2010 :: Our Story

“If I have a hope it’s that God sat over the dark nothing and wrote you and me, specifically, into the story, and put us in the sunset and rainstorm as though to say, Enjoy your place in my story. The beauty of it means you matter, and you can create within it even as I have created you.” –Donald Miller, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years”

2010 was marked with change, which is always something I’ve feared.  But the older I get, the more I embrace change as an opportunity to see just what we are capable of.  Moving so far away from family and friends was incredibly scary, but staying put for the sake of comfort does nothing to change us, mold us, make us into better, stronger versions of ourselves.  Following God’s lead is incredibly exciting and it has been tough and rewarding and has both stretched and changed us.  It has truly been a year full of rich challenges and meaningful experiences and we are grateful to be living the story God has written for us.

Our children continue to astound us.  They are unique and creative little people and we are so proud of them.  Grant is in 2nd grade now.  He continues to love both science and art, accelling at both.  He is a Cub Scout and has also been recommended for the gifted program!  Grant is a dreamer and has big plans for life.  His goals include designing a roller coaster, having his artwork hung in a museum and most recently, becoming either a Secret Service agent or a spy.  Ashton is now in kindergarten and has become quite the leader in his class.  He is an advanced reader and loves to help the other students.  We’re proud of his compassionate heart .  He is a rule keeper and is always keeping tabs on everyone, making sure they are doing the right thing!  Ashton is very persistent and will work hard at something until he gets it right.  We know this will take him far in life!  Avary is 3 and a bundle of energy.  She is very much a princess, but also holds her own with the boys.  She’s about as feisty as they come and loves to be in charge.  We often have to remind her to “be gentle” but also love that she is so generous with her hugs and kisses.  She is such a beautiful little girl!

Stan spent 2010 settling into his new role as pastor of the Haymarket campus of New Life Christian church.  We’ve felt so welcome here, since the very beginning and we’re so grateful that this is what God had planned for us.  Stan continues to be excited about the ministry here and for what the future holds.  He also had the chance to play on a flag football team this fall and had a blast!  Their team made it to the playoffs but lost in the semi finals.  It was a great season though and he is looking forward to playing again soon!

Misty Rodda Photography was born this year, after a lot of encouragement from my husband.  I have wanted to do this for so long but fear has held me back.  I’m so thankful that I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and did it!  It is truly a passion for me, and although I have so much to learn, I am grateful that so many have entrusted me with their memories!  I also began working at a preschool this year with one of my good friends.  Loving Learning preschool is in it’s first year and I’m so thankful that Avary and I are a part of it!  All of this has changed life a lot for all of us.  Going from being a stay at home mom to a mom with two jobs has been a big transition!  Thankfully I have a wonderful husband who is patient and helpful.

I am longing for simplicity these days…and am truly taking in what life is really all about. This seems to be more prominent on my mind this time of year.   I keep arriving at these themes of love and simplicity and family and using all the experiences and adventures, both good and bad, to grow and learn and give.  God has been so good to us and I know He has big plans for the year ahead.  We are characters in His grand story and we know he will be shaping us into who He wants us to be!

Looking forward to the goodness the dawn of this new year will bring.  From our family to yours–Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!