richsadams
4th November 2004, 08:30 AM
Hi All :cool
Just checking in to say hello and share some news.
First the bad/sad news...the U.S. election. We couldn't be more disappointed. Even though we're a hemisphere away, Sandy and I hope that the next 48 months are more positive for the United States than the last. :hopeso
Now the good news...our passports with our Permanent Residence Visas arrived by courier today! :raebanana Woo hoo! That's it! It's all over! :mrgreen:
Our official journey began almost exactly one year ago. It was the roller coaster ride of a lifetime physically and more so, emotionally, but it was all worth it. We can now live in New Zealand for as long as we want…the rest of our lives if we choose and that's probably what will happen.
Sandy and I haven’t taken the time often enough to thank everyone here for all of their input, wisdom and emotional support. Thanks in particular to Karl and Douglas for being such great stewards of this forum. Great job guys! :clap And thanks to those very special people we’ve formed a wonderful cyber-relationship with here…and you know who you are...too many to name here. ;)
Has it all been worth it? We think so. Is it for everyone? We can’t say. However, if we could give a couple of pieces of advice it would be these:
Plan on more. It will cost more than you expect (before, during and after) and it will take longer to make it happen. There will be unexpected expenses and delays, you can bank on it. Do your best to forecast everything, but plan on spending more money and allowing more time to immigrate than you expect. In our case, even with professional advice (from the terrific people on this forum as well as people paid to know these things) it probably cost about 25% to 30% more than our best estimates to move here and set up a new life.
Visit! Visit wherever you’re thinking of moving first…and not just on holiday. See the sights and have some fun, but put away the rose-tinted glasses for a while and take the time to get to know the “real” day-to-day side of the country; the people and their culture, the customs, costs, pluses and minuses. Stay for as long as you can afford to. It's kind of like getting married. You see a lot of wonderful things in the other person. They make you feel special. But you know those little quirks you find endearing right now? They will soon become annoyances and you need to be sure you can live with them. Moving to another country is a tremendous undertaking and not to be taken lightly. Invest your time and you will be rewarded with the knowledge that you’ve made the right choice.
With all of that said we’re often asked, would we do it again? Absolutely. We might do some things differently but overall, it’s been a great move. Are we content every day that we did the right thing? Of course not. :uhoh We’re often home sick and truly miss our friends and family. :no But we’re making new friends. In fact we’ve met more of our neighbors in the last couple of months than we did anywhere in the U.S. And our family is coming to visit in a couple of weeks and more will be here early next year.
It’s been a struggle but when we look around and see this beautiful country that we’re living in, this place appropriately called “Godzone” (God’s own) we know we are very lucky and blessed people. :yes
So if you’re in any stage of the immigration process, simply know that it can be done. It takes a lot of determination and it will take a lot out of you. If you pursue your dreams…moving to New Zealand, or to begin a new life anywhere…and you understand the ground rules, you can do it. Don’t give up and don’t let it get you down. Keep your seatbelt fastened, weather the storms and keep your eye on the prize. You have everyone’s support here I know and once you make it through the darkness of the process, there is a really bright light on the other side! :nice1 (If I think of any more catch-phrases I'll let you know! :laugh )
Thanks again to everyone that blazed the trail before us, held our hands while we made the journey and helped make our dream come true. We wish you and everyone here all the best and promise to stay on board and help those that will bravely follow.
:cheers
Just checking in to say hello and share some news.
First the bad/sad news...the U.S. election. We couldn't be more disappointed. Even though we're a hemisphere away, Sandy and I hope that the next 48 months are more positive for the United States than the last. :hopeso
Now the good news...our passports with our Permanent Residence Visas arrived by courier today! :raebanana Woo hoo! That's it! It's all over! :mrgreen:
Our official journey began almost exactly one year ago. It was the roller coaster ride of a lifetime physically and more so, emotionally, but it was all worth it. We can now live in New Zealand for as long as we want…the rest of our lives if we choose and that's probably what will happen.
Sandy and I haven’t taken the time often enough to thank everyone here for all of their input, wisdom and emotional support. Thanks in particular to Karl and Douglas for being such great stewards of this forum. Great job guys! :clap And thanks to those very special people we’ve formed a wonderful cyber-relationship with here…and you know who you are...too many to name here. ;)
Has it all been worth it? We think so. Is it for everyone? We can’t say. However, if we could give a couple of pieces of advice it would be these:
Plan on more. It will cost more than you expect (before, during and after) and it will take longer to make it happen. There will be unexpected expenses and delays, you can bank on it. Do your best to forecast everything, but plan on spending more money and allowing more time to immigrate than you expect. In our case, even with professional advice (from the terrific people on this forum as well as people paid to know these things) it probably cost about 25% to 30% more than our best estimates to move here and set up a new life.
Visit! Visit wherever you’re thinking of moving first…and not just on holiday. See the sights and have some fun, but put away the rose-tinted glasses for a while and take the time to get to know the “real” day-to-day side of the country; the people and their culture, the customs, costs, pluses and minuses. Stay for as long as you can afford to. It's kind of like getting married. You see a lot of wonderful things in the other person. They make you feel special. But you know those little quirks you find endearing right now? They will soon become annoyances and you need to be sure you can live with them. Moving to another country is a tremendous undertaking and not to be taken lightly. Invest your time and you will be rewarded with the knowledge that you’ve made the right choice.
With all of that said we’re often asked, would we do it again? Absolutely. We might do some things differently but overall, it’s been a great move. Are we content every day that we did the right thing? Of course not. :uhoh We’re often home sick and truly miss our friends and family. :no But we’re making new friends. In fact we’ve met more of our neighbors in the last couple of months than we did anywhere in the U.S. And our family is coming to visit in a couple of weeks and more will be here early next year.
It’s been a struggle but when we look around and see this beautiful country that we’re living in, this place appropriately called “Godzone” (God’s own) we know we are very lucky and blessed people. :yes
So if you’re in any stage of the immigration process, simply know that it can be done. It takes a lot of determination and it will take a lot out of you. If you pursue your dreams…moving to New Zealand, or to begin a new life anywhere…and you understand the ground rules, you can do it. Don’t give up and don’t let it get you down. Keep your seatbelt fastened, weather the storms and keep your eye on the prize. You have everyone’s support here I know and once you make it through the darkness of the process, there is a really bright light on the other side! :nice1 (If I think of any more catch-phrases I'll let you know! :laugh )
Thanks again to everyone that blazed the trail before us, held our hands while we made the journey and helped make our dream come true. We wish you and everyone here all the best and promise to stay on board and help those that will bravely follow.
:cheers