“He restores my soul. He leads me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake.” ~ Psalm 23:3 (ESV)
2025 was a year of great highs but also devastating lows. When the clock struck midnight, I was full of excitement for the coming twelve months, convinced this would be “my year” after experiencing the “Year of Life” in 2024. After all, my word for 2025 was “Restoration,” so I expected breakthroughs, open doors, and wins.
And, in a way, I did experience all of that — just not how I imagined.
Instead of establishing my life in Wales, the Lord used my remaining time there to restore my heart, reconstruct my perspective on Israel, and redefine the place I called home. What I thought would be a year of outward progress became a year of inward surrender.
When Calls the Heart
“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah.” ~ Psalm 61:1-4 (ESV)
After ending 2024 on such a high, I felt unstoppable. But as the war continued to rage in Israel, that momentum slowly gave way to grief, sadness, and a deep, unshakable longing. At first, I assumed I was simply burned out after weeks of nonstop events. But when the heaviness didn’t lift, I realized something deeper was happening.
The first three months of 2025 were some of the hardest I’ve experienced. I’d never felt more alone or isolated. Even when surrounded by people, I couldn’t find anyone who truly understood what I was carrying. I tried to open up, to connect, to find common ground, but nothing eased the ache. Nevertheless, the Lord was with me and, unbeknownst to me, used my distress and sorrow as a gentle, persistent pull to the very land I had run away from.
Since my family and I moved to Israel, I had asked God to take me anywhere else. Ironically, when He finally answered that prayer, I discovered that Israel and I are inseparable. My mom likes to joke that I’d never spoken about Israel more than when I was in Wales. Still, I was surprised by how each breaking news report affected me, until all I wanted to do was go home.
February was by far the grimmest month of this year. I have never cried over people I’ve never met until I watched the outrageous and horrific release of twelve living hostages and eight bodies, including three members of the beloved Bibas family. Even though I was thousands of miles away, I felt the weight of war physically and emotionally. As the images played on the screen and news outlets spread lies and deceit, something in me snapped, and my heart burned with righteous anger. I couldn’t stand it anymore — feeling like I had to hide my identity and witnessing silence from the world around me. So, despite the threat of further escalation and missile attacks, I knew with certainty that there was nowhere I’d rather be than Israel — a complete 180 from my mindset in 2024!
Before leaving the UK, however, the Lord brought my ten-month adventure to a close by sending me back to the country hotel my family and I had sought refuge before immigrating to Israel. It was a full-circle moment, the final piece of that season of healing and renewal. Standing in my old bedroom, I praised God for catching every tear, rescuing me out of despair, and shining His light into the darkness. With Passover approaching, this experience was like my own little Exodus story. Leaving Wales no longer felt like a failed attempt at building a life, but a necessary journey the Father had to take me on before leading me out of “Egypt” and into the Promised Land.
Home Sweet Home
“You made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” ~ Acts 2:28
Returning to Israel was surreal. For years, I struggled to feel like I belonged — battling language barriers, cultural differences, and deep loneliness. Before I left, I’d had no real community, no friends my age, and no life outside my immediate family. Yet, as I boarded the plane, I knew this was the right next step, and had to trust that the Lord wasn’t leading me back into isolation.
My first day home quelled every lingering fear. My parents and I hadn’t told anyone I was coming, and their reactions when I walked through the door were unforgettable. People I didn’t think cared about my absence rushed over to greet me, expressing a love and joy I hadn’t anticipated. That warm welcome marked the beginning of something new. Within weeks of my return, I’d made new friends, joined group outings (a two-day carpentry workshop, boat ride, pizza night, and more), and finally grasped that I lived in the Land of the Bible (silly, I know)!
Now, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t come home and find everything perfect and wonderful. Living in Israel is not for the faint of heart. Every day is a battle, especially during Operation Rising Lion, Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran. Nevertheless, our fear and adrenaline were met with a peace rooted in the knowledge that we were right where the Lord had called us to be.
Harassing Neighbors and Another Miracle Move
“And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3
While national tensions eased when ceasefires were established in the second half of the year — resulting in the return of all but one hostage (YAY!! – but, also, BRING RAN HOME NOW!!) — a different battle erupted at home when our upstairs neighbor waged war on us. We’d had several issues with them prior to September’s explosion, but it all came to a head when they installed a camera above our front door to monitor our movements and then falsely accused us of breaking into their apartment when we had a power cut, and the electricians had to check their fuse box while they were on vacation. Although our landlord was privy to all of this, she refused to intervene, even after the neighbor’s family assaulted our front door. With multiple police visits, restraining orders, and daily intimidation, we had no choice but to move before our lease ended on October 31st.
Once again, we were completely at the Father’s mercy.
Amid exhaustion and constant harassment, we searched for a new home. For two months, my work was put on hold as we viewed apartments, packed our belongings, prayed for wisdom, and resisted the urge to respond in anger. Moving is stressful under normal circumstances, but doing so while feeling unsafe in your own home had tensions running high.
Looking back, I’m in awe of how the Lord carried us through that season. While it seemed like every door we tried to open was slammed in our faces, God provided us with a house of peace in the nick of time. It was only by Yeshua’s grace, His supernatural strength, and the support of our faithful friends that we made it through this difficult time.
Unexpected Blessings in the Midst of Trials
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” ~ Proverbs 16:3
Amid the chaos at home, God continued to answer my prayers. In October, I celebrated my 28th birthday surrounded by TEN new friends — something I hadn’t experienced in over a decade! Sitting on a picnic blanket, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and my friends gathered around me, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. That afternoon was a loving reminder that God is always working and truly does give us the desires of our hearts when we seek His face!
At the start of the year, I’d meditated on Proverbs 16:3 and thought committing to the Lord meant finishing my debut novel and planting roots in my hometown. But throughout the months, the Lord showed me that true commitment to Him means surrendering our plans so HIS will would prevail.
A clear example of surrendering to the Lord’s will came shortly after our move, when a friend asked me to manage the local Bible bookstore while he served in the Army Reserves. Exhausted and hesitant, I thought about saying no, but the Holy Spirit nudged me to say yes. For the next two months, I was a full-time, 9-to-5 working girl, haha. I didn’t expect to enjoy the experience as much as I did. After draining my energy supply with the move, my zeal for writing vanished, so this job served as a much-needed respite to recharge and reset. During my eight weeks at the store, surrounded by books and conversation, I felt my love for literature and storytelling begin to bloom once more. This article is the first piece of writing I’ve completed in months, and it feels so good to be back! 😀
Final Reflections on 2025
None of us wishes for hardship. Spending twelve months fighting battles at every turn was not the year I’d had in mind when I celebrated the start of 2025. Yet, if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that restoration is often born through the pitfalls and trials. If it weren’t for the hard times, our faith would become stagnant, and our trust would be founded in our own strength rather than Yeshua’s. Through the tears, heartache, and persecution, there was also a lot of joy, laughter, hope, grace, and love. So, while 2025 was not the year I’d hoped it would be, I’m forever grateful for all the Lord taught me because I now know what it means to “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33-34).
Looking Ahead to 2026
Unlike previous years, I don’t have a grand plan or vision for the coming twelve months, only open hands and a willing heart.
Life is extremely overwhelming. There is so much to do each day, but all of it becomes white noise when we hone in on what the Lord is calling us to do. I don’t doubt there will be times of stress and frustration over not accomplishing everything I want to do, but as a friend told me this year, there’s no point stressing over things that are going to happen either way. Instead, we must utilize what we’ve been given and make the most of every situation, enjoying the journey without feeling like we have to hustle every minute of every day.
My scripture and theme for 2026 is James 4:13-17, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
This is the posture I’m choosing — obedience over ambition, trust over control.
Thank you for reading, praying, and walking alongside me. I hope you have an incredible 2026, as you seek Yeshua and discover who our Creator is in new and exciting ways! Our lives are mere specks in the grand scheme of God’s plans, but when we come together to serve and praise our Savior as one, we become a wildfire that can’t be stopped. So, whether you’re walking into this new year with open hands or a strategy, take every opportunity to share your testimony, pray with others, and shine Yeshua’s light!
I can’t wait to see what the Lord will do this coming year; however, as I step into this new season, I’ll be stepping back from writing articles to focus on the projects God has placed on my heart. This isn’t goodbye, only see you later.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Pictures from 2025!
