Well, there's lots to say and I'm short on time…so let’s cut to the chase. It’s been a kinda crazy, topsy turvy few weeks. As background, since early this year we’ve been undergoing an assessment by Social Work in Glasgow to allow us to have a young unaccompanied asylum seeker live with us. That process was concluded in the middle of October and then its been a (very short) waiting game for a suitable match. After a couple of ‘first meetings’ for us and the girls, we welcomed Jazoli to our home at the end of November. Jazoli is a 17 year old young man who travelled here from Sudan. Its been quite a journey for him, and now quite a journey for us. We are rapidly adjusting to having a 17 year old in the house – a steep learning curve! But we are starting to find our feet just in time for Christmas. I am not sure Jazoli is prepared for what’s about to hit but fingers crossed we’ll all find our way through the festive season together. More will follow in the coming weeks and months I am sure, but for now its enough to say “Welcome to our home Jazoli – we hope you will be very happy here.”
And its not just our numbers that have been growing. There’s been a growing of age too. We have just hosted all the Gedik and Gurney clan to celebrate Baba’s 80th birthday and indulged in some very fine Turkish food (Jazoli coped very well with it all and was particularly delighted with a gift from the Gurney’s of an electric blanket to stave off the cold). I’ve also grown in age to reach the half way point and the marvelous achievement of existing for 50 years. I had a lovely day including a stunning frosty walk with Tanya to kick off my 50th year of celebrations (lots planned). Only downside was my sumptuous birthday meal out was postponed as Niomi was not well – emergency pasta and sauce bringing me back to reality with a bump.
And then the kids have also been growing in excitement for Christmas. House fully decorated, parties galore and treats a-plenty. And with an extra place at the Christmas table we’re truly looking forward to it…
Baba looking a very young 80
Birthday boy with the troops
Lunch walk with the lovely T
Excitement rising!
Winter wonderland
