FEB 19th 1941-19th FEB 2011

Bill's birthday had been planned for months so Sat. 19th February was an exciting time when everything came together to give him a memorable day. We are grateful to many people who put themselves out on our behalf. And we were thrilled to see so many friends and family gather arround us. Four friends came from Holland and stayed over the weekend:

Thea

Margriet

Thea's husband Henk

Eric, Margriet's husband and Thea's brother

A much loved family friend, Janet, also stayed with us

Bill had to be spirited away while the final preparations were being made and people were gathering

While he was being kept out of the way the hall was being got ready and our friends and family were arriving.

GOODBYE HOLLAND!

As part of celebrating Bill's 7oth birthday we had some very dear friends from Holland staying with us for the weekend. This morning they had to take leave of us before flying back home.

Yes, gentlemen, just let the lady carry it!

Well, is the weight all right??

Would we park the car on our beautiful grass for anyone else?

Oh, Margriet, I didn't know you cared!

Eric, come here!

What was keeping you Eric??

Oh, I forgot to kiss my wife!

OVER THE .....BRIDGE TO SKYE

There was a good attendance at the Portree Psalmody Workshop on the 12th February. The first session was for congregation and precentor, and we enjoyed our time together. After lunch there was a time for the children. After practising some of the tunes, there were activities to encourage us all to learn a little more of the background of the tunes that we were learning.

There was an excellent book stall brought by Glenn Fraser and his wife Myra, with discount prices.

Rev. Ritchie Ross, Portree surveys the books.

Some of us were invited to a lovely meal in the home of Rev. Murdo Angus and his wife, Isobel Ann where we were made welcome by them and their lovely children.

BACK OVER THE ....BRIDGE FROM SKYE

We enjoyed the weekend in Portree, staying in the manse of Rev. Ritchie Ross, who took good care of us. This is the view from the side of the house.

And one or two pictures as we made our way back towards the bridge and home

SERGE AND EVELIEN 5

Serge and Evelien continue their service in Cuenca, Spain.

In December they had a Christmas Service in the Old People's Home, using the opportunity to sing some Christian hymns and give a gospel message. One lady when she was hearing about the new birth was heard to exclaim, "They (the Roman Catholic Church) never explained this to us"!

Weekly meetings with Uzo are going well. We are asked to pray for his continuing interest and also about his intership as he has some months to do before he can gethis permanent job as a teacher.

Meetings with Francisco continue, still with a desire to create a discussion group.

Please pray for Oscar, who has expressed an interest in visiting the church sometime.

Serge has the hope that God is working in the heart of the priest, D. Dimas and looks for an opportunity to ask him to a service.

Olga has doubts but still shows interest. Pray for her and her husband.

Serge gives Sunday afternoon studies on doctrines and practices in the church and hopes these may be useful. The congregation are being encouraged to gather for prayer before morning service.

Serge and Evelien are grateful for both prayers and financial support. They still await upon the Lord for confirmation as to whether they will stay in Cuenca on a permanent basis.

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

Double Trouble!!

More trouble!!

We love you all!!

These were some of the older children from our congrgation who came to our house to record some psalms for our next CD.

"Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength...." Psalm 8:2

GRIT

As the harsh winter weather was continuing the council lorries came arround spreading copius ammounts of grit, on roads first, then eventually on pavements. Having served its purpose, and with the weather more spring-like, it now looks ugly and spreads into the car and even the house.

But this morning this cute machine came round brushing and sucking up the grit, hopefully to keep it for another occasion.

MONDAY OUTING

It's time for a trip to Dumfries, about 2 hours drive south of where we live. We feel extremely blessed by the beautiful weather - it's hard to imagine that everything was covered in snow so recently. Not only the landscape ,but the sky changes as we drive along, the passenger snapping happily, hoping to capture something of the beauty of God's creation.

We have a pleasant time with John and Katrina in Lockerbie en route

Then we make for Joy's house and together we enjoy the tasty chicken curry that she has prepared for us! We also admire the classy alterations she has made to the decor of her lovely house!

THE RISING SUN

We awoke to more snow this morning although not as much as the last time. It was a beautiful morning. The faithful sun rose at its appointed time, reminding one that:

"the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings"
(Malachi 4:2)

The few "common" birds that appear from time to time in our garden continue to give us pleasure as we feed them and give them water, reminding us of another scripture which encourages us to trust God for the things that we need:

Behold the fowls of the air:
for they sow not, neither do they reap,
nor gather into barns;
yet your heavenly father feedeth them.
Are ye not much better than they?

DAVE AND RUTH

Some family shots of our son, David and his warm-hearted wife, Ruth