As I think back over this past year it stands out from almost every other year. I’m not sure I can think of another year in which so many significant life shaping events and decisions have been made. It’s been a very full and momentous year (just the way I like them!).

Here are just some of the highlights:

• January: Visited Pakistan;
• April: Ran the London Marathon for the 2nd time (here are the numbers)
• June: Began to hand over the bookshop business (completed in August)
• July: Became the father of a daughter.
• September: We visited Stockholm
• October: Completed the legal process of forming Hope Church; began a building programme
• December: Announced our intention to move to Sweden (a process that began in the spring)

And in the middle of all that we had our kitchen refitted, a visit from our Australian relatives, been to 6 conferences, preached more than 20 times, run hundreds of miles, read more than 30 books, run baptism classes, Alpha courses, kept this blog up, had several weddings and funerals to attend and a tonne of stuff I’ve probably forgotten. What seems more amazing is that as a family we’ve had loads of fun this year (well I think so) and so life while full has been thoroughly enjoyable. So much to be thankful and grateful for.