This post is special for two reasons. Firstly, it welcomes in a new year and decade. Cheers to 2020! May God bless us with stability and peace where we need it, the courage and faith to obey Him, and joy through his Spirit. 

Secondly, this is my hundredth blog post on this site!

Now, I could write 100 somethings to celebrate that fact, but lists that long tend to be overwhelming. Instead, I’ll share twenty assorted things that I have learned over the past decade, and particularly over the last five years.

Feel free to add your own in the comments!

1. Being away from family isn’t the easiest, since I am blessed with an amazing one, but friendships can be just as sweet.

2. Working the opening shift is the best. Especially when you can see the sunrise through your window.

3. Being vegetarian isn’t hard when you have reasons for it! (The same goes for anything; if you have convictions, you can act decisively, even if it is difficult in some cases.)

4. Language acquisition requires active communication in that language. You have to practice.  

5. Math and piano also need continual practice even once you reach a certain level. You can lose your skills even if you excelled at one point. Not everything is like riding a bike. 

6. It’s rewarding to obey the prompts of the Holy Spirit.

7. Find yourself a church community. You’ll be doing yourself a favor.

8. Colorful lipstick is the bomb. 

9. There is no shame in getting counseling. In fact, it’s quite helpful.

10. Refugees are awesome people. They are courageous, innovative and dedicated creators, survivors, and humans.

11. It’s best to wait for what God has promised instead of going against his timeline or words. That can actually hurt you, but what God has promised is so, so good.

12. Mayonde was right: Ain’t no city like Nairobi. Well…maybe Denver. ☀️

13. Zero waste is the way to go. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and buy biodegradable!

14. Cacti make great pets. 

15. Race DOES need to be talked about since the underlying issues have not yet been solved. You can read the story of how I came to realize that here.

16. It’s okay to let people go as you mature and move into different stages of life. Your high school friends might not be your best friends forever, and that’s okay. 

17. At the same time, pursue relationships you want to keep.

18. Know the reasons why you believe what you do or live a certain way. 

19. Be open to difference!!!

20. Be compassionate and empathetic. 

Happy new year, everyone! Subscribe for more blog posts, including a special guest post in Memoirs of the Trees.