Meet the Resident I grew up in a village in England called Littleport, in the Fens. Much of the land there was low-lying and had to be carefully drained, which shaped both the landscape and the way people lived. My father worked shifts at the sugar beet factory a few miles away, and I believe he played a part in keeping it running during difficult times. My mother ran a corner shop, which became the heart of our family life. I had two much older brothers. My eldest joined the Royal Marines, so we rarely saw him except when he had leave. My other brother was Ann
extremely clever and later pursued a career in chemistry, eventually working for Pfizer. As the youngest, I was rather spoiled. I helped my mum in the shop and learned how to count back change properly a skill that stayed with me and taught me to always keep a careful eye on money. We had a lady dog who produced many puppies over the years, all given imaginative names by my mum, such as Rags and Tatters. Animals, like people, were always treated with affection in our home. I have always loved music and singing. The first time I was taken to a theatre, I was completely captivated. I joined every choir I could, and although my voice is no longer what it once was, my love of music has never faded. I still enjoy musicals of all kinds. I worked for Barclays Bank and later for a building society. When I became pregnant, I gave up paid work and devoted myself to being a wife and mother, a role I have continued ever since. Caring for my dear husband and our children has been my greatest joy and the most meaningful work of my life. I enjoy reading and Gone with the Wind made a lasting impression on me. I much prefer the book to the film. The biggest change in my life came when we left England and moved to Australia. Leaving my parents and friends behind was very hard, but with Ed’s support, it helped me learn to stand on my own two feet. Sadly, I never saw my parents again. We could not afford to visit, and their health was poor. It was a deeply sad chapter in my life. We have been fortunate to travel to many places, including two unforgettable visits to Israel. The greatest influence on my life, however, was becoming a born-again Christian. Ed and I came to the Lord together, and it brings me great joy to know that our children have followed the same path.
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