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 8^th 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 18^th November 2012.  I was able to attend her memorial service in Lake Tapps, Washington, on 30^th 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!