Leaving....
Who knew? We certainly didn't!
After weeks of researching visa requirements and the intricacies of the Schengen Shuffle (Google it!) we realised that with the wonders of Joe's Irish Republic (EU) passport we have no need of visas for Italy.
"Go raibh míle maith agat"
(Thanks a million!)
How to thank these amazing women?
Years of supporting, encouraging, challenging and causing each other to think deeply in Trinitarian ways about life's big questions....and the laughter, always the laughter! So grateful WhatsApp will keep us connected.
Ah yes...the packing! And a major chuck-out too. Whilst we're away our family will spread out and enjoy some extra space here.
In the midst of goodbyes, a new arrival.
Our Syrian friends welcomed their beautiful little boy, and a baby shower was in order.
Not to mention silly games -
and an absolute banquet!
Always so good to see our Afghani friends, even if it's to say goodbye for a while. They work so hard whilst continuing to heal from the trauma of being displaced. It's not safe for them to be seen online.
We love and admire them very much.
Our own baby daughter Anna had
her 30th birthday celebration -
the Mediaeval "Feast of Thirty"
and her brothers made her such a happy girl with their gift of....
Aethelstan the Gargoyle!
Then the hardest goodbye of all, to this wonderful family of ours (the Perth mob, that is)
Anna, David, Tabby, Tom, Hannah, Mike, Poppy, Sarah and yours truly
