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December 27, 2009 Dear Lim Bok-su. Please extend my grateful thanks to our friends of the TCCCNA for the generous Christmas gift. It is kind of you to so faithfully remember all of us "old-timers". :You must know that Taiwan has become part of us, and our hearts and prayers are always upholding the people of Taiwan and the Church there. We had our annual Taiwan PCC mission reunion in July at our cottage, and it is always a time full of rich memories, and sharing. For me, of course, the tie with Taiwan remains very strong with Ruth and David, our eldest children, back there teaching, and hoping to get permanent residence certificates since they consider it HOME. Murray is still at Yu Shan as well and loving his work and "retirement" there. I am adding my Christmas letter to this note of thanks, so that you can display it for the information of those who attend the TCCCNA Assembly. May God bless you all as you continue to serve Him and His people. In Christ, Mary Helen Garvin
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SEASON’S GREETINGS!
Last year at this time, grand daughter Katie Sluman and I were in Taiwan with Ruth, David and Murray, all of whom still live there. We had a wonderful holiday with them, and Katie and I had a lovely time getting to know each other a lot better. This year has been more about settling at home with the exception of September when Murray and I went on a cruise to Alaska to celebrate our “unfiftieth wedding anniversary”. Perhaps it was more celebration of 50-plus years of a good friendship. We had a good time. Alaska is beautiful. Once back in Vancouver I spent a few days with my friend Tam Corbett, including a couple of lovely afternoons with grandson Josh in Stanley Park. Murray returned to Taiwan for the new term at Yu Shan Theological College. Life in Sandy Cove Acres continues to be full and satisfying. I have been chair of the Mission and Outreach Team and on the Session of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Barrie. I have made several presentations on Taiwan, Malawi, and for Hospice Simcoe. My Bible study group met during the early part of the year and then took a break to allow me to lead a Bereavement Support group here in the Sandy Cove Acres community during the fall. I continue to be involved with the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s Guidance Conference for Theological students, the Churches’ Forum for Global Ministries, and co-lead the Retiring Well Retreat for Clergy sponsored by the Centre for Clergy Care. I continue to have strong connections with folk in Malawi and expect to return for 6 weeks in May 2010 to follow up on my work there. For fun, I continue to be part of the Ladies of the Loft, a group of retired women who meet weekly in the Community Room at Zehrs to paint, and I participate in the Photography club here in the Park. Most exciting for me are the HD Opera presentations which come live from the Met in New York to our local theatre. A week of holidays with Terry and Sue Samuel on the Bruce Peninsula was especially satisfying. Family-wise, the grandchildren are all growing up too quickly. Michael’s three kids and Anne’s youngest, Dallas, all play hockey so I see a game now and then. Josh turned 30 this year. (No wonder I feel old at times!) Anne’s Curtis is building balconies on the sides of buildings and Katie is at Georgian College studying Hospitality Services. Rebecca (Peter’s) graduated from Grade 8 this year and in spite of her severe physical challenges, won the Principal’s Award at graduation, making us all very proud. She is in Grade 9, proudly informing me that she is in the Academic stream. Little brother Travis is into computers, school and is a great support to Rebecca. My dear mom passed away peacefully on October 30th with my sister Fran and me at her side. It is a sadness coupled with relief for us and for her. Even so, we miss her greatly. It will be strange to not be going to the Nursing Home for Christmas Dinner as we have for the past 8 years I hope you and yours will have a blessed and happy Christmas. With love and good wishes for the New Year. Mary Helen |
Mrs. Mary Garvin 2009年請安函
