Julie grew up in a small rural town in New Zealand and started work in the local maternity annexe on leaving school at the age of sixteen. She met Barry and was happily married until the unexpected death of our second baby at birth. This tragic event in my life led to depression, loneliness and despair. Life was full of challenges and it was during this time that Julie became a Christian. She began studying and became a nurse and midwife in my late thirties fulfilling a lifelong dream. Since becoming a midwife she has worked in several countries around the world, caring for women of different cultures and nationalities. Midwifery continues to be my passion and love. Julie is married to Barry and lives in Palmerston North, New Zealand. They have three adult children and seven grandchildren.