Year in Review

Ever since we got married, Amanda and I have been waiting for that quiet and uneventful year.  This was not that year.  Here are some of the things that took place in 2011, some good and some challenging.

I began the process of joining the Canadian Forces as a chaplain in the reserves.  Hit an obstacle that has now been overcome and hopefully things will fall into place in the new year.

I started my Doctor of Ministry program at Acadia Divinity College and took my first course on Canadian Context of Ministry with Reg Bibby.

I finished writing a book on Jehovah's Witnesses that should be out sometime in the new year.

I had my first experience as a retreat speaker at Camp Iawah.  I brought Emma and Faith with me and had lots of fun.

Our family had some challenges that I don't want to go into here.  I will just say that I am thankful for Amanda and her courage.  I am also thankful for our churches who gave me the time off that was needed.

Logan went to summer camp and was sent home the next day because they were not sure how to deal with his autism.  Lots of paternal anger and defensiveness.  Awakened a desire to advocate for special needs kids.  Still not sure what that will look like.

Amanda went on her first mission trip.  She went to the Czech Republic and had a great time.  Very proud of her!

We had a hard time being away from our daughter Abby as we were so far away from her.  Prayed hard about this.

Our churches gave me permission to move closer to Abby while remaining their pastor.  Thankful for Woodford and First Baptist Church Meaford.

We put up for sale and sold our house in Meaford.  This was the first home we ever owned and there were many memories there.  A hard decision.

After a long process, we found and bought a house in Cambridge.  Thanks go to Amanda who worked extremely hard to find a house, plus doing almost all of the packing up of the house.

We are getting settled in our new home.  It works well for us and I have already seen Abby twice, including a visit she paid to our home for Christmas.  It was definitely the right thing for our family.

That is short summary of 2011.  Still looking for a quiet and uneventful year.  Maybe 2012?