I still don’t know how it happened. One day I was looking for a day job while freelancing as a photographer, the next—I was traveling the world.

God has been truly awesome this year. He surprised me over and over, and all I can do is drop my jaw into a wondrous Wow. He truly amazed me this year. He turned things around—from a nearly hopeless job-seeker to a very grateful and satisfied employee—I cannot find the words to express the wonder I have been feeling ever since.

He took me to the most amazing places in the most surprising ways. I’ve never really asked to be swept away by the glittering Eiffel Tower in Paris, the charming floating houses in Amsterdam, nor the intricate details of Brussels, the quirkiness and the waves of the Mediterranean sea from Montpellier, nor the overall warmth of Barcelona, and the mesmerizing Sahara Desert in Morocco. No. I was just finding a decent job. And a job, He gave. But He never really told me that He’d send me 6000+ miles away from home. (Twice. In business class. With free mini Delft house and awesome airplane food. I know, I can't help but blurt it out! 😄)

He gave me the chance to work with one of the most inspiring boss leader I’ve ever worked with. Someone who restored my belief in good leadership, someone who excelled in being hardworking and setting a good example, someone who truly cared and coached and taught what he knew, and someone who actually empowered me to be the best without requiring or pressuring me to be perfect. Someone I stumbled upon and found rest in. I’ve always prayed for a good boss, you know, someone I can work with, but He gave me so much more.

He gave me the most supportive team ever. People with the same wavelength and humor, complimenting personalities, and people who I can trust. Work is the second home, and I’m really glad to call them mine.

My life this year was simply extraordinary. I still don’t think I deserve any of it.

From one dreamer to another, let me tell you: He honors the desires of our hearts. He prunes us first and we go through hard times until we become the self with a character that is ready. Tough times may be years or more, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and in that light, anything is possible—every good thing is possible.

2017 is my best, most awesome, jaw-dropping year yet. And for this turning point, I'd always be grateful.