This year we celebrated New Year’s in Colombia. It was a little different than last year, when we were in sub-zero temperatures and celebrated with friends in the warmth of their home. This year we were trying to get cool as we looked for shade and found the breeze of the fan helpful. We celebrated in a small town in the inland coast of Colombia where Julio’s parents live. We celebrated with family as we grilled steaks (carne asada) on the street with the company of neighbors. Fire crackers crackled around us. Feliz año nuevo!

As we drove back to Medellin on January 1st, we were greeted by blue skies and very little traffic (something to celebrate). We drove through the mountains and I couldn’t get over the beauty of the countryside, that just seemed to get more green and brilliant with every turn we took.

As we drove I reflected on all that had passed in 2016. Our family had gone through a lot of change. From Minnesota to Colombia. From traveling around the States to setting up home in Medellin. There were good-byes and hellos. There were losses and things that were left behind, and there were gains and new experiences. There were joys and there was grief. Just this past month we grieved the loss of a dear friend in Minnesota and we grieved at not being able to be present to support his family. As we celebrated Christmas in Colombia as a family of four, we were aware of our family and friends all around the world and gave thanks to God for those who are so dear to us.

We enter 2017 aware of the new challenges, goals, and opportunities that are waiting. We remember God’s faithfulness in the past and continue to trust in God’s faithfulness as we move into this new year. As so we leave you with this song that has spoken truth into our lives and that was sung at our friend Lewis’s memorial service in December. We pray that each day you will be attentive to God’s presence and reminded of God’s love. God is faithful.

Sara Groves, “He’s always been faithful to me,” album “Conversations”

Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine
Season by season I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me

I can’t remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can’t remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me

This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful, He’s always been faithful
He’s always been faithful to me