "You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like the others, who are asleep, but let us watch and be sober."

Here, again, is a recap of my year through a few photos!

In January, I had the chance to go skiing in the Austrian Alps for an entire week.

I also went snowshoeing and seriously injured my leg. With a lot of therapy, it was mostly healed by April.

I also visited Bratislava, Slovakia.

In March, I got to go skiing again. I also worked on a video project with a friend which turned out incredible!

In April, my parents came to visit me and we visited five countries together. The Black Forest in Germany was our first stop.

Next, we made a surprise stop in France.

From there, we headed to the little country of Lichtenstein.

And then we tried and failed to see the Matterhorn in Switzerland.

I visited Italy for the third time, getting the chance to go back to the Waldensian Valleys, and visit the birthplace of my Great Great Grandpa Luigi in Bolzano, where we met up with my Grandpa and my Aunt Dessa.

From there, we all headed to Salzburg for a few days.

In May, I went back to the Czech Republic to spend the weekend with my youth group and also to say goodbye to many of them.

I visited Nuremburg, Berlin, and Dresden.

I took the ÖSD Prüfung and officially finished my German course! To celebrate, my classmates and I toured the oldest salt mine in the world.

After that, I met up with my classmates and professors from Southern and took a Biblical tour of Cyprus.

And I also went to Greece!

In June, I went backpacking in Norway, and hiked the famous Trolltunga trail. After that, I had to do the bitter task of saying goodbye to all of my incredible friends. Then, I travelled home to Bismarck, North Dakota and was greeted by my family and a nice, crisp cup of Root Beer.

In July, I went to the Black Hills for my families annual camping trip. I was also asked to work as a TA for my art professor, Mrs. Giselle. Of course, I accepted.

In August, I took a solo trip across the USA on my way to school. I went back to Colorado for a wedding visited Abby and Drew, stopped in Mark Twains home town, Hannibal, visited Cahokia Mounds National Monument, and arrived safely in Southern after a year away!

In September, I started classes. One of which was my SCUBA Diving course. I took on a lot of new responsibilities this school year. I became the Vice President of the Student Archaeological Association and began tutoring Greek. Along with this, my professor, Dr. Hasel asked me to be his research assistant. Of course, I said yes and I begin this January! I also chose to add another degree to my audit: Biblical Studies, and continue at Southern for another year. I'm so excited for the opportunities that have been presented to me through this decision.