Leaving, sunshine and cute smiles

Well we're not the only people leaving Sheffield this summer and there have been a spate of leaving parties, picnics and goodbyes recently. It certainly reminds us that life is constantly changing and you can't go back, just keep moving on. Everything changes and even if we decided in 2 years to come back to Sheffield, everyone will have moved on and we would find it strange to adapt back. Equally for those left behind, change is difficult and strange but it does force us to remember that our stay on this earth is only temporary and we are citizens of a different place!

Daniel with Rachel and Charlotte at Di Hooley's leaving picnic
Charlotte, Rosie and Trefor at the picnic
Joyful smiles at the picnic - all those new people to smile at!
Seeing Daniel changing week by week is another reminder of how quickly time goes by! People frequently ask us now if we are looking forward to going to Peru, and yes we are, but at the same time, I know that this time here in the UK is really precious and we will potentially never truly be at home here again. I also don't want to wish Daniel's baby days away too quickly - I'm loving his joyful smiles and giggles and all the things he's learning day by day. Sunday he started making 'da da' sounds for the first time and it was lovely to hear his little voice for the first time.

Lots of Greats

(Anna) My parents and sister have been back in the UK for a few weeks so we have travelled around the UK a bit to meet up with them. Daniel got to meet his Great Grandad number 2 (My Dad’s Dad) this last weekend for the first time. We went down to Long Melford in East Anglia and met up with my Dad’s side of the family. As usual meeting up involved eating, chatting, wine and lots of family members. Daniel’s Great Great Uncle Tony and Great Great Auntie Joan were also present so we had 4 over-80s!

A week ago I also travelled down to the New Forest on my own with Daniel on the train. I’m all for public transport in theory but I would definitely chosen to drive if I’d have had access to a car because taking Daniel on a train with a large bag with clothes for the week and enough toys and food to keep Daniel happy for the week was no easy task. After getting on the train the only carriage with free space both ways was the quiet coach! So it was slightly stressful trying to keep Daniel quiet, especially seeing as he started the shrieking phase the week before!

We spent some time in the New Forest visiting Great Grandad number 1 and then a couple of days in Woking seeing my sister and my Mum and Dad before getting the train back.

So many Greats that we couldn't help but have a great time! And as you can see from the pics, Daniel was very cute and smiley - I think he's learning what a camera is!

Leaving and other odds and ends

Was it Shakespeare who wrote parting is such sweet sorrow? As the Summer approaches we have so many leaving parties to attend. One of these was last week on 4th July (Ironically American Independence day) when I (Mark) finished my college course that i've been studying for the last 2 years, 1 day a week. I've studied a variety of Biblical, theological and practical theological subjects at St John's Anglican College, and really enjoyed most of it. Below is a picture of all the guys doing my course.

On another leaving matter, we've booked our flights from L.A to Peru and now just need to book our flights from Lima to Arequipa. 15th September is nearer and nearer. I finish work next week as well.

We continue to do talks on Peru, which is such a priviledge. Really enjoying it. Our next is on Wednesday.