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It has been a bit different this year in that we have been in the midst of a postal strike this holiday season. There have been more than a few challenges, especially for those of us who live in rural or remote areas where we rely heavily on the Post Office. However, with true resilience, people have been “shopping locally”, and finding other ways to connect.
I must admit, I don’t send as many greeting cards as I used to. “Back in the day” I sent about 200 cards each Christmas along with a family newsletter. I’ve been paring it down more and more, sometimes posting my Christmas letter as a blog post, but still sending physical copies to some family and friends that I know won’t read it online. I know lots of people who send holiday greetings through social media or as e-news, but I’m still a fan of the old-fashioned card. This year I’ve been forced to not send any.
We’ve had a fulfilling year, though it has been turbulent at times, for lack of a better word. Gerald was off on medical leave for several months with a plethora of issues which had us running to specialist appointments. On one trip home from Vancouver for one such appointment, he literally coughed his guts out and had to have an emergency hernia surgery. (Sorry for that image…!)
I also started the year with some medical issues of my own, not the least of which was a pinched nerve in my hip which was excruciating. Thankfully, that resolved itself after about four months. (I know…! Four whole months!) I’m in relatively good health these days.
Talk about sounding like old people, starting with news about our ailments.
I continue to work for Heritage Christian Online School as a support teacher and love it. This year I have 36 students. I’m also writing and publishing. My book WHISPERING WINDS released in April (the 3rd in the WIND OVER MARSHDALE Series) and I also published a three book series of journals for Darcy Jackson. You can check out THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE on this page: Published by Fi .
Gerald went from working for Conuma Coal in TR, to being on disability, to starting a new job at a gold mine (Thompson Creek Metals, outside of Mackenzie, BC) to finally OFFICIALLY retiring in October. It’s been nice to have him home again as opposed to being away half the time. Bonus: he’s been working steadily on our list of renovation projects! Maybe we’ll finally get this house finished only two and a half years after moving in!
Of course, we continue to serve as Interim Pastors here at our church, too. That in itself is like a full-time job even though we are just volunteers. We love the opportunity for ministry, though.
A highlight for us is our family. We are so blessed to have all four children and our ten (soon to be eleven) grandchildren all within a 90 minute radius. God is good!
We wish you all the best in the coming year!
Gerald and Tracy