Happy Birthday Jack

Today we shared in the celebration of Jack's 90th birthday. He had his birthday at the church in the social centre and it was lovely to fellowship with all his friends and family who had come to share the celebration. He said he had been a Methodist all his life because when he was born he only weighed 3lbs and so was baptised at home because they thought he would not make it. One of the guests was another Methodist minister who had known him for 45 years, half if his life. As we shared this celebration we thought back to the celebration in the town hall two years ago when Sharmie celebrated here 100th birthday. She is now 102. These are special times for us and the memories will stay with us when we are back in SA.

Our last Christmas in the UK

Yesterday we lead the Christmas Day service at Downham Market and tried not to think about the fact that this would be our last Christmas Day in the UK.

The sheep from the "Messy Church" "Find the sheep" activity also came to the stable to visit the new born King.

Douglas managed very well and even told the children a story. 

After the service we stayed at the church to have our Christmas Dinner with folk in the area who would also be on their own for Christmas.

Waiting for the meal

 Eventually we all went into the main hall where the tables were decorated and we were able to enjoy good food and fellowship.

 We were blessed to have entertaining conversations with those at our table and still Douglas kept going "walk about" to chat to those at other tables and to take some pictures with his new phone.

Eventually it was time for coffee and mince pies and then you guessed it...

Douglas had to say thank you to all the "Elves" who had prepared the Celebration Banquet for us.

A difficult decision

We have had to make a difficult decision about our future as our contract to work in the UK will expire at the end of August 2013.

After many tears, much prayer and consultations with family and friends we finally decided that returning to SA was our only option.

We will be very sad to say good bye to the church family and friends here but need to be practical and obedient to God's guiding. A replacement has been found and so we can leave knowing that the people will be cared for and this helps us to know that it is God's will for us.

We have been very happy in the UK and thank God for blessing us with this time in a far country. No doubt we will continue to keep in touch as technology is wonderful (when it works) and so this will ease the pain of leaving.

Knowing that we will see our children and grandchildren whom we have not seen for 4 years will also help us as we prepare for our departure.

This blog will be a record of activities and events that will lead up to our departure.