Advent 2023

We hope you are safe and well this Christmas time. As we receive Christmas post we have noticed that Christmas stamps don’t need to be barcoded, so old ones can be used. We sent in our old non-barcoded stamps to be exchanged for new ones earlier this year, and found unused 4d and half pence stamps in our collection of stamps waiting to be used.

We have a lot to be grateful for in the past year. Jamie completed his GCSEs. At his Year 11 prom he was voted the student ‘Most likely to become Prime Minister’! He is now studying A-level geography, history and sociology. He chose to change school for sixth form, and is enjoying new friendships. He remains part of the church youth group.

Dave and Jamie went Inter-railing in Northern Europe to celebrate the end of GCSEs. Debbie joined them for the first few days in London and Amsterdam. Trying to do everything on a low budget led to lots of adventures. We had difficulty getting into our accommodation in London. Then the Eurostar to Amsterdam was cancelled because of a storm, so we had fun winding our way there by alternative routes. Other adventures included a double-booked room; a broken bike; a bus not stopping to pick up; a stolen purse; a sleeper train booked for the wrong month; and wurst. But it was a great trip with wonderful views, as well as a lesson in problem-solving and for Jamie.

After inter-railing, we became a household of four as 17-year-old Kyryll came to live with us. He is from Ukraine and his family have returned there. He is studying A-level maths, chemistry and biology. We are pleased to be able to host him, although less pleased that this involved unannounced home visits from his social worker, as this meant we felt we should try to keep the house reasonably tidy. Not an easy task, especially as we collect leftover food from supermarkets to distribute (through the Olio App), as well as collecting clothing and bedding for asylum seekers. The social worker turned up unannounced on Halloween, but didn’t dress up or say anything about tricks or treats. Thankfully the clutter is not a reason to say that Kyryll can’t stay, so all is well.

During the past year 400 asylum seekers have been living in two hotels in Long Eaton. Dave has been supporting them as a refugee support coordinator. We are currently talking with the charities Green Pastures, Hope into Action, and Upbeat Communities to try to find housing options for them when they are granted refugee status. Dave also spent a lot of time finding clothes for men who arrived with only the clothes they stood up in, initially to order. Many messages showed up the limitations of google translate - "I took off my clothes. Thank you very much"; "What is the jacket, but a small mask"; "There are no problems or anything, but the calmness is not according to my size".

We have enjoyed getting to know some of these wonderful, brave young men. A number have been attending our church, which is a blessing to the whole church. Asylum seekers are not allowed to work for money, but are encouraged to volunteer and often keen to - two got BBC awards for their volunteering. Last year on Boxing Day four came to our home for a party, and we enjoyed learning Tigrayan style dancing with them. They are an inspiration - as are many local people in our church and outside it who have offered their support within what is now the All Welcome Erewash (AWE) network, and reduced local hostility compared to a year ago.

We also still support mission workers around the world. In recent weeks we have been debriefing people who have been in Palestine, Israel and Lebanon, who have all had their lives turned upside down by the conflict in the Middle East.

As we remember Jesus being born in a spare room and his family fleeing as brown-skinned Middle-Eastern undocumented immigrant, we pray for peace in war-torn lands, and for all who are refugees and asylum seekers.

May you know peace and joy in the year ahead.

Much love,

Debbie, Dave & Jamie Hawker