[leachio]

Well Ive put it of long enough but I think its time to tell everyone how we are getting on. I know how much I enjoy reading other peoples stories so here goes!! Those of you who remember our story to date, OH job offer for NZ police, house on market but no takers, job starts 10th April with or without Dan, yikes!!!!

Well................ we accepted an offer on house right at the end of Jan, but the march completion date looked grim! However the buyer is an investor with no chain and happy to complete mid march, soliciters permitting. So John mason quote accepted, completion date on house 16th march, flights BOOKED for 26th march, resigned from work, leaving parties booked. Now I really feel like Ive boarded the emotional rollercoaster, Im literally giddy one min and in tears the next. Its the idea of saying goodbye, and even when i try to think of it as 'see ya later' not bye it doesnt seem to help. But I DO want to go and I know we will luv it.

Kinda feels like im tempting fate saying it publicly but as I said I know how I enjoy reading other stories and I hope you are enjoyin ours. ;)

Amanda xx

[Nienke]

Lots of good news! Congratulations on the sale of your house, and good luck with saying goodbye. We all know how hard that is....:wah
Have a safe flight in march and a wonderful new life in New Zealand!

[marcia]

Thanks for sharing!

Remember that part of the rollercoaster well, is it only 3 months ago?? :uhoh

Its a heck of a ride and believe me it doesn't stop when you step off the plane!!!!!

The people on this forum are fantastic, the help and support all the way through, from filling in the EOI to being 3 months in is unbelievable - I still log on when I can to catch up on everyones journeys and offer support back for once to those who are starting the ride.

The emotions you'll go through are quite normal happy and laughing one minute and shear terror at the thought of what you are doing the next - I still cry at stupid things - like getting my plastic washing basket out of the container!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck and remember there are hundreds of shoulders here to lean on when the going gets tough!:nice1

[StevieD]

Amanda and Dan - bet that's a relief!! :laugh

Congratulations you lot, fingers crossed everything goes smoothly. And never mind the Mascrat Manor in Warrington, we'll probably cross paths down there YAY!!

(gotta keep sweet with you, never know when you need the help of a friendly constable LOL)

So pleased for you - keep us posted.

Steve and Jan xx

[Mexican in NZ]

Hello!!
Well, just wanted to wish you the best with your move!
I know it can be stressful and also sad to say goodbye but is for the best the life in NZ is just wonderful!
New Beginings are always scary but they are also exciting and most of the time good..
Take care of yourselves and keep us posted, ok?
xx,
Adrianahttp://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/chirady/poohbye.gif

[Sam B]

Good luck with the next few months. We've just arrived and we're in Cambridge which is close to where you're going I think, so let me know if I can be any help. It was difficult saying goodbye, but on the whole we're settling well now and this is a lovely area.

[leachio]

Thanks guys,

Marcia I have followed ur progress closely and u r an inspiration! Stevie & Jan u can call on us anytime, policeman and nurse, we have our uses, lol!! I luv the winnie the pooh, and Sam we are seriously looking at Cambridge so may well look u up soonish,

Amanda xx

[StevieD]

Hmmmm very useful to know, any phone problems or scrapbooking advice, we'll sort you out. :laugh

[Paul]

Hi
Might be worth talking to buyer as he is investor and seeing if you can exchange early and delay completion till March as planned - just ties you all in a bit tighter in current uncertain market (especially investors as returns are reducing)

Alternatively look to complete ASAP and rent the house back until you go?

Best of luck :)

[andreamatt]

Hi Amanda

Just to say good luck - and well done with the house sale. Best wishes for your roller-coaster journey... let us know how you get on.

Andrea (with a house to sell)

[leachio]

Thanks Andrea,

Where are you living at present, and whats your story may I ask, are u having to wait in UK till house sells ar are you just taking it as it comes and going out when u can? Ours sold pretty quickly I guess but it was still disappointing every day at 5pm when the estate agent hadn't called!!! Now its nerve wracking waiting till the completion date and Im hoping the estate agent doesnt ring to say anything is wrong, :laugh

Amanda

[jailhouse]

Amanda,

I hope, you, Dan, Ella and Jack have a wonderful life in Kiwi land.

I really admire you all for your bravery in choice of making a new life. Working in Law enforcement is never easy, especially in a new country, so i wish Dan all the best, and hope it is a bit more peaceful than here in the UK.

Is Dan going over on an exchange by the way (just curious) as i was wondering if he kept any seniority, as the pay is not that great.

All the best, have a happy life.

jh

[leachio]

Thanks JH

Dan resigned from UK and we are heading for a wage drop :( We are as aware of the facts as we can be, we are also on a police forum so have links with lots of ex UK cops, but we are going for the quality of life especially for the little ones! I will be working as soon as the kids are settled so that should help. We dont have much here so we may as well not have much there!!

Good luck with ur plans

Amanda:)

[StevieD]

Hear Hear! :laugh

[marcia]

If you are on a low income in NZ make sure you fill in the forms to apply for family assistance, it is a means tested benefit, but well worth filling in the forms for - we were surprised at the amount we have been allotted!!

Check it out here - http://www.ird.govt.nz/familyassistance/

Also if you are below a certain income level - (think its around $40,000) - you qualify for a community payment card which allows you to pay reduced doctors fees and prescription charges!

It is difficult when you first arrive with everything you need to sort out but as soon as you start working sort the forms out to apply - they don't back date it so get in ASAP!

[KD17]

Good Luck Leachio.

Remember there are lots of people here to support you with your transition too..

We're all in the same situation in one way or another, so it may help to know that even though you may not know them yet - you do have friends here too.

Will send you PM.


Keith & Debby