A year to remember.

 

Hashtag lucky we live in Hawaii , I see often in social media posts with  these idyllic pictures and views taken throughout the island.  Yes, its true, I feel blessed and lucky to live in Hawaii.

But to quote George Clooney’s character in the movie, The Descendants, life here is not a permanent vacation like were all sipping Mai this and shaking our hips. Five years ago, my life was not so idyllic , I was lost in my addiction, my marriage was on the brink of ending, and I was depressed and anxious in a new place where I hardly knew anybody, a whole ocean away from my family and only home I knew.

This year has not gone as planned leaving us with a less than idyllic place to be. 

It makes me think of that night when Jesus came to this world. No room at the inn. I’m sure Mary and Joseph didn’t plan on that.  Baby Jesus born in a manger, a feeding trough for farm animals.  Not idyllic at all.  Like he came into the world,  Jesus comes into our broken, messy less than idyllic lives and meets us where we are at. 

Jesus intervened into my life 5 years ago, in that messy place and healed my life. 

Jesus is with us now during this whole pandemic. 

As I look back on the year for my family,  I can’t help but think of Rick Warren’s description of life in his book Purpose Driven Life.  Where some people might describe life like a roller coaster having its ups and downs, he uses a railroad analogy.  You always have two sides along the track.  One one side of the rail you have all the things going right in your life , but on the other side you have the bad things.  So the two can be happening at the same time. I think the point is, no matter hard times get, there’s always something to be grateful for. 

So I thought I’d share what life has been like on the Brunken Ohana railway this year. 

At the start of the pandemic Daniel and Andrew were just getting back from a trip to California

I think we did ok,  tried not to panic buy. 

With the theaters being closed Over the summer, we had our own movie marathons at home.  

Then, it was time to go back to school…

Our youngest Micah finished his 3rd grade year doing distance learning.   He turned 9 this year, celebrated at home with a five nights at Freddy’s them party.  He learned how to ride a bike! Then in the fall started 4th grade year online again. Although  difficult for him  being away from friends he seemed to endure.   I fear he may have a little social anxiety , but who doesn’t these days?  He still continues to thrive.  He is even on his class student council . He has an inquisitive and creative mind.  He makes up his own comic book stories,  and even started his own series, entitled ‘wizard of disguise ‘. 

He enjoyed his annual pass to Wet n wild water park here allowing him to get out a bit with his brothers. 

Our middle child, Nathanael turned 14 this past July.  We celebrated with an ‘Office’ themed party eating Chili’s take out.  During quarantine, he developed his own YouTube channel for video gamers. Apparently that’s a thing.  He was able to start high school in person at Hanalani private school.    I’ve been pleased with how this school takes all precautions in ensuring a safe environment for the kids.  He’s had a couple of scares or close contact with a covid positive person where he had to get tested.  The other time, he didn’t have to get tested, but quarantined.  He discovered he has a knack for public speaking and considering a career in communications.  

Our oldest Andrew turned 17 this year.   He celebrated his birthday with his favorite, prime rib dinner cooked at home.  He started his senior year at Hanalani. Unfortunately his cross country AND basket ball seasons pushed back.  However, on the other side of the rail,  he is receiving acceptances to almost every college he’s applied to with scholarships. Praying for God’s continued provision and guidance in this department as these are still very expensive schools. We are so proud of him. 

I am proud of all my  boys, seriously for what they have had to endure this year.

And last , but not least my dear husband. I’m so grateful for him for keeping our house together during these uncertain times.  And so thankful for him navigating all of the online learning.  He always lifts our spirits up making us laugh.  He’s my true front line hero! 

And for me? Well I think this year has true been a year of growth.   At end of last year, I was so burned out with work. I was expecting these trips and conferences to be the answer but apparently, God had other plans.   Being able to work virtually, gave me some respite from the day to day demands of working onsite in the clinic.  I started this year losing my best friend, Bev, but in the end gained some new friendships.  When I went back to Celebrate Recovery, I reconnected with my sisters in recovery. I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit to lead a Life’s Healing Choices Group and was richly blessed for it.  This was my first year attending a Women’s Physican in Christ virtually.  So many good talks, I can’t believe I waited so long to attend and definitely plan on attending in years to come.  If you been reading my blog this year, you see my new found passion for bible journaling . This has led me to discover a new way to journal called bullet journaling. Its amazing what you can find on Pinterest.   And this led me to discover  a new way to Bible study.  Looking forward to using this method I learned from Jen Wilken’s book, Women of the Word.  More to blog on this later.   God had an anti virus hedge of protection around me as I traveled to California being able to visit family.  I received my last Christmas present on December 26 and got the covid vaccine.  So far, I’m not sprouting any arms or suppressing any urges to eat other humans.   I’m ok!  

All in all, life hasn’t been too bad for us Brunkens here on this rock.  Even though this year has thrown us some unexpected turns, there’s always something to be grateful for.  I will remember 2020 as the year our family grew close together. I will remember 2020 as what may be the last year of having our whole family live under one roof as we have graduating senior.    I will remember 2020 as the year my social values and outlook was challenged and my ideals were questioned.  I will remember 2020 as a year I had a renewed sense to appreciate my job.   I will remember 2020 as the year I learned that even though things might not look so idyllic or go as planned, Jesus is always there to meet us, keeping us chugging along on this train of life.  

Thank you for letting me share, 

2000 days sober!

Hopeful girl, 

Janette