Mamrebillia

part of next year, so if you have not yet taken up these opportunities and would like to, please make sure you book into one of the workshops prior to a pre-planning meeting with Mamre staff. Some of you may already have engaged in indi-vidual conversations with Mamre staff, in particular Key Workers, as you start to think about prepara-tions for the NDIS. I’ve been receiv-ing a lot of feedback from families in relation to the positive experi-ences of both the workshops and these individual pre-planning op-portunities which has been lovely to receive. This year has been espe-cially challenging for our key work-ers and other direct staff in relation to instigating some changes brought about by our current fun-ders, and preparing families for the new future. I would like to thank them all for their hard work, pas-sion and commitment in what has been an extraordinary time.

In this edition you will also find an update from Pave The Way, includ-ing some information on new ways it will operate from early next year.

DISCLAIMER

Mamre provides this newsletter to the Mamre community for general

information only. It is a compilation of information from numerous

sources, including sources outside Mamre, such as other organisations.

Mamre makes no warranty about the accuracy of the information that is

contained in this newsletter. It should not be relied upon as advice.

Mamre disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything, and as

a consequence of anything, done or omitted to be done by any such

person in reliance, whether wholly or partially, upon any information

contained in this or any of our newsletters.

Dear Friends,

RE-SET, RE-ADJUST, RESTART, RE-FOCUS…. As many times as

you need to.

Something I read some time ago, a small sentence packed with a lot of wisdom….. this is probably close to our reality as an organisation as we come to the end of 2017 and im-merse ourselves in planning for 2018.

Welcome to the last edition of Mamrebillia for 2017. It has been a challenging, rich, complex and fluc-tuating year for Mamre, as we have had to navigate and manage a few curve balls with the constant chang-es to NDIS, the transition of our State funders and our own prepara-tions for next year.

We remain very committed to en-suring all families in Mamre have the opportunity to access assis-tance in their preparations for NDIS, and have continued to pro-vide a high volume of internal work-shops as well as many individual pre-planning meetings. These will con-tinue to be offered into the early

From the director pg 1

Pave the Way Update pg 3

New members of the Mamre community pg 4 Mamre Community Christmas festival pg 5

2017 Retreat pg 6-7

Kylie is really digging gardening pg 8

DLQ update pg 9

NDIS update pg 10

Inspirit events for 2018 Pg 11 10 years of service for Ryan pg 11 The gift of Love and Hope this Christmas pg 12

Please note that Mamre

offices will be closed from

23 December and reopening

2nd January, 2018

At the AGM this year I reported the statistics across the organization. PTW reported they “reached” 45 000 people across Queensland in 2016/2017 financial year, through its workshops and other events, individual conversations, plan-ning, website information and information dissem-ination. This has been made possible by funding from the State Government, which will begin to be withdrawn over the next six to twelve months. The staff have worked very hard and in some very com-plex environments – particularly in Far North Queensland’s rural, remote and very remote com-munities with people considered “hard to reach” due to a range of considerations. We have formed great alliances with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, government departments and the NDIA in these communities, as we work collective-ly to identify the most appropriate, localised and community based responses. Well done to all the staff in PTW.

It seems the NDIS continues to dominate our thoughts and conversations – whilst this is im-portant and necessary, in the chaos of huge change, it is just as critical to remember that our conversations must continue to include our vision of people taking their rightful place in their com-munities and in our society. It’s this vision that pro-vides a compass and keeps our line of sight clear and unwavering in an ever changing political envi-ronment.

Mamre is also experiencing a higher volume of re-quests for supports. We have welcomed quite a few new families in the last three months and look forward to welcoming others early in the new year.

Some of our questions as an organisation have to do with safeguarding the Mamre Community as we transition and learn a new way of delivering sup-ports with families and individuals within a very tight fiscal environment. How does the Mamre Community continue to thrive in an environment driven by economics, efficiencies, and price guides that do not seem to value the essence of time as a necessary investment to build relationships and have conversations? How do we bill for this?

When I read the comments of those of you who came to the Mamre Retreat, or when I see people reconnecting with others at the Mamre Christmas Festival or when people drop into the offices of Mamre for a cuppa, these continue to fuel the pas-sion and belief that Community IS critical and vi-tal… You cannot put a dollar value on this, and nor should we. So, we will continue to seek ways in which we can continue to invest in relationships

and the importance of Community regardless of the external environment. Mamre will find a way to re-main counter-cultural! We will continue to re-set, re-adjust, re-start and re-focus over 2018 with cour-age, hope, faith and realism.

Mamre held its Annual General Meeting in October. This is an important meeting for the Association as it is the process of electing Governance Board mem-bers for the next financial year, reporting to the general members of the Association on organisa-tional activities, its finances and its strategic direc-tion. Thank you to those of you who attended.

The Governance Board Members of the financial year 2016/2017 were all re-elected and we wel-comed two additional Board members – Rodney Vincent and David Stevenson.

The Board therefore comprises:

Tom Condon (President), Kevin Caldwell (Vice-President), Sarah Bonar (Treasurer), Bill Bryant, Paul Smoothy, Geoff Cooper, Pamela Weekes, Gilli-an Hulse, Chris Gazenbeek, Rodney Vincent and David Stevenson. Julie Tealby is the Board Secre-tariat (ex-officio).

The Board has had a very busy year already, with many complex issues that require careful and con-sidered discernment, balancing these responsibili-ties with the general organisational governance re-quirements. A big thank you to all of you for your time and commitment. Each Board member has their own unique strengths, wisdom talents and gifts and collectively they are a Board who work very collegially, respectfully and positively together towards the vision of Mamre, led with great stew-ardship by Tom.

So, to all of you, enjoy this edition, the richness of stories can never be underestimated, as it is a path-way to change, and on behalf of all of us, please have a lovely, safe and peaceful Christmas with those you love, and we will see you all in 2018.

Go safely,

Rachel

Director’s article cont

Before we look at what Pave the Way will be doing next year, let’s recap some of our work over the

past 15 years.

Since 2002, Mamre - Pave the Way has assisted families and people with a disability to develop a vi-

sion for now and the future, to plan towards making that vision a reality and to develop ways to safe-

guard that vision when the family is no longer able to do so.

In 2014 we commenced the Queensland government funded NDIS Participant Readiness Initiative

(PRI). We have spent three years travelling to the North Coast, North Queensland and Far North

Queensland presenting, providing resources and talking to people with disabilities and their families

about visioning, planning and preparing for the NDIS.

In 2017 our PRI work has been focused in Far North Queensland. In line with the NDIS rollout, Pave

the Way will withdraw from FNQ at the end of this year when the National Disability Insurance Agency

will commence pre-rollout activities.

During 2017, Mamre - Pave the Way has also been working on

a project called Targeted Strategies, working with people in

FNQ who have a disability as well as additional barriers such as

living in remote communities, being culturally or linguistically

diverse or who experience social isolation. This exciting work

will continue until the end of June 2018. We have travelled

from Cardwell as far as the Torres Strait Islands and held many

events and stalls to help people engage and prepare for the

NDIS.

In 2018, Mamre - Pave the Way will continue our work, utilising our vast ex-

perience and learnings in whole-of-life planning with families alongside our

in depth NDIS knowledge. We will offer fee-for-service packages to assist

people to plan for the best possible life in the new world of the NDIS. These

packages can be tailored to specific needs and life milestones. We also hope

to offer consultations and workshops around topics such as support circles

and valued roles including micro business, employment and study.

We are excited by the opportunities the NDIS will bring and will keep you updated as 2018 unfolds.

David

Pave the Way Update

Felicitaciones Congratulations to the Malaver/Silvara family!

We are delighted to an-nounce the arrival of Yenny and Alex’s second little an-gel, Miguel.

This little blessing arrived in early September and is much loved by his parents, his big brother Gabriel, and his grandmother Gladys.

The Mamre community look forward to getting to know Miguel and enjoying cuddles.

Hello to everyone from Kathleen Yorston.

I’m not all that ‘new’ to Mamre because I’ve been a part of

the Team since February. But I’m pleased to say that my

role was recently extended to August 2018, and I now hold

the position of Office Administrator, working closely with

Rachel and the Managers to ensure that the Mamre ma-

chine operates as smoothly as possible.

This is my first job in the community services sector, previously having

been involved in many industries ranging from architecture to energy.

When I’m not at work I’m usually reading, hanging out at the cinema or

taking photos. But most importantly, I’m delighted to be a part of the

Mamre community – every day brings rewarding experiences.

New members of the Mamre Community

Hi, My name is Sarah Fitch. I have recently joined Mamre as

the new Systems Project Coordinator. I have worked in the

community services industry for the past 4 years previously in

a coordination role, organising respite and other supports for

families. I will be assisting Mamre with the transition to the

NDIS and the implementation of programs and projects with-

in the organisation.

A bit about me… I have many interests and hobbies. I’m a jack of all

trades, master of none. I love trying new things, baking cakes, reading,

getting outdoors, riding my bike and hiking. I am a keen snowboarder

and have spent time living in Whistler and Jindabyne chasing the snow.

In my brief time with Mamre I have already been exposed to values

that the Mamre community demonstrates. I am excited for this oppor-

tunity to join the Mamre journey and I can’t wait to see what the next

few months will bring.

Hi, my name is Bernadette Dias and I joined Disability Law Queensland (DLQ) as the

Communications Officer in early October. My role is to ensure clear communication

with clients and potential clients by organising workshops and events, writing newslet-

ters, managing the website and social media.

I have been working in communication, journalism, public relations and marketing for

about 20 years. Much of that time has been spent working in the not-for-profit sector. I

am very excited about the opportunity to work for an organisation that supports fami-

lies who have children with disability to plan for the future and live happy, fulfilled lives.

At home I like to cook, relax, read and watch funny shows and movies. My sport of

choice is tennis and I aim to play about twice a week. I live with my wonderful husband Gordon and

gorgeous daughter Genna. I am honoured and proud to be part of such a great organisation and hope

to be part of DLQ for many years to come.

The Mamre Community Christ-

mas Festival was held on Sunday

December 3 with over 125 people

in attendance.

One of the highlights of the after-

noon was the unveiling of art-

work commissioned by Mamre

that tells the Mamre story

through traditional Aboriginal

dot painting. The artist, Uncle

Paul Calcott, explained his inspi-

ration and how the symbolic

painting captures elements of

Mamre’s 35 year journey so far.

The painting can be viewed at

Mamre Newmarket.

One of the joys of being at this

event is seeing the faces of the

children when Santa arrived. Re-

ceiving a gift and having a photo

with the man himself is such a

highlight for so many of the chil-

dren (and for some adults).

Along with a visit from Santa the

afternoon included carol singing,

a jumping castle, photo booth

and of course, food. Check out

the photos we have included with

this article.

The Community Wellness Team

want to take this opportunity to

say thank you to the Lord

Mayor’s Suburban Initiative Fund

and Councilor Andrew Wines for

once again supporting this event.

Peter

New Mamre Community Video

The Mamre Community Christmas Festival for 2017 fell on Sunday December 3, which also happened to be In-

ternational Day of People with Disability. In light of this, the Community Wellness Team decided to produce a

video featuring a couple of people from the Mamre Community who have planned and achieved something in

2017 that they wanted to share with the wider community. Therefore, over the course of two Saturdays, a num-

ber of volunteers captured Bianca and Catrin’s story on video. This video is being finalised at the moment and

we hope to have it on the Mamre website and Mamre YouTube channel as well as our facebook page as soon as

possible.

It is also hoped that the video would highlight the fact that there are many times in our life when we need to be

intentional about the things we hope to achieve. Anything we consider worth pursuing usually involves dream-

ing, planning and action. Sometimes we can miss the ‘intentionality’ part of the process and when that hap-

pens, our dreams can remain just wishful thinking. However, planning can add some intentionality into the mix

and turn our wishful thinking into action.

A special thank you to Bianca, Catrin, Joe and Romi. Thank you for volunteering your time and talent to this

video and therefore allowing us to celebrate your achievements with you. Peter

Hamish and Isabella at the photo booth

The Mamre story through traditional

Aboriginal dot painting

Lily sharing her Christmas gift wish

with Santa

Santa delighting the kids with his stories

For the last 9 years Mamre has been hosting a weekend Retreat in the stunning

Numinbah Valley at Springbrook. We stay at Bornhoffen PCYC in two

campsites, one of which is totally accessible and has cabins with ensuites. The

weekend is for families and their friends, for staff, board members and their

family and friends. We arrange most of the catering for the weekend, all the

outdoor activities and arts and craft.

Friday nights are a highlight with a campfire

and Saturday night offers people the oppor-

tunity to showcase their talents with a non-

competitive talent show. We laugh, we cry

and we just really enjoy each other’s compa-

ny over the weekend.

This year we asked several people about

their weekend experience of the Retreat:

Why do you come to the Mamre Retreat?

“We love the Mamre Retreat because it a great weekend away with the family,

the kids get to spend time with other kids that they have connection with. The

kids always get along with each other and it gives my wife and I some time to be

with each other and to connect with other parents. The kids really look forward

to attending the Retreat every year”

“It’s about catching up with friends and meeting new ones. It is a lovely relaxing time. The openness and the

space and being a part of the Mamre Community is an important thing for me”

“People, food, fun, celebration, relationships – love it all and of course the wonderful talent show on Satur-

day night”

“Great to be here for the first time. Talking with people and hearing their stories and it is great to see the kids

playing and being with each other and having a wonderful time….. and the food is fabulous”

“Today has been great, it has been different – lots of activities, I was quite surprised about how much was

going on today. It has been great meeting and seeing the families and all the kids hanging out together”

“I have been coming along for the last nine years and this is my eighth Retreat. Ultimately it is an enjoyable

weekend, it gives me a great chance to catch up with families, it’s relaxing and it’s fun”

“Chilled vibes, it’s fun, there are a lot of things to do, hanging out with people my age, you meet new people

every day and it is very social”

“I love coming to the Retreat as it is a lived experience of the Mamre Community”

“It is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with people who I haven’t seen in a while. I

love the art room and all the activities on offer. I love the stunning relaxed and seclud-

ed location”

“The Retreat offers our family the chance to get away with other people and families

who understand our situation and we feel that we don’t need to explain ourselves. We

are accepted and we belong. We don’t feel different here and neither does my child

with disability. We are all included and accepted”

Some of the magic that happens is that people are free and safe to be

themselves. No one feels out of place and families can enjoy the time

away together in an environment that is relaxing and stunning.

Everyone looks out for one another. The venue is basic but meets our

needs as a group very well. The kids and teenagers are safe and really en-

joy catching up with each other every year. One of the lovely things that is

evolving is that some of the teenagers are now taking on natural leader-

ship roles with the younger children.

This year we had approximately 30-day visitors that came up to join us for the

day on Saturday. Having people visit on the Saturday is great because it mix-

es the group up a bit and there are more people to get to know and to re-

connect with. This year we had four young people volunteer to help us out

over the weekend. A big thank you goes to Alex, Dylan, Richard and Char-

lotte for being so generous with your time.

A lovely small team of massage therapists come up for the day on Saturday to massage those of us who have

booked in for our Retreat pampering. This is a real treat and is very popular.

Mamre is committed to ensuring the Retreat continues in an NDIS environment. Including such events into

NDIS pre-planning will be important to ensure creative options like the Retreat are available for NDIS partici-

pants moving into the future.

The Mamre Retreat reminds us that community events keep us strong, assist us to develop networks and break

down feelings of isolation and disconnection. The Retreat would not be in its ninth year if people did not value

the opportunities and experiences that the Retreat offers. As Jean Vanier gently expresses:

Community is an experience of belonging and of solidarity,

As if people were born to be together.

For those who have encountered loneliness, separation and brokenness.

It is a deeply unifying and healing experience to be accepted, just as we are.

The Mamre Retreat would not be possible without the work of the Mamre Community Wellness team who plans

for and co-ordinates the weekend away. In addition, many other people including staff and family members as-

sist over the weekend with the provision of pre-made meals, assisting with set up and pack up/clean up, co-

ordinating and running events and assisting with the logistics of ensuring this large event happens seemingly

seamlessly. Thank you to everyone who made this event

happen so successfully this year (as well as other years)

and a big thank you for everyone who comes along to ex-

perience the weekend.

Happy Mamre Retreat Dayz.

Julie Johnson.

A few years ago Kylie started volunteering at Mamre’s Newmarket office and

not long after became a casual employee. More recently Kylie’s commitment

was recognised and she was offered a permanent position. Kylie also volun-

teers at the Lady Cilento Hospital in South Brisbane.

Kylie has a lot of interests, one of her favourites is the theatre and singing,

which she enjoys being a spectator and a contributor. You would have seen

Kylie performing at Mamre’s annual Retreat as well as being part of the choir

at our Christmas Festival. Kylie also regularly participates in fundraising

walks and is very keen on rugby league and tennis!

Recently Kylie has been getting her hands dirty in her own

vegetable garden. For the last 5 months, Kylie and fellow Mamre staff member Mikael have

spent lots of weekends sowing seeds, weeding, mulching, watering, fertilising and recently

harvesting vegies! Kylie has grown carrots, tomatoes, basil, potato, onions, strawberries, let-

tuce, pumpkin, parsley and sunflowers. Unfortunately some have disappeared and it’s pretty

clear the culprit is the neighbourhood possum. Lucky possum!!

Kylie has really enjoyed this

experience and is already

planning with Mikael what to grow next

season. Her favourite part has been getting

up of a morning to see what has grown

overnight.

If you or your child have a connection to Mamre and would be interested in growing vegies, please contact

Mikael via email mikael.sayers@ mamre.org.au or phone 3622 1205.

Kylie is really digging gardening

Women’s Fun Run

Strawberries soon

Very early beginnings Melbourne Cup Carrots

Spuds and Spring Onions

Thank you to Youngcare for support-ing one of our young members through their At Home Care Grant. Jacob experienced a stroke during Brain surgery late last year and was denied vital rehabilitation to assist in his recovery. Youngcare grants sup-port young people with high care needs avoid moving into housing that may not be appropriate such as aged care, hospital or a rehabilitation centre.

Youngcare have committed to as-sisting Jacob regain lost move-ment by providing intensive thera-py and additional in home care. Thank you to Youngcare and all the generous people who have contributed to their mission to en-hance the quality of life for young

people with high care needs and their car-ers.

Disability Law Queensland (DLQ) director Aimee

McVeigh has been busy conducting Planning for

Now, Tomorrow and the Future workshops in Mac-

kay, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. These

workshops are tailored for people with disability

and their family members, providing information

about the legal tools available to safeguard peo-

ple’s plans in the future. Aimee has also visited

regional areas throughout the state for individual

consultations with family members.

As Mamre’s not-for-profit law firm, DLQ has

helped hundreds of families who have children

with disability to plan for the future through wills,

trusts and special disability trusts. DLQ also regu-

larly provides advice and assistance in relation to

guardianship, administration and enduring pow-

ers of attorney.

Just a few examples of the work that DLQ has re-

cently completed include:

• Preparing wills for two family members

that work seamlessly together to ensure

that their loved one who has a disability

would be provided for in a way that did not

impact his disability support pension or his

right to public housing

• Successfully appealing to the Administra-

tive Appeals Tribunal to re-instate the disa-

bility support pension for a man with severe

mental health problems

• Helping to set up a business for a man with

a disability and his father using a structure

that allows both people to work in the busi-

ness while minimising tax liability and any

impact on the disability support pension

• Helping a man with a disability to resolve a

problem with a service provider by prepar-

ing letters and attending meetings

DLQ is a registered charity and the only legal firm

in the state that specialises in assisting people with

disability and their families. All funds raised by DLQ

are used to support the work of Mamre Association

in building meaningful and inclusive lives for people

with disability and their families.

DLQ solicitors regularly hold consultations with

family members to review their wills and plans to

ensure that loved ones will be properly taken care

of in the future. Consultations are $220 for one

hour. If you would like to meet with a solicitor at

DLQ please call 3622 1250.

Update

Email Allison on allison.jones65@bigpond.com to order

your Xmas Cards

NDIS is fast approaching the Brisbane region with the

official rollout date set for the 01st July 2018. As the

rollout dates of the Ipswich, Bundaberg and Rock-

hampton regions were brought forward earlier this

year the rumours have been that we can potentially

expect the date of the Brisbane region to also be

brought forward but at this stage it is purely specula-

tion.

We have been advising and supporting families to be

ready with all the preplanning for around March 2018,

so should the NDIA decide to bring the Brisbane rollout

forward families and individuals can feel confident to

move forward should they receive a call for a planning

session early. We have been working hard with individ-

uals and families to support them in the development

of their preplanning documentation that can be pre-

sented as supporting evidence at the NDIS planning

session in the future. Although we have no control over

the NDIS planning session or influence in the decision

making of the individual planners we can at least sup-

port and explore the introduction of the NDIS language

into preplanning documentation and thinking. We can-

not stress enough the importance of preplanning be-

fore you have an NDIS planning session, exploring and

identifying all aspects of an individual’s life and the po-

tential supports that they may need to ensure their

right to a good life are critical in preparing for a produc-

tive planning session.

NDIS Update The NDIA recently announced that they are intro-

ducing face-to-face meetings for planning sessions

as default instead of the failing 80% target of tele-

phone previously being implemented. We strongly

advise that should you receive a call from the NDIA

at any time in the future, ensure you ask for confir-

mation as to the purpose of the call. There have

been reports of people saying that these calls have

turned into a planning session without the

knowledge of the individual and the first they are

aware is when an NDIS plan has been sent.

Figures nationally show that around 112,000 indi-

viduals have transitioned to the NDIS and have

plans with over $9.5 billion of supports committed.

Mamre is officially registered as an NDIS service

provider to deliver many types of supports includ-

ing:

• Plan Management

• Supports Coordination

• Core Supports

• Allied Health services

• Capacity Building Training

• Behaviour Support

Should you wish to discuss your NDIS needs fur-

ther, please do not hesitate to contact us on:

07 3622 1222

Chris

10 Years of Service for Ryan Ryan Bryer has clocked up 10 years of service at Mamre. He began volun-

teering early 2007 and Mamre was so impressed that after six months,

Ryan became Mamre’s first trainee in November 2007.

He began as an HR assistant and IT help desk and then moved into the role

of Reception. In the last two years Ryan has been doing more around IT

help desk and general IT support as well infrastructure maintenance.

For Ryan, an exciting part of the journey is the leap in technology that

Mamre has made over the past ten years. He has seen Mamre’s computer

systems progress from the ‘dark ages’ when he first began to a system

that is in line with current technology. This enables Mamre to communicate and work more

efficiently as an organisation.

Over the years, Ryan has also been involved in Mamre community events. Whether it’s the re-

treat, anniversary events or the Christmas festival, Ryan has always been happy to volunteer

and help out.

Mamre congratulates Ryan on this milestone and wishes him all the best with the next 10

years.

Inspirit events for 2018 February 9, 10 & 11 Mums weekend ‘B4’ Cost $100

March 2,3 & 4 Dad’s weekend ‘Straddie’ Cost $100

March 16, 17 & 18 Couples weekend ‘B4’ Cost $100

March 25 2pm to 6pm Introduction to Photography Cost Free

April 15 Aqua Park Coolum Cost TBA

May 4, 5, 6 & 7 Mum’s weekend ‘Mooloolaba’ Cost $120

June 1 Friday night ‘Mums dinner’ Cost and Venue TBA

June 22 Friday night ‘Dad’s dinner’ Cost and Venue TBA

July 20, 21 & 22 Mum’s weekend ‘Noosa’ Cost $100

August 10,11 & 12 Couples weekend ‘B4’ Cost $200

August 24, 25 & 26 Dad’s weekend ‘Noosa’ Cost $100

Most of us probably know or have heard about the story of Christmas. It is the story of God sending His son, Jesus Christ, to earth. Most of us would probably tell our children and grandchildren about the birth of Jesus... and that when we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating Jesus' birthday.

Some would be sceptical about the idea of the birth of Jesus and how it intertwines with the concept of Christ-mas. That is perfectly fine – we all have our own perspective about the meaning of Christmas. Regardless of what I believe in, there is one thing that stands out when I think about Christmas. Christmas, for me, equates to the word gift.

"What gifts do I give to my family this year?" Or "I wonder, what kind of gift would I receive this year"?

I remember growing up, Christmas made me extremely excited because I knew that my grandparents (I was raised by them) would buy me a new dress to wear to church on Christmas day. That was something I would always look forward to – as simple as that!

Now, as an adult, all I think about is what kind of gifts my loved ones would want to receive this year. But do you know what I realised? Gift can be presented in different forms. The essence of gift should not merely be about the material things. Gift can be given in a form of word, time, touch and service. For instance:

Word – as simple as saying “I love you” and “I miss you” to your loved ones. Say it often! Or saying, “Thank you for always being there for me and for being a part of my 2017”.

Time – visit your loved ones that you haven't seen for so long and spend some time with them even if it is only for a few hours. See how they are going. Or perhaps do a telephone or Skype call! Whatever it is, just do it!

Touch – hug your loved ones so tight as if there is no tomorrow… and let them feel how happy you are that they are part of your life. Do it as often as possible!

Act of service – cook your favourite family dish to be shared with your loved ones. Or cook a delicious meal and bring some to somebody you know who may be eating alone this Christmas. Try that!

Don't you know that by doing these we are expressing the languages of love? We express and experience love through word of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, gift giving and act of service.

Jesus' birth is a 'gift' to humanity from God. For God so loved the world that He gave us a gift in the form of His son, Jesus. God presented us with His precious son out of His unconditional love for mankind. He himself has set the example for us – to love. We love because He first loved us. It is part of our DNA.

We live in a fallen world, meaning imperfect world. Through the birth and life of Jesus we have been given a new meaning of life. So what is its relevance in today's day and age? …hope. Each of us has this 'hope' etched within our soul. As long as we are alive… we continue to love and hope.

Marie Namoc

The Gift of Love and Hope this Christmas