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15 December 2004. Christmas greetings! Two years ago for Christmas we thought our kids had chicken pox. It turned out to be a false alarm. Unbelievably, Jonathan and Joseph have spots again. The doctor is convinced this time it is chicken pox! God willing it will all be over in time for Christmas Day this year. Tarnya is trying to fit in the decorating of the house we moved into two years ago now. She has finished varnishing wooden windows, the wallpaper is spreading from wall to wall. We still have our boarder, Glenn Adamson, with us. Nana continues to live with us. Dementia can be trying at times. God is teaching us a lot! We are very grateful for the support of other family members and the Daycentre where Nana goes from 9-2 five days a week. A few months back Sam
(now 10) was diagnosed with
Jonathan is now 5. In his mind that makes him one of the big boys. He wants to do “real“ school work now! (We still home school our children). Joseph is 31/2. Joe is on a gluten-free diet (as is Mum) and learning to do without some things. Thomas is soon to have his 2nd birthday. Wow! Tarnya works hard for us all. It was great to see her get some recognition.
Our local paper runs a column, "Thanks a Bunch". People nominate some
worthy person to On the Speaking of travelling, I still travel to Thames every 2nd Wednesday night to our group down there. I make fortnightly trips to Hamilton to join with our friends Rex and Jan McMechan, whose Melville International Christian Fellowship meets in their home. The family came with me a while back to celebrate Rex and Jan’s 30th wedding anniversary. In case you think I don’t like driving, part way through the year I began helping out at Mardon Road Church of Christ, also in Hamilton. I have been going down there once a week as well. I remain President of both the Advent Christian Conference of NZ and the Conditional Immortality Association, but I don‘t have to travel to do those jobs. We keep busy but well. We do appreciate the prayerful and practical help & support we receive from each of you. Despite the rush around us I always feel a sense of peace at Christmas. The Burge family wish you all that same peace this Christmas. It comes from knowing Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Luke 2:14). Have a blessed Christmas & prosperous New Year. With Love From David and Tarnya, Samuel, Rachel, Noah, Jonny, Joe and Tom. |
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coeliac
disease (an auto immune reaction to gluten). Since following a gluten-free diet
his health is much improved, for which we thank God. He has started his first
job, delivering pamphlets. He delivers to 300+ houses, biking about six km two
to three times per week. Noah (now 7) goes with him. As well as good exercise,
and a little extra money, the children are learning to work!
Sam has an interest in
“magic” since a friend of mine at chess club loaned him a book of tricks. He
never misses a chance to do a magic show!
All
the children enjoy their Friday morning swimming lessons, but Rachel (now 9)
seems to have taken to swimming like a fish to water. Rachel swims over one
kilometre. She would probably keep going if Dad didn’t stop her for lunch.
receive a
bouquet of flowers. Fifty words hardly captures all Mum does for this family but
Sam wrote in to say why Mum's the best. Much to our surprise a photographer
turned up to give Mum a big bouquet of flowers and a few days later Mum's
picture appeared in the local rag.
work front, in South Auckland, I continue to pastor
the Takanini Church of
Christ & Christian LIFE Churches. I work alongside John Vilisoni, who
pastors our Niuean congregation. Recently we began a Samoan language service
also. Benny Leota is in charge there! The Niueans and the Samoans meet at the
same time in different parts of the building. We are looking to do what we can
to stop the noise travelling!