As this year is reaching its end we look back on a year filled with many wonderful moments but also some difficult ones. Or, as Jochem said; it’s not a year one want to experience too often. We had a very busy 2009 with much work, a long renovation of our summerhouse, much travelling for Jochem and often a feeling of not enough time. At the same time we did many nice things, experienced many fun parties, visits, went on several weekend trips, got to know new friends and experienced many examples of good faith and sometimes even miracles. The children feel much at home in Sweden and as we passed the 1 ½ year mark of moving here we asked the children about their view on our life here in Ulricehamn. They responded that this place offers everything they want!
Ingrid will turn 11 in February and sports still plays an important role in her life as does singing (which she does non-stop!). She is determined in whatever she does and I have at a weak moment promised to help her with her interval training this spring (whereby she will discover that she is in a lot better shape than her mother!) Elsa is our actor, performer and keeps the creative spirit high in this family. She participated, together with Ingrid, in a musical this year and really enjoyed it. For Nils, who just turned 6, this was the year where he conquered the Swedish language and he has fully inherited the talkative skills of his parents. It is a constant “what, why, where, who and when” and his curiosity for everything in and around his daily life is great. Jochem (who’s age I wont mention :)) had a year with ups and downs and obviously felt the effects of a world economy on the loose. The many hours of travelling to all parts of the world took their toll and in 2010 he will take time off work to spend time with us and try to find another path. I had a successful year at work and met many inspiring people! The positive aspect of small town life is the non-set approach to things in general. You need to work together in order to achieve things and many people are involved in many different businesses or projects overlapping different disciplines. This is the strength of smaller places and even if I sometime complain about slow decision-making and conservatism I think the end result contributes to creativity and new ideas! Ulricehamn is more than just a pretty place! (Says the civil servant :)!)
In 2009 Sweden saw a new birth record. Not since 1946 have we been this productive and my sister Hanna participated full heartedly giving birth to Lisa in June (not to forget all the other babies that many of you guys delivered!!). Hanna and Kristian also surprised us all with a surprise wedding at Lisa’s baptising. My mother celebrated her 65th birthday and in 2010 both my parents will retire and enjoy, among other things, a trip to Jordan. Jochem’s mother Nell came over for a visit on her own this year while Jochem stayed in the Netherlands taking care of his father Jacques (who suffers from Alzheimer). Hopefully we can arrange a similar trip in 2010 but first we will visit them in February!
For some of you 2009 was a really difficult year and our heart goes out to all friends and family who suffered serious illnesses, difficult childbirths, unemployment and other difficult situations. We hope you see us as good friends in difficult times and know that the door is always open! As I write this Jochem and the girls are out skiing and Nils is playing Nintendo sitting here next to me. Our holiday will be filled with family and friends, relaxing and enjoying the snow and when it comes to Christmas gifts I think we already got the best possible one. About a week ago my friend Anine gave birth to a little boy (with the help of Jens naturally !). Every child is a gift but this little boy is a true miracle and shows that dreams can come true even when everyone else has given up hope! And I think that this is what I want to bring to you in the end of 2009; enjoy the small things in life, cherish the moments of friends and family together but don’t forget to dream cause miracles do happen!
Lots of love from Ulrika, Jochem, Ingrid, Elsa and Nils Geeraedts!
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