Before moving on. A few more thoughts on Jah’s first few years with us. Leicester days.

I have just looked at a photo album and seen a few more pictures from the Leicester days. I think those days were good for Jah. He appeared to be a bright boy, although he definitely had a slight learning block at school, but he had a naturally cheery manner and I think he was happy at school. Here are some of the good things about our time in Leicester.

• The church members were very welcoming to our new family-member. This was a great help to us all.

• Eventually Jah was formally adopted by us. This made him feel more confident   (His joy about the formal adoption can be seen the picture of Jah holding the shoe bag that Lucy embroidered for him. It had his full, official name embroidered for all to see.)

•  He got on well with his big brother Sam. Sam was endlessly patient with him and loving towards him. The feeling was mutual. Sam certainly enjoyed having a little brother ‘the same colour as me’ and Jah looked up to him.

• Both boys enjoyed the Boys’ Brigade activities at our church.   Jah was too young for the actual BB company, but he began as an Anchor boy, which was the affiliated group for the young ones. He was very pleased to feel part of the BB. He liked to share in things with his big brother. See him here in red jumper.

• Both boys had some very good friends.
  Moving to a new town and having to say goodbye to friends was an occupational hazard for the children of a church minister, but interestingly, both Lucy and Anna have stayed in touch with good friends from our days in Tyneside.

• As well as having a tolerant big brother, Jah had two very kind big sisters. Below is a picture of games arranged by Anna for his birthday party.  We parents felt very lucky that she did this!

Once we moved to London, the boys would not have to move to another town. Also D’s role was going to change. He was no longer going to be a local pastor and that had repercussions for me. As a minister’s wife one was closely examined in everything one did!!

A new lifestyle was about to begin.