Welch family, Huntly
Every year, from late January to the end of April, the Welch
family of Huntly are focussed on nothing much else but the World
Vision 40 Hour Famine.
"Ordinary life doesn't stop completely," says Janet, the mother
of four beautiful girls, "But the famine does become a priority for
us."
Giving to others seems to be part of this family's ethos, and
Janet is amazed at the way the girls have adopted the same
attitude.
"I've been really pleased at the way they've just taken to the
Famine and adopted it for themselves, without us pushing them. They
get really excited about it every year and use their own ideas to
get involved."
Hannah, aged 18, was a Sanitarium Scholar last year, selected by
her award winning school, Huntly College, because of the work she
put into organising the Famine in 2002. This year she's in the
Youth For Christ band, Y-One, and organised all nine band members
plus hangers-on into going on the 40 Hour Famine - a bit of a
sacrifice when you're busy preparing for a tour and practising
every day. Sarah helped organise the Famine at Huntly College, and
Rebecca, aged 11, organised with her friends a 'no electricity'
famine in a tent. And Esther, aged eight, organised a sleepover at
her house with a friend, on the 20 Hour Famine.
Right from the beginning of their marriage, Janet and Jeremy had
a desire to help other communities and other people less fortunate,
but from the beginning of the nineties, a lifestyle change has made
it easier for them.
"Jeremy was a principal of a school and that took so much time
out of the family, and as well he was working in a ministry with
street kids in Huntly. Life was pretty hectic, so he just stopped
working altogether for about a year, and we kind of re-grouped as a
family," explains Janet.
Jeremy then began working part time at different schools and now
teaches part time at Huntly's Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga - the only
pakeha teacher in an all-Maori school.
"It's rather fun being such a novelty, " he says. "I'm easy to
spot! The kids are very loyal and affectionate, and so keen to
learn. And it does give a unique view on Maori society - the chance
to both learn and contribute."
Jeremy is also a youth pastor at Trinity Co-operating Church and
Huntly Baptist Church, and the chairman at Huntly Primary School,
all positions which reflect his love of young people.
The part time nature of both their jobs gives them time for
their own children, "our first priority", and time to spend on
others less fortunate as well.
For it's time that they see as precious, rather than money. "Our
children need our time, rather than material things, and then as
they see us putting time into others as well, I think that focuses
them on others and not just on their own needs," says Janet.
Fostering their sense of caring for others, are the World Vision
children the family sponsors - Alena in Malawi, Noe in Honduras and
Choeun in Cambodia.
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