Grandfather Dave imparting counsel

Granny Elsie with 3 grandchildren

Big cousin Zara

Zara was immensely proud at being the big cousin.

Zara was really worried one day and approached Granny Elsie. "I am so worried Granny Elsie."
"Why whatever is the matter Zara?"
"What happens if I get big and I have triplets? I will only have two boobs and I won't know what to do."

The things that go through a five year old's mind!!

2 arms 2 babies

Skin to skin

Dad Hicks

The Proud Mum

Tired but triumphant. What a miracle new life is.

The midwife was great and so delighted at the safe delivery. The care that the NHS has given pre and post delivery makes us immensely thankful for this amazing service where so many serve with real delight in what they do.

Nishta Alya Hicks

20 minutes later another cry and Nishta Alya Hicks entered the world. The second twin often has some complications and suffers a level of shock. Nishta did somewhat but within half an hour was back with us from the special care room.

The first cry

It was a real family gathering in the hospital waiting room. Only Susannah and Dave were missing of our kids. Mike, Elsie, Ewout, Ali, Esther, (Chris looking after the kids) Dave Hicks (Pete's father and long term friend of ours) Cathy in the delivery room. The nurse came into "My goodness!! A cast of thousands!!"

We were all agog waiting for the first sound of a newborn's wail. Suddenly it was there. "It's a girl!!" Tears flowed and a little while later proud father Pete walked through the door holding Alana Joy Hicks.

Well here is the promise of things to come. Fiona is just about ready to pop after 8 months of growing twins. Boys? Girls? Boy and Girl. We look forward to God's gift to us.

We are so thankful to God for His care for us. Fiona began to develop complications in Mussoorie in North India. She was 13 hours by road from the nearest decent hospital. By God's grace she was able to make that journey and then the flight back to the UK. I was highly relieved to see her come through the door at Newcastle Airport.

Now it is a few months on and all is prepared.

Pastor Hsi (sitting) married Stanley Smith and his Norwegian bride Sophie de Reuter in Shansi province in China.

Cigar in a pipe

Earthquake temporay school

We build a school to replace one that had collapsed.

Years of experience

Earthquake May 2008

In May 2008 there was a massive earthquake. We got involved and worked with 300 believers from all over China in rebuilding schools and homes.

Suzhou

Suzhou - Venince of China

Cambridge 7

Back row on the right is Stanley Peregrine Smith. It has been a joy to begin to be involved with China following the footsteps of those who have gone before. Stanley Smith and other friends from Cambridge went out to China to join Hudson Taylor in inland China.