One Year On

Over the last few weeks we have recalled lots of special moments as we celebrate anniversaries relating to our departure from England. Our conversations around the dinner table have been like this - "it's a year today since we said goodbye to so and so, it's a year today since the shippers came in and packed our stuff. It's a year today since the cats were flown out and then it's a year today since we flew out."
Well finally today we were able to say "it's a year today since we, myself, spouse and fils 1, 2, 3, & 4 first put foot on New Zealand soil". We had no jobs, no home, no schools, no family here, no friends and no permits. But we did have each other. And we had faith, that this was where we were meant to be.


365 days later, we have challenging and interesting jobs, fantastic schools, a family home, residency and lots of wonderful friends. We also have a range of adopted "family" who have kindly reached out to us. I am thankful to our families and great friends back in England who have prayed for us and had kind thoughts for us during this time and for all those who have made us so welcome here in New Zealand. I am so proud of spouse, who has achieved so much this year and enabled all that has happened, to happen. He worked so diligently to find a job which was our key to qualifying for residency. Spouse has continued to work so hard to provide a secure life for the family and has gained promotion and respect at his work in a very short time. How lucky we are to have such a dedicated spouse and father who strives to give his family the best opportunities he can. I am also incredibly proud of the girls and the huge achievements they have made in this past year of our new life. I am so thankful to them for putting so much trust in us that we were doing something we hope will benefit us all in the future. The fils left behind all they had ever known, family, schools they loved, special friendships and guinea pigs! They have made a wonderful job of adjusting and have slotted in so well to Kiwi life. Of course they won't forget their old schools and still have places in their hearts for their friends, but they have been so strong and have never complained. All four fils have approached life, and situations where no one and nothing was familiar, with such enthusiasm and zest. Their smiles and laughter and love of life has often carried me through those days when thoughts of far away friends loom up and tear at your heart.

I have not once doubted our move or looked back and wondered if we did the right thing. We are here, we are happy and most importantly, we do have each other.