Year in Review 2020
2020. Goodness, what a year. We wanted to give the year a proper reflection, noting the joys and sorrows of the year. We wrote a little thing, and produced a little video. I hope you enjoy it.
From our family to yours.
-the watsons 5.
Watson Family; 2020 Year In Review
Introduction
This year has been so different, different for all of us. As much as any other year, we all entered 2020 with some plan, some sense of what the days and months ahead would hold. For the Watsons, we anticipated school years ending and beginning again. We anticipated watching the kids continue with their musical pursuits and athletic endeavors. We anticipated new beginnings, and new adventures.
But, very little of this year has looked like how we imagined. And yet, through it all…in the midst of it all, our family has been able to uncover joy, surprise, adventure, and hope even in pandemics, and uncertainties.
Cuba
One of the biggest joys of the year took place early in 2020. In February, we traveled to Cuba with my Dad, Oto, and younger sister Amy. It was amazing to travel to such a beautiful country, and to be in a place that has so much history for my family, the Rodriguez’s. We spent a week in the country traveling to breathtaking places such as the valleys dotted with tobacco fields where we road horseback;
serene beaches of where we let the waves advance and retreat over our skin and our souls and there seemed to be nothing else in the world except for the pale sand, the turquoise sea and the blue skies overhead.
We walked old city streets, rode around in old Chevrolets, and imagined what life was like in the 1950’s when my Abuela called this city home. We also made a pilgrimage to the town of Pinar Del Rio, where my Grandfather lived for so many years and helped found a Bible College that is still in existence and continues to train pastors for ministry. We saw the house where Dad grew up and heard stories of mischief and fun and the foundations of a family rooted in faith during a time of turbulence.
Our trip to Cuba was the highlight of the year and will hold memories and experiences that shapes us as a family for years to come. We hope to make that trip again.
Other trips
Throughout 2020, there would be other trips too – to secluded mountain hideaways in the Shenandoah’s, to South Carolina beaches, and much needed times with family. Each of these trips served to refresh our spirits, especially as the pandemic wore on.
There were moments this year when it seemed that time was passing so slowly. When each day seemed just like the one before carrying a monotony and sadness knowing so much loss was happening in the world. And there were other times, like seeing the faces of those we love and have missed dearly, that we realized seasons pass faster than we want to admit and time doesn’t slow down, even for pandemics.
Family Updates
Although this year was dotted with chances to get away, it was mostly, was spent at home, on our block in our little corner of Capitol Hill. In March the full weight of the Coronavirus would hit D.C. changing our patterns of life, work, school, and hospitality.
In-person classes would be suspended and have yet to resume. So, for the past 8 months, the kid’s play room was transformed into a virtual learning space that sometimes looks like the offices of a tech start up.
Nathan
Nathan finished Middle School on virtual learning and has now begun his first year of High School online. It is a little weird to realize that at the half-way point of the school year, Nathan has yet to step foot in his new school. One of the things that Nate has taken on this year is exploring the city on his BMX bike, learning new tricks, and seeing the city as his personal BMX trick track. Although some of the lessons have come with some personal costs, he’s enjoying the sport, biking miles each day, and every now and then getting his mom and dad to ride with him.
Elias
Elias has continued at his charter school, but as all students in D.C., his school is also all online; for now. One of the new things Elias tried this year was auditioning for the school play. The play was unique in that it too was all online and was written with a virtual audience in mind. Elias played a flamboyant news reporter with a wildly popular Tik Tok account. We were proud of his acting, but more proud of his courage to try something new.
Annelies
Annelies stretched her public performance legs this year as well auditioning for her school’s talent show. She did a fantastic version of ‘True Colors’. Hearing her practice in the days leading up to the performance was a brilliant reminder to us all that while it can be hard to take courage, inside us all is a source of joy, love, and resilience.
Lisa
2020 witnessed Lisa closing one chapter in her professional career and beginning a new one.
After 8 amazing years on staff with the Christian Community Development Association as the Director of Leadership Development, Lisa joins Missio Alliance as their new National Director. Missio provides a number of resources for ministry leaders in the form of articles, webinars, conferences, and podcasts that focus on theology, culture, soul care, and holistic mission.
In just 6 months in her role at Missio, Lisa has already written a number of articles, a half dozen book endorsements, been featured in recently published books on global and local mission and has written a draft for a chapter for a forthcoming book due out in 2021!
Matthew
Matthew continues to serve on the pastoral team of Christ City Church, alongside an amazing group of pastors, ministers, and elders. This year, Matthew’s role changed with a new title; Pastor of Teaching and Outreach. With these changes comes opportunities to focus on his passions of preaching, teaching, writing and local and global outreach. Just after the start of the school year, Matthew was appointed to the DC Public Schools Chancellor’s Advisory Board which has been an insightful and fascinating experience, especially given all the challenges facing schools this year. Amidst all of this, he still continues to find time to barbecue, believing himself to be the best barbecue man in D.C. He’s also working with the boys to convert our garage into a boxing gym since we won’t be going to the gym anytime soon.
Conclusion
This year isn’t what any of us expected. Most years rarely are. Yet, as we look to step into 2021 there is a hesitancy. Not a hesitancy born of fear, but one born of reflection – a backward glance and a forward gaze. A contemplation on all that has been and consideration of what could be ahead. As a family, we move forward knowing that the Lord of all our years will meet us in the year ahead. We know we will find Him there and be found by him there. And we pray that as it is with us, it will be for you too.
Dear friends, happiest of new years to you.
With great love.
The Watsons