Christmas Greetings to all our family and friends in Europe, Africa, North America and Australia
These two photos exemplify the meaning of Christmas. While some people in these photos are paid, most are volunteers in South Africa, supporting people living (and dying) with HIV/AIDS. In our material world, pause and give thanks for the blessings we enjoy wherever we are.
Seasons greetings
Eddie and Linda
2011 has been a year of significant change for the Ozols
family!
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| 85th birthday celebrations with the family Oct 2010
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While 2010 ended with plans for an overseas trip mid 2011, this was put on hold after Linda's father Roger entered hospital on 4 January following a sudden deterioration in his mobility which eventually resulted in the need to place him in aged care. Prior to discharge to aged care a brain tumour was diagnosed as the cause of the sudden deterioration and he remained hospitalised until he died on 30 May. This time was very special to Linda and the rest of the family who were able to share many memories with him as he faced death confident that this was a new beginning for him.
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| The beard coming off with a travelling barber engaged
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In February Eddie had an epiphany, making the decison to leave the public sector after 39 years. Within a month he had four approaches (the first within a few days) to join non profit agencies and in May after giving his boss plenty of notice, joined Lifestyle Solutions, a support service for people (lifestylesolutions.org.au) as the NSW Disability Development and Change Manager. The highlight of his farewell was a challenge to shave off the beard before he left. The last day was fun filled with activities including a travelling barber who took off the beard after Eddie's Target of $1000 for African AIDS Foundation was reached. A brief holiday at Nelson Bay was enjoyed before starting the new job in May.
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Stephen Bomford, Headmaster at St Peter's
Campbelltown highlighting Linda's qualities
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Linda's birthday this year was celebrated with family and friends from various areas of her life. The principal of her current school and the previous school deputy, attended as did friends from Young World Singers and a Vietnamese family who we have known for 30 years.
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| Our family after the funeral(f)
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Sadly Roger died on 30 May. The funeral was pre-planned by Roger ten years ago and his forward planning meant he left clear instructions for Linda to ensure all arrangements were understood. Those who knew him will understand that he was well prepared for everything. Merrin flew home from Canada for the funeral service and this afforded us the first opportunity since 2006 to have all our family together for a photo opportunity together with daughter in law Nell, wife of Ashley.
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| Felix at 9 weeks |
After over eight years with Macquarie Bank Ashley decided to move to a smaller company. After tendering his resignation he was required to take 3 months "gardening leave" before he was allowed to start with his new employer in September. Ashley and Nell had their first child - Felix Roger - who was born on 12 October. Ashley was able to have a week off to assist when Nell came home from hospital despite only a month with his new employer.
Having completed his degree mid year we were pleased to attend Rowan's graduation as a Bachelor of Project Management in October. This was the completion of four long years including travel from Manly to Penrith by public transport for lectures. He continues his cadetship with Buildcorp working on the rebuilding of St Barnabas Church on Broadway. Rowan's girlfriend will be joining us for the extended family day after Christmas.
Home for a week in June for grandpa's funeral, Merrin returned to Canada where she has lived and worked since February 2009 with long term partner Carl. They left Banff for the summer and worked at Tofino on Vancouver Island . In between seasons they travelled with a group and had an extended holiday in Mexico before returning to Canada where they now have work in Fernie for the current winter. Merrin has commenced a Journalism Degree - her long held ambition.
After significant consideration (a discussion with dad helped) Corinneyoungest daughter CJO decided not to continue at university. She holidayed with long time friend Laura in Thailand after semester 1 (this was a long term commitment from years ago) and on her return headed to Queensland to the Gold Coast in August, obtaining a job with patent attorneys.
She has settled in to her new position and was able to purchase a unit given the depressed market where
Being "empty nesters" Linda and Eddie were able to attend a number of theatre productions during the year, had a weekend in the city as a gift, courtesy of our children and managed to get to Auckland for a World Cup Rugby game against Ireland - a memorable experience. Being grandparents has meant we are seeing Ashely and Nell more often as we get to know our grandson. Linda continues in her role as administrator at St Peter's Anglican Primary School - a position she is enjoying because of the people she works with.
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Part of the festivities at the wedding included eating Zulu chicken
and pap (a cornmeal food) with some male guests using only hands |
Eddie took leave at the end of November to travel to South Africa and Kenya undertaking work in his pro bono capacity as Overseas Project Coordinator for African AIDS Foundation. During the time away he was able to attend the wedding of Bongi Radebe who stayed with us last year when visiting from SOuth Africa
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