Advent 2021

It's that time of year for summarising our lives on a webpage.

How do you react to round robin letters? This year, we've divided our news into sections. If you really want to know more details, please click on each heading to read them. Otherwise stick with the photos.

Brief highlights, partly illustrated by photos above

Dave told Debbie she needed walking boots for Snowdon, so she carried a pair all the way up and down, while she wore her comfy trainers.

Emails included uplifting messages like ‘Godless you all’ and ‘Have a nice wee’.

We published a book together as a family (see below for more details)

Online PE lessons consisted of watching videos – until trampolining outdoors was set for the day the trampoline was covered in snow. Check the photos above for the alternative PE lesson we provided.

We found a buyer, living 5 minutes away from the factory where they were made, for 58 England's Glory matchboxes Dave's grandmother bought 50 years ago, thus reducing our house's contents of that vintage.

Jamie had his first geography field trip in 3 years to...the streets around his school.

The week Long Eaton had the highest Covid rate in the UK, the children were told they were no longer required to wear face coverings in school...except in musical instrument lessons. Thankfully Jamie's clarinet teacher didn't ask for one!

About the book

Our book, Changing the climate, was published in June.

It includes information on climate science; tips from Jamie (now age 14); case studies of young people around the world impacted by climate change and acting for climate justice; and discussion of Bible passages.

We get copies at half-price (£5), so please let us know if you would like one.

Or you can watch a two-minute video of us talking about the book, read our contribution to a blog about a Green Christmas, or Dave's blog, or Jamie's writing for BRF or the Church Times or watch his interview with Green Agents of Change.

What we're thankful for this year

Seriously, among other things we're grateful for: Covid jabs and no reinfections; lots of work; zoom reunions; in-person reunions; church youth groups and leaders; outdoor adventures; Marvel & Disney+; a good publisher; helpful and practical friends; free food from Olio and elsewhere; emergency proxy voting; warm and plentiful living space; first world problems; mending; accessible healthcare; resurgent church; seeing family; camping with friends; Jamie moving bedroom; starting GCSE options (history, geography, music and drama alongside core English, maths and science); Dave uploading an account of old adventures.

Antidote to envy

This year we did not enjoy: online school; cancelled holidays; chronic pain; eye injury; fatigue; seeing people distressed because of covid; unexpected extra admin; more online school; mould; broken relationships (not between us); broken vehicles; broken shower wall; broken household items; inaccessible healthcare; extreme weather; incompetent professionals; living in chaos; school being rated as Requires Improvement (Dave now a parent advisor - replacement for governors); stress and struggles for friends and family; Dave discovering that no-one was particularly interested in his account of old adventures.

Christmas reflections

Was Jesus born in a stable? Does it matter?

We continue to work from home supporting mission workers around the world. We are thankful that Zoom enables us to speak freely to people. It is a joy and a privilege to speak with amazing people day by day.

We have enjoyed seeing many of you this year. Thank you for staying in touch with us.

May you have health and happiness in 2022,

Love from Debbie, Dave and Jamie Hawker.