2013 Year In Review
Fred New Job: A big one is that Fred started a new job just before the new year. Fred started working at Eastern State Hospital. He loves it, which is sooooo great... he loves it so much that he often spends up to 72 hours a week there. His new job has blessed him/us so much in his work satisfaction, financially, and even through the benefits. We are super blessed for this change for Fred.
Kelsey Out of town: I continued my contract position that caused me to travel out of town the first 5 months of the year. My first assignment took me to Stockton, CA. It was a significantly warmer climate to spend most of the winter months in, and a great change to be able to remain in my own timezone, however the crime in Stockton was definitely an experience, especially since most of my work took me to the projects and "ghetto" of the town. The last assignment sent me to my own state, in Seattle. It was a great change of pace, Fred was able to visit me several times, and my parents even made a trip over. Having a hotel downtown on the water-front didn't hurt either. It was also very convenient to visit my best friend Sirena.... I promise between all the mingling and trips to their amazing goodwill "popping tags..... I got work done as well!
ALEX: For sure the highlight of our year was getting Alex. We got Alex at the beginning of May and he has been quite a joy. We had talked about getting a dog, especially since Fred was still working night shift, and he has been soooooo much fun. We spent more time outside this year due to Alex, a lot of walks... and he truly has become a big cuddler. Fred and Alex are best buds. Alex gives Fred hugs whenever he comes home.
Loss of Grandma: Most definitely the hardest time this year was the loss of my Grandma in August just before our 1st Anniversary. My Grandmother and I were very close, we spoke and saw each other several times a week. One thing my Grandma taught the whole family is how important it is to be all together. A few years ago my family started getting together a few times a month, and Grandma would attend... She always said how proud she was that her kids were spending time together on a regular basis. She supported and loved Fred and I from day 1... needless to say the rest of the year was definitely the most difficult without her.
Anniversary!: Fred and I celebrated our 1st anniversary!... Although our special day was filled with emotions of a loss, we found time to do some of our favorite things.... try out new restaurants and we spent the rest of the day relaxing... something we plan to do more of this year!!
Fred New Schedule: Starting in October another huge blessing came our way as Fred was able to get transferred from working night shift to working swing/evening shift!!!!! With that change also gave us our first day off together in our relationship!! Prior to the change Fred and I always were trying to sneak in time to see each other between his naps.... not exactly the ideal, but it worked. NOW that we are on the same sleep schedule, and we have 1 whole day off together we find ourselves 100% blessed. We know most couples could have to wait many more years for this blessing.
Christmas Blessings: My Grandma always mentioned every year that she wished we would stop doing presents and do a charity instead. So this year Fred and I picked someone very random to bless... Fred recently bought me a new phone off Craigslist that I wanted. The family was selling to buy Christmas presents for their daughter and they also had a new baby on the way. Fred and I both felt that this would be a great family to surprise. We went to the store and became Santa! This is a tradition we plan to continue in the years to come. We have been super blessed and what a great way to share Jesus' love and honor my grandmother's memory.
Loss of Fred's Cousin: On Christmas Day this year we heard the news that Fred's Cousin Peter had passed away due to the complications related to HIV/aids virus. He left a wife and 4 boys behind on that Christmas day. A huge tragedy and not how Christmas day should be remembered.... It was a very big reminder to Fred and I that life is precious.
Exciting things we are anticipating for 2014!!!
Felicity: This October we submitted the application for Fred's daughter to come to the United States. We are anxiously awaiting the 6-11 months for the visa to go through!! The plan will be for her to come live with us during the school year, and go home to Kenya some summers to spend time with Family there.
Trip to Kenya: After Felicity's visa is approved we plan to make the trip over to visit Kenya. A long awaited plan of ours... we can't wait!!!
Homeowners!! The other plan of ours is to find a house to purchase!! We are closing in on several that we like and we hope to have one picked out in the next few months!
In 2014 we hope to be wiser and closer to each other and God.
We can't wait for what is in store for us!!!
We can't wait for what is in store for us!!!
~Fred and Kelsey
