Last Sunday we got the shocking news that Saturday Tim’s dad Jack Roth (74) passed away after a very very short battle (few weeks) with stomach cancer. We will miss him terribly, even though we aren’t even living in Regina yet. We were hoping to be able to count on his experience, knowledge and good judgement once we’d move to Regina. I can’t believe he’s gone so suddenly. We will miss him so much, which is of course only a fraction of how Jennie, Tim and Cortney and Jason must be feeling. Again I’m so sorry we can’t be there yet 🙁

We will never forget this fantastic man, his generosity, sense of humor and good advice. Cortney made these beautiful pictures of Jack and Jennie only a week and a half ago… You can view Jack’s obituary HERE.

We also have pretty good news: things are looking good for our emigration planning. Last Monday, Nico and I went to Maastricht for his medical examination. To the doc for a blood test form, at 2pm to a health center for the x-ray, then to the hospital for the blood test, then at 4.30pm we were expected back at the doctor’s (dr. van Well). The doctor didn’t expect any problems and told us you’d normally hear from the embassy after appr. 4 weeks. That would mean we could get the permit by the end of January already! Of course there are no guarantees, but we’ll go ahead with our planning to leave at the end of February (though we will wait with booking flights until we actually get the papers 😉