Another thing off the checklist

Adulting is a daily exercise in making decisions that have an impact on those you care about. This has been compounded since we decided to leave the country. So many things have to be figured out, loose ends tied, plans made.

One thing Randy and I have been trying to figure out is where in Auckland we would like to live and if we needed to secure a house to rent before getting there or search while on the ground.

I want Beach and water views

We want lots of outdoor space

We want an area with good schools for the kids

I need a commute to work that is not too long

Do we do a short term rental and search while there or try to hunt down real-estate agents from here to find our long-term place?

Thank goodness for modern technologies and access to large amounts of information. Thank goodness for Google maps and street view, and government websites. As much as social media is very problematic, thank goodness for Facebook where I can be connected to other physicians who have made or are making the very same move. I have had phone conversations and corresponded with so many warm and helpful women who all have moved to NZ with their families. I have received very candid perspectives and knowledgeable advice.

I have had to balance our desire to have everything figured out with the need to not be hasty. We are becoming increasingly comfortable with leaping in faith and the adventure of the unknown.

Today we decided to rent for a month in a central location and then do the search while there for the area we love the best. We found a nice place that will be comfortable and suit us well. Another thing checked off the list.

Plane tickets booked, managed Isolation booked, house sale under contract and now a place to stay once out of isolation secured. I should be receiving my medical license soon and then visas for all of us (must be done in that order). Still soooo many things to do, like booking the shipment of our belongings across the Pacific Ocean and, and, and, and and..

With each step closer, I am becoming more excited. Yes, having to make so many critical decisions can often feel burdensome, but I am so grateful to God that I have choices to make and the power to make them.