I want to pause this moment

I feel like writing tonight.

This mood hasn't struck me for months but I feel tonight, the nostalgia, the big walk by the Kawarau river, the cup of tea next to me, it's time.

I think its because I want this moment to last. When you're leaving somewhere that you've found so many reasons to stay, it hurts.

For all the shit show 2020 was, my year was pretty special. I suffered loss, loneliness and fear. But I also survived and thrived. I found my place and who I am. Traveling provides an opportunity to discover yourself and find new opportunities to which anyone following my instagram feed, would agree I've done.

Life wasn't always a peach but Central Otago has definitely captured my heart. This desert may be devoid of trees and decent shrubbery but the soul of this land makes me feel alive.

The opportunities for outdoor recreation alone made me move here and probably come back. I have done all the standard skiing, snowboarding, hiking, trail running and bike riding but I also now add rock climbing and disk golf to that list. New Zealand has the beauty that the mountains literally lie at your feet and the world awaits you if you just step out the door. I'm not saying that these activities are easy but the ability to try new things is far more accessible here than I would ever have at home.

As lemons were handed out in 2020 I continued making lemonade. I found new runs to try, luckily securing a spot in the Luxmore Grunt (which you can read about in my next blog post) and completing my long term goal of the Queenstown Marathon (which you can also read about in my blog). I was handed new work opportunities that gave me the ability to flex my pastoral leadership potential and I found my groove teaching English. I met people that made me feel loved and whole again. I fell more and more in love with this place everyday.

New Zealand isn't easy, pay is abysmal, cost of living is ridiculous and they have terrible coffee in the south island. It isn't a simple move and there are many complications with creating a life here.

But if you can make it work you are so very well rewarded.

I've been looking at the 16000 plus images on my phone and realising that New Zealand is this magical place. It heals all wounds and makes you feel strong again. Maybe it's the glacier water I keep swimming in but it truly does make you feel alive.

This place has my heart and I definitely intend on returning.