A Year Away From My Life

From Chaos to Clarity: How One Unexpected Year Transformed Our Family Forever

There are some things I may never fully understand about this past year—at least, not on this side of eternity. But what I do know is this: I am deeply grateful.

What began as an uninvited detour became a sacred journey of rediscovery, growth, and the quiet unveiling of divine purpose. While the year held its share of confusion, what it gave us in return was priceless—stronger family bonds, spiritual awakening, and the kind of clarity you don’t get in a rush.

A Closer Bond Between Sisters

One of the most beautiful surprises was watching my daughters grow closer than ever. Their friendship flourished—not out of convenience but through shared adventures, open conversations, and quiet companionship. They’ve grown into each other’s keepers and creative collaborators in ways that only time, intention, and God could orchestrate.

A Deeper Walk With God as a Family

This year deepened the spiritual roots of my husband and me in a way that no sermon ever could. Our walk with God became more real, more visible—and our daughters noticed. We learned that children are more impacted by what we live than what we say about our faith.

Before this journey, a prophet told me: “Nothing is going to make sense.” They were right—but it was divine disarray. And then, on my birthday, Dara, my daughter, prayed over me with words that made my eyes well up. In that sacred moment, I knew—my children understand the cost. And they value it.

A Teen’s Prayer That Changed Everything

One of the most tender moments came during a visit to Redemption Camp. My mother told me how my 13-year-old, Tara, usually the most logic-driven of us all, walked into her room and prayed for her healing. She had heard a testimony about seeing spare body parts in Heaven and asked God for a new set of knees for her grandmother, who was awaiting surgery.

That simple act of faith from a child—uncoached, unforced—was all the confirmation I needed that something powerful was happening.

Unleashing a Hidden Literary Genius

Another joyful revelation came through Biara, my 11-year-old, who has flourished into a gifted storyteller. A year out of traditional school, and with platforms like Khan Academy and MIT OpenCourseWare, her mind has exploded with creativity and vision. She’s not just doing school—she’s learning how to shape the world.

Last night, she and her sisters reflected on how ordinary school might seem when they return. This “gap year” turned out to be anything but a gap—it was a gift.

Business Plans and Divine Timing

Just this week, my youngest daughter and I wrote out a business plan for an idea so beautifully unique that it took my breath away. When I told the girls we might return home soon, expecting excitement, Dara quietly said:

“Mum, I’m not sure we’ve done everything we were meant to do yet.”

And just like that, my daughter schooled me on God’s timing.

From Existence to Life Abundant

Before this, I was a stay-at-home mum. I thought I knew my kids, but I now realize I was mostly managing life, not living it. I had already left the corporate world for more family time, but even that wasn’t this. God knew there was more, and He lovingly led us away from the life we knew…
To give us the life we were meant for.

Now I can say with all certainty:
The life we had before? That wasn’t life. THIS is life.

My Unexpected P2D Plan

I often think of this past year as my divinely assigned Personal and Professional Development (P2D) journey. At UNICEF, we used that term casually. But this year, God wrote my P2D plan Himself.

And for that, I say:
Thank You, Lord, for the year that changed everything.

Final Reflection

Sometimes, the biggest blessings are wrapped in confusion. What we see as an interruption, God sees as preparation. And when we surrender to His plan, life—true life—begins.

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