A letter from June 18th, 2015

Dear Emily, You will be 34 by the time you read this, positively middle aged! I hope we don't have too many wrinkles or grey hairs yet. I will try and remember to wear sunscreen and get my beauty sleep for you :p 10 years is a long time. It was 10 years ago this year that we walked the Abel Tasman, remember that? Canaan, Naomi, the two Sam's and Me, setting out on our big adventure together. I can still remember so clearly what it felt like, first love and all those possibilities. Now all of us but Sam P are married, Naomi has three children and Canaan and Sam H are expecting their first. With each decision the possibilities vanish like popped bubbles. Right now we are in the midst of trying for our first child. 6 months in so far. Maybe by the time you read this all the heartache of trying will seem a million miles away, I truly hope that is the case. But there will always be heartaches, maybe more so if we do have children than not. Remember that verse we used to love "Each heart knows it's own bitterness and none can share it's joy" Remember when we decided the kind of woman we want to be at 50 - independent, passionate and with a strong faith in God. I hope we are still working towards that goal. I'm worried what to say because so many things can happen in 10 years. But the one thing that I know will stay the same is our God - don't forget him. Whatever happens I hope you cling to him with everything you have. He is the only one worth living for, and the only cause worth dying for. And remember our secret of being content in any circumstance "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. " It will all be worth it in the end. Stay strong