FRUSTRATED!

Got the paperwork for my residency this morning. What I have been granted in actuality is "Approved in Principle". That annoying phrase followed by, "now all you need to do is complete these last steps..."

WHAT?? More steps? COME ON!!!!!!!
I have to pay what is called a Migrant Levy. $300.00.

Like I have that just lying around. I DON'T! Because I don't have a job! Because I'm struggling to get my residency! Arghhhh...

And, when I pay the Levy, I need to hand in my passport at the same time. Once the Levy has been confirmed paid, it'll take up to 30 working days to issue and endorse my permit and GIVE ME BACK MY PASSPORT. Oh I do not like that AT ALL.

And, get this. My residence permit remains valid until I leave New Zealand! If/when I leave, I need to be issued a valid Returning Resident's Visa. "This allows you back into New Zealand when you return". Oh gee, thanks very very much. These generous people even allow for a two-year Returning Resident's Visa. Wow, amazing.

And they want to keep in touch with me! Ha! That's hysterical. My Immigration Officer who doesn't understand English over the telephone. Yeah, I'll keep in touch with her. Like I've kept in touch with my elementary school guidance counselor.

Absolutely ridiculous.

At Long Last...

I have been granted residency!

YAHOO!!!

Amazing to me how many emotions can course through your body almost at once, if not at once then certainly in split seconds. First was elation. Followed by being sad (yeah, still, I know!) and then, oddly enough, feeling very grown up. I'm so weird!

So no one of my family seemed to be available when I received the news so I tweeted. Better than nothing. Heard from my brother and that made me feel better. Called Greg and he was happy but also very busy at work so that didn't last long. Texted my girlfriends here and heard back from them which was great. Still I was waiting for something... A parade. Fireworks. Flowers. Champagne. Something. Not a, "Good on you, now you can get a job." So, so, SO not that. Ah well, I'm in Kiwi land now. Must suppress all feelings. So I carried on making dinner. Poured my own wine. Cried and got a hug from my long-suffering and wonderful husband. He tries, he really does. He's a Kiwi; he can't help that.

Ah whatever. I have been granted residency. I BELONG here and that's a great feeling and NO ONE can take that away from me!

Starry Ceiling

We're camping! Got here yesterday with friends of ours. I counted a total of 11 children at the area we're in. Five tents and 11 children! We've got a picnic table and fireplace to share with Alex & Blair and their troop. Perfect.

There's a river steps away which has already provided hours of entertainment. What child doesn't like to throw stones, build a dam or get naked and jump in.

We borrowed a tent from some generous friends and packed the car to the hilt with everything we could possibly need. If this camping thing is to continue, however, there are a few things we're going to need to purchase. A lantern would be nice. What would be essential is a more cushy mattress than the thing I'm sitting on right now. At 5:54am. Wide awake.

I have been awake since 3:38 when Lloyd and I crept out for a pee (oh how I love peeing in the bushes!). It's not just the mattress that's the problem. I have put another thing at the very top of the list: earplugs.

The snoring has very nearly put me over the edge. Because there is no escape! I'm in the middle for one thing. There's also the fact that we're all zipped up to prevent moisture from seeping in or something. Please.

Croissants and my homemade marmalade for breakfast. When are people going to wake up? My tummy is rumbling. But of course no one can hear it over this snoring! Yes, I'm back to that again. And no escape. Time to make some noise; I have got to get out of this tent.

Later on...
Went on a fabulous bush walk. The kids continue to enjoy the river. We are so relaxed! It's a beautiful day. All is well with the world.

We have been taking things as they come and I am enjoying myself very much. I think this is a fabulous way to holiday and look forward to more opportunities. Walking in the bush, sitting by the fire, reading a book, playing with the kids, listening to their constant laughter. All does the heart and body so much good.

Night Number Three...
As I lay here with a newfound respect for waterproof material (it's raining hard), I have decided that a mattress should really be at the top of the list; everything hurts. Time to go home.

But what a trip! I can now say I have: slept in a tent, washed my dishes in a river, crossed a swing bridge, ate toast from an open flame and peed in the bushes!

An amazing weekend with amazing friends.