And here is what we think about our life in New Zealand.
Mike: "I like the big fish!"
Miss M: "I like going to school and going on trips!"
Master W: "I like 'cool (school)! And the sheep!"
And for me? Well, I do continue to like it here a lot. Exploring the natural beauty of the South Island, the increased amount of time we spend together as a family compared to our life in Portland, biking to work, the slower pace of life, the new discoveries that we seem to make each passing day, Miss M getting to start school, the kid and family friendly attitude of the kiwis, working in a universal health care system, edibles like afghan cookies, antibiotic-free beef and lamb and the taste of sauvignon blanc and lest I forget, the sheep herd that lives in "our" backyard (which has gotten notably thinner in recent weeks.....but we won't go there....)
But, given the passing of my dad and my quick trip back to Oregon, the reality of how far away we are from our friends and family has really hit home in recent months. We just had a wonderful, fun-filled visit from my mom and saying goodbye to her was torture. In talking with other immigrants, this is always the issue that sends people back "home" after a few months or a few years, though many of these same immigrants report that their overall quality of life is better in New Zealand. I must remind myself daily that the 6 month anniversary is a notoriously hard one for most immigrants and that "home sickness" tends to strike at this time. I can definitely say that this is holding true for me.
When we came here in August, 2009, we said we would be here for at least 2 years, in the hopes of gaining our Indefinite Return Resident Visas, and at that time we will evaluate whether we will stay semi-permanently in NZ or return to Oregon for the next part of our lives. That goal still stands but from where I stand now.....well, we will just have to wait and see what transpires. For now, we will continue to explore this beautiful place and enjoy our time together.
You are living your dream, Cara! Pushing the boundaries of what you know is always hard, but it sounds like a perfectly lovely place to be. Can't say that the US is a great place to be right now. Sort of in a real bad recession over here, stay away if you can! Love you guys so much & send our love.
ReplyDeleteh & t & s
thanks for sharing cara. and i gotta say it, that kid is too cute!
ReplyDeletep.s. that's how it felt being in portland. i know it would be an awesome place for nico to grow up, but for us- 5 grandparents, 4 cousins, 3 uncles and two aunts just trumped that. HOWEVER, being in New Zealand, how ever long you decide to stay will be such awesome memories for you kids when they are older!