And another year begins

Shew.....as we cleaned house and tossed out old toys, clothes, papers etc in preparation for the new year I really had time to reflect on 2008 and make some decisions about 2009.

As I have said before, I don't believe that we will ever have another year quite like 2008 and I think that goes for a lot of families I know, those who have taken the plunge and left their homes to set up new lives in new countries all over the world....for the Andrews, the Goodenough Hoars, the Rasmussens, the Mortimers, the Littles and the Grays life has changed beyond recognition, for some for the better and sadly for others, for the worse, but one thing has to be said for all of us, we came, we did and we got the t-shirt....so good on us!

For those who remained in South Africa, lives also changed dramatically over the last year, you have lost friends and family members to the "global village" and in some cases to illness, and you have lived with the uncertainty of an ousted president and an ever present threat of crime, and yet all that I know personally have remained positive and upbeat and have an everlasting faith in the country of our birth and that is awe inspiring.....2008 was a great year for most of you despite any hardships....so good on you too!!!!!

As for the year going forward, there are many plans for the Robertson five, exciting job prospects for Simon, high school for Megan and an upcoming visits from my dear friend Mary, Si's sister, Jann and my parents.....loads to look forward to, but no doubt there will also be frustration and sadness in the next 12 months, but we plan to face it all as we have faced the last 12 months, together, with a smile on our faces and a positive attitude and with the belief that together we can get through it all.

The birth of our precious son in July was the realisation of a dream for me and the ultimate gift from my husband....it is no secret that having another baby was my idea and something that Si entered into with reticence, but Nicholas is the soul I always knew was waiting to be born into our family and he has completed us in so many ways.

A very blessed year and we can only hope and pray that we will be favoured again through 2009 and that we will continue to be able to live our dream. My hope and prayers for all my family and friends both in South Africa and abroad is that you find your passion and follow it....as my darling friend Beryldene always says "you have to do what makes your heart sing" - wise words from a wonderful and wise woman.....so if you aren't already doing it, make this the year you listen to your heart and follow your dreams, you will never know if you don't try.