I was born in
Ashburton and christened Colleen Rose, which very quickly became
"Kelly-Rose". At the time of my birth my Dad worked as a farmhand for
"The Shipley's" at Irwell (Mrs Shipley became our first lady Prime
Minister)
At the age of five
we moved to Lincoln on the Canterbury open plains, where Dad worked as
a community farm-worker.
Every year I got a
new brother or sister until I had eight sisters and three brothers. I
was the third born. We worked hard as little mothers to the younger
sibling's but amongst the hard work and hidings we had a lot of fun.
We learned to ride the farm horses and spent hours up the big old gum
tree practicing our yodeling.
We then moved to
Duvauchelles Bay on the Banks Peninsula where Dad took employment on
the Ministry of Works, by this time I was of High school age; I
enjoyed high school at Akaroa.
On leaving
school I got my first job on the telephone exchange. In those days you
were mail sorter, counter hand and telephone operator all rolled into
one.
We spent many fun
hours at the waters edge gathering Rock Oysters and Mussels, and
speared many a Flounder. The pantry was always full!
I left home for
Oamaru to begin my Nurses training, but that was not to be completed,
as Mum had a premature Birth and was quite sick. I returned home to
help.
I met my first
husband at an Annual Ball; we were married in 1957. We had three sons
and a daughter. Our eldest son died in 1997 from bowel cancer.
This man was not my
knight in shining amour, and we separated in 1973. Then, I met Gordon
on a blind date and we married in 1976 and I found out what living
meant.
Gordon & I
shared some wonderful times (a few sad ones too). Travel was in our
bones, we traveled all over the Pacific, eight trips in all, before we
retired. We covered a lot of ground at home seeing our own beautiful
country, and saw some awesome things abroad.
I was in so much
emotional pain when my father died in a drowning accident. However,
something in my heart kept telling this non believer - that my father
was now in heaven. This feeling hung over me for weeks, and I couldn't
bear it any longer.
I woke one morning
in 1989 resolving to go to "church". That day during the service the
pastor asked anyone who didn't know Jesus to put their hand up...mine
shot up! I still don't know if I did it voluntarily or "some-one" put
it up for me. I crumpled in a weeping heap unloading 50 + years of
hurts and burdens.
I don't know how I
could have lived so long without Jesus in my life! Since I've known
Jesus I have had healings (physical and emotional), and so many
blessing! Jesus will always be Lord of my life!
In 1991 we moved
from Christchurch to Waimate for a quiet country life, I've never been
busier! I have trouble fitting in all my activities. I am involved
with pottery, art, theatre, writing poetry and singing in church; I
have fun with them all.
My husband
became very sick, I nursed him at home as long as I was able. Sadly,
he went home to his beloved Lord in October last year. I miss Gordon
terribly, but Dad always said you were brought up tough - to be tough,
so get on with it.
If I hadn't known
the Lord I would not have coped with my son's or husband's death.
Thank God I knew Him! I thank God for helping me through the hard
times.
My loving Lord has
been my rock and my strength we've laughed together we've cried
together but I know my Lord is the greatest love I have.
~~"My Rescue"~~
My testimony poem
I walked along the
riverside,
I gave my heart, my
old self died.
My precious Lord had
rescued me
from a soul destroying
destiny.
I owe to Him my
life,
my all, t'was from
the heart.
I heard His call,
Precious Lord I thank You
now
for lifting me above
the gloom.
On my knees before
you bow,
for each of us You
have the room.
You showed me just how
much You care,
Praise You, praise You,
hear my prayer,
You raised me from the
pits of hell,
I know You love me I
can tell.
And I only had to
reach out,
like the woman at the
well.
Kelly-Rose Blackurn.. New Zealand.
