As I reflect on the past year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the countless ways God answered my prayers, opened doors, and guided me through challenges and triumphs. From wartime struggles in Israel to finding a new sense of belonging in Wales, 2024 is a testament to God’s promises and perfect timing.
Gary Bayer’s Legacy
The year began with a powerful reminder of life’s preciousness as we honored our dear friend Gary Bayer seven years after his passing. Wherever Gary went, he embraced everyone he met, welcoming them into his home to eat fresh fruit and have a rich discussion about the Messiah. His passion for the Lord and theWord remained firm in his final days as he narrated the Psalms for Gabriela Danieli’s beautiful album Praise Him with the Harp and Lyre. Hearing Gary’s voice again was extremely emotional, but it has since provided comfort and peace when I struggle to calm my thoughts and meditate on God’s goodness. We miss you, Gary!
When Will My Life Begin
The last twenty-seven years have been packed with adventures, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and incredible opportunities. Yet, through all the traveling, moving, and various seasons of prosperity and hardship, I’ve longed to find where I belong — where my life had meaning and produced fruit outside my family. Now, I know our identity is grounded in the Kingdom of God, and the Word repeatedly says that we will not belong to this world; however, man was also not meant to be alone (Genesis 2:18), and I have craved fellowship for longer than I can remember.
After having a far-from-ordinary childhood and missing out on my teenage years due to health issues, once I stepped into adulthood, I begged the Lord to give me a life with friends, community, work, and fulfillment. I was beginning to doubt this longing would be answered. My family and I had been in Israel for fourteen years, and I’d spent at least six of those asking the Lord to send me somewhere else. But was I being disobedient? Was God calling me to stay in Israel, and my grumbling and complaining were blinding me from His purposes?
While Israel will always hold a deep place in my heart — last year unveiled my patriotism for the Holy Land — I knew there was something more for me. There was a reason I had not absorbed into the Land, made solid friendships, and felt settled. You can imagine my excitement when the Lord told me at the end of 2023 that 2024 would be the year of LIFE! In last year’s reflection, I accurately wrote: “It’s time to live life to its fullest, allowing God to use me as He takes me to new places and lays His work in my hands! 2024 will be my ‘Survivor’ year — embracing things that scare me, laying down my pride to allow others to help, and exploring beyond familiar borders!”
Exploring New Places
I did a lot of traveling this year, and each place I went revealed the beauty of God’s intentional design for us not to be alone. In February, I flew to Thailand to FINALLY meet my close friend, Soleil. After being cyber-friends for four years, it was incredible to meet her in person and spend ten days exploring the jungles of Chiang Mai and eating our way through the markets of Bangkok. During this trip, I was overwhelmed by the English speakers around us. It was like a breath of fresh air to hear my native tongue, but it also added a pang of longing. Thailand was the spark to a flame that would burn brighter throughout the year.
(Click HERE to read about my Adventures in Thailand)
In 2023, I became friends with Marianne and Fabian, a lovely Swiss couple, and was thrilled to celebrate their wedding with them in April. Lucerne, Switzerland, is heaven on earth. The views were unlike anything I’d seen. Everywhere I turned, another picturesque mountain, body of water, or village took my breath away. While this was only a short trip, it was a poignant time of friendship and a key highlight of the year. Spending time with Marianne and Fabian, reuniting with old friends, and meeting new ones felt like a glimpse into the life I’d been praying for. Yet, I ultimately needed to return to Israel, where uncertainty and war awaited.
(I hope to post about my Adventures in Switzerland soon!)
War in Israel
2024 was one of the most challenging years I’ve experienced. Living through war meant facing sirens, missile attacks, and the never-ending weight of loss. Since October 7th, over 20,000 missiles have been fired at the land I called home, with enemies attacking on seven frontlines!
It’s been a year of perseverance and faith, trusting that God has His hand over Israel. While I mourn the loss of innocent lives on all sides, I stand firm in my belief that Israel and the Jewish people have the right to exist in peace, so I will not stop taking a stand and proclaiming “Am Israel Chai” as this war continues. Please pray for the 100 hostages still in Gaza, along with the brave soldiers fighting to keep my family and the rest of Israel safe! #bringthemhome
Plot Twist
God granted me a much-needed respite in July after months of tension and war. Returning to my hometown was a plot twist I didn’t see coming. Following my trip to Switzerland, I asked the Lord to open the door so I could leave again. I could’ve gone anywhere, but as I prayed for clarity, I heard Him say, “I told you this was the year of life, so I’m going to take you back to where your life began.”
A three-month trip has turned into six, with Wales being a surprise haven of restoration and renewal. I didn’t know what to expect when God led me here, but as I look back on the last six months, I am in awe of the Lord’s goodness. He knows exactly what we need and provides it when we seek His face and obey when He says, “GO!” The Wright family, whom I’ve known since birth, and the Warehouse Church have embraced me with open arms, fulfilling that sense of belonging I’d asked the Lord for. From attending Spirit-filled services to joining a thriving young adult ministry, my faith is reignited, and my joy has returned! I can only give glory to God for this transformation. We can be fruitful and content alone, but we are not meant to live isolated. Walking WITH others, seeking the Lord’s face and meditating on the Word together has expanded the fire within me, making me bolder and more passionate in my pursuit of Yeshua!
Spending New Year’s Eve worshiping the King of Kings as we entered a new year was unlike anything I’d experienced. Throughout the night, I kept looking around in wonder at what the Lord had done this year and praising Him for bringing me to this place.
Lessons Learned
Through every challenge and victory, I’ve learned to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This year wasn’t about chasing my plans but releasing plan B and surrendering to God’s will, trusting that He would provide everything I needed. The last twelve months have shown me that Jesus is the answer — not the means to an end, but the beginning and end Himself! Since my flight home was canceled, I’ve begun planting roots here, embracing what God has for me this season. Already, He’s answered my prayer for provision, meaningful relationships, new opportunities, and a deeper connection to His Word. I don’t know how long I’ll remain in Wales, but I know God has placed me here for such a time as this!! (Esther 4:14)
2025 Vision
This new year, I’m holding onto God’s promises of RESTORATION and MULTIPLICATION. 2025 is about reclaiming what the locusts have stolen and walking in my calling as God’s typist. It’s time to root myself in the Lord’s house (Psalm 92:12-15) and flourish under Yeshua’s guidance, believing everything else will fall into place as I prioritize Him!
The verses I’m carrying into 2025 are Matthew 6:33-34 — “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” — and Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
I cannot wait to go deeper in my relationship with God and grow in discipleship, prayer, and study. This is a year of intention! HALLELUJAH!
Do you feel rooted in the house of the Lord? If you are struggling with your current season or becoming impatient in the waiting, I urge you to trust the Lord and seek His Kingdom first. Though it is hard, try not to dwell on your situation but cast your sights on the joy of the Lord, rejoicing in Him no matter the hardships (this is a reminder for me, too). May we all root ourselves in God’s Word and trust Him to bring restoration, purpose, and joy in 2025.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Notable Mentions
2024 was the year of reunions. I wasn’t expecting to travel as much as I did, but I was blessed to spend time with family and friends after years apart.
In July, I spent the weekend with my friend Joy in London before returning to Wales and having a surprise visit from my long-time friend Hannah!
I went to London for a weekend in the summer to see my family before my cousin and aunt traveled to Wales to spend more time with me.
Then, in October, I flew to Scotland to celebrate my cousin’s 18th birthday. During my birthday week, I also had a friend visit me from America.
Finally, in November, I was invited to Holland to spend a week with the Kuiper family for a fantastic time of reconnection and new experiences.
(I will eventually write about each of these adventures, though it might take some time – hehe)
Pictures from 2024!
