She arrived in Australia very much a young girl, but when we look at her now, we see a young woman. While it is true that all four of our children have changed during the past two years, Katie is the one who, in our eyes at least, has been transformed most dramatically.
Brighton Beach in July 2010, about ten days after our arrival in Melbourne:
First trip to Healesville Sanctuary:
When Ross and I first discussed the possibility of moving our family to Australia, we thought the upheaval would be most distressing for our first-born. Much to our surprise, Katie was the most excited. Upon hearing the news, Cameron and Sophie both burst into tears. Katie cheered.
Naturally quiet, Katie does not make new friends easily. She was quite determined to go to school in Australia, however, and go she went in August of 2010. With the help of a supportive classroom teacher, and the added blessing of carpooling with the neighbor girl, now Katie's close friend, she survived the initial trial by fire and is thriving in Year 8.
One year ago in Sydney Harbor:
Katie in July 2011 holding her youngest cousin, and very happy with her new contact lenses.
At the moment, Katie spends a fair amount of time completing homework. When she is not studying, or practicing the flute, she can usually be found reading or plugged in to her ipod touch. She enjoys attending youth group every Friday night at the Presbyterian Church in Surrey Hills, and summer camp with Presbyterian Youth Victoria was one of the highlights for her of 2011. Unfortunately she didn't take any pictures at camp, but I found the following two on facebook:
Last year Katie's youth group hosted an Op Shop Formal. Op shops are second-hand stores. We had to visit several, including a Salvos Shop, before finding something that she agreed to wear to the event.
Just before the formal, dressed in op shop clothes:
I wrote a short post about Katie attending Outdoor Education Camp with her Year 8 class this past March and in that post I promised to include a few photos in the future. Following are several:
The girls had to carry all of their gear on their backs for one day.
First day of school, February 2012.
To close, a few photos from recent weeks:
Ross and I are proud of our hard-working, responsible, tender-hearted thirteen-year-old daughter. We couldn't live without her, and we very much look forward to seeing what God has in store for her future.
Love seeing this journey of Katie's life and accomplishments since your family relocated to Australia. Katie is a lovely girl and we are so glad to know her! Very pretty Katie!
Posted by: Aunt Marion | 05/14/2012 at 10:21 PM
The years are just going by. We miss you all, I guess Katie had to grow up, bummed we are missing it. So glad for all your posts.
lots of love
Posted by: Linsey Smith | 05/15/2012 at 12:35 PM