Life Happens. But I don't always blog about it.

I said it a few times last year, "2010 was a year for the history books for the Bruno family!" It was just a tough year for us in a few different ways. There were some exciting developments that were happening, and I wanted to blog about it; but I wanted to wait until those developments solidified into reality. To my dismay however, those developments vaporized instead of solidified. 2010 held some dark days for Chris and me. We experienced disappointment, rejection, fear, uncertainty, hopelessness, sadness. I didn't really blog about all of that. I didn't really journal too much. I hope that I don't forget all of the amazing lessons we learned, the steadfast love and faithfulness God showed to us in unsurprising, small and inglorious ways.

I guess, in some ways, I don't regret not blogging throughout all that mud; because in the big scheme of things, I know that 2010 wasn't really about "all that mud." In between those days filled with tears and wringing hands and grasping out for God, were days of laughter, joy and amusement with our three precious boys. When we were wiping that mud off of our faces, Chris & I would remind each other that these problems, though real, weren't the biggest problem we had; our biggest problem has been solved in and through JESUS. And, not only did we have that sweetest of all blessings for our Rescuer, Comforter and Friend, but we had these 3 unbelievable blessings named Luke, Simon & Elliot. They were healthy, and this was something I honestly didn't take for granted. I had friends and knew people who did not have that blessing then and were living in a hospital having to watch their baby in pain and suffering. So, THAT was something I always thanked God for.

So, here is what's been up with our family over the last 12 months. It's been a wild ride!

January

Chris flew to Seattle, WA for a job interview. It went well! This job seemed fabulous.

February

I turned 29. The Seattle job moved forward in positive ways. Chris was wrapping things up @ Wheaton College Graduate School!

March

Chris defended his dissertation on the 17th! What a huge accomplishment. A few days later, Chris, Elliot & I flew to Seattle for more meetings. We even looked at a school for Luke (loved it!). Also, Chris came home with strep throat (didn't love that!).

April

The Seattle job vanished into thin air. We had become so emotionally invested. We were stunned and so disappointed.

May

Chris earned his PhD at Wheaton's commencement ceremony. I had looked forward to this day for so long. 9 years to be exact. :) Chris turned 30 a few weeks later. Meanwhile, Chris made a promising contact with a job in eastern Pennsylvania, and he and I flew out there at the end of the month. We had a great time; things were looking great! We were already seeing God's providence in shutting the door to Seattle.

June

Chris & I celebrated our 9th anniversary. A few days later, the PA job was off the table. We weren't so stunned, but still disappointed. And this time we were scared because that was the last job on the table. The last "no" had been said. This wasn't exactly how I pictured life after graduate school! This month, along with July, were rough. We soaked up God's Word and found great encouragement at our church and from friends and family.

July

Luke turned 6! How did that happen? Chris started to pull a few part-time employment opportunities together to make ends meet.

August

God provided several part time jobs for Chris, and he was pretty busy. I made plans for homeschooling Luke - bought curriculum, lesson plans, etc. Two weeks later, though, the Lord made a way for Luke to start kindergarten at the school of our dreams! He started one week late. School has been unbelievably helpful and positive for Luke. We are so thankful!

September

Life went on. We had drs. appointments and playdates and dinner with friends and school functions and a mouse in our house. (That kinda rocked our world for a little while.)

October

More of the same. Chris worked hard teaching 2 online classes for Liberty University, an evening Greek class at a seminary in NE Indiana plus other free-lance work. Luke, Simon & Elliot were Optimus Prime, Batman and a dinosaur for Halloween, respectively. In a whirlwind, most definitely through God's providence and a thoughtful friend, Chris got a full-time contracting job for James MacDonald, who is the senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel. This job began as an 8-10 month commitment. We were so thankful for this provision from the Lord! My heart was full of joy that Chris now had a fulfilling job to go to each day that made use of his education.

November

Chris connected with an Acts 29 pastor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. A church-based theological institute is starting up on that island. Chris felt drawn to seek God's will for our family in relation to this. So, why not?!?! We flew out to Oahu the week before Thanksgiving. Chris had a great time meeting some of the local pastors there and participating in training seminars. I had a great time visiting the local beach EVERY day for some quality alone time!

December

The Lord answered a big prayer of this mama's heart and provided us with the means to buy an awesome minivan, which I adore! A red 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. Man, did we appreciate that as we traveled up to WI and then down to MI over the holidays! We also prayed a lot about a possible move to Hawaii. We prayed and had some soul-searching conversations. Together, we both felt God calling us to pursue the opportunity to serve him in Hawaii. We would try to go, and He could shut the doors if his plan was otherwise. Also, Simon turned 3 and Elliot turned 1!

January

So, here we are. Anybody still reading? Probably not, but that's okay. Chris is really enjoying his job. Luke is doing great in school. Simon, Elliot & me? We enjoy our quiet mornings at home. :) We're not sure what God is doing with Hawaii; but we're ready to go if he opens the doors! This week we actually have to turn in Luke's re-enrollment form for school in fall. We're going to turn it in. Who knows where we'll be and what we'll be doing, but one thing's for sure, God will still be the faithful and wise God that he was to us in the Great Year of 2010. :)