the UP series

Wee me, dressed up as Aunt Jemima for Halloween.

For Christmas this year, it was Hugh who got me my favourite gift, something I had been wanting for a long time- Michael Apted's UP documentary series. It began in 1964, when Apted approached a group of seven year old children from diverse backgrounds in England to ask them some basic questions about life. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"...."What do you like about school?", etc., etc. What started out as a cute little documentary about the inner lives of children grew into a lifelong assignment (and passion) for Apted, for every seven years since then, he has revisited the group. The most recent film, done last year, found them at the age of 49.

I would highly recommend the UP series to anyone....it's a fascinating look at the extra ordinariness that can be found in the ordinary life. By the time we finished watching the seven films, we felt as if these people were family. You see them go through the pains of parenthood, the challenges that come with marriage, the difficulty of watching your own parents get older, and, in some cases, die. The most interesting story is that of Neil, who grew up in the upper middle-class home of two schoolteachers. At the age of seven, he is the cutest, most bubbly kid on the program, but, by the age of fourteen, you can see that he is troubled. He ends up battling mental illness, which leaves him, on most occasions, homeless. His journey in life is inspiring to see, for eventually, he becomes a Christian and his life does an-almost complete turnaround. I don't want to give too much away here, but I will say that some of his comments on life and human behavior are so insightful....it'll give you lots to think about and discuss with whomever you're watching the film with.

The UP series made me realize the importance of providing a child with a stable, nurturing environment to grow up in. It's Hugh and I's desire to give this, and so much more, to Sofia in the years to come. The most important thing for us is that she comes to know Jesus Christ as we have come to know Him. It is the foundation on which we stand as a couple, and, now, as a family. I don't know what I would do without Him in my life, for He has given me life, a new life, which I thank Him for every day. I want Sofia to know the love and grace that only He can give.

Love,

Stacey.

P.S. Happy (7-month) Birthday, Sofia! :o)