My happy 5th

this past friday night my husband and one of my good friends put together a 5-year anniversary party for me (for making 5 years at Bethel) and they managed to keep it a surprise from me.

thinking i was going over to my friends house to look at Italy pictures i innocently walked in her front door and there to my surprise were some of my best friends here at Bethel greeting me with a loud unanimous 'Surprise!'

aaaahhhhhh.....

we had pizzas and tiramasu - my favorite - and reminisced over the last 5 years. it's amazing to me that i got to this place on my own. and since have gotten married. my life has been so enriched because of my experiences here.

though i've travelled a lot to other parts of the world, i think the most growth i've done has been right here inside the same several buildings i've been in for the past 5 years. i've been exposed to more cultures and personalities here than any other place. and let me tell you - it'll either make you break you. i'm still here and surviving so that's a good sign.

some of my favorite things at Bethel.....hhhmmmm....
Taking care of the older ones - the ones who've built this place; Family Night and dancing on the Patterson stage with the lights shining in front of a huge audience - what a rush; My girlfriends who've made me laugh every day; Getting to know the GB as friends; Discovering friendships with people i never would've given a second thought to; Morning Worship; and finally - Donated - where i found a pair of PRADA shoes once. :)

it's the people, the moments, the heartbreaks, the history, the friends, the "enemies," the laughter.....it all makes up whats been the past 5 years of my life here. though i miss home with such a passion, i wouldn't give back these past years.

i can't say what the next 5 years will bring. i'm just going to enjoy every moment i'm here....until it's time to go.