2012: A Year of Fulfillment

Yes, it really, really, really was.

This was the year, God said: Go! Start! Make a move! And within months, Alabaster Mobile Clinic was a living, breathing, entity. On February 6th 2012, it was formally recognized in the state of California. 7 years after I had heard God's whisper, 6 years after I had carved its name on a small bark of tree.

And then it was as if, I didn't choose it, but it chose me. 6 months later, a 200-person concert took place, a month after that, 1,336 patients were treated on a continent I know is my second home. I had entered God's stream and He just carried me.

And then on one seemingly random October day, my soul was united with its other half. A random twitter feed and less random Skype conversations, were all we needed. Within days, I knew...before I had ever met him in person. And now exactly 3 months later, I know who I will be waking up to every morning till the day I die.

Fulfillment.

And in the midst of all of this, a 5-year journey ended with a burly gentleman announcing in front of thousands of people, "Shannon Fernando, MSN-FNP." A journey that initially began with so much confusion, 13 rejection letters, wrought with needle sticks, long night shifts, union disputes, sprained wrists from combative patients, and also the realization of my calling not only as a healthcare provider, but as a teacher.

This was also the year, God delivered me from shame. Restored precious friendships. And taught me the importance of worship. Showed me that in my weakness, He is my strength. That His grace is sufficient, whether in the jungles of Kenya, or when leading worship on Sunday mornings in Pasadena, CA.

All in ONE YEAR.

He said this would be the year of fulfillment and it truly was. Every promise God ever spoke over me, whether months ago, or years ago, came to fruition THIS YEAR.

After 7 years of singleness, through all the doubts, uncertainties, mistakes, I don't enter 2013 alone. But united with an amazing man, whose name I will take in 11 months.

I enter 2013 with so much expectation. Knowing that God's people in Africa await. I enter 2013 with a new job title. So much unknown, and yet, so much peace.

We serve a God so lavishly loving, we can't fathom it. I don't fully understand a God who would keep His covenant with such a failing, fickle being like me. And yet He does. He remained and remains true to His word.

He said, open wide your mouth and I will fill it. My cup overflows.

So it is only fitting that on my last day of 2012, I spend it in calm, silent reflection. In peace. In humble gratitude before my Savior. Because, all I have and all I feel as this year closes is:

Awe.