Wow what a crazy year 2006 has been. I was just looking back through our calendar and can’t quite believe how time flies. This time last year I had every intention of writing a Christmas letter but circumstances got the better of me. Kurt’s cancer was the scariest thing that either of us have ever faced and when I think about it now I still can’t quite believe that we actually made it through. I am so immensely proud of my husband for his strength and courage at a time when he had every right to feel as though the world had turned against him. His illness so soon into our marriage taught us huge lessons about living every day to the full and cherishing every moment that we have together. Kurt keeps asking me what I want for Christmas and I continuously have to tell him that I don’t need anything because all I want is for him to be well, and I have that.
His illness also taught us that life is too short to be unhappy so we decided a change was in order and a move to Australia seemed like the best change there was. After a whirlwind of organising and moving we arrived in Roxby Downs in May and haven’t looked back, ok well that may be lying, but the looking back has only been brief glances. Now 7 months on I can positively say that this has been a great move for us. We have paid off our debts in NZ (except my student loan) and have started saving. But it isn’t all about the money. I am getting to know Kurt’s family an opportunity that I would not have had if we had stayed in NZ, and we are enjoying a much more relaxed way of life.
We have both continued studying this year and both continue to pass despite the huge changes in our lives. I am now over halfway into my Masters and if all goes right then I will be almost finished this time next year. Kurt has transferred his degree to Open Universities Australia and is now studying a Bachelor in Information Technology. He seems to be enjoying it but often has to be reminded to study.
Work is going well. Kurt really enjoys his job and is learning so much while I am enjoying the more casual pace at the library.
This Christmas we are both thankful for so much and have so many people to thank for the fact that we made it to today. Without all your love and support the past 12 months would have been even more difficult.
May God bless you all and keep you safe over the holidays.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Love Rebecca and Kurt.
