I have made no resolutions, save to be happy.

I have eaten nothing “lucky” or numbered 7, but I shared a simple feast with loved ones.

I may not even make it to midnight.

But this has been one of the best and most unsettling (or unsettled) years of my life.    Everything is set up to start, and I’m excited to see what it will all end up being.  A new life in an old country.

Closer and yet still far from family.

New friends being made, and mourning the distance from others.

Ridiculous toddler and amazing husband.

New as we approach the new year, I hear the ending verse of Maya Angelou’s “On the Pulse of Morning” over and again.  It is my New Years wish…

“Here on the pulse of this new day

You may have the grace to look up and out

And into your sister’s eyes, into

Your brother’s face, your country

And say simply

Very simply

With hope

Good morning”