HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Dear family and friends,
It's Christmas Day and time has gone by so fast this year, it's hard to believe 2011 is nearly over. This year has been a life changing year for me in many ways and I feel so blessed. Please allow me to share a few memories and pictures with you (I took over 2000 pictures on my Camino, hard to choose from).
You might remember that I had just started a new job as a personal assistant and office manager for a small relocation company in Gland. This turned out to be a very difficult experience as my boss and I had very different ways of communicating and working. She ended up firing me at the end of the 3 month trial period, so I finished working for her at the end of February. I was then unemployed for several months. I did help out at my church office in April and May a few hours a day which was good for me to keep a foot in the working environment but I was starting to wonder about my professional career and I was really not sure I wanted to find a new job in the HR / administrative field. I was basically at a huge crossroads and I needed direction.
I decided to take off on a pilgrimage, hiking "in my father's footsteps", on the Way of St. James. I never thought I would do something like this, I thought my father was "crazy" 8 years ago when he walked over 2000km, from home all the way to Spain! But I felt that God was calling me to go on the Camino this year, so that I could take some time away from the usual stress and business to think about what's really important. I wanted to hear God's voice so that He could give me some insights about His plan for my life and what steps to take next.
So after attending a 2-day seminar near Oxford in the UK, designed for people at a crossroads and spending a week there visiting with friends, I set off on June 11th on foot from Le Puy-en-Velay in France all the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and then to the ocean at Cape Fisterra. For 3 months, I walked over 1600km through France and Northern Spain. It was a great adventure! Very challenging at times when faced with health issues, fears and doubts along the Way but God gave me the strength to keep going. I met so many people along the Way, all doing the Camino for various reasons but as pilgrims we were all on the "same boat" and we were able to share so much in the experience. God blessed me every day as I walked through valleys and mountains, rain or heat. I feel so privileged because God spoke to me every day through small signs and miracles. His provision at the time I needed it, whether for a place to rest, a friend to keep me company and encourage me, care when feeling sick or hurt, being able to reach my goal and going all the way to the ocean. My Dad even changed his summer vacation plans of hiking the Via Francigena, another pilgrimage towards Rome, to come and give me some much needed encouragement. He ended up walking with me for 3 weeks, for the passage over the Pyrenees and the adaptation to Spain all the way to Burgos (about 400km). It was wonderful to share this special time with him and I am very thankful for a great Dad! I must say I think the Camino is my biggest achievement so far (you can check out my blog at: bethanycamino.blogspot.com).
I came back "transformed", with a renewed confidence in myself and in God, and the conviction that I should change professions, following my desire (ever since I was a little girl) to work with little children. I will need to wait almost 2 years to enter the training program at the school for "éducatrices" in Lausanne, but I was offered a full-time position as an "auxiliary childhood educator" at a crèche in Nyon, within walking distance from home. I have been enjoying my new job there since November 1st. And after almost 2 months working with the kids, I know I am where God wants me to be at this time.
My brother Luke and I are still sharing an apartment in Nyon. He continues a successful course of studies with evening classes in Geneva towards his Bachelor's in Computer Engineering, while still working 90% for Edwards Life Sciences. His work took him to a number of foreign countries last summer: Germany, Czech Republic, Greece, England and South Africa… where he had some exceptional experiences like visiting baby lions and approaching sharks (being lowered down in a cage, but still…). He loved the country and will be returning to South Africa on vacation next week.
I still enjoy singing and leading worship at Westlake Church in Nyon and have joined the crèche team to help look after the little kids once a month. I am still part of the small group in Rolle and enjoy our weekly study and fellowship times. Many close friends have left over the summer (our church has a revolving door… unfortunately) and having been gone for so long I am getting to know new people and looking forward to new friendships in 2012.
As you might remember I had lost quite a lot of weight last year, well walking for 3 months definitely helped me get even more fit and I actually reached the weight that I was when I was 20! I feel great and continue to exercise on a regular basis, by walking, swimming and doing my workout DVD.
My dog, Kenoby (almost 10) is doing well. He spent the summer at Mom and Dad's as he wouldn't have survived the long hike. I missed him a lot and we were both very happy to see each other again when I got home mid-September.
As I look back, I can see that God has really blessed me in many ways this year and I continue to trust in Him, because He will provide! I am so thankful for His provision, guidance and faithfulness towards me this year. I hope this letter finds you well and I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate the Birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless each and every one of you richly throughout 2012!
With much love, Bethany
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