A Very Extraordinary New Year

It's a brand new year! Although it's an ordinary year in that there have been many years before it and there will be many years that follow it, it is unique because of the events that occur within it. 

For myself it is an extraordinary year because on the very first day of the very first month of this new calendar a wonderful man changed my relationship status from 'single' to 'in a courtship'. His name is Jeff and it's been quite a blessing getting to know him.

We changed our Facebook statuses. It now says that we're "In a relationship", but Facebook doesn't have a courtship option. The only other option that would even come close other than "In a relationship" would be "It's complicated". Perhaps, "It's complicated" would be the most accurate of them all, but it sounds too negative and therefore doesn't fit. Because there's nothing negative about this relationship. 

 *isn't his smile contagious?!*

There ARE a lot of challenges... but none that are the worrisome kind. Mostly challenges that have to do with him being from Canada and how far apart we are from each other. Oh, a long distance relationship is quite interesting. Dating a foreigner comes with a few road blocks... like visas, passports, immigration, paperwork, and enough laws and regulations to make your head spin. No just hanging out in our time off, meeting up on the weekends or taking things casually. Yet, these are merely challenges for us to work through that will only make us grow stronger together. 100,000 miles of distance wouldn't make me change my mind about this guy. 

  *you'll have to forgive our chill phone camera photos,
but we're both pretty chill kids so I guess it fits*

To be honest, I'd given up hope that there were any guys left in this world that would be willing to go the extra mile and go through the courtship process. I certainly didn't think that when I sat down at a table next to two Canadian fellows at an organic conference last February I'd be in a relationship with one almost a year later. And I was quite prepared to be one of those 40-and-still-single gals, clinging to her ideals and faith. I wouldn't have made a very good 40-and-single lady though, haha! I think God works these things out in His perfect timing. I feel very blessed that Jeff not only met my expectations but has exceeded them in so many ways! I could dedictate a whole blog post (or a ton) to the many ways he's not only fulfilled my dreams but continues to soar above my wildest wishes. And no, I am not exaggerating (yes, I can read your mind. haha!).

Anyway, without sounding too cliche, he really does inspire me to be a better woman. I can't wait to see where this journey leads.... but I think it's going to be a really, really long journey. This is our hope at least. You know, the "until death..." kind of journey. 

Happy 2017, Everyone! May we grow more each day in our understanding of God's goodness and grace.