First I want to begin by giving a shout out to all my readers and those who have given me verbal support in the last couple days, you have really encouraged me to keep going with my blog. Thank you!
Yesterday, I had a brain storming session and came up with some fun topics about Australia and my experiences here in another country, about marriage, cultural differences, and traveling that I am excited to blog about in the coming weeks.
Today, I thought I would begin by blogging about my experience thus far on moving country. Some people find it annoying enough to move house and home within the same city, but moving half way around the world is a whole other experience. If you get the chance, I highly recommend making a major move at least once in your life. Not to say that the move hasn't had its major highs and very much low lows, but it has been an experience unmatched by anything else. Moving country more than anything will open your mind to other cultures, view points, and even more interestingly let you know how other countries view your own world (ie; America). But the assumptions between America and Australia are a topic all on their own.
Below are a couple photos of my backyard here in South Australia.
When I first came over to Australia I was excited, came with a purpose and for an adventure. I was already familiar with Australia having visited the country twice before making the big move; first in 2007 for a long holiday, and in 2010 for my best friend's (now sister-in-law's) wedding. I figured, if I am going to go to Bible School why not go half-way around the world for it, especially to a place that I already somewhat know and love. Makes sense to me. I moved in January of 2011 to Queensland and studied for the first part of the year (but if immigration asks, I was only sitting in on some short courses at my local church while here on holiday). In August 2011, I moved down to Adelaide, South Australia where I now live. My move to this country was certainly eased by having an Australian family I was already much a part of (who would have though I would become an official family member only a short couple of years later!). Shout out to the KENYONS!!! Connections, I believe, are key when moving country or even traveling, it will make the transition so much easier.But, even without having any connections it is still possible.
I have now lived in Australia for almost 2.5 years. WOW, time flies! It has become home to me; however, I very much miss having my family close. In my time living here I have had the ups and downs of dealing with immigration, job searches, being away from family, the higher cost of living, adventure, other's input,uncertainty, both support and discouragement, and cultural differences. I could share on each of these individually if I had the time, but to keep it short these are all major factors in making a sea-change. The cost of moving so far from the only home you have ever known is both financial and emotional, but a risk worth taking. Maintaining relationships is probably one of the hardest obstacles you will face. I have cried my share of tears, and I have also enjoyed some of the biggest joys of my life (one being marrying my husband). My adventure in so many ways feels like it has just started. I have had 3 different visas while here. I moved over to Australia on a Work and Holiday visa, once that expired I was required to leave the country which at that point I traveled to New Zealand (beautiful country btw, sending love to all the kiwis back home) where I applied for a Student Visa (this was a VERY stressful time of uncertainty). My visa was approved and I traveled back to Australia where I was then required to study for the next year with limited working rights. Now, about $40,000 and two visas later I have finally received the approval of a Temporary Resident visa; now I can live in Australia without the fear of deportation and have full working rights. In two years time, I will receive my Permanent Resident visa and at that time possibly apply for Australian Citizenship.
To use a cliche, this is all just the tip of the iceberg. Making Australia home has been a long road, with lots of paperwork, limited rights, and frustration along with beautiful beaches, long holidays and a wedding. Hopefully I can share more about these experiences in the future, but for now a brief update on my latest challenge...
The Challenge: Life on Schedule
The Reason: Prioritize life and be more productive.
My Progress: Day 4
So far I have managed to keep my blog updated according to schedule, yay me, and have been adjusting to my 6am-10pm schedule. Each day hasn't been quite those exact hours, but that is only because Ben's work schedule changed for the last two days so I shifted my schedule to meet his. I wouldn't say I have been heaps more productive yet, mostly because the change has left me very tired and the winter weather setting in is creating a lot of un-motivation (excuses, excuses..I hear you thinking it ); but I am happy with my progress so far and hoping next week the schedule will start to feel a bit more natural.
Anyone else working on any personal goals or challenges? Anyone have any tips or encouragement to help me out a little????
Until Next Time...
Yesterday, I had a brain storming session and came up with some fun topics about Australia and my experiences here in another country, about marriage, cultural differences, and traveling that I am excited to blog about in the coming weeks.
Today, I thought I would begin by blogging about my experience thus far on moving country. Some people find it annoying enough to move house and home within the same city, but moving half way around the world is a whole other experience. If you get the chance, I highly recommend making a major move at least once in your life. Not to say that the move hasn't had its major highs and very much low lows, but it has been an experience unmatched by anything else. Moving country more than anything will open your mind to other cultures, view points, and even more interestingly let you know how other countries view your own world (ie; America). But the assumptions between America and Australia are a topic all on their own.
Below are a couple photos of my backyard here in South Australia.
 |
| (This is Semaphore Beach during the winter months, a 10 minute drive from our house. There are also some cute little shops, cafes, and a discount vintage movie theater along the strip next to the beach for a nice day out.) |
 |
| (Semaphore in the summer months, we like to go for a run along this beach when the weather is warmer.) |
When I first came over to Australia I was excited, came with a purpose and for an adventure. I was already familiar with Australia having visited the country twice before making the big move; first in 2007 for a long holiday, and in 2010 for my best friend's (now sister-in-law's) wedding. I figured, if I am going to go to Bible School why not go half-way around the world for it, especially to a place that I already somewhat know and love. Makes sense to me. I moved in January of 2011 to Queensland and studied for the first part of the year (but if immigration asks, I was only sitting in on some short courses at my local church while here on holiday). In August 2011, I moved down to Adelaide, South Australia where I now live. My move to this country was certainly eased by having an Australian family I was already much a part of (who would have though I would become an official family member only a short couple of years later!). Shout out to the KENYONS!!! Connections, I believe, are key when moving country or even traveling, it will make the transition so much easier.But, even without having any connections it is still possible.
I have now lived in Australia for almost 2.5 years. WOW, time flies! It has become home to me; however, I very much miss having my family close. In my time living here I have had the ups and downs of dealing with immigration, job searches, being away from family, the higher cost of living, adventure, other's input,uncertainty, both support and discouragement, and cultural differences. I could share on each of these individually if I had the time, but to keep it short these are all major factors in making a sea-change. The cost of moving so far from the only home you have ever known is both financial and emotional, but a risk worth taking. Maintaining relationships is probably one of the hardest obstacles you will face. I have cried my share of tears, and I have also enjoyed some of the biggest joys of my life (one being marrying my husband). My adventure in so many ways feels like it has just started. I have had 3 different visas while here. I moved over to Australia on a Work and Holiday visa, once that expired I was required to leave the country which at that point I traveled to New Zealand (beautiful country btw, sending love to all the kiwis back home) where I applied for a Student Visa (this was a VERY stressful time of uncertainty). My visa was approved and I traveled back to Australia where I was then required to study for the next year with limited working rights. Now, about $40,000 and two visas later I have finally received the approval of a Temporary Resident visa; now I can live in Australia without the fear of deportation and have full working rights. In two years time, I will receive my Permanent Resident visa and at that time possibly apply for Australian Citizenship.
To use a cliche, this is all just the tip of the iceberg. Making Australia home has been a long road, with lots of paperwork, limited rights, and frustration along with beautiful beaches, long holidays and a wedding. Hopefully I can share more about these experiences in the future, but for now a brief update on my latest challenge...
The Challenge: Life on Schedule
The Reason: Prioritize life and be more productive.
My Progress: Day 4
So far I have managed to keep my blog updated according to schedule, yay me, and have been adjusting to my 6am-10pm schedule. Each day hasn't been quite those exact hours, but that is only because Ben's work schedule changed for the last two days so I shifted my schedule to meet his. I wouldn't say I have been heaps more productive yet, mostly because the change has left me very tired and the winter weather setting in is creating a lot of un-motivation (excuses, excuses..I hear you thinking it ); but I am happy with my progress so far and hoping next week the schedule will start to feel a bit more natural.
Anyone else working on any personal goals or challenges? Anyone have any tips or encouragement to help me out a little????
Until Next Time...
Crazy world traveler, fun to see your beach.
ReplyDeleteMy natural hours are up from 8:00am until 1:00am. But this year I am working on a book so I had to give myself working hours. Up at six bed by 11. I start my day with all the kids. Sending them off to school with a warm breakfast. That may sound all Suzy Q housewife. But Ben is a Sophmore and this is the first year I have made any breakfasts before school.
My big tip: If you aren't a natural morning person...Don't plan exercise for the first thing. And set your alarm clock clear across the bedroom.
Thank you Cara for those tips. I am more of an 8am to 1am person myself, I think this change is certainly going to be a process. Also, I think it is great you are working on a book!
ReplyDeleteJust keep up with it. When I was studying recently (to make the next rank) I made the change from a 5:30am wake up time to a 4am wake up time. It was awful at first. But I had to remember to eat healthy and to go to bed earlier. It will start feeling natural. I completely understand everything you're talking about here too! It's amazing, and rough. The only thing I could equate moving countries to is the same sort of love/hate relationships that parents and their children have. One moment it's amazing... the next it's so awful or stressful.
ReplyDelete