After thirty years in New Zealand, Barby and I have moved to India – leaving behind 5 children (we like to think it is 6 because we have a son-in-law as well) and 1 grandson. If it were not for the fact that this is what God wants us to do, it would be excruciatingly difficult. But because this is what God wishes, it is just difficult – and we are trusting him to enable us to cope with the separations. Mind you, many others have walked this walk before us…
I had my birthday last week. Look what the kids did for me. They found two photos from 18+ years ago and then tried to reproduce them as closely as possible. Very precious.
From left to right: Alyssa (a paediatric nurse), Bethany (a medical doctor in a few weeks), Stephen (a lawyer based in Uganda/Congo), Joseph (a few months into physiotherapy training), and Martin (a high school teacher from next year).
The second photo was not quite so successful because the initial one was taken in the back of a little station-wagon. But they get a ‘high distinction’ for effort, if not outcome. Bethany is even trying to get back into the car-seat! Joseph reproduced the pensive look, but I suspect Alyssa lost the plot…
No sign of son-in-law Timothy in those early years (just as well!). He and Alyssa plan to be in Baptist pastoral ministry next year, with Timothy completing his training at Carey Baptist College this month. He and Alyssa have little Micah, whom we ‘talk’ to on skype for a few minutes most mornings.
But we do need a photo with Timothy in it, don’t we?
Here is one taken at Auckland airport just as Barby and I are about to board the plane to Bangalore…
nice chatting
Paul
About Me
the art of unpacking
After a childhood in India, a theological training in the USA and a pastoral ministry in Southland (New Zealand), I spent twenty years in theological education in New Zealand — first at Laidlaw College and then at Carey Baptist College, where I served as principal. In 2009 I began working with Langham Partnership and since 2013 I have been the Programme Director (Langham Preaching). Through it all I've cherished the experience of the 'gracious hand of God upon me' and I've relished the opportunity to 'unpack', or exegete, all that I encounter in my walk through life with Jesus.
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Great photos, and the last one at the airport brought tears to my eyes. What an awesome family!! Love from the Woodwards x
Love you too, Woodwards X 5.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! And well done, Windsors and Harts!
Also I hear Mr Hart got the preaching cup…! Woo hoo!