I'd like to start by saying how saddened we are to hear of what happened in Cheddar on New Years Eve. We both grew up with Jim and have so many good memories with him and are so shocked we'll not get to see him again. I've delayed writing a new blog entry because I didn't know what to say, I had no words to express how sad and shocked and gutted we were, especially for his amazing family. Our thoughts and prayers are with The Hewlett family and friends and Cheddar as a whole because the community has truly lost a great man, who in his personhood and character expressed many of the great things that the Cheddar Valley offers and represents. Even though recent years had seen us grow apart, I still cherished the childhood we had together and respected him so much. Jim was funny, warm, caring, light-hearted and so much more. He could bring laughter to the most tense situation, something which I cannot replicate now. We both miss you and honour you for who you are and are so gutted we can't be back at home at this time. You may have gone, but you live on in the lives of the many, many people you've touched however short they have known you, such was your charisma.
As for us, we had a quiet New Year. We spent it with some friends at our house on Olive Avenue and with the Heather family who are over here visiting. We had a good time, mixing eating, chatting and playing games. Unfortunately though we had no Jools Holland to see us into the New Year and instead had to fake a countdown because none of us could agree on definate time. Midnight saw some snowfall too, which was exciting. The Aussies we're staying with were particularly excited by the snowfall, the first they had ever seen. Crazy.
We really enjoyed staying at our mission leaders' holiday let for a little while between Christmas and New Year. It was so peaceful and relaxing to stay there, as well as having a great small library of books to keep me in particular occupied. Many thanks to Ben and Sheena George for allowing us to stay. If anyone fancies popping over to Redding to see us or the church then we can definately recommend staying at Kabod House (http://www.kabodhouse.com/) - Check it out.
Yesterday (Sunday) we had a great day. Church in the morning was a good time with Bill Johnson again speaking. I never fail to be amazed by his teaching, if you can please do get hold of a copy of his talk. Just amazing. A lovely lunch in Giant Burger was followed by a lazy afternoon sleeping and relaxing which was nice. The evening was incredible. Heidi and Rolland Baker were in town and so Heidi was scheduled to speak at the evening service which started at 6 but people arrived as early as 2.30 to get good seats. We arrived at 5.15 thinking that was early but we only got seats in the 'bleachers' but it was still great. After a great time of worship, Heidi took to the stage and in her usual manner just continued to worship and deliver a powerful message. Amazing. I was particularly excited to see Rolland too, as I have a great respect and admiration for him and as he wandered around the sanctuary praying for people, the power he has was so real and tangible. An incredible couple who are doing amazing things in Mozambique, feeding literally tens of thousands of families and children every week. Maybe we'll get to visit their ministry one day....Rolland was wearing a t-shirt that many of you will enjoy too. The slogan on the front said 'iThink therefore iMac' which made me chuckle.
Today we're just relaxing and catching on homework. School starts again tomorrow which will be good to get back into it. We have a deadline on Wednesday for our next missions payment for our trip to Ecuador. Please if you had been thinking of supporting us or feel compelled to then please do contact us or our parents for how you can get it to us. It's going to be an amazing trip, where we'll get to help and bring support to many amazing but needy people. Prayer is sought for this too as well as financial provision.
Really hope everyone is well. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with the Hewlett family and friends and the community of Cheddar. May the peace and love of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Lots of love
Izzy and Liam x
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