SHARING their first Christmas as new parents George and Nancy Tawak are “overwhelmed” by God’s goodness with the birth of daughter Eva-Maria.
“I didn’t know that God is so generous and kind until he sent Eva-Maria,” George said.
“It’s (parenthood) the best thing to happen to someone in their life.”
The Tawaks, who feature on the cover of this Christmas edition of The Catholic Leader, worship within the Maronite community of St Maroun’s, Greenslopes in Brisbane.
They welcomed Eva-Maria on October 6, after what Nancy agreed was a “whirlwind romance”.
“George and I met while I was on vacation in Lebanon,” Nancy said.
“I was there in 2004 and then George came over (to Australia) in 2005 and I went back (to Lebanon) in 2005.
“There were lots of phone calls and lots of emails … and a few months later we decided to get married.”
Following the marriage the enamoured couple lived in Lebanon for two years.
In 2006 they made a permanent move to Australia, George farewelling an extended family network including his parents, two brothers and 20 uncles and aunties.
“I miss my homeland but because we have Eva-Maria she fills the space of home,” he said.
“Now I realise how much my parents love me.”
Often sending home photos and updates for the family, of which Eva-Maria is the firstborn grandchild, Nancy said George chose “Maria” as part of the name in honour of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
