Last term in Switzerland, Au revoir Europe and transition to NZ

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Our final term started off with a bang, with me continuing on teaching full time at school. This was unexpected but luckily Mum and Dad were still around to support us through the crazy start of term.

We had a last minute visit from Katie, Daisy and Ted from the UK, what a treat! Anke dropped in briefly for a coffee. And Jo from NZ swung in to help us empty our pantry just before we left, thanks Jo!

I finished up at my school at half term, allowing for me to just focus on the task of exiting Geneva. Leaving is stressful, emotional and administratively heavy, particularly with the added language barrier issue. We managed to hold it together, although we were/are exhausted.

We celebrated World Toilet Day and the next day our 15 year wedding anniversary, we were in the same country! Yippie!

We managed, our stuff was shipped, we stayed with friends, we sold cars, we hired a car. We said our goodbyes. We have done goodbyes before. In Sri Lanka many of the Tsunami team left before us, so leaving felt very normal, the farewells just got smaller. Leaving Kenya was extended with Murray making the move before us, it was drawn out. With people still seeing us in Europe or us back in Kenya, it didn't feel like 'forever'. This felt different. NZ is well and truly at the end of the earth, it is a long way to get there, it is expensive. We know that, every journey home over the last 14 years is a stark reminder of that. So this farewell in Switzerland felt like a stronger more permanent farewell. It was emotional, but different. I was going home, I was happy. The girls were going to a familiar place where family were already eagerly waiting, they already have some friends, they recognize some places and it wasn't as scary as a new place. For Murray it was leaving an international community that respected his work and valued him. This was a HUGE move.

I am very thankful for our time overseas. People ask us which country was the best and we answer, all of them.

We loved our time in Sri Lanka, it was hard of course. But we loved our community, the church, the beaches, our colleagues, the gems/jewellery, the egg hoppers. We'd love to take the girls back there one day.

We loved Kenya, the people, the safaris, the beaches, the international community, the local community, Java coffee, the art, our school, Art cafe, chapatis. The girls will always view Kenya as their home and are still desperate to go back.

We loved Switzerland/France. Although it may take some time to get over our exit! We loved the outdoor lifestyle, the seasons, the skiing, the lake sailing and paddleboarding, 4 seasons, small town living, cows with bells at the end of the garden.

We also love NZ. We've been blown away by how friendly people are back home. How green everything is. How empty the beaches are. How busy it is being back in a big city. How great it is to have family close by. And the shops, food and coffee!

I definitely don't have rose tinted glasses on. Each country has had challenges, big ones, that have shaped who we are now. Now we face our biggest challenge. Re-entry for Murray and I and a 'new country' for the girls.

Your prayers are very much appreciated as we navigate this one. But for now, happy to be back in our hometown of Auckland, taking our time to settle in and just taking time.

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

Much love,

Miriam

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Comments

[Gillian]

Haere mai
We will miss our visits to you all over the world but look forward to holidays in NZ!