The Olivers In Thailand

Another eventful year has passed and its time to send our news and greetings for Christmas 2005.

Thomas (11 1/2) has started at secondary school and is settling really well. He got a good Merit in his Grade 3 clarinet and is working towards Grade 2 piano. He plays clarinet in an ensemble at school and also in the Southern Area band. In the Summer he played in a concert at the Assembly Halls which was a really inspiring evening. We all dressed up posh and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

David and Jessica both continue at primary school and have lovely teachers.

David (10) is now in yr 5. He enjoys learning drums and continues to do very well at school. He is very well organised and is a brilliant practical helper when it comes to all things technical. Even the teacher asks him for help with the computer and was only slightly embarrassed when David beat her at chess.

Jessica (nearly 8) is now a Junior. She has a lovely sunny personality. She continues swimming lessons and is very confident in the water. She also loves gym club at school.

Jenny is still part-time at Eurotherm. She continues with the Juniors at church (TAG).

Adrian is still at Eurotherm. He is further developing “PocketWeather” which continues to sell about 400 per month . For more details see www.sbsh.net.

At Easter we had an amazing experience as a family travelling to Thailand for 3 weeks to visit friends. More details and photos can be seen on our web-site. Our trip included visiting the area worst hit by the tsunami and also visiting 2 orphanages in the North where it was our privilege to spend time with some wonderful children. On our return the children at church held a sale and raised over £1000 for the orphanages. This has been used to start a tea plantation that will help them to become self sufficient. We are booked for a return visit next Easter.

In the whitsun half-term we went camping in the New Forest with some friends.

Jenny and the children attended Kingdom Faith camp, Peterborough in early Summer. This year Jenny was leading the programme for the Live Wires (5-6yr olds). Thomas played clarinet and guitar and David led actions to songs and helped with puppets. Although the preparation was quite demanding, the week went really well and was very rewarding. We've been invited back again to lead next year. As a family we attended Grapevine Celebration in Lincoln and worked with the 8-11yr olds. It was a super weekend which I think impacted us all.

We miss our friends in Thailand – so much that we are going to visit them again next Easter!

Jenny’s Mum Jill and Adrian’s parents Jackie and Steve are well. We will all be together at The Chine for Christmas Day.

Our friends and family near and far will be in our thoughts as we celebrate this Christmas.

Our love and prayers for a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.

Jenny, Adrian, Thomas, David & Jessica

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