The Hulbert's in 2005.

This has been a year of new challenges and change for the Hulbert family.  In January Victor returned to work for the South England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists after an 8 year break with Adventist World Radio.  At the beginning of the year Victor cared for three churches in Kent while their regular pastor was ill.  This was a very enjoyable period, and despite the long commute climaxed in a baptism at the end of a mini-evangelistic programme in Ashford.  In the middle of March the unexpected happed and rather than moving to a permanent district as a church pastor Victor was asked to serve as the Executive Secretary (Vice president) of the South England Conference.  After much prayer he decided to take the challenge and has been working from the Watford based office ever since.  His greatest joy in this job is not so much the administration but on the weekends when he is out in the churches and sharing with the members.   

Meanwhile Luisa also took a career change and moved from caring for men with learning difficulties to working as an assistant in a children's nursery.  As you might guess, the children all love her.  She has also done a lot at Newbold Church work with children and worship.

Steven is full time at Newbold working on his Bachelor of Divinity degree.  He continues with his love of music and now regularly worship leads in the contemporary "Moor Close" Service.  He and Jena also spend a lot of time working with the youth.  Jena continues in her studies at Leicester with the aim of becoming a speech therapist.  In August he led out in a Youth Retreat on the Isle of Wight.  Somehow he seemed to lose some children on a visit to a local castle.

It has also be a year of change for Tim. In the summer he moved to Cornwall where he as enrolled at Truro college to study outdoor activities.  His other role in Cornwall is with a Youth Task Force at the St. Austell Church.  Together they are working to revitalize and build up the church there.  The only thing he dosn't like about being is Cornwall is the distance from his girlfriend, Jo who is in her final year of "A-levels" in Berkshire.

Amy successfully completed her GCSE's this summer and is now studying History, Biology, Philosophy & Religion, and Psychology.  Her aim is to Study social work.  There have been many highlights this year but one of them was when Amy and two of her friends got baptized in traditional Hulbert style in a freezing cold river in Wales.  This was a very special part of "Brecon Family Camp" that Amy has attended each May for the whole of her life.  This year her dad was guest speaker.  Amy, Ana & Darja also form a mime group "inspirations" who perform both at Newbold and at various churches and events around the country. (Hint.  If you want to see her boyfriend look at the orange shirt above.

Holiday's this year were more local events with a very relaxing time in Cornwall and Devon and some time in Wales.  Luisa recently spent a time in Portugal with her family, and Tim enjoyed himself back in the summer with a week at "New Wine", an ecumenical worship experience.  Steven went to Spain again this last September for a youth Leaders Training event where he was joined by his dad mid-week. (Dad also had to take a couple of workshops there but it was still fun!)  Victor also had fun at the Adventist Churches World Session at St. Louis at the beginning of July.  Victor was asked to be part of the World Church news reporting team and had a great time working with an international team for the ten days.  His reporting received very favorable comment from around the world.

We also got a new family member this year.  Kalie joined us in February as an 8 week old puppy.  A Collie/Spaniel cross she has LOTS of energy and likes nothing better than a very long walk.  She is very lovable but a bit naughty from time to time.

It has been a year of change and readjustment.  Thanks for your prayers and friendship, and we continue to look for God's leading in our lives as we head into a new year.

Wishing God's richest blessings at the Christmas season and for the new year.  Any time you want to write -- or to visit -- we'd love to hear from you.

Victor, Luisa, Steven, Tim & Amy.