You've got mail: an update

Dear Reader,

Thank you for your patience with me.

I have been m.i.a for waaaaaay too long.
7 months to be precious.
SEVEN MONTHS!!
Gosh, its unbelievable.

I AM SO SORRY.

Although it is inexcusable not only because it was my new year's resolution to write a post monthly but also because it showed my lack of commitment to something I LOVE doing.
However, please do accept my excuses.

I was super busy with work, long distance engagement, wedding planning, church activities and activities with friends. My week days AND weekends were always packed. Yes, I like being busy...it's an addiction...seriously.

But I have good news for you and I!

Yes, great news , in fact the best news!

I have decided to prioritize myself.

That means, taking time to do not only the things that are required or give the biggest return but also those that are rewarding, things I enjoy..and blogging is one of them! Some others are reading and sleeping. Hehehehe

So I have set apart a specific time for blogging...drum roll...WEEKLY!
Yaass, you read right. WEEKLY, meaning that I'll post at least on a monthly or biweekly basis.

 *pops bottle*

So stay tuned. I have some awesome posts about work, our wedding, and my faith journey coming up.

Blessings,

Twisile x

2016: Reflections & Resolutions

Helloo there!

I hope you had a lovely celebration and are super duper excited for 2017! I am slowly loading my excitement bar and simultaneously downloading my thankfulness bar 😊.

God was good to me, my family and friends in 2016 in so many ways. He has provided us with family unity and laughter, great friends, good health, finances, jobs... you name it! He did it! And I am grateful for these two highlights:  I GOT ENGAGED! and am FINISHING MY MASTER'S DEGREE (bye bye university! hehehehe) and also for my FRIENDS! Mehn, I love my friends especially my sister! They have taught me so much about life! They have built me up in so many ways and encouraged me when I was low. God has used them to mold and shape me. So much to be grateful for! God is good, all the time!!!

 As good as 2016 was to my family, it wasn't all cherries and roses mainly but not only, because my sweet Mbuya (grandmother) passed away. We didn't see her death coming, it happened so fast but still we are thankful for her life. She was an amazing mother and grandmother who is dearly missed! I thank God that my parents were settled in Zambia when it happened. He moved them from Suriname only two years ago. I thank Him because we got to spend time with her and to enjoy her. She was an inspirational believer, a role model to me and others and I believe she is enjoying herself in heaven right now!

Although we are already in 2017, I encourage and challenge you to still take some time aside to reflect on 2016 month by month if you haven't, both the good and bad events and to be grateful. A friend of my recently told me something very profound, "In the night sky, the stars shine and glisten, radiating like diamonds in the sky. There are treasures in the night. Dark times are not to be feared, they have their treasures too."

With the ending of one year and the beginning of another comes: RESOLUTIONS! We all want to be or do better in some area or other in our lives.  And that's good. It's good to want change for the better. I usually write up a list of things I want to progress in spiritually, physically, emotionally, academically ... and review it now and then. I actually need to work on taking more time to review. Nevertheless, one very important thing I learned last year is that lasting change starts and continues with the Spirit. You can't do it without Him. If you want to grow in some area, or if you are not sure of which areas you need to grow in; ask God and He will show you and help you mature in it. Start, continue and end with Him. When you fail, don't beat yourself down, get up and try again. Never ever give up!

 Goodbye 2016. Hello 2017!

Finitoque

Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord - 2Cor. 10:17

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. -Jeremiah 9:23-24

Three years ago, I began a journey that seemed endless. I embarked on an adventure of university education in a second language, Dutch. I don't remember my first class vividly but what I can recall was that it was not great. I sat at the very back of the auditorium, alone and uncertain, hardly understanding what my Chemistry professor was explaining. I went home dejected. The following classes from different courses followed a similar pattern. However, as time went on, I made friends who helped me understand the courses better. With time I became more and more independent, I was learning and understanding. I was diligent with my studies. During examination periods and projects, I almost cracked from immense stress. I cried numerous times but I have been encouraged numerous times too. I started at the lower ranks but God uplifted me to the higher ranks. This journey is now over, I now have my bachelor degree and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you.

I would love to thank:
 God, first and far most, because without His abundant grace, there is no way that I would have even began such a journey. Without His love and strength, I would have never made it. He provided me with a great sister and a team of lovely people who have played their important roles.

My family, my parents who supported my education thus enabling me to concentrate completely on my studies and not on bills etc! :) My awesome totally amazing big sister, Chibwe! Man, I love this girl. She always has my back (unless we are arguing) but I am truly thankful that she has always believed in me and encouraged me and helped and done a lot!

My (ex)friends; those who taught me how to study so as to understand and not to cram, Naomi who taught me not to fear exams but trust that God is able to see me through every time, Severien who has been such a great  friend, classmate and project partner, and everyone else who helped through prayers, notes from previous years etc. You all have a special place in my heart!

My church, especially pastor Seth and Mama, who encouraged us to study and also prayed fervently for us all.

May God bless you all abundantly for all you have done for me!