2025, I’m grateful for what you’ve taught me.
My personal reflections on 2025
As a parent, it’s natural to notice the growth in our children—when they outgrow their first outfit, share their first smile, or speak their first words. Everything is seen. Every milestone is celebrated.
And yet, we often don’t take notice of our own growth.
This year, I actively chose to put myself back on the flame—to no longer allow myself to sit on the back burner and instead work on some things that, for far too long, had sat cold.
In February, I reopened old journals, rereading entries filled with dreams, prophetic words, and insights. I opened them in the midst of a time when thousands of people were escaping the scam compounds, and I felt like I could see how God was using our family to be part of this monumental “Red Sea moment.” The Lord started to remind me of things I had felt since I was a child—growing up in an area of Ohio that was deeply connected to the Underground Railroad and realizing that we, too, are part of that same type of movement now, here on my own borderline.
I felt a deep longing to see those things come alive that were scrawled on the pages of my journals—not just a few of them, but for all of them to start to turn into something. I prayed and cried out to the Lord, asking Him to let me be part of the things He once spoke over me.
Little did I know how much more the year would hold in terms of family life or ministry. But the Lord was gently drawing my dreams out of the cold, helping to fan that flame once again…
But first—my beautiful kids.
Sirichai joyfully went from baby to toddler this year. He is the best little dude—funny, kind, clever, and endlessly entertaining. He spends many mornings running after his “Naw Naw’s” (big sisters) and Raylor and Ellie’s daughter, CJ (3). He zooms around on his little bicycle and scoots all over GAP on his new Christmas scooter and kicks around a soccer ball. We have a feeling he’s going to be quite athletic like his big brother, Mimi. His favorite fruit is passionfruit, he loves drinking soda water, and—much to our amusement—he now eats spicy food and asks for “spicy aw meh” (rice).
Zz surprises me often by reading signs in Thai and telling me what they mean—she even translates for me at times! She now cares for a hamster named “Hampsie,” and has grown from being an incredible big sister to a devoted hamster mommy. She’s smart and creative and loves coloring and anything crafty. She enjoys playing outside and joined many afternoon ultimate frisbee games this year. Her birthday this month was celebrated at a large undercover playground with 20 friends from church and other expat kids in town. It was so special to watch her little community love on her. Social, affectionate, and full of personality just like Mom and Dad.
As usual, I continued teaching fitness and sports to our GAP students, but this year brought a new rhythm. I’ve been really enjoying strength training, and for Judah’s 40th birthday, he decided to put in a home gym. I’m transitioning from working with a personal trainer to training out the back of our house and setting new fitness goals for 2026. I feel strong—not just physically, but confident in how much I’ve learned about my body and my capabilities. I feel I’ve become a better teacher as a result of my training.
I’m also proud of myself for becoming faithful again to the things God has called me to—writing in particular. It’s been such a life-giving time. This year, the Lord has surprised me again and again with His kindness. Some highlights include:
- The Catalyst Conference, where we gathered with hundreds of people to pray for the Buddhist world
- The Antioch Missionary Conference, where we worshiped with hundreds of other missionaries
- Our family holiday to Europe—seeing my parents and enjoying Europe together was a dream come true
- Watching Judah sacrifice so much and see incredible fruit from our ministry to those who have been trafficked—the numbers are staggering, and he’s literally impacted thousands this year
- Outreach to our local village with our staff team, which powerfully demonstrated God’s faithfulness
- Finally, changing my legal name on my passport to Kelly Tana (nearly 14 years later!!!!!!). Phew! Now I share the same name as my husband and kids!
Judah and I hosted our Annual Christmas Open House at our home on December 25th, with about 70 people attending, including our GAP family. Mimi organized and GAP hosted our annual Christmas Sports Day on the 27th, with around 300 people attending. It was immensely fun and an extremely busy few days—ones we won’t soon forget. The food was plentiful, conversations were rich, there was plenty of laughter, many late nights, and lots of giggles from the children. Christmas is special everywhere, but it just hits different when there’s a huge community to celebrate with. We are so grateful for the support of family, friends, and churches that make these special moments possible!!!
This year was one of growth, and I anticipate 2026 will build upon it.
What are you grateful for about 2025? What's a dream you're working towards for the new year?
With love,
From the borderline,
Kelly Tana
