December in Review

 When I quit social media a few weeks ago, I made the pithy hope of blogging more. In a time of finishing up grad school and figuring out the future, the idea of doing *more* writing became less appealing. However, some of the things that I did love about Facebook and Instagram were that I got to share snipets of my life (and catch up with others) as well as keep a little digital memorial to my days, weeks, and years.

So for now, I won't try to blog about mental health, or theology, or art (all things I do care about), but I will simply try to be faithful in giving a monthly update on what's going on in my world. 

December started with a bang as the fall semester came to a close. The first two weeks of the month were full of finishing up classes--both the ones I was taking and the ones I was teaching--grading, and submitting a paper. The semester was a fruitful, but busy, one. I had a break from directing, but was focused on prepping for my thesis show, Men on Boats, in the spring. I taught two sections of Acting I and had an absolute blast! While it was tricky managing all my different responsibilities, I genuinely enjoyed my students and the creativity they brough to the classroom. 

As I was wrapping up the semester, I was also helping direct a children's Christmas skit at Mosaic, the church I attend in Waco. I worked alongside our wonderful children's director who also directed a skit. While church theatre is a very specific beast with often too little rehearsal time, I found the experience delightful. Most of the young ones participating had never done any theatre before. There is something so beautiful and rewarding about facilitating someone's first theatre performance. We honored the Master Playwright by giving these performances as a gift to Mosaic's congregation. 

This past year, I have continued to work at Cha Community. I have absolutely loved my time at the shop. Surrounded by some of the best coworkers anyone could as for, I find work to be a wonderful time of connecting and sharing thoughts with others. It can at times be difficult to navigate honoring my schoolwork and taking shifts, but I have very understanding bosses and managers. This year, I was able to participate in our company's Christmas party, which was a delightful time of a hot pot dinner and axe-throwing! Not only did I throw my first axe, I also did karaoke for the first time at the party. I am super grateful to the owners of Cha Community for keeping me on another year and fostering such a supportive environment. 

On December 18th, I packed up my car and my cat and started the long trip to Pennsylvania. I arrived on the 20th, and am here until the 12th of January. Gratitude lights the hearth of my heart. So far it has been a visit filled with time with family, nieces and nephews, friends, and familiar places--including my gym community. Celebrating the birth of the Savior with my family was special, as always. I also was able to connect with my extended family on my mum's side, celebrating with my many aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course, my dear grandparents, who are 96 and 100! 

It is hard to believe it is the last day of 2023. Betsy, Sharon, and I carried out our NYE tradition of reading Wings of Dawn. Alas, we had to do this via zoom, as Betsy was ill, and we only got through three chapters instead of our usual six, but we kept the tradition alive! After we finish Wings of Dawn, perhaps we will take on another melodramatic Christian novel to read aloud on this auspicious day,

This year has flown by, and as I look ahead to 2024, I know it will be full of many challenges, stresses, and problems. But today I am resting in the goodness of Jesus who has brought me safe thus far. I pray that 2024 will be a year of growth, peace, and reveling in Him. I will end this post and this year with these words from The Valley of Vision:

I thank thee for the temporal blessings of this world--

    the refreshing air,

    the light of the sun,

    the food that renews strength,

    the raiment that clothes,

    the dwelling that shelters,

    the sleep that gives rest,

    the starry canopy of night,

    the summer breeze,

    the flowers' sweetness,

    the music of flowing streams,

    the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends.