April Newsletter

Welcome to the newsletter from Distance Families

DISTANCE FAMILIES NEWS

The other day I was on a video call with some expat/migrant coaches and counsellors. A couple of them specialise in supporting staff and families of International Schools. They commented how the school’s community was hugely impacted by so many families unexpectedly packing up and returning to the U.S. after the Trump administration dismantled USAID which funds so much important global NGO activity. Humanitarian aid workers and their families have had their lives turned upside down. Their work is precarious enough at the best of time. I have family involved on the periphery and it is scary to watch what’s unfolding.
From a Distance Families perspective there are likely grandparents and extended family pleased to see their loved ones return home. However, it was never the affected family’s plan. Emergency repatriation is tough on everyone.
Interested to understand more? Here are some other articles:
AP News  Reuters  Public Broadcasting Service  

BOOK SERIES NEWS

I am always envious of anyone who can work, undisturbed in a noisy environment whether it’s an open plan office or a café. Similarly, if there’s a lot happening in my personal world and a task requires extra concentration I find it hard to switch on and off as life goes on around me. Noise and mayhem tends to clutter my brain.

​​As life has quietened down on many fronts revisiting the draft of Being a Distance Grandchild – a Book for ALL Generations has gone from a task hanging over me to a joy. I’d compare it to having a delicious carrot cake smothered in a tangy icing sitting in the refrigerator. You keep going back for just another wee bite. Normally I enjoy relaxing in front of the television at night but now I find myself back at my desk for half an hour fine tuning a paragraph or two. Improvements pop out and I am completely immersed.
 
I will never win a race for writing a book but I love the process when you’re in the zone.

---

Be sure to enter here to go in the draw for a free autographed copy when it's published.

---

ON THE HOME FRONT

We own a timeshare week at a resort three and a half hours from home and always enjoy our visits there. The place is so familiar. It’s like owning a holiday home.
In 2024 we chose to forgo our annual entitlement because the building had to be re-roofed and some weeks needed to be blocked off for the work to proceed. We were travelling overseas so were happy to oblige. We’re finally back here again and enjoying ourselves. 
It's Autumn and the weather can do anything... and that's exactly what it did. Here's our Pacific Ocean view on our arrival day along with what we woke up to the next day.  Crossing our fingers it stays that way.

​Take care until next time
Helen Ellis
 
*** Not registered to receive this monthly newsletter? You may register on the right of this page ***