Buckler News

Andy's book has finally been published! After a number of delays, it was great to get our copies a couple of days before Christmas. Uta was delighted that she won the bet about which baby would come first - hers or Andy's. But Andy is still delighted to see his work in print. 

We are hoping that the book will provide a stimulus to thought and action in the area of church based evangelism in France. Already Andy has a number of speaking engagements programmed as a result of the book. 

Et voilà le bébé de Andy qui arrive enfin (après celui de Uta !!!) - son livre qui est sorti cette semaine. C'est formidable de voir le fruit d'un travail qui murit depuis plusieurs années... Notre prière est que le livre permettra une réflexion et action renouvelées dans le domaine de l'évangélisation  aujourd'hui. 

Plus de renseignements et pour procurer le livre : www.editions-olivetan.com

The first visit to see Amélie (and mama) in hospital... The beginning of a great adventure. Since then, Uta and Amélie have returned home and we are all getting used to the new rhythm.

We're delighted to annonce the safe arrival of Amélie Zoé BUCKLER  (Mon 15th Dec at 5.30pm, 3.7kg)... Uta is OK ! And baby Amélie too. (Amélie is the name of one of the first recorded French martyrs - a courageous woman of God. Pronounced like Emily but with an 'A' !!)

Loïs is delighted to have a baby sister and can't wait to see her. The boys are already thinking never mind, they'll still show her how to play football. Seriously, they are delighted.

Thank you for all your prayers over the last weeks and months. 

Je suis là ! Née lundi 15 décembre à 17h30, je suis toute mignonne et je m'appelle Amélie. Déjà maman n'arrête pas de dire que je suis belle. Je sens que je vais me plaire ici. Papa me sourit tout le temps. On dirait qu'il veut que je lui fasse de même. Peut-être plus tard.

Il paraît que je naîs dans une famille nombreuse (et active). Avec des garçons. Chouette. Ce qu'ils ne savent pas (mais maman le sait), c'est que je m'entraîne au foot depuis 9 mois déjà ! Bisous à tout le monde. 

Lots happening - and it's time to give you an update. Uta is doing amazingly - she had her final rendez-vous with the specialists for her jaw a couple of weeks ago, and they were really encouraging about her progress. She is still finding it difficult to chew, but gradually the muscles are coming back. There are issues to do with her teeth which will need dealing with, but that can wait until early next year. For the moment, all our attention is focused now on the new arrival due in 2 weeks...

Yes, the baby is making itself felt - Uta is suffering from sickness and high blood pressure, which she has been having checkups for over the last few days. So far all is OK, but she is having to be careful about not over doing things. Difficult with 4 hyperactive children... To be fair, they do make an effort at times, but then they forget and slip back into 'normal' behavioural patterns (normal for us, that is !).

In any case, they can't wait for the birth. Especially Loïs, who has become even more obsessed by babies. Regularly in the morning on waking up, she checks if the baby has come. And she keeps reminding us 'you will tell me when Nicolas / Polyester is born, won't you?'

Yes, I am sorry to admit it, but our daughter is CERTAIN that we must call the baby Polyester. I don't know where it comes from, but I do finally admit that she has found a name that is worse that Santa. I mean, it's like calling a baby 'nylon'. But how can you explain that to a 3 year old ?

Samuel and Daniel both had their birthdays this week. In fact, it was a true marathon - fist Daniel's party (Sat) then Samuel's party (Sun) then Samuel's birthday (Mon), then Daniel's birthday (Tues). Today, they celebrated Daniel's birthday at school. Tomorrow it's Samuel's. At this rate, they'll keep on until Christmas, or more likely the birth-day of the baby...

Amongst all this, Andy's baby is also finally being born - his book on Calvin and mission is finally due out on 20th December. It's been delayed quite a bit, but will be great to see it come out finally. More about that once it is available. Suffice to say that we are hoping / praying that it will be useful for stimulating mission thinking here in France.