Hey YAM-Nation! Welcome to the YAM-NW Blog! This is a project that we've been considering for quite a while, and it's finally become a reality. We had originally crafted this idea in a fit of "genius" on how we could extend our social media reach. After letting this idea perculate a couple of weeks, we came to realize that maybe this was a worthwhile idea after all; this blog would create an avenue to allow contributors (more about that later) who have a gift for writing the chance to share their insight. And it also allows for more participation in YAM-NW, which is always a good thing.

We plan to publish new content weekly (at least), with topics ranging from commentary on everyday life and events, to deep religious insight, to reflections, and everything around and in-between. RIght now, we are looking for a few more contributors. If you are interested in being a contributing writer, please email us at yamnw.suburbs@gmail.com. We can discuss what will be a part of being a member of the YAM-NW Blog Team.

With that brief formal intro out of the way, on to the first blog.

Greetings YAM-Nation! Bryan, your friendly neighborhood YAM-NW Co-Chair here. I guess some sense of responsibility (and a bit of gluttony for punishment) has me being the first contributor. So I figure, what better way to create the way forward than to spend some time in reflection looking back at YAM-NW's 2018. Get your reminiscing hats on, because here we go.

If I had to describe 2018 in a single word, I would say "firsts". Considering that Kathy and I have been YAM-NW's Co-Chairs for 3+ years, you'd think that there wouldn't be that many firsts left for us to undergo. However, you'd be wrong.

One first I'm particularly proud of is that 2018 is the first time we've actually completed the #WorktheWorks challenge. For those that don't know, this is a YAM-NW service challenge where we try to do all seven of the Corporal Works of Mercy (click on the hashtag for a full readout). In past years, we never actually managed to do all seven, mostly because two or three of them would be incredibly hard to complete (ie. Visit the Imprisoned, Shelter the Homeless, and Bury the Dead). This year, though, with some dedication (and creativity), YAM-NW has written letters for Prison Ministry, stuffed toiletry bags for PADS, and cleaned a cemetery, along with many other service projects. Seeing the new faces come to each and every one of our service events has been amazing. So huge shout-out to all of you for making this completion a reality! Don't worry, we won't rest on our laurels, the challenge is never actually completed, just accomplished.

Another first is that this is the first year we have experimented in rotating our Wednesday Studies to other locations. For many years, Holy Family in Inverness has been the home of YAM-NW's weekly Wednesday Studies. While we love being there and are hugely thankful to that community for always welcoming us with open arms, we thought that, in order to be consistent with our attitude of ministering to and reaching out to all of our parishes, we would explore the rest of our half of the Vicariate. We hoped that by doing this, we would open up more opportunities for people to come and be spiritually nourished as we studied Pivotal Players, Basics of Apologetics, and Lenten Preparation. Happy to say that we have seen many new faces who all have contributed greatly to our discussions and reflections.

A third first I have to talk to about is that 2018 was the first time we have revisited being more active. With kickball and frisbee, we have gone outside to play. This is significant to me because, truth be told, I originally got involved in YAM because they had sports: basketball, volleyball, softball, and open gyms. I ended up staying because of the fun I had and friendships I made. From one of those friendships, I discovered the other parts of YAM that included Bible studies, Eucharistic Adoration, and prayer. So for me, I look at YAM-Sports as more than just sports, but also as a portal to being a part of this great community and fellowship.

The final first of 2018 I want to mention is that we took our Masquerade Ball and put the power into the hands of the people and put the theme to a vote. It was a slight risk, since we had no idea how to plan until the vote was over, but it was fun to see how certain people worked really hard to get the votes in. The eventual winner was "A Night at Gatsby's", which ended up being an awesome night and a lot of fun.

While that was a fun look at the past, how about the future? For 2019, we hope to carry on the momentum from last year and keep on improving. We have a two-week series starting up at Queen of the Rosary focusing on the Ephiphany. In February, we are almost done planning Winter Wine Series, and it looks awesome. Check back with us when we put the schedule up.

Looking even further into 2019, we are looking forward to the return of some YAM-NW favorites, and the introduction in to some new events that we hope become favorites. We are really focused on planning all of these out, and we can't wait to start unveiling them. This is a labor of love for not only Kathy and I, but also the YAM-NW Team. So we're hoping that y'all feel the love.

I guess that's enough waxing poetic for me. So until next time, pray for us, because we'll be praying for y'all. Peace!