Our Rooftop Garden

After some hard work, Chris and I feel we have come to a point of truly appreciating our little rooftop Garden. Some people may laugh, but I find our secret garden quite relaxing and rewarding. We have planted some potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, herbs, blackberry's, roses, and other various flowering plants. It is complete with a swing, table and chairs and benches. Tonight after all the dishes were done, Chris and I slipped out onto our rooftop and had a nice cup of tea while swinging on the swing. I love being there, as it is so peaceful. The view of the stain glass windows of the church is priceless. We love our new home at Jesmond Parish Church.

Bye Bye 95 Stamfordham Road, Hello Jesmond Parish

We have moved!!!I can hardly believe how fast time has flown, and how little I have written. But Chris, Benji and I have moved from our little flat in Fenham, and into Jesmond Parish Church... Well sort of. Chris has taken the verger post at the church, which is sort of a care taker. While Benji and I will assist him. In exchange , we are able to live in a flat on top of the church roof. It is very nice and peaceful, and we thank God every day for His blessings. We see what a great ministry the Lord has given our family, and hope we do it to the best of our ability. I will post some pictures of the flat as soon as I can. Things have been a bit hectic getting 95 Stamfordham road ready for the girls , Amy and Claire, who moved in nearly 2 weeks ago. I know it will be in good hands. Things are now beginning to feel like home at the church flat... we had our first dinner guests over tonight. Besides a bit of smell from the new oven... things ran smoothly. We are ready for some visitors now!

Be My Valentine

This Valentines Day was the best ever. It began on Friday the 13th. Chris had told me he had everything planned for the 14th, so I surprised him with a lovely 3 course meal from Marks and Spencers. It was lovely, and because it was pre-made, wasn't too much work so we were both able to enjoy the evening with little to clean up afterwards. The next morning we had to wake up early. So, I made some yummy lattes and bagels...we exchanged gifts and then we were off. Chris told me then we were going to the Scottish border to ride some horses on a farm. It was beautiful. The scenery was breathtaking. I was on Larry and Chris was on Sally. We had such a fun time. Afterwards, Chris had packed a lunch. So we pulled off the road on the way back home, and ate our yummy picnic. Because I was sore from the ride, we decided to rest abit before our next outing. Around 5:30, Chris told me to start getting dressed up as a taxi would be at ours at 6:30 to take us to our destination. After a few photos, the cab arrived, and took us to the Fishermans Lodge in Jesmond Dene. It was incredible. Officially it was a 5 course meal, however, there were 2 more courses included. I felt like a princess, with my prince. The food was superb. Ive never had a sorbet as a pallet cleanser before. I would definitely recommend the restaurant to anyone who wants a fine dining experience. This years Valentines Day was the best ever. I love Chris so much and am thankful for him and his thoughtfulness.

To the country

After a visit from the Hopkinsons, Chris and I headed down to Patrick Brunton, which is near Richmond, to a 5 star bed a breakfast. We had received a buy one get one free night away from Tropicanna Orange juice and needed to use it by March. so we chose the Mill Close Farm. It was beautiful, with a 4 poster bed, spa bath, and lovely breakfast in the morning. When we arrived, the B&B owner offered us some amazing cake and tea. We then went to the Friars Head, a restaurant built in an old priory for dinner. It was incredible! The next day, the breakfast was complete with freshly made croissants. We went on a nice walk in the country side, relaxed then went back to the Friars head for Sunday lunch. The desert was the best part...so I had to add a picture. We were both sad to leave the farm. I definitely would recommend a visit to the Mill Close Farm to anyone wanting a relaxing couple of days away.

The Juice Joint

Last night some of our friends gathered with to celebrate Chris' 26th birthday. This year we decided to do something different. We had a murder mystery party called Murder at the Juice Joint. It was a 1920s theme, which Chris loved because he got to dress up as a mob boss. Everyone had a great time, with loads of yummy food (Baked ziti and 4 cheese lasagna- thank you Martha Stewart), great acting, and unique costumes. We will definitely do a murder mystery again.

A Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! 2008 has flown by. It has been full of many changes, challenges, and blessings. We are so thankful for all our friends and family who have offered love and support during this past year.

The year began with hot water and new floors! As many of you know, our flat in Newcastle needed many renovations after we bought it in June 2007. One thing that needed to be fixed was the hot water. It stopped working shortly after we moved in. The biggest blessing this year was being able to turn on the tap and recieve hot water. No more boiling the kettle to do the dishes! We also were able to put new flooring in a few months later...as our flat was merely floor boards and cheap flooring with holes in it. Our flat now is beautiful and we truly feel at home in it.

In April, after a trip to America to visit family and friends, Jackie started a new job at Blue Sky Trust. BST is a Christian charity that supports those affected by HIV in the North East of England. Jackie was given a job as a womens support worker, as well as an educator within their schools team. Jackie loves her job, and sees how the Lord has truly prepared her for such a position over the years.

During this year, we started attending Jesmond Parish Church. We love our church and have made some really great friends. Chris was also able to join the worship team as one of their drummers, who can regulary be seen on their web tv from their 6:30 service. Jackie also recently joined their choir, singing in the Advent and Christmas carol services.

This summer, a new addition hopped into our lives. Little Benjamin Bunny was adopted from a rabbit farm, and has grown to be just one of the family. He is a very furry grey french lop with a major attitude. Although he has destroyed a few things, eatin a few wires, and chewed through some clothes, we still love him very much!

In September we were able to celebrate our 1 year anniversary in Greece. We had a lovely time in the warm weather, staying in a villa extremely close to the beach. We loved our time their, feasting on greek food, and enjoying the scenery.

Well...thats all the news from the year. We hope you enjoy reading more about the Parry family and all that is happening.

Again, we wish you a Merry Christmas and hope 2009 is filled with much love, joy, and happyness.

Please keep in touch through email or mail at
jacquelinerosej@aol.com

95 Stamfordham Road
Fenham NE53JN
Newcastle Upon Tyne
England

With love,
Chris, Jackie and Benjamin Bunny

What a nightmare!!!

On Sunday night as Chris and I were packing for our trip to America on Thursday, we realised we couldnt find my passport. The last time either of us remembers it was when we went to Greece in September. Both of us thought the other had it. Unfortunantly that was not true. I sit here now on a train headed towards London, for the US Embassy. I will be able to get a new passport there, but, not my visa! Yeseterday morning we called everyone we knew, even Washington D.C. to see what we should do. Everyone gave us different answers. The British Embassy here told us to call the embassy in Los Angelos. That embassy told us we needed to call the british embassy,however, by that time it was closed. Like I said it was nightmare. We just figured that I could come as a tourist and then get the appropriate visas once I was back in the UK... however, at 3 in the morning I woke up with anxiety and realised that I couldnt do that because the visa I need to live and work here in the UK cannot be obtained while on a tourist visa. So, Im having to trust God. We will be able to call the British embassy at 9 am...2 hours from now, and see if they will let us drive to Sheffield and get the visa. If not, well, Im not sure what will happen. God is in control. I have realized through this more than ever what a supportive and loving husband I have, and am so thankful for Chris. Also, God has revealed just how good our friend Ian and Rebecca are...as they offered to print out loads of forms for us late last night (our printer broke), and even ran out to buy more ink when it was out. God is so faithful to provide, and I sit here with peace that whatever happens it is for the best.