September 16, 2008:

A whole month has gone by since I’ve posted. What a bad start to my resolution to write about New Zealand at least once a week in this blog. I’m starting to adjust to life in New Zealand. I’ve finally started looking for a church to attend. I never feel right until I go to church regularly. We just tried one in a town called Marton. It was called Elim Church, a mix of Christian fellowship with a touch of Evangelism. Gordon and I are still looking. We may try some traditional churches like the local Lutheran or Anglican churches. We’ll see how it goes.

Gordon’s birthday was this Sunday and he’s now 28. I only have a couple of months until I catch-up and become a year younger than him again. That’s right I’m going to be 27 and that’s going to be how old I am when I have my first baby. No, I’m not pregnant but we will start trying in a year. I’m thinking probably July or so. That means I should try and visit the States next year before I do get pregnant. As well as get my resident permit in order.

It is a little hard to function in New Zealand. I never realized how much easier it was to deal with the US government at times. I have to go all the way to Auckland in order to get my passport changed because the Wellington Embassy doesn’t deal with that sort of thing. This is a bother because we are only about an hour or so away from Wellington an Auckland is more than three hours away. The reason is because we either have to pay in Cash or Bank Check. Since I don’t have an account in New Zealand I have to pay in cash, which can’t be sent through the mail. My holiday work permit was easy to get though. It took about 30 minutes to obtain and I am now allowed to stay in the country for a whole year. My mobility is limited until Gordon and I get an automatic car which will be relatively soon. My day consists of puttering around the house, doing craft projects and an occasional walk into town.

There are advantages of a small town New Zealand though. After a day or so, I’m able to navigate around town. They have things called Friendship clubs where on a certain day you go to the Friendship hall, or wherever they’re meeting, and enjoy fellowship with others. I was going to go to that this Friday but Gordon’s cousins are coming to visit us about 3:30, which is when the friendship thing ends. I’ve also looked into Creative Memories, the Women’s Institute and other things to occupy my time. I’ve been working on finding my creative outlet since I enjoy when I create something pretty or work on a scrapbook. I also look forward to gardening when we get the money to start one. Seeing blooming flowers always gives me a sense of pride because I work so hard to make sure my plants thrive.

I hope everyone is having a good week out in the States and I miss you all very much!