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there is something nice about the end of a decade and a start of a new one. a chance to look at 10 whole years. remembering the best, laughing at the worst and being thankful for the good and the bad. so here are some standouts from the last decade- my 20's :)

Top 10 Disasters!

10. Camping in Wales- being so cold you can't sleep and its august!
9. Getting lost in Wales- in the dark, alone, with no mobile phone reception.
8. Paying UK Taxes! ughhh
7. A Christmas party- with no electricity or heat! in a building still damp from recent flooding :(
6. Having to eat fish pie- once a month for a year- yuck :P
5. Adjusting back to driving in the US- i.e. almost entering an exit ramp on the highway!!!
4. Language faux pas- i.e. getting a group of Muslim children to smile by saying 'sausages' in true British form :)
3. Almost burning NPU's chapel down! and seeing 4 Chicago fire trucks role in!!!
2. Getting my car stolen- in the suburbs after 12 years of city living!
1. Gaining a crown of glory i.e gray hair and lots of it :)

Top 10 Highlights :)

10. Graduating from NorthPark- with a BA in Art and Bible & Theology and with honours!
9. Road trips across the US and Europe- days in a car with friends :)
8. Acquiring a taste for a good pint :)
7. Discovering how much I love to cook and feed people- and take pictures of the result!
6. A Mexican Adventure- going a real mexican wedding and experiencing Oaxaca :)
5. Spending an evening at Kababish- my favourite curry house by far!!!
4. Chapel Installation at NPU- loving joining faith, God and art in a real and tangible way!
3. Traveling - seeing and experiencing 18 countries plus 40 of these United States- so that's Austria, the Balearic Islands, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Venezuela, and Wales!!!
2. Gaining a sister-in-law and becoming an aunt twice over :) loving our growing family!

and the best for last- number 1 of the last decade . . . .

1. Moving to and living in the UK for almost 7 years!! and everything that goes with it :)

so no regrets just lots of good memories and so much to thank God for- His goodness, mercy, love and joy :)

and my last gift of my 20's is a very close friend flying across an ocean to be with me, to close out a decade and begin a new one :) so blessed!