A Week is a Long Time ...

It is one week since I last wrote in my blog! So sorry. So much has happened in these last 7 days. I will give you a brief update, and hopefully I can try and be more regular in my writing. The pictures in this blog were taken in the last few days in the Philippines, so we are a little behind. We left our digital camera at Sefton for the team to use, so we need to buy a new one for up to date pics!

Last Monday we were in Manila and Vivien left in the morning flight back home. We bought a few last minute gifts and made our way to the airport in the afternoon. Got all our luggage through no problem - although why is it that you always feel like a guilty convict when you go through some of these airports? The three flights went well and we arrived in Aberdeen on Tuesday morning.

First thing to notice: the weather! Incredible. Thought the pilot had taken a wrong turn! My mum and dad were there waiting for us as well as Mary's brother Bruce. It was so great to see them. We drove home to Fraserburgh tired but happy. We saw our new car for the first time - a green Renault Laguna Estate. Very nice - thanks Bruce for all your hard work getting it for us! The only problem was that out main case never made it to Aberdeen - last seen in Manila! Got it now.

We came home to our 'wee hoose' in Shore Street. We were so delighted when we walked in the door. It is perfect. Living room & kitchen on ground floor, bedroom & bathroom on 1st floor and bigger bedroom on 2nd floor. It was beautiful inside and fully furnished. We would like to really thank my mum, dad, David, Elizabeth, Paul, Ashley, Aunty Helen, Gavin, Louise ... and everyone who worked or gave in any way ... for all your hard work in getting this house ready for us. Words cannot truly express our heartfelt gratitude for what you have done.

On Tueday and Wednesday we spent most of the time meeting up with my family again. Our kids were so delighted to meet and play with all their cousins. It was so brilliant to see my brothers and their families again. It felt great to be home.

On Thurday we spent time unpacking and getting things organised - TV fixed up, try to get broadband, Internet access, gas & electric cards etc. Things needed to be done and it is great to have a granny & granda around to help with the kids!!! Ha a lovely BBQ at night ... everyone was in shorts & T-Shirts but we were still in our fleeces!

Friday was a special day. We dropped off the kids with my dad and headed for Aberdeen. We met up with our close friends Keith & Anne Pointon. They have been in China for the last few years and it was good to catch up with them and talk freely! We went to Jimmy Chungs - Keith could not believe we brought them to a chinese resturaunt! In the evening, we went to visit Mary's brother Bruce and his lovely wife Alison. They have helped us so much in so many ways. The kids loved seeing their uncle & aunty again.

The weekend was also eventful. On Saturday me and Josiah went to the local football gala that was hosted by Solid Rock ministries here in Fraserburgh. Saw my best friend Ben there as well as many other folk. There were over 40 teams and hundreds of people were there. Me and Josiah were treated to Ice Cream & strawberries as well as hamburgers and coke. Nice to be home!!!

On Satuday afternoon we had a special surprise Birthday BBQ for Lydia at my brother David's lovely garden. He had 3 paddling pools out as well - felt like Waterworld! Little Josiah loved it. He was still jumping in the water even after he was dressed to go home. Boys will be boys! It was a lovely family time and an opportunity for all the cousins to get to know each other better. On Saturday night we went to our good friends Kenny & Suzanne Ross. So great to see them and the kids again. And so good to see Jackie Neil, who was down in the NE for a wee holiday. We miss Jackie so much in the Philippines and she knows everyone over there so well. She was so shocked with the death of Pastor Abe , so it was good to share with someone who really knew him. Mary had a great time catching up with her friends. I had a great time with Kenny - eating fish & chips and playing Ludo! Some things are still special.

On Sunday we went to the Elim church in the morning and the AoG church in the evening. Great to see so many old and new faces, although I think that many people were on holiday or enjoying the nice weather! In between we went to mum & dad's for lunch. MMMmmmm. Mum's beef'n'tatties. No words can describe how delocious that meal was.

Yesterday we did a few practical things in the house and prepared to go to Wick to be with Mary's mum & dad. We are really looking forward to going north. They have not seen the kids for one and a half years. It will be great to see them again later today. I am looking forward to driving on good quality roads with no tricycles, jeepnies, rice-laden trucks, crazy buses, ducks, chickens, pigs, horses or carabaou on the roads!

To be honest, the last 7 days have been good but at the same time they have been so hard for me. I have been trying process and work through the death of Abe, and it has been difficult. There have been so many times when tears have fallen as I think of what has happened. I will write more about this when I have had time to work things through in my mind and spirit. Keep praying for Gemma and the kids today. All the crowds have gone and they are left alone with their thoughts and memories .. and no husband and daddy. The picture below was taken on the day Abe died - Lydia and her 'future husband' Renz Abe!


Thanks for taking time to read the blog today. I will be more consisitent in the coming weeks. We will be one week in Wick, come back here for a few days and then go the central belt next Friday for a week. Hopefully we will see many friends again and catch up.

Wil be back soon with some news from the Philippines, Wick, Fraserburgh and wherever wlse we end up! Take care - and enjoy the weather ....