This morning, after I saw the kids off to school, I crawled back into bed (actually the mattress on the floor) to catch a couple more hours of sleep. I found myself particularly tired. As I laid there dozing off and on, I pondered many things about our move. I thought about how completely exhausted I am every evening. I thought about how, while I feel significantly less stressed (I'm actually off anti-depressant meds that I've been on for more than 14 years!), I feel so very tired every night. It occurred to me that getting adjusted here has been quite exhausting. The daily routines of navigating the streets (on the left), navigating the grocery stores, trying to find items called by different names or items that they don't even have here, getting the kids settled in the schools, multiple field trips, and even the task of concentrating to understand the Kiwi accent and words we don't use in the States all takes more out of a person than you realize. I've found that New Zealanders, generally speaking, speak more softly than we're accustomed to, so I have to concentrate not only to understand WHAT they're saying but also to HEAR what they are saying. (This phenomenon would be a rather interesting social science research project... maybe a future thesis subject.) It's not really stressful, per say, just rather, well, exhausting. How can I tell the difference? If it were stress I'd be tense and tossing and turning at night. Instead, I lay down at night and about die! Haha! I don't feel tense or stressed or even overwhelmed. Just tired.
Other news:
Pete arrives in ONE WEEK!!!
Our container is tentatively scheduled to arrive 25 April. House Hunters International tentatively scheduled to film immediately thereafter.
Will will be evaluated for Aspergers. Yes, that had been considered over six years ago but the Wiescoff Center in Louisville, KY decided he was instead ADHD, a diagnosis we considered, medicated him for, but ultimately rejected. To think it took coming halfway around the world and fresh eyes upon him to discover what would have made an enormous difference in his education, socialization and simply just the way in which we all interact with him. Please pray for speedy evaluations and smooth adjustments to this new diagnosis. After much research on the internet, I have now doubt this will be proved true. It explains so much and will help guide us in the ways in which we help him to be as self sufficient as possible. Of course, I will continue to update on this process and discovery.
Yup... never a dull moment...
25 March 2011
20 March 2011
Can't believe we live here!!!
I may have used that title already but it still holds true. It is so amazingly gorgeous! Spur of the moment decided to head to the beach for a little while. Only Brylie, Graham and Nani wanted to go... and our neighbor Jordan. We met Nani's friend and her family and fellow Americans at Back Beach. The water is pretty cold and we're entering autumn now but the girls didn't care. We will be buying them some wetsuits but they didn't need them today. The waves were rather big and Brylie made me nervous. But she's becoming a strong swimmer and she's even slimming down.
The beach was so beautiful and the sunset, breathtaking! I'll have to go back with my big camera, though my little one did a nice job. Just want to be able to zoom in better to catch my surfer girls in action. Can't wait to go back.
The beach was so beautiful and the sunset, breathtaking! I'll have to go back with my big camera, though my little one did a nice job. Just want to be able to zoom in better to catch my surfer girls in action. Can't wait to go back.
19 March 2011
Still learning...
Yesterday I went with Will on a field trip to Tawhiti museum where we saw life-size displays of New Zealand life in years past. We also took a boat ride that was very similar to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disney only instead of pirates it was Maori's trading and battling with Europeans. We were not allowed to take photos with a flash which is why I have posted no pics of this part of the day. We then went to the water tower in Hawera where we climbed the 215 steps to the top. Views were awesome!
Last night I went out with some girls, 3 of us American and 2 local Kiwis. We ate at The Table bistro where Sparky the resident Westie roamed under the tables! We then headed to Frederick's for a glass of wine then went home.
Today we strolled down to the Coastal Walkway, played on the playground and waded in the pools during low tide, looking for sea life. We saw lots of hermit crabs, prawns, kina sea urchins and, my favorite, starfish!
Mikaylie is at Womad, an annual music festival, with some friends. It's quite pricey for a day pass so Billy and I will have to catch it next year because he's on call this weekend and if we tried to go, Murphy's Law says he'd be called away.
Still can't believe we LIVE here!!!
Last night I went out with some girls, 3 of us American and 2 local Kiwis. We ate at The Table bistro where Sparky the resident Westie roamed under the tables! We then headed to Frederick's for a glass of wine then went home.
Today we strolled down to the Coastal Walkway, played on the playground and waded in the pools during low tide, looking for sea life. We saw lots of hermit crabs, prawns, kina sea urchins and, my favorite, starfish!
Mikaylie is at Womad, an annual music festival, with some friends. It's quite pricey for a day pass so Billy and I will have to catch it next year because he's on call this weekend and if we tried to go, Murphy's Law says he'd be called away.
Still can't believe we LIVE here!!!
17 March 2011
More Lessons in New Plymouth/Taranaki History
Today was another very educational day for a newcomer to New Plymouth. St. Mary's Church is the oldest stone church in New Zealand. It's an Anglican church and was consecrated as The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St. Mary on the 3rd March 2010, making New Plymouth a Cathedral City. Some of the building has been rebuilt since it was originally opened over 150 years ago in 1846. The beautiful pipe organ was purchased in 1865. Would have loved to have heard it played. I'll have to stop in sometime for a listen.
We walked to Puke (pronouned "pookie") Ariki Museum. It began to ran so we ate lunch under a bridge beside a river right near where it flows into the Tasman Sea. Yesterday I got a little sunburned and was hot. Today it was rainy and quite chilly. Welcome to Taranaki! LOL
We went into the museum where the kids had questions to find answers to inside. I will have to return... ALONE... when I can read all about this new place in which we live. So much history for such a little country.
We walked down the Coastal Walkway to the Aquatic Center where the kids swam for about an hour before heading back to school.
You don't see Will in any photos yet because I was recruited by Brylie to help with her class these past 2 days. His class was on the trips too but each class went on their own way and I saw very little of him. Tomorrow I will have photos of Will as I'll be a chaperons for his class. Hats off to all you teachers out there! I could not do this all the time! I am completely exhausted!
We walked to Puke (pronouned "pookie") Ariki Museum. It began to ran so we ate lunch under a bridge beside a river right near where it flows into the Tasman Sea. Yesterday I got a little sunburned and was hot. Today it was rainy and quite chilly. Welcome to Taranaki! LOL
We went into the museum where the kids had questions to find answers to inside. I will have to return... ALONE... when I can read all about this new place in which we live. So much history for such a little country.
We walked down the Coastal Walkway to the Aquatic Center where the kids swam for about an hour before heading back to school.
You don't see Will in any photos yet because I was recruited by Brylie to help with her class these past 2 days. His class was on the trips too but each class went on their own way and I saw very little of him. Tomorrow I will have photos of Will as I'll be a chaperons for his class. Hats off to all you teachers out there! I could not do this all the time! I am completely exhausted!
16 March 2011
Field Trip Kiwi Style!!!
I spent the day with Brylie's class today on a field trip. We went on a charter boat and saw seals and even caught a fish! Chatty, our charter captain, drags lines behind the boat. Several fish were caught but only one made it into the boat. I think it's a sea salmon. We also learned about an early NZ trader named Dicky Barrett who came from Great Britain and married a Maori woman. He was killed whaling at age 40 in 1847. We visited the site where he and his family are buried.
Tomorrow I will go with the class for a tour of New Plymouth which includes the Puke Ariki Museum and the Aquatic Center. Then Friday, I'll join Will's class to South Taranaki. More photos to come...
Tomorrow I will go with the class for a tour of New Plymouth which includes the Puke Ariki Museum and the Aquatic Center. Then Friday, I'll join Will's class to South Taranaki. More photos to come...
14 March 2011
Okay... so it's not perfect... but still pretty awesome!
Obviously we are all really loving it here. Of course there have been difficult periods and adjustments to be made, but for the most part we feel very content and happy. That being said, if I'm going to give the true and complete picture of our life through this blog, I need to cover that which has been less desirable or inconvenient.
Everyone, wherever you live, through trial and error, must find products that work best for them. Sometimes you can get by with the generic brands for certain things but some items are worth the extra expense when generics or other brands just don't cut it. In the States, I was more flexible with some products but to others, I was most committed. Dawn dish soap, Cascade dishwasher liquid and Colgate Sensitive were staples for me. None of the above have I been able to find here. The first dish soap I tried did very little to clean the hand washed dishes and I'm eager to try another brand. I miss my Dawn! The dishwasher detergent here seems to be effective. Yay! And while there is Colgate toothpaste, I've not yet found it in the sensitive formula. Other items can be found here but they are clearly NOT the same as in the States. Oreos are here but taste more like the low fat variety in the US which are kinda yucky. The cereal aisle isn't an aisle, it's rather a couple of shelves. Some cereals are familiar, others we've never seen and others come in a variety not available in the States even thought it's the same brand (There are some Special K varieties here not available in the States). We also always bought the economy sized Nestles Quik chocolate powder for milk. Here, it comes in a minuscule container for an ungodly price! Haven't had a glass of chocolate milk since our arrival. There is also no Kraft Mac n Cheese!! There is Easy Mac but I wouldn't buy it in the States because it was more expensive and doesn't go far enough in a household our size. I'm certainly NOT buying it here! I also miss terribly my Coffee Mate French Vanilla. I don't want to be one of those Americans though, that gripe about what is substandard here and how what's available in the States is so much better and less expensive. To those Americans I always want to say, "Then why are you still here?" Of course, I don't. (Wouldn't turn away a good care package, however!)
Another oddity, though manageable, is, in our home (not necessarily in every NZ home) we have a thermostat in each bathroom and in the kitchen to set the temp of the water in that room. The shower in our bathroom and the tub in the kids' are either on or off. The temp is controlled on the wall. The problem with this is that some of us like our water really warm and others like it cooler. Billy tends to prefer 38-40 degrees C while I like it more like 42. But once you're in the shower you're really stuck unless you turn off the water, get out and adjust the thermostat. The water pressure, however, is awesome!!!
Driving on the left, seated on the right has not been too difficult to get used to. For three weeks I've done terrific and don't even have to give it much thought. (I do find myself too far from the McDonald's drive thru window.) One day, however, I did manage to get in on the left side as if a passenger, only to quickly realize the wheel was on the other side! It was most embarrassing, as I was by myself and clearly NOT a passenger. I rummaged around the truck as if looking for something, like I fully intended to get in on that side, before going around to the driver's side. No one was likely even watching me but I was embarrassed nonetheless. Oh, and I didn't do it once that day... I did it twice! And we'd been here for three weeks before I ever did it.
The most difficult thing I've encountered regarding driving here (other than being Billy's passenger) is the frequent "Give Way" signs. They are always in roundabouts, but also often at intersections where you'd expect a "Stop" sign instead. They are rather nerve wracking to me but I've done alright.
The most disturbing thing we've found here is the language. Brylie and Will came home from school one day the first week commenting on how much the kids here "cuss", even in the presence of teachers or other adults. Will said, "Yea, but Brylie, it's okay here." Billy and I promptly exclaimed, "NO! It is NOT!" I truly pray that our kids find it as repulsive as we do and don't cave in to peer pressure. We are constantly reminding them that we need to firmly stick to our convictions and behave in ways that are pleasing to the Lord. I find it interesting and rather sad that some adults here speak that way with no regard for how it may offend people they've never even met before. I'm sure it's like that around the world and across the State but growing up in the South and in the Bible Belt, I've found that most people control their tongues, especially around those whom they may not know very well. Worse than even the "f" word that we've heard frequently, by young and old, is the careless use of the Lord's name. It makes my skin crawl and I pray that we can be a light in this particular area.
None of the above are a deal breaker. And the good far outweigh the bad. So far it's all well worth the inconvenience, expense and even the language. I know God has sent us here for a reason or even many. Perhaps one is to simply be an example by our speech.
The kids on our street are wonderful and so inclusive of all our kids. And with it being so safe here, the kids can run the neighborhood, go to the walkway or to schools and parks to play. It's like the 50's (the decade not the temp)!! Just this evening, a bunch of neighborhood kids, ranging in age from 11-18, all went down to the primary school to play soccer and rugby. Yesterday and earlier today, some of the boys took the younger kids with them and they are so great to include them in the games and look after them. After years of being sort of isolated on the farm, the kids are getting some practice in social skills. Last night, after our younger four kiddies went to bed, we had a living room full of teenagers watching a movie with us. There we were, no furniture, only a tellie, a couple of beanbag chairs, me, Billy and about 10 teens! Fun night!
Kaigan got a job!!! He'll be working on a website for Taranaki Environmental Services. I'll have to get the link so we can check out his work!!! Minimum wage here is $12 per hour but they've offered him $16! He's gone in for a couple of hours for a brief orientation and starts Wednesday, 8-3. Kaigan has also gone to a post-high school youth group at our church, specifically for college age youth.
Update on Charlie- He's home and healthy! The vet questions the weak positive Parvo test. He didn't even require IV fluids, only anti-nausea meds. House breaking is going great and we're working on manners. He'll be only dog for 17 more days... then Pete arrives!!!
Everyone, wherever you live, through trial and error, must find products that work best for them. Sometimes you can get by with the generic brands for certain things but some items are worth the extra expense when generics or other brands just don't cut it. In the States, I was more flexible with some products but to others, I was most committed. Dawn dish soap, Cascade dishwasher liquid and Colgate Sensitive were staples for me. None of the above have I been able to find here. The first dish soap I tried did very little to clean the hand washed dishes and I'm eager to try another brand. I miss my Dawn! The dishwasher detergent here seems to be effective. Yay! And while there is Colgate toothpaste, I've not yet found it in the sensitive formula. Other items can be found here but they are clearly NOT the same as in the States. Oreos are here but taste more like the low fat variety in the US which are kinda yucky. The cereal aisle isn't an aisle, it's rather a couple of shelves. Some cereals are familiar, others we've never seen and others come in a variety not available in the States even thought it's the same brand (There are some Special K varieties here not available in the States). We also always bought the economy sized Nestles Quik chocolate powder for milk. Here, it comes in a minuscule container for an ungodly price! Haven't had a glass of chocolate milk since our arrival. There is also no Kraft Mac n Cheese!! There is Easy Mac but I wouldn't buy it in the States because it was more expensive and doesn't go far enough in a household our size. I'm certainly NOT buying it here! I also miss terribly my Coffee Mate French Vanilla. I don't want to be one of those Americans though, that gripe about what is substandard here and how what's available in the States is so much better and less expensive. To those Americans I always want to say, "Then why are you still here?" Of course, I don't. (Wouldn't turn away a good care package, however!)
Another oddity, though manageable, is, in our home (not necessarily in every NZ home) we have a thermostat in each bathroom and in the kitchen to set the temp of the water in that room. The shower in our bathroom and the tub in the kids' are either on or off. The temp is controlled on the wall. The problem with this is that some of us like our water really warm and others like it cooler. Billy tends to prefer 38-40 degrees C while I like it more like 42. But once you're in the shower you're really stuck unless you turn off the water, get out and adjust the thermostat. The water pressure, however, is awesome!!!
Driving on the left, seated on the right has not been too difficult to get used to. For three weeks I've done terrific and don't even have to give it much thought. (I do find myself too far from the McDonald's drive thru window.) One day, however, I did manage to get in on the left side as if a passenger, only to quickly realize the wheel was on the other side! It was most embarrassing, as I was by myself and clearly NOT a passenger. I rummaged around the truck as if looking for something, like I fully intended to get in on that side, before going around to the driver's side. No one was likely even watching me but I was embarrassed nonetheless. Oh, and I didn't do it once that day... I did it twice! And we'd been here for three weeks before I ever did it.
The most difficult thing I've encountered regarding driving here (other than being Billy's passenger) is the frequent "Give Way" signs. They are always in roundabouts, but also often at intersections where you'd expect a "Stop" sign instead. They are rather nerve wracking to me but I've done alright.
The most disturbing thing we've found here is the language. Brylie and Will came home from school one day the first week commenting on how much the kids here "cuss", even in the presence of teachers or other adults. Will said, "Yea, but Brylie, it's okay here." Billy and I promptly exclaimed, "NO! It is NOT!" I truly pray that our kids find it as repulsive as we do and don't cave in to peer pressure. We are constantly reminding them that we need to firmly stick to our convictions and behave in ways that are pleasing to the Lord. I find it interesting and rather sad that some adults here speak that way with no regard for how it may offend people they've never even met before. I'm sure it's like that around the world and across the State but growing up in the South and in the Bible Belt, I've found that most people control their tongues, especially around those whom they may not know very well. Worse than even the "f" word that we've heard frequently, by young and old, is the careless use of the Lord's name. It makes my skin crawl and I pray that we can be a light in this particular area.
None of the above are a deal breaker. And the good far outweigh the bad. So far it's all well worth the inconvenience, expense and even the language. I know God has sent us here for a reason or even many. Perhaps one is to simply be an example by our speech.
The kids on our street are wonderful and so inclusive of all our kids. And with it being so safe here, the kids can run the neighborhood, go to the walkway or to schools and parks to play. It's like the 50's (the decade not the temp)!! Just this evening, a bunch of neighborhood kids, ranging in age from 11-18, all went down to the primary school to play soccer and rugby. Yesterday and earlier today, some of the boys took the younger kids with them and they are so great to include them in the games and look after them. After years of being sort of isolated on the farm, the kids are getting some practice in social skills. Last night, after our younger four kiddies went to bed, we had a living room full of teenagers watching a movie with us. There we were, no furniture, only a tellie, a couple of beanbag chairs, me, Billy and about 10 teens! Fun night!
Kaigan got a job!!! He'll be working on a website for Taranaki Environmental Services. I'll have to get the link so we can check out his work!!! Minimum wage here is $12 per hour but they've offered him $16! He's gone in for a couple of hours for a brief orientation and starts Wednesday, 8-3. Kaigan has also gone to a post-high school youth group at our church, specifically for college age youth.
Update on Charlie- He's home and healthy! The vet questions the weak positive Parvo test. He didn't even require IV fluids, only anti-nausea meds. House breaking is going great and we're working on manners. He'll be only dog for 17 more days... then Pete arrives!!!
13 March 2011
Well this has been a very busy week. Billy worked a full week, including 2 nights of call. We have grown to a micro farm with the addition of two new pets. And had our first tsunami watch!
Friday, I went riding with Katrina and Rachel and had an awesome time! We encountered an strange looking bull in a field with cows. It evidently found the horses interesting and it began to approach the fence. We were just as intrigued and stood in the street watching it. Suddenly the beast began to charge the fence which spooked the horses. We skedaddled out of there, me with a sore leg from being smooshed between the horse I was riding and the butt of another. What a great ride though. Can't wait to go again... perhaps sans the strange creature.
Mikaylie and I picked out a pound puppy on Wednesday. Charlie is such a sweet pup and everyone has fallen right in love with him. Hopefully Pete will feel the same. Sadly, Charlie is at the vet's office being treated for parvo virus. The vet seems to think he'll be okay as we caught it early, he is eating again and perking up a little bit.
Nani LOVES her new mini lop bunny, Sammy, her birthday present. Today, we celebrated her birthday with a trip to Oakura beach. We picked up some fish and chips for dinner then had cake and ice cream. We bought one cake from the grocery store and Nani was given another made by one of the sweet boys down our street. He is 16 and I figure he's probably more interested in impressing her eldest sister than Nani but so sweet, nonetheless.
Last night, Billy and I watched in horror the footage of the terrible earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan. On the heels of the earthquake in Christchurch, it just seems so unreal! We then were alerted to the possible tsunami threat it imposed on us here in NZ. Living only 4 blocks from the coast, this news was on the concerning side. We are quite elevated here but after watching the damage in Japan, one cannot help but consider the possibilities. We headed to bed but I set my alarm for 6am to assess the situation in the morning. At 6am, it was still completely dark so I checked the status on my iPod. The wave was expected to arrive around 8:30 so I reset the alarm and went back to sleep. At around 7:30 I woke again and went to the front window. The sky could not have been more clear, an absolutely gorgeous day and the seas looked calm as ever. We continued to check the news which advised to stay off the shore and for "boaties" to be cautious but nothing happened. Thank you Lord for sparing us from the potention destruction.
After depositing Charlie off at the vet's office, we got organized to go to the beach for Nani's birthday. The waves were fine for boogy boarding but completely managable. We had a lovely time and Billy and I discussed feeling guilty about enjoying the beautiful weather while millions of people in Japan have had their lives changed forever.
Praying for those who have suffered so much from the earthquake and that God will show His mercy and power for us all at these scary times.
Friday, I went riding with Katrina and Rachel and had an awesome time! We encountered an strange looking bull in a field with cows. It evidently found the horses interesting and it began to approach the fence. We were just as intrigued and stood in the street watching it. Suddenly the beast began to charge the fence which spooked the horses. We skedaddled out of there, me with a sore leg from being smooshed between the horse I was riding and the butt of another. What a great ride though. Can't wait to go again... perhaps sans the strange creature.
Mikaylie and I picked out a pound puppy on Wednesday. Charlie is such a sweet pup and everyone has fallen right in love with him. Hopefully Pete will feel the same. Sadly, Charlie is at the vet's office being treated for parvo virus. The vet seems to think he'll be okay as we caught it early, he is eating again and perking up a little bit.
Nani LOVES her new mini lop bunny, Sammy, her birthday present. Today, we celebrated her birthday with a trip to Oakura beach. We picked up some fish and chips for dinner then had cake and ice cream. We bought one cake from the grocery store and Nani was given another made by one of the sweet boys down our street. He is 16 and I figure he's probably more interested in impressing her eldest sister than Nani but so sweet, nonetheless.
Last night, Billy and I watched in horror the footage of the terrible earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan. On the heels of the earthquake in Christchurch, it just seems so unreal! We then were alerted to the possible tsunami threat it imposed on us here in NZ. Living only 4 blocks from the coast, this news was on the concerning side. We are quite elevated here but after watching the damage in Japan, one cannot help but consider the possibilities. We headed to bed but I set my alarm for 6am to assess the situation in the morning. At 6am, it was still completely dark so I checked the status on my iPod. The wave was expected to arrive around 8:30 so I reset the alarm and went back to sleep. At around 7:30 I woke again and went to the front window. The sky could not have been more clear, an absolutely gorgeous day and the seas looked calm as ever. We continued to check the news which advised to stay off the shore and for "boaties" to be cautious but nothing happened. Thank you Lord for sparing us from the potention destruction.
After depositing Charlie off at the vet's office, we got organized to go to the beach for Nani's birthday. The waves were fine for boogy boarding but completely managable. We had a lovely time and Billy and I discussed feeling guilty about enjoying the beautiful weather while millions of people in Japan have had their lives changed forever.
Praying for those who have suffered so much from the earthquake and that God will show His mercy and power for us all at these scary times.
08 March 2011
Field Trip... quite literally!
Today I joined Graham's class on a field trip to a reserve where we learned about native NZ trees and about how to determine the quality of the water in the streams. Our guide scooped out water from the stream and with a sieve, collected critters from the water. The kids then had to take the critters from the water sample with tweezers and put them into a divided container to identify. Depending upon what critters we found, using a formula, we could determine the quality of the water. It was very interesting.
Field trips here are SOOOO different! The kids could run and play and a couple of kids never once had their shoes on! The kids could wade into the stream. No one pesters them to stay clean or to be quiet. The only real rules were: stay in sight of an adult, no littering, and wear your hat! The kids didn't fight or bicker or really do anything naughty. I watched kids pick up trash after other kids. I watched kids encourage Graham to participate. I watched very happy children be kids.
I just received a phone call from Mikaylie's youth group leader who just needed VERBAL permission for Mikaylie to go off site tomorrow from church for an activity. They are going to learn how to make sushi!!! Does this get any better!?!?! LOL!!
Today, Mikaylie went out for the soccer team. They've actually been practicing for about three weeks now but the coaches agreed to giver her a look. Mikaylie wanted me to meet her at the field to meet the coach (and maybe for some moral support). Mikaylie looked pretty good considering she's not been conditioning and hasn't played soccer in about a year. I was concerned, however, because the coach said she still had to cut three girls. With Mikaylie being new, out of shape and a little intimidated, I was afraid she might not be in the best position to make the cut. After the practice, the coach asked Mikaylie if she'd be at practice Thursday. She said yes and asked if she should purchase boots (cleats) and shin guards. The coach said yes but I was reluctant. I asked if she thought she had a good chance they'd keep her. I didn't want to put them on the spot or pressure them for a decision right then but I also didn't want to fork out the couple hundred bucks for gear and then have her cut. The two coaches looked at each other then assured us that she would be fine. They said that they could tell, even just during drills, that Mikaylie was using both feet for handling the ball and that she'll be on the team. YAY Mikaylie!!! Good on ya!
Today was quite the busy day. I, for one, am exhausted. Tomorrow... I might go for a ride...
Today was
Field trips here are SOOOO different! The kids could run and play and a couple of kids never once had their shoes on! The kids could wade into the stream. No one pesters them to stay clean or to be quiet. The only real rules were: stay in sight of an adult, no littering, and wear your hat! The kids didn't fight or bicker or really do anything naughty. I watched kids pick up trash after other kids. I watched kids encourage Graham to participate. I watched very happy children be kids.
I just received a phone call from Mikaylie's youth group leader who just needed VERBAL permission for Mikaylie to go off site tomorrow from church for an activity. They are going to learn how to make sushi!!! Does this get any better!?!?! LOL!!
Today, Mikaylie went out for the soccer team. They've actually been practicing for about three weeks now but the coaches agreed to giver her a look. Mikaylie wanted me to meet her at the field to meet the coach (and maybe for some moral support). Mikaylie looked pretty good considering she's not been conditioning and hasn't played soccer in about a year. I was concerned, however, because the coach said she still had to cut three girls. With Mikaylie being new, out of shape and a little intimidated, I was afraid she might not be in the best position to make the cut. After the practice, the coach asked Mikaylie if she'd be at practice Thursday. She said yes and asked if she should purchase boots (cleats) and shin guards. The coach said yes but I was reluctant. I asked if she thought she had a good chance they'd keep her. I didn't want to put them on the spot or pressure them for a decision right then but I also didn't want to fork out the couple hundred bucks for gear and then have her cut. The two coaches looked at each other then assured us that she would be fine. They said that they could tell, even just during drills, that Mikaylie was using both feet for handling the ball and that she'll be on the team. YAY Mikaylie!!! Good on ya!
Today was quite the busy day. I, for one, am exhausted. Tomorrow... I might go for a ride...
Today was
06 March 2011
Awesome Day!
Today was one of my favorite days since we've been here. We started off with a terrific church service at Northpoint Baptist Church. Then the girls, Bernadette and I went about 30 minutes out of New Plymouth to meet a Katrina, who may be the girls' new trainer. The drive was rather far but beautiful, way out in the boondocks. We also met Katrina's friend, Rachel and all of their horses. Bernadette, Mikaylie and Brylie all got a turn to ride but then the rain came and poured! It was quite chilly! I'll be going back this week to go on a trail ride with Rachel and Katrina. Katrina was quite impressed with the girls' riding abilities (Nancy, you should be so proud!), especially Brylie, the Fearless! Both girls are eager to get back into lessons. Nani decided, however, that she doesn't want a horse. No, she's decided that she'd rather a bunny. We can handle that! LOL! Much much cheaper!
Friday, Mikaylie had a better day at school. She seems more comfortable with her new tutor group. She'll still have more settling in to do but she's definitely a much happier kid than Wednesday morning.
Friday night, Billy and I went out with Bernadette and Stephanie's parents, Roland and Linda. We went to a bar called Frederick's where we actually knew someone! Evidently, Frederick's is a hot spot for Friday night after work in the business world. The place was packed and before we even got in the door, someone was waving at us through the window. It was Glenys, our bank officer that handled our new accounts, including our home loan. We met a couple of her friends as well as several couples that are friends with Roland and Linda. After a while, 8 of us headed over to Marinovich's, a seafood restaurant 2 blocks over. There we tried New Zealand Bluff Oysters which are supposed to be the best in NZ. We tried them fried, Kirkpatrick (lightly steamed in Worcestershire sauce and ham bits) and raw. They were good all three ways but I really prefer them fried. Raw they are much more firm and less slimy than Gulf Oysters and, oddly, I prefer them from the Gulf!
Scallops here are different. Not a different species or anything, they just serve the entire scallop. In the States, they're just those white, meaty, round pieces. Here they serve them complete with the roe (like the fatty, orange part in crawfish heads). It is the best part!!! I never even knew that's what they looked like and I wonder now what they do with the roe in the States. We've not yet tried them, but what they call "crayfish" here are lobsters to us and one can just go out in the ocean and get some! We've not done that yet, but Billy has bought fins, a mask and snorkel, so I'm hoping he'll give a try soon.
Currently, as I type, Mikaylie is with Bernadette and like 5 neighborhood boys playing touch rugby at Nani and Graham's primary school! Kaigan was there playing too but he came home so that he can head to Bell Block, where our church is located, for a get together for post high school students. Yay!!!! So glad he is socializing! He said he liked playing rugby and was pretty good at it; he is rather fast when he wants to be. Brylie is next door playing with Jordan and the boys are actually getting ready for bed. They've not really found any mates nearby but don't seem to care; my homebodies, Will and Graham. We're planning to find some sports or other activities to remedy that.
Thursday, we discovered via Nani that our neighbors two doors down are Americans! He is an ER physician, she is a stay-at-home mom (a PT in the States), and they have a daughter Nani's age named Meg and a four-year-old, Miles. Sadly, they are here for only six months and will be leaving in June. I'm hoping they'll change their minds. Personally, 6 months would be such a tease!
Tomorrow is Billy's first official day of work. Thankfully, he will be paid for the last two weeks that he's been unable to "work" but has been working on all the paperwork so that he can work. Once he learned he's actually getting paid for these 2 weeks, Billy's relaxed a lot! Then Friday he learned all his paperwork went through and that he can work Monday so all is well now.
Kaigan has an opportunity to work on a construction site tomorrow but he's not all that interested. The only reason he is remotely interested is because the boss flies stunt planes on the weekend and Kaigan would love to have a connection to the planes. He's also applied for a couple of jobs, at electronics store and at a sporting goods store. We may look into flying lessons for him if he wants to and if he gets a job and can cover part of the expense.
So tomorrow starts a new week, with Billy finally at work, 5 kids at school and Kaigan, hopefully, making some progress on a job and socializing. I've got many things to consider putting my time into, some for fun, some for potential income; all of which I'm prayerfully seeking God's guidance on.
Friday, Mikaylie had a better day at school. She seems more comfortable with her new tutor group. She'll still have more settling in to do but she's definitely a much happier kid than Wednesday morning.
Friday night, Billy and I went out with Bernadette and Stephanie's parents, Roland and Linda. We went to a bar called Frederick's where we actually knew someone! Evidently, Frederick's is a hot spot for Friday night after work in the business world. The place was packed and before we even got in the door, someone was waving at us through the window. It was Glenys, our bank officer that handled our new accounts, including our home loan. We met a couple of her friends as well as several couples that are friends with Roland and Linda. After a while, 8 of us headed over to Marinovich's, a seafood restaurant 2 blocks over. There we tried New Zealand Bluff Oysters which are supposed to be the best in NZ. We tried them fried, Kirkpatrick (lightly steamed in Worcestershire sauce and ham bits) and raw. They were good all three ways but I really prefer them fried. Raw they are much more firm and less slimy than Gulf Oysters and, oddly, I prefer them from the Gulf!
Scallops here are different. Not a different species or anything, they just serve the entire scallop. In the States, they're just those white, meaty, round pieces. Here they serve them complete with the roe (like the fatty, orange part in crawfish heads). It is the best part!!! I never even knew that's what they looked like and I wonder now what they do with the roe in the States. We've not yet tried them, but what they call "crayfish" here are lobsters to us and one can just go out in the ocean and get some! We've not done that yet, but Billy has bought fins, a mask and snorkel, so I'm hoping he'll give a try soon.
Currently, as I type, Mikaylie is with Bernadette and like 5 neighborhood boys playing touch rugby at Nani and Graham's primary school! Kaigan was there playing too but he came home so that he can head to Bell Block, where our church is located, for a get together for post high school students. Yay!!!! So glad he is socializing! He said he liked playing rugby and was pretty good at it; he is rather fast when he wants to be. Brylie is next door playing with Jordan and the boys are actually getting ready for bed. They've not really found any mates nearby but don't seem to care; my homebodies, Will and Graham. We're planning to find some sports or other activities to remedy that.
Thursday, we discovered via Nani that our neighbors two doors down are Americans! He is an ER physician, she is a stay-at-home mom (a PT in the States), and they have a daughter Nani's age named Meg and a four-year-old, Miles. Sadly, they are here for only six months and will be leaving in June. I'm hoping they'll change their minds. Personally, 6 months would be such a tease!
Tomorrow is Billy's first official day of work. Thankfully, he will be paid for the last two weeks that he's been unable to "work" but has been working on all the paperwork so that he can work. Once he learned he's actually getting paid for these 2 weeks, Billy's relaxed a lot! Then Friday he learned all his paperwork went through and that he can work Monday so all is well now.
Kaigan has an opportunity to work on a construction site tomorrow but he's not all that interested. The only reason he is remotely interested is because the boss flies stunt planes on the weekend and Kaigan would love to have a connection to the planes. He's also applied for a couple of jobs, at electronics store and at a sporting goods store. We may look into flying lessons for him if he wants to and if he gets a job and can cover part of the expense.
So tomorrow starts a new week, with Billy finally at work, 5 kids at school and Kaigan, hopefully, making some progress on a job and socializing. I've got many things to consider putting my time into, some for fun, some for potential income; all of which I'm prayerfully seeking God's guidance on.
04 March 2011
Learning more every day
I really need to post everyday! There's so much to say and I forget when I wait so long. It's still been so busy, though, trying to get the kids settled in school, organizing the house (even though our things are not here yet) and just the routine cooking, laundry, grocerying, etc.
First, I must announce that PETE IS IN THE COUNTRY!!! Now, 30 days of quarantine... 27 to go...
Last week I went to the grocery store by myself to do "big" shopping for the first time. I was trying to find ground beef. I wanted a good bit for spaghetti, tacos, burgers, etc. I looked and looked but couldn't find it. Then in an aisle across from the back wall where all the other meats, chicken, etc. were, I found a case with those plastic tubes of meat you can also get in the US. I thought maybe this was the only way they sold it here. Just as I was about to pick one up, I noticed the sign above the case... "Refrigerated Pet Food"! I NEARLY BOUGHT DOG FOOD!!! I've never seen refrigerated pet food but there it was; ground "meat" alright, but who knows what kind, cold canned dog and cat food and even large cow or pig leg bones. I called Billy who advised me that here they call ground beef "minced meat". And then I saw it along the back wall with all the other meats, looking exactly like it does in the States. And to think... I nearly fed my family dog food!!! Well, Saturday Billy and I drove down to Wellington to retrieve the 2007 Toyota Highlander we purchased and when we stopped at a bank for a check for the vehicle, I perused a bookstore and purchased a New Zealand cookbook. It was highly recommended by the bookstore cashier and, it turns out, was recommended to Billy by the bank teller. Hopefully it will help me avoid any more near dietary catastrophes!!!
Every time we purchase groceries the total nearly takes my breath. Some things are, as I've mentioned in previous posts, rather expensive. Though as I think more about it, the exchange rate makes it look worse, plus we're buying alot of things that we need just to stock the new kitchen/house (i.e. salt, pepper, cleaning supplies, aluminium (accent on the "min" syllabol and pronounce the second "i"), dish towels, etc. As we get most of these less frequent purchases made, I think our grocery bill will level out to a more tolerable amount. Gas (petrol) is VERY high. It takes $150NZ to fill the Highlander, at $2.03NZ per liter. That is like $7.67NZ per gallon, $5.70US per gallon! That being said, we can go nearly 2 weeks on one tank of gas and will be driving less as we settle in and don't need to run out for various things everyday. The kids either walk or bus to school now and when our bikes arrive, we'll drive even less. We live only 7 blocks from the center of the CBD. We can walk/bike the four blocks to the coastal walkway then go straight to the center of town. The hospital is about a 15 minute walk, less than 10 on a bike. We purchased a 125cc scooter that will serve as a second vehicle for no, though I'm hoping it's all we will need. And we purchased a bike for Kaigan to use while he is here. It will also be nice to have an extra for when we have guests (hint hint).
Speaking of driving, I am about completely comfortable with the sit-on-the-right, drive-on-the-left ways here... WHEN I'M DRIVING. When Billy is driving, I'm a wreck and he about rather me just drive than listen to me gasp and nag and clutch the dash. He tends to ride the left shoulder, which is usually a bike lane and/or has vehicles parallel parked. He has even taken a right on red!... ok, that's like taking a LEFT ON RED in the States!!!! Then he expects me to ride the scooter with him!?! I might as well run through a mine field! God love him...
The youngest four kiddos seem to have adjusted quite nicely to school. Mikaylie, on the other hand, is having a little harder time of it, understandably. It kind of threw me off, though, because she seemed to have such a positive attitude and was relatively eager to start. But after 2 days she was in tears that she hated it. She said no one talks to her and she is so alone. She also spoke about how ridiculously easy math is and that they are learning what she had done, literally 3-4 years ago. So Wednesday I left her home and went to the school to see what we could do to help her adjust more smoothly. We discussed the possibility of moving her up a year, which academically she could totally handle, however, year 11 is structured differently than year 10 and she'd likely feel even more alone. In years 9 and 10 the girls are divided into "Tutor Groups" which is similar to homeroom. This group takes all it's core classes together. The options (electives) are with mixed tutor groups because these are the classes that the girls can select based upon their interests, strengths or career choices. In years 11-13, students are more independent of one another and she could have entirely different people in every class. I guess it was a little like this in the States but she was "home" and already knew people. When the dean arrived with whom we'd been working with last week, she told me that she had gotten approval to move Mikaylie to the highest tutor group. This looks to be the best option for her as this tutor group is a very internationally diverse group of girls with several from the UK, a couple from China, one from the Philippines and one from Finland. They had had a girl from the US but her family moved back and they were quite upset. The dean felt this group would really be thrilled to have her join them and warmly welcome and take her in. She will probably still find math to be incredibly easy, however, this being basically our equivalent of an honors class, it should be a little more challenging. Ultimately, I'd rather her do really well in easier classes while adjusting most smoothly than being challenged with more difficult classes and not settling in as well. Today is her first day back. Please pray for her and I'll post how it went soon...
Kaigan... gee whiz!!! He, being the polar opposite of Mikaylie, requiring no human contact to survive, is driving Billy and me crazy! He has this whole new environment to explore and he's holed up in his room, completely content with his computer. Granted, he is in a rotten position not having school as a source for companionship and being older than the youth group kids, but he has no desire, and evidently no need, to go out and DO anything. Makes me wonder how he could actually be one of my biological kids! LOL! Billy and I are trying to encourage him to get a job, more for the social growth than the income, but who would hire a kid whose parents are pushing through the door? Some of the people at our new church (we have found one we really like on our first attempt!) have some suggestions for people he can learn to surf with and will introduce them to him on Sunday. Please pray for Kaigan too. I'd hate for him to leave here in August and realize what a tremendous opportunity he squandered by not being willing to step out of his comfort zone.
Last night Billy and I went to kind of an orientation for newcomers to the church we attended last weekend. We ended up being the only newcomers there so it was quite personal and nice. The pastor and a couple other people from the church told us all about how their church run, the programs they have and, most importantly, what their theology is. We are quite pleased. It is a very ministry oriented church that treats Tararaki (the district in which we live) as it's mission field. Lots of outreach programs and they even have a christian counseling service that I'm looking into getting credentialed for. The one and only drawback we have is it's location. It's about 15 minutes away and totally not within walking or biking. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, and it probably isn't a deal breaker, but with petrol priced as it is and with their various programs for the kids spread over several different night depending on age and gender, it may be a little inconvenient. The kids really seem to like it, however, so Billy and I are praying about it. There may be carpooling opportunities as well.
We also learned last night that, unlike Kentucky and perhaps the States in general, it is not uncommon for people here to not have been exposed to God or the Bible at all. I guess in the States, for the most part, people KNOW about God and the Bible, whether or not they accept and believe, and it's really more of a matter of choice whether or not they pursue a relationship or not. Here, though, it would not be uncommon to be the very first person to introduce someone to Christ, the Bible or even God. I find it so hard to believe that a civilized, industrialized, modern country could have people oblivious to the existence of the Truth, even if they don't choose to recognize it as truth. Then again, growing up and living in the south and the Bible Belt, I'm probably the one oblivious to some very real truths. We just really need to pray that we are open and willing to let God's Light shine through us like never before. Please pray for the same...
First, I must announce that PETE IS IN THE COUNTRY!!! Now, 30 days of quarantine... 27 to go...
Last week I went to the grocery store by myself to do "big" shopping for the first time. I was trying to find ground beef. I wanted a good bit for spaghetti, tacos, burgers, etc. I looked and looked but couldn't find it. Then in an aisle across from the back wall where all the other meats, chicken, etc. were, I found a case with those plastic tubes of meat you can also get in the US. I thought maybe this was the only way they sold it here. Just as I was about to pick one up, I noticed the sign above the case... "Refrigerated Pet Food"! I NEARLY BOUGHT DOG FOOD!!! I've never seen refrigerated pet food but there it was; ground "meat" alright, but who knows what kind, cold canned dog and cat food and even large cow or pig leg bones. I called Billy who advised me that here they call ground beef "minced meat". And then I saw it along the back wall with all the other meats, looking exactly like it does in the States. And to think... I nearly fed my family dog food!!! Well, Saturday Billy and I drove down to Wellington to retrieve the 2007 Toyota Highlander we purchased and when we stopped at a bank for a check for the vehicle, I perused a bookstore and purchased a New Zealand cookbook. It was highly recommended by the bookstore cashier and, it turns out, was recommended to Billy by the bank teller. Hopefully it will help me avoid any more near dietary catastrophes!!!
Every time we purchase groceries the total nearly takes my breath. Some things are, as I've mentioned in previous posts, rather expensive. Though as I think more about it, the exchange rate makes it look worse, plus we're buying alot of things that we need just to stock the new kitchen/house (i.e. salt, pepper, cleaning supplies, aluminium (accent on the "min" syllabol and pronounce the second "i"), dish towels, etc. As we get most of these less frequent purchases made, I think our grocery bill will level out to a more tolerable amount. Gas (petrol) is VERY high. It takes $150NZ to fill the Highlander, at $2.03NZ per liter. That is like $7.67NZ per gallon, $5.70US per gallon! That being said, we can go nearly 2 weeks on one tank of gas and will be driving less as we settle in and don't need to run out for various things everyday. The kids either walk or bus to school now and when our bikes arrive, we'll drive even less. We live only 7 blocks from the center of the CBD. We can walk/bike the four blocks to the coastal walkway then go straight to the center of town. The hospital is about a 15 minute walk, less than 10 on a bike. We purchased a 125cc scooter that will serve as a second vehicle for no, though I'm hoping it's all we will need. And we purchased a bike for Kaigan to use while he is here. It will also be nice to have an extra for when we have guests (hint hint).
Speaking of driving, I am about completely comfortable with the sit-on-the-right, drive-on-the-left ways here... WHEN I'M DRIVING. When Billy is driving, I'm a wreck and he about rather me just drive than listen to me gasp and nag and clutch the dash. He tends to ride the left shoulder, which is usually a bike lane and/or has vehicles parallel parked. He has even taken a right on red!... ok, that's like taking a LEFT ON RED in the States!!!! Then he expects me to ride the scooter with him!?! I might as well run through a mine field! God love him...
The youngest four kiddos seem to have adjusted quite nicely to school. Mikaylie, on the other hand, is having a little harder time of it, understandably. It kind of threw me off, though, because she seemed to have such a positive attitude and was relatively eager to start. But after 2 days she was in tears that she hated it. She said no one talks to her and she is so alone. She also spoke about how ridiculously easy math is and that they are learning what she had done, literally 3-4 years ago. So Wednesday I left her home and went to the school to see what we could do to help her adjust more smoothly. We discussed the possibility of moving her up a year, which academically she could totally handle, however, year 11 is structured differently than year 10 and she'd likely feel even more alone. In years 9 and 10 the girls are divided into "Tutor Groups" which is similar to homeroom. This group takes all it's core classes together. The options (electives) are with mixed tutor groups because these are the classes that the girls can select based upon their interests, strengths or career choices. In years 11-13, students are more independent of one another and she could have entirely different people in every class. I guess it was a little like this in the States but she was "home" and already knew people. When the dean arrived with whom we'd been working with last week, she told me that she had gotten approval to move Mikaylie to the highest tutor group. This looks to be the best option for her as this tutor group is a very internationally diverse group of girls with several from the UK, a couple from China, one from the Philippines and one from Finland. They had had a girl from the US but her family moved back and they were quite upset. The dean felt this group would really be thrilled to have her join them and warmly welcome and take her in. She will probably still find math to be incredibly easy, however, this being basically our equivalent of an honors class, it should be a little more challenging. Ultimately, I'd rather her do really well in easier classes while adjusting most smoothly than being challenged with more difficult classes and not settling in as well. Today is her first day back. Please pray for her and I'll post how it went soon...
Kaigan... gee whiz!!! He, being the polar opposite of Mikaylie, requiring no human contact to survive, is driving Billy and me crazy! He has this whole new environment to explore and he's holed up in his room, completely content with his computer. Granted, he is in a rotten position not having school as a source for companionship and being older than the youth group kids, but he has no desire, and evidently no need, to go out and DO anything. Makes me wonder how he could actually be one of my biological kids! LOL! Billy and I are trying to encourage him to get a job, more for the social growth than the income, but who would hire a kid whose parents are pushing through the door? Some of the people at our new church (we have found one we really like on our first attempt!) have some suggestions for people he can learn to surf with and will introduce them to him on Sunday. Please pray for Kaigan too. I'd hate for him to leave here in August and realize what a tremendous opportunity he squandered by not being willing to step out of his comfort zone.
Last night Billy and I went to kind of an orientation for newcomers to the church we attended last weekend. We ended up being the only newcomers there so it was quite personal and nice. The pastor and a couple other people from the church told us all about how their church run, the programs they have and, most importantly, what their theology is. We are quite pleased. It is a very ministry oriented church that treats Tararaki (the district in which we live) as it's mission field. Lots of outreach programs and they even have a christian counseling service that I'm looking into getting credentialed for. The one and only drawback we have is it's location. It's about 15 minutes away and totally not within walking or biking. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, and it probably isn't a deal breaker, but with petrol priced as it is and with their various programs for the kids spread over several different night depending on age and gender, it may be a little inconvenient. The kids really seem to like it, however, so Billy and I are praying about it. There may be carpooling opportunities as well.
We also learned last night that, unlike Kentucky and perhaps the States in general, it is not uncommon for people here to not have been exposed to God or the Bible at all. I guess in the States, for the most part, people KNOW about God and the Bible, whether or not they accept and believe, and it's really more of a matter of choice whether or not they pursue a relationship or not. Here, though, it would not be uncommon to be the very first person to introduce someone to Christ, the Bible or even God. I find it so hard to believe that a civilized, industrialized, modern country could have people oblivious to the existence of the Truth, even if they don't choose to recognize it as truth. Then again, growing up and living in the south and the Bible Belt, I'm probably the one oblivious to some very real truths. We just really need to pray that we are open and willing to let God's Light shine through us like never before. Please pray for the same...
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