Top Ten of 2013

Jesus.

It always comes back to Him. I'm captivated by this truth: whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. 

That's the message I want to spread with my life. That anyone and everyone is worthy of love, respect, compassion, and the extra coat I have in my closet. That I treat everyone I encounter with the same attitude and appreciation that I would if I were in the presence of the most high King. However I fill the hours of my days and whoever comes across my path, it always comes back to Him.

Kyle.
Starting a new life with the greatest man I've ever met. Although I say I don't believe in soul mates, I know without a shadow of a doubt that we are made for each other. And that no matter what time in history we were born, we would have found each other.
This man is humble. He is hardworking. He is always willing to serve. He encourages me when I need it. He appreciates my independence. He makes me laugh, and even laughs when I make jokes at his expense. He doesn't judge me for wanting to eat pizza every single day. He keeps me grounded. He challenges me to better myself. He is the "doer" to my "dreamer."
He's my best friend and I couldn't imagine my life without him. Here's to lots more arguing (but learning how to communicate better), sleeping in, hiking, eating pizza and ice cream, traveling to new places, laughing out loud, playing banana grams, and all the other little things that make up a lifetime.

Lulwanda.
My small friends (and big, adult friends!) at Lulwanda Children's Home in Mbale, Uganda. The Lord was so gracious to bring this place into my life. The whole story of how I ended up there is too long to post here, but it is a relationship that is meant to be. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss my friends, family, and home in Uganda.

Also, just to brag on these kids, this home, and the workers/volunteers some more… You have to watch this video. Phenomenal.

The Wedding Week. 

Everyone should have one. Which is to say, everyone is worthy of feeling totally and completely supported, loved, encouraged, and appreciated for at least one week of their life (it doesn't necessarily have to be your wedding week, I just happened to experience this outpouring of love during my mine.) It was truly overwhelming and humbling to see so many different people just love on Kyle and me during this week. I am in awe that I could mean that much to even one person, much less so many. I pray I carry the spirit of that week with me and shower that upon everyone I meet.

Photo copyright Daylight Photography© 

Education. 

A few weeks ago, while reading the draft version of my post, I was overwhelmed with appreciation for being literate. Having the ability to read and write is truly amazing. I am so fortunate to live in a country, and an era, that education is possible for me. And although I am frustrated by student debt, and have very strong opinions of the educational loans institutions, I am forever indebted to the teachers, aides, professors, adjuncts, mentors, advisors, and countless others who have helped me become the woman I am. I can't even imagine my life without my education, and for that I am eternally grateful. 

And then there's this video, that captures a newly accepted college student's initial reaction so beautifully.

Ice Cream.

I have had the opportunity to enjoy one of my favorite treats in so many delicious ways this year. Nothing tastes so refreshing as a milkshake when you're in Uganda. Or so sinfully sweet as four gelato stops while exploring Rome on your honeymoon. We've enjoyed everything from the farm fresh ice cream from Maple View Farm in North Carolina, to the ever so creative flavors of Gelato Messina in Sydney, and countless other treats in between.  It's also true that Kyle's grocery lists nearly always begin with "ice cream."

Growing Up.

I am usually the first to lament the tragedy of being an adult. A typical Monday morning conversation in the Rifkin household begins with the question, "Why did we think it would be fun to grow up?" Adulthood often seems to be filled with mounting mundane responsibilities, complicated scenarios with no right answer, endless bills, and no time for naps. Just let me be three again! 

But with the inevitable challenges, frustrations, and minor inconveniences, also comes the achievements, joys, and huge blessings. I'm grateful to continue to age. I'm excited about the story I'm writing with my life. I'm thankful for the older adults in my life who show me the way, offer words of wisdom, point out areas that need serious growth, and help me laugh at myself. Every season of this life is a gift. 

(But seriously, being three was awesome.)

Family.

Oh, what a funny thing family is! While the formal definition states that family consists of parents and children - I have to argue that this is entirely too narrow. Family is a loaded word that is so much more than shared bloodlines. Family is a safe haven or it's a painful memory. It's connected by the kitchen table in a shared home or through Skype calls that span oceans. It's sticking together through the hard times or learning who can't be trusted with a secret. It's the people you call with exciting news or the ones who like your Facebook status update. And none of these things are mutually exclusive. In fact, family is that one weird place these are all felt and experienced simultaneously. I've added to my family in many different ways this year, and I love how wide my family tree has spread. 

Photo copyright ARThropology Jax© 

Women.

I have been so appreciative of the wisdom, grace, and guidance that I have felt from the women in my life. From my mother, Virginia, who taught me how to be thankful in each circumstance, to be a blessing, and to be true to myself. To my other mother, Isabell, who has exemplified sacrifice in numerous facets of her life and teaches me the importance of looking at the bigger picture. To my Grammy, who has inspired generations with her tenacity. To my Oma, who moved across the world with her family and who's life story has encouraged me on this adventure. To my little sister, who faces an incurable disease with incredible grace and lives to the fullest. To one of my older sisters, who has faced unimaginable pain yet continues to be a vessel for love. To my other older sister, who is one of the most devoted and passionate people I know. There are countless others that I could and should list, but these words are not enough. Just hear me when I say this: I am blown away by each of you. I am so thankful for your influence on my life. I admire you, I value you, I trust you, I love you. I mean it when I say I want to be like you when I grow up.

Photo copyright Daylight Photography©

Goodness.

We all know just how much negativity is being perpetuated out there. Through the news outlets, social media, and the way we interact with each other. There is so much junk we have to sort and filter through. So, instead I'm focusing on all the goodness that I've experienced and witnessed over the past twelve months. I know one stunning lady - truly beautiful inside and out - who has started an organization to help families and individuals affected by terminal illness capture memories to treasure. My little sister began a dance camp for young girls in 2009, and now RAKAD has grown to host two camps and performances a year. My family and friends have all experienced so much goodness, even in the midst of heartbreaking pain. 

I even want to celebrate the small goodness of having phones and internet. In a year with so much international travel, I have still been able to feel so connected. I could talk to Kyle on the phone every day I was in Uganda. We were able to FaceTime with our parents on Christmas Day. I get emails of love, support, and encouragement from my family and friends throughout the week. 

It really is a good time to be alive.

Thank you for everything, 2013.

And to 2014: You've got some big shoes to fill.