Cyprus snow and saying farewell

Some light snow on the mountains just north of Nicosia

Since coming back from the holidays life has been a bit of a blur as we've been in the final stages of preparing for our move. Logistics of sorting out final clearances for dog shipments, air and sea shipments along with selling two cars and much of our furniture, and also saying farewell to many dear friends has meant that the 'cup of life' has been rather full this last week! But we are doing ok, and things are basically where they need to be in terms of preparation for our departure next Sunday.

The last few weeks have also been very cold in Cyprus and all across Turkey and the Middle East. Heavy snow has been falling on the mountains, and it has been unseasonably cold. At night Ross has done his best to keep the house warm by walking around the house and looking for items to burn in the fireplace, including pictures and pieces of unwanted furniture.......he tells me this is a very cathartic process!  

More snow in the Troodos Mountains a few days ago

On the weekend we threw a party to say thanks and farewell to our friends and community in Cyprus. We had a great evening with more than 100 adults (and atleast half that number again in children!) joining us for the party. Fortunately crowd control with children was assisted by some lovely teenage girls who ran activities for the kids downstairs while the adults gathered in the house. At times, however our house did resemble something out of Oliver Twist. Our kind landlord George and his wife Antouanetta came at one point during the party, and commented that they had never seen so many people in their house before; we assured them we were not trying to trash the place!

Tika, Zaza and Hendrik

Today we also had a lovely farewell at Ross' work, which all the family was involved in. It was also a special time of reflection and thanks for all that the last four years has entailed. Ross shared how he has 'woken up again' and been challenged more than in any other period of his working life, but also how rewarding it has been to serve in this role and region. We are truly thankful for World Vision, and how the Middle East Eastern Europe office and team have embraced our family.

Zoe ready to travel at Emirates cargo

And so now the final steps are taking place. Zoe left on the plane last Monday (Jessie has been lighting a candle at home as a sort of prayer that she arrives safely(!), the removalists come tomorrow for 3 days (we are thankful this will be done for us) and we move out of the house half way through this time and then depart on Sunday. Our final night will be spent at the local theatre watching Sam & Jessie perform in their stage school's local 'showcase' evening.  The next morning it's good bye to church and all the Sunday School kids we've been involved with and then hopefully a relaxed afternoon before we take our flight to Dubai.  We'll be taking a full day (2 night) stop-over there and stopping to rest and also celebrate Sam's birthday. 

It's amazing to look back on how small the kids were when we arrived in Cyprus, and to see them now. Our Cyprus season has been a very rich time. Not always easy, but we have no regrets about the decision to come here as a family. Now as we transition our feelings are mixed between sadness at saying farewell to many dear friends and colleagues, but also anticipation as we ponder on the new life and opportunity back in Australia. It will be especially nice to be closer to family again. See you on the other side, and as they say in Cyprus: στο καλό, or go with the good!

Zoe and other pets ready to travel!

Sarah and Natalie

Olga and Sarah

Jessie, Hannah, Alysia and Charlotte

Angus and the boys

Polys, Sarah and Trevor, who is the Australian High Commissioner

Michelle and Maggie

Sarah and Ellie

Ross goes to work on burning our surplus furniture..........