2007 Year End E mail

It’s that time of the year again to send out my end of the year e mail to all of you. Not too much took place this year, and overall it’s been a good year.

1) Young Adults Group – I’m the coordinator of St. Kate’s Young Adults Catholic Group and we meet once every three weeks for a meal and socializing. It’s fun and a good way to keep young adults connected with one another through our faith.
2) Hillary Clinton – “Good Morning America” came to DM and I was one of the guests who got to hear her speak. She’s pretty impressive and it’ll be interesting to see if she wins the Democratic Presidential Nominee.
3) Carol/Omaha/Chicago – Carol, a friend from elementary school came to the US for a conference and we managed to spend time together catching up and visiting Omaha and Chicago. We had fun reminiscing.
4) Colorado/Silent Retreat – My big trip this year took me to Colorado for the very first time, and my word, talk about a great vacation! I did a bunch of hiking and had the time of my life hanging out in and with nature. I also went on a weeklong silent retreat while in Colorado and it was definitely good for my soul and spiritual nourishment.
5) Norazlan Termuzi – Not too long after I came back from my Colorado trip, I found out that a friend from high school died in a helicopter crash. He was a helicopter pilot, and his death kind of shook me up a little. Life is precious, and never take it for granted because you just never know when your time is up.
6) Approval of Green Card – The happiest, biggest and most important news by far was when I found out that my Green Card application was approved. I am now a permanent legal resident of the USA and trust me, it’s a great feeling. Lots of sweat and tears went into the process, and the fact that I have my Green Card now makes it all worthwhile. Joel even organized a Green Card party! It was a fun evening.
7) Westminster House/Linda Nebbe – With the approval of my Green Card I’m able to work a second job, and I’m working as a Human Service Counselor at a residential care facility for persons with mental illness. Most of them have some sort of psychological disorder and trust me, there’s never a dull moment at the facility. No two days are ever the same. I also reconnected with my counseling mentor who is now working at the University of Northern Iowa.

I’m already looking forward to a couple of major events taking place next year. Three weddings and I’ll be in my first wedding party at one of them. I’ll also be attending a priesthood ordination of a dear friend from Drake that will take place in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin.

I wish you nothing but the very best as the year comes to a close, and if for some reason this past year did not live up to your personal expectations, don’t fret too much because life’s too short to let minor things like that bog you down. Remember, there’s always 2008 which is right around the corner. Have a great Christmas and/or New Year celebration.