South Africa -Q and A

Sorry, I realise in hindsight for those of you who read this that I don't see often that the whole potential moving to South Africa posts may have been a bit of a shock and slightly cryptic. (I really hate blog posts that leave me to read in-between the lines, due to my imagination going CRAZY! so that wasn't my intent. Apologies.) 

Here are some answers to the questions some of you are asking. 

Are you moving over there to be missionaries?

Oh how I love and am flattered that you thought us that brave or noble. No, it is a business opportunity that has arisen for Marcus to pursue. He will be working with another kiwi under a big corporate umbrella developing various business concepts. But every day is a mission field right? Where ever you are.

Is it permanent?

No, we love Hawkes Bay and New Zealand too much to leave for good. We are thinking at this stage of a two year stint, coming home after a year for a holiday and if all is going well then returning for another year.

Why South Africa?

Marcus has been working with a crew in South Africa on bits and pieces for a while now. Hence all the trips back and forth. It is where the opportunity is for this venture. We always planned to travel as a family and experience living in another country with the kids, not just holidaying so when the offer was suggested we saw it as a great chance to fulfil a dream and while I would have preferred Nathan to be a few years older when we travel, I'm sure we will cope.

Where in South Africa?

Marcus and I are heading over there the middle of March for just over a week to sort this out and confirm a definite yes or no that this is what we want to do. Hopefully it will be around Cape town area so I will be checking out schools, churches, houses etc.

How do your parents feel after just moving to Hawkes Bay?

Yes, part of me thinks we are so crazy to even be considering leaving this amazing support network we have surrounding us at the moment. We are completely and utterly spoilt with friends and family who love and help us out.  Mum and Dad are OK about it. I guess it will give them time to really make their mark in Havelock North without the added burden of looking out for us. We will miss each other but it's not forever and hopefully they can come and visit us over there. 

Will I homeschool?

Maybe, this is why I need to go over there and check things out for myself. If I feel it's the right course to take then I will. Thankfully Lucy will be the year that I'm used to teaching so I have a stack load of resources and they don't start school until 6 over there so Olli will be back in kindy (might be kind of good for him to delay the serious stuff for another year.) But I also want them to experience life in another country and part of that is getting to know a whole range of people so if I can find a school that will suit us then I think that will be the option we choose.

What will you do with your house and all your things?

We will put a lot into storage, rent the house out and sell the cars, washing machine, fridge, and all the baby gear that we can say good bye too finally. Watch this space because room by room I'm going to list stuff on trademe so keep and eye out and you might grab some bargains.

Will I be getting a maid?

The whole concept of this I am finding hard to get my head around. On one hand it would be awesome on another so uncomfortable. Marcus keeps saying I have to go over there and see how it all works before I pass judgement.  He sees it as offering valuable employment in a country with a very high unemployment rate. I don't know, I think I would find it hard to have someone cleaning up after me although having an extra pair of hands to help with the kids would be so great. Like I said, I don't know. I'll keep you posted.

Is it definitely going to happen? And if yes, when?

No it's not definite yet. 80% unless I go over there next month and really don't want to then we will reassess.  There are a few things we are committed to that will need sorting out so probably around June/July. 

Hope that clears up some stuff for some of you. Please pray for discernment . We are pretty calm about  the whole idea knowing that if it's meant to be then things will fall into place but discernment is always a good thing to have before we rush head first into anything. 

Bless you guys and thanks for being so interested in our little family. x