Looking Back at 2011

2011 was a wonderful year, a year of memories and changes; some changes we planned for, other changes we didn’t. We left Washington D.C. and the United States all together to embark on a new journey. Over the course of the year, we drove thousands and thousands of miles and flew even more than that visiting family and exploring new places in 13 states, 3 countries countless cities.

We have walked the clean architecturally surrounded streets of New York, Hong Kong and San Francisco, seen ancient walled cities from thousands of years ago, we have wandered the narrow back alleys of the inner city, and roamed through poor villages in the country. We have made new friends and were blessed to spend time with old friends. We visited friends in their homes. Some homes with sleek glass walls, high ceilings, and magazine worthy swimming pools; others are more humble dwellings built of scrap materials and crammed in between several other similar homes beside muddy streams; or the tarp homes on the street and on the old trash pile; or small bamboo huts out in the rice fields. We have truly witnessed what the phrases “to be poor” or “have a hard life” mean. But we have also seen the happiness that comes from simple aspects of life—being with family, having a healthy body, dancing to music, and worshiping our Heavenly Father.

We have prayed nightly in gratitude for all of our blessings we receive daily and asked for special heavenly care for family members and friends as they have faced challenges throughout the year.

We have laughed. We have cried. We accomplished some of our goals and others… well, they will be on next year’s list too. We uplifted while giving service, and were humbled to receive acts of service as well.

We end this adventurous year with thankful hearts for all that we have and look forward to what 2012 brings.

Here is a break down by month:

January

We celebrated the New Year Eve 2011 with our friends Chris and Jenn in New York City’s Time Square along with hundreds of thousands of other people. It was fun to say that we did it. From now on it will be a talking point as we watch the Ball drop year after year. Then a short weekend trip to the Harry Potter Theme Park in Orlando. Recognized the 2 year anniversary of Alli’s passing.

February

Valentines party with neighbors Kristen and Chad and friends. Harry Potter party—complete with wands and a Goblet of Fire challenge—with our 10 year old primary class.

March

Visit from Sam and Brooke, friends from Hawaii. A trip to Utah to visit Hiva’s siblings and go to the temple for Dustin’s brother Trevor. Dustin passes his Tagalog test after 5 months of study. Another visit from friends from Hawaii, Camp and Hailey and their son, Reid. Another trip to New York City.

April

A trip to Hawaii to visit Lady Hiva’s parents and siblings. Lady Hiva graduated from BYU-HAWAII completing one of her life’s goals. Hawaiian Luau party for our primary class. Adoption papers are finalized and approved with LDS adoptions, now we just wait until a birth mother chooses us to be the parents of her baby.

May

Lady Hiva went back to Hawaii for her brother Paula’s wedding. Kade and Val come visit for a week. Sold our car, Ojisan, and leave Washington, D.C. Stop in San Francisco for a weekend with Dustin’s parents. A week in Hong Kong touring our first city in Asia and finally arriving in Manila, our new home.

June

Explore Manila and a trip to remote island resort in Palawan Philippines.

July

More exploring of Manila and surrounding area, including a visit to Batangas snorkeling and enjoying the beauty of nature.

August

A visit to Hidden Valley Springs, Corregidor island and still learning about the Philippines. Hiva starts working. Celebrated our 3 year anniversary.

September

Survived the typhoon and flood that threatened Manila. Finally found a beautiful, white sand beach with crystal blue water and no trash in Zambales. Give away shoes to children that live at Tondo.

October

Halloween in a haunted house in Baguio city. Visit to Sagada mummy caves and hanging coffins. A visit to Villa Escudero. 

November

A visit from Secretary Hillary Clinton, Dustin is able to go to Malacanan Palace and see her meet with President Aquino. Veteran’s Day celebration at American Cemetery in Manila. Thanksgiving at home, traditional style. 2 year anniversary of Vaitafe joining our family, also the 2 year anniversary of Vaitafe’s and Trevor’s passing.

December

Christmas in a whirlwind. Several Christmas parties and plenty of fun visiting with friends. Experiencing all the hype that the Christmas season brings to the Philippines. Give away shoes to underprivileged children on Christmas Eve. Christmas dinner with friends then another dinner with the missionaries.