a bit of explanation

Hello friends!

It occurred to me that you may not know why we are visiting my "families" in New Zealand. Here's the short version of the story:

When I was 17, I was selected as a Rotary International exchange student and was given the opportunity to come to New Zealand. I lived here from January, 1980 to January, 1981. During my time here, I lived with Jim and Carol Shepherd and their three girls, Max and Peggy Bracegirdle where I was the youngest of 6 and the only one at home, and with Kelvin and Nina Wackrow and their two youngest boys. I had a family that acted like a special aunt and uncle - Colin Hale and his first wife, Thelma. Thelma has since passed away, and Colin is remarried to a lovely lady named Frances. Colin's son, Kelvin, is married to our lovely Wellington hostess, Bronwyn. They have three girls and a delightful puppy.

We came back at this time because Mum and Dad Wackrow celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in April and because it was a good time to bring the children to meet the people who played a pivotal role in my life.

It is especially sweet to see how these people modeled unconditional love for me. I was not their own but they loved me - and still do - much like I am one of their own. Just as Christ adopted us into His family, they adopted me into theirs. They are precious examples of what it is to love someone who has done nothing to deserve it.

Thanks for reading! I hope this helps make some sense out of how I have "family" in New Zealand!

Aunt Susan