New Year 2012
Since Ken usually writes the news for the rest of the year, Eva decided
it was her turn to greet the world for Christmas, almost my favourite time of the
year. I think only Easter and the
Resurrection of Jesus has more meaning for me.
I love the decorating which we have done since we came home on 8th
December. I’m always sorry to miss the
beginning of Advent at home but enjoy catching up with setting up the Advent
ring and lighting the candles as we consider the theme for each Sunday of this
season – Hope, Peace, Joy and Love and then lighting the white candle on
Christmas Day to welcome the Christ Child.
As we get older and realise we have fewer years left than are already
gone, I also decided we should spend them together. This means a lot more travel for me than in
the past and less time at home but is worth it to be together. People ask Ken when he will retire. I think the answer is, ”Never”. He doesn’t see a retirement age for preachers
in the Bible!
This has been a busy year . One of the highlights was in May when eight of us had a great
week of travel in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Until recently I had not registered just how much of the Acts of the
Apostles takes place in Turkey and there was evidence of churches everywhere.
We have also had some family trials.
My brother, Ossie, has experienced the joys of chemo for some months but
has now been told he is technically in remission from bone cancer for which we
are very thankful.
Leeanne’s (our daughter-in-law) mother, Linda, was diagnosed with acute
leukaemia just over a year ago and was released from pain and suffering on 18th
November 2012. I was able to attend her
memorial service in Lake Tapps, Washington, on 30th November and it
was a very special occasion when many gave thanks for Linda’s influence in
their lives and faith. She has also been
a wonderful “other mother” (her phrase) to our son Paul.
The grandchildren are doing well and we are very proud of all of
them. I hesitate to single out one for
fear of offending the others. Their
talents vary from cooking and baking to drama and mathematics, not to mention
photography so there is plenty of activity in their lives. We pray they will all become people of faith
as they grow.
Next year promises to be just as busy as this one. Lots of travel and interesting people to meet. We intend to enjoy it!
