My Milestone Year in Review

As we close out the year 2023, I’m reflecting on this milestone year. My year began in Aruba, hosting the Harmonize Your Life Women’s Self-Care Retreat with the women who have decided to join me on this self-care journey. In February my husband and I embarked upon a two-week mission’s trip to South Africa. While there we ministered in the cities of Cape Town, Georgia and Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It was the most amazing time of ministry, fellowship, and site seeing as we drove along the Western Cape of South Africa.

In May I celebrated my 60th Birthday with a wonderful dinner party filled with family, close friends, good food, dancing, love, and laughter!!! My milestone birthday celebration was topped off with a Saturday Day Party featuring my favorite things, popcorn, tea, charcutier, jump rope, and Sunday Worship Services honoring my 30th year in preaching ministry. The month of May was completed with more celebrations on a 7-day Alaskan Cruise with my daughter, sisters, and cousins celebrating my sister Yolonda’s 55th birthday.

In June my husband and I celebrated 30 years of marriage!!! This year we chose to celebrate our 30 years of marriage with our adult children. We traveled and enjoyed the sites, food, and culture in the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico with our son, Johnathan, II, daughter-in-love, Jasmine and daughter, Ariel. Our trip to Puerto Rico was also special because we visited family at the home of my husband’s last living aunt, Ugalina who celebrated her 92nd birthday this year.

The months of July and August were spent moving our daughter, Ariel from Columbus, Ohio after her graduation from The Ohio State University to Wilmington, Delaware, where she is working as the Rideout Fellow for the Wilmington Delaware Children’s Choir. Supporting her as she grows in her career as a professional choral conductor has been one of our greatest joys.

In July, I also embarked on a new academic journey, after being accepted into the Compelling Preaching Initiative at Christian Theological Seminary with Dr. Frank A. Thomas. It’s been a few years since I’ve experienced this level of academic rigor. However, I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and expand my homiletical skills. Additionally, I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana in the months of July, August, and October for the residency weeks with my fellow cohort members.

One of the highlights of my year, was the Milestone Girlfriend Birthday Cruise to Greece! This trip was planned a year ago with me and my childhood girlfriends, Janene, and Felicia. We met at age 9 and now we’re 60 years old celebrating all the life experiences we have shared in our 51 years of friendship. We were joined by my sister, Yolonda, my Aunt Sarah, my cousin Arletha, and my walking crew, Mona, Robin, Yolanda, and Michelle who were also celebrating milestone birthdays. We had a wonderful time traveling from Atlanta to Tel Aviv Israel, where we embarked upon 8 days of sailing and touring the islands of Cyprus, Rhodes, Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. Each Island had its own vibe, wonderful food, and natural beauty. The fun, laughter, and fellowship with women who were celebrating life and one another was priceless.

October and November were all about preparing for the newest member of our family. On November 15, 2023, our first grandson, Johnathan Elliott Alvarado, III made his entrance into the world! It has been wonderful to witness the nervous joy in our son, Johnathan, and daughter-in-love Jasmine as they have become parents for the first time. When I held my grandson for the first time, I thanked God for allowing me to see the next generation of my family. In a matter of moments, my heart was filled with a level of love that I have never imagined.

It's December, and I’m excited about celebrating my husband’s birthday and preparing for our first Grandpa and Grandma Christmas! I’m looking forward to holiday gatherings with family and friends, and time to rest, rejuvenate and refresh my mind, body, and spirit during our annual end of the year getaway vacation.

This year, 2023 has been one for the books. I created new and exciting memories, traveled to new cities and countries, and entered in the 6th decade of my life. I’ve been intentional about harmonizing my life, accomplishing my self-care, fitness, health, and wellness goals. I spent quality time with family and friends and I’m approaching each day with a sense of purpose.

I’m grateful for each moment of this milestone year,

Dr. Toni