Thank you, 2024!
As 2024 comes to an end, it feels right to reflect on the journey this year has been...
One of my favorite quotes about time is from Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, which I came across years ago but only truly understood this year: “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” As 2024 comes to an end, it feels right to pause and reflect on the journey this year has been. My transition into the US, though really challenging at times, has been filled with new lessons, moments of tremendous growth, and really memorable experiences. The person I was at the start of the year is not the same person I am now, and that transformation is something I deeply cherish.
One of the lessons this year has brought me is the joy of meeting new people, especially here at Drew University. Each person I have encountered has added something unique to my story. I have met remarkable individuals whose words and actions have left a lasting imprint on my heart—whether it’s through sharing brilliance in class, acts of radical kindness, or ideas that make life a little easier. These connections have pushed me to take on new responsibilities, explore new opportunities, and experience places I had only ever read about and dreamed of visiting. From the iconic streets of New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., to the quiet stillness of the Drew Theo Garden, where I have spent hours meditating and fulfilling my role as a steward of God’s creation, I have found pieces of myself. In these places, in these people, and in these stories, I have discovered how interconnected we all are—and how deeply those connections shape us.
This year, I also ventured into uncharted territory by starting a social media preaching account. It was something I initially felt unsure about, but a preaching class gave me the nudge I needed. I can’t say I have been the most consistent, but the journey has shown me its potential. Through this platform, I have shared reflections that I hope have resonated with others. If you’re curious, feel free to check it out and share your thoughts. This has been a space for me to experiment with creativity, conciseness, and the challenge of communicating faith in a way that feels authentic and relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Through it all, one thing has remained constant which is my faith in Christ. This year has been a time of deepening that faith, of seeking clarity about my purpose, and of embracing the call I feel to serve in this world. So as I reflect on Zora Neale Hurston’s words, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer”, I know this has been a year that answered many of my lingering questions. It offered clarity in unexpected ways but also opened doors to new inquiries— imaginations, questions, I will carry into 2025 with curiosity and hope.
This has been a year of growth, of learning, of strengthening relationships, and of shedding anxieties that no longer serve me. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and for the wisdom this year has brought. As I look ahead to 2025, I feel an anticipation for what is to come: new challenges, fresh revelations, deeper covenants, and new ways to make a meaningful difference in the world.
I remain committed to serving others, living out my faith, and continuing to embrace the questions that will guide me toward a life filled with purpose and impact. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. I am grateful for your presence, your kindness, and your belief in me.
Cheers to the New Year, to the answers it will bring, and to the questions that will keep shaping us.
Happy New Year!
Thanks for sharing Albarka. May God continue to bless your journey!
Amen! Thank you for your support and prayers Mamei Sombo 🙏🏾