Chavaya is a Hebrew word that translates to "experience." It refers to experiences that leave a lasting impression; for me, these are life-changing moments. They are experiences that no one can take away from me. This book documents my journey-both the good and the bad-alongside a long-suffering God. I emphasize "long-suffering" because he has truly been patient with me throughout my life. I hope that as you read this, you will come to see that our God is indeed the Lord: merciful; gracious; long-suffering; abundant in goodness and truth; a preserver of blessings; a forgiver of iniquities, transgressions, and sins; and a just judge. He has suffered long with me, as you will discover, and he is still at work in my life.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).