2017

January

January was a paradox. Pneumonia, too sick to function, cracked ribs, full of regret from the months before. But also light and joy. Heaven is home. Glimpses of good. I stood at the bridge, I still cried. a week of recovery. Life spoken, life chosen. Lion of Judah, lamb of God.

February

I wrote no words in this month. All in my head, absent and questioning. Home and "home." I did not give all of who I was, wept with those who wept. She walked through the door.

March

March, a million miles an hour. Pavement flying past, writing to the early hours. Sunrise, sunset. Pushing ourselves to the creative limit, working hard to be faithful with what was entrusted. Wrestling and arguing and crying and laughing. I'm a child of God. He values my contribution.

April

by Carrie

by Carrie

April was so full of light. The resurrected King, resurrecting me. Photos and adventures and singing at the top of my lungs. Walked out of the halls of the academia, year one done. Friends continued to grow into family. I started reading a book that changed my life. It wouldn't be the first time I read it this year. I spoke my intentions, the start of something that wouldn't last the year - though I didn't know it at the time.

May

I spent all of May breathing fresh air. Is there a patio we can sit on? Windows open, even if the air is cool. Fresh flowers always. How could I have leapt into Spring even more than I did? But May was not without its trials. "I've been searching for light in all kinds of places recently." Words written by a stranger on a page felt like the close whisper of a friend. Everything was new.

June

June, o sweet June. I adventured around, capturing beauty for a purpose. I wrote all about the Creator of the beauty that I saw all around me. The people I love, my people, brought me into my next year with the most incredible love. "I don't deserve this" I whispered. I took another step forward, exposed myself in a way I hadn't for many years.

July

by Carrie

July was incredibly fun, summer in full force. I saw friends, tanned, drank good beer, biked all over and hit the Fringe Festival so hard. Live theatre, laughter and tears and money that could have been spent better. The month started in a way I hated. Not with the ones I wanted, wishing I was elsewhere, this should have been the first sign. Two of my best friends had a birthday, I celebrated them because I love them.

August

August was everything I could have asked of it. A breath of fresh air. I travelled with beautiful friends, our second trip together. Mark and I defined many things. I saw Coldplay, sang at the top of my lungs, jumped and danced. Paper butterflies floated on hot breath, all of us united by the music. We produced incredible videos, I celebrated my friends as they started a life together. Our tv watching nights grew even more important, family time. I took a photo of the chaos just to remember how precious it was to me. Mourn with those who mourn, rejoice with those who rejoice.

September

by Carrie

I watched summer fade into September. Nuit Blanche, chasing art all over. A trip out of the city, the perfect day to hike and adventure and take a deep breath. International Day of Peace and World Suicide Prevention Day, both connected, both important. First glimpses of fall, I preached in front of our church for the first time, a foretaste of what's to come.

October

by Carrie

October was an incredible month. I had three Thanksgivings, took photos of one and finally bought Mark a birthday present. I flew back to Toronto with three of the most important people. We ran around, ate too much, explored, laughed too hard at things that weren't that funny. We spent 4 hours in one bar and the server loved us. I cried when I said bye to my mom. "It's so hard to follow the call of God when it takes you away from your family.""I know man, love you." Back on the ground in Winnipeg and less than a week later I was standing in front of our youth, speaking life to them. I saw the devil in real life and we fought for a child who needed more. Time with my favourite munchkins and surrounding Matt when he needed us. This month ended as it began, with those who I love.

November

by David

November. Few words to share about this month. My heart shattered, I made a right decision that broke me. The only relief was the people who surrounded me. God broke through and carried the mission beyond our wildest dreams. I shivered under blankets and cried. Harsh words cut me. I did not worry about this month ending.

December

December, as always, was a whirlwind. I stressed more about finances in this month than any other. I also had so much fun. We drove to a tree farm, almost rolled into a ditch, and set up 4 Christmas trees. God called my name and this time I was listening. "Let's take our friendship to the next level." Brothers. I posted more photos of myself in this month. I'm proud of who I am and who I'm becoming. I finished another semester of school, thank God. Christmas almost swallowed me whole, but the result brought tears to my eyes. I flew back to my home city and felt so refreshed. I visited my "home away from home" and my heart soared as the light streamed in.

Goodbye 2017, I'm not sure if I'll miss you.