Being family

Life is pretty tough at the moment. To be fair, on reflection, it’s been pretty tough for quite some time. There have been ups and downs of course, but probably since Liz first got sick back in November 2009, as a couple and now as a small family we have been battling our way through life.

Thankfully we have had lots of support over the last two and half years (and beyond!). Family, friends – both new and old – and health professionals, many of who have gone beyond the call of duty, have stood with us through the different challenges. These people (that’s you by the way!), have been our family. Thank you. Without your support: practically, in prayer, and of course financially, we wouldn’t have made it this far. If we’ve learnt anything over the last few years it’s that when you ask for help people respond.

However, as much as anyone can be involved in our lives no one can experience what it feels like to struggle daily with an as yet not understood (and often unseen) sickness. Sometimes things seem to be getting a little easier, but much of the time it feels frustrating, tiring and often very lonely.

Over the last few weeks Liz has been struggling more than usual and this has of course put a huge strain on us all. The challenges of new-motherhood on top of her chronic fatigue is proving more challenging than any of us would have hoped and as a result she is starting to receive medical treatment for post-natal depression and anxiety. She will continue to get support from specialists for her chronic fatigue but it was felt she needed some extra help to get her through this particularly challenging time.

In the midst of supporting Liz and looking after Levi, Matt has also started his new role teaching at the Wycliffe Centre and beginning to help support literacy work in Asia. Practically the new role offers the opportunity to work flexibly, working some of the time in the office and some of the time at home. It will take a little while to work out what time arrangement works best for everyone however we are excited about the opportunities it will provide for Matt to expand his experience of literacy work and development in minority language contexts.

In Levi news, we can scarcely believe he is already four months old! We’re glad to report he continues to be a happy and growing young boy! We’ve tried to update our picture site so you can track his progress visually – just click here to access it.