As of today, I've been alive for 29 years. Twenty...nine....2....9.... I don't feel any different really. I do feel myself getting a little older- physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I look back on 5 years ago and see growth, which is always an exciting thing. I hope this is how I feel with each new birthday, a feeling of growth, a thankfulness for change within myself, gratefulness for all of God's blessings over the years, and a hopefulness that life will just keep getting better and growth will continue with each new day.

Over coffee this morning, Dustin and I reflected on the big 3-0 which is right around the corner. We both feel like we're going to embrace our thirties, knowing that new adventures await us- having kids, possibly buying a home, paying off debt, being in ministry full time and living life with amazing friends and family. I never though I'd be 30 before I had my first child. I don't know yet how to feel about that, if I should in fact feel anything at all, but I wouldn't change how my life has played out for anything in the world.

We also talked about what our life would be like if we had started dating in college. We probably would have lived in married student housing (oh no!!), I would have moved to NYC with him (Yeah!!), I might not have got an MBA (booh!), I have no idea what kind of job I would have worked, maybe Starbucks (cool!) maybe Administrative Assistant for the church (uh...). We both would have missed out on amazing friendships and experiences. Our time living alone has prepared us so well for marriage. We have an appreciation for one another that would not have been there otherwise. So, I am reminded, once again, that God's plans are divine and mine are not. I am a firm believer in things happening for a reason.

I'm thankful that on my 29th birthday I'm living in Portland, I'm working for The Salvation Army, we are a part of Evergreen, I have great friends in Portland and around the world, my family is faithful through the long distance, and I am married to the most amazing man on earth. I can say with full confidence that life truly is so good.

2 comments

1. Anonymous on 10:36 AM

   kelli dear...what a beautiful post. very hopeful. i'm so sorry i didn't congratulate you on your birthday (that's how they say it here in Russia instead of happy birthday) but i did think about you a few times, i promise. :-) just didn't get to the computer in time.
   
   strange being in our last 20 something year??!!! i was a bit in shock how close 30 is.
   
   love misty

    
2. kristi on 7:34 AM

   hey kelli, just seeing your blog after many many months of not looking at it... :) happy (late) birthday. 30 is not such a bad age to have a baby...or 31...or 35...speaking strictly from experience. :) glad you guys are loving things there. even though we didn't really get to know you very well for very long, i still miss you guys.