‘Daw kahapon lamang’ (Like yesterday), we said goodbye to our family, relatives and friends in Iloilo, Philippines.
On 10 November 2012, we celebrated one year of living in New Zealand.
Moving to a new country and starting a new life is a faith journey we will never forget. It has its share of challenges, which are both inherent and anticipated.
On the other hand, we have God, whose loving-kindness and mighty hand are always with us, guiding our steps and showering us with boundless goodness and grace.
Travelling to a foreign country for the first time as a family is fascinating and enjoyable.
It’s fascinating because you get to experience many “firsts” and enjoy laughing at all the “miscues.”
Of course, as a rule, it’s always good to ask when you’re in doubt.
We were inside the old Manila International Airport, and I was pushing our trolley full of luggage towards the Malaysian Airlines counter. When I approached a man who looked Chinese and was wearing a Malaysian Airlines uniform, I spoke to him in my best English. To my surprise, he responded in Tagalog—he was Filipino.
Watching our daughter enjoy the trip, cheering and smiling along, unaware of what lies ahead in our New Zealand adventure, brought us priceless joy.
We left Manila on 9 November 2011.
The three-hour flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur was smooth and on time.
Because our connecting flight was still three hours away, we waited at the KL International Airport. We also got to know other Filipinos bound for Auckland.
Wi-Fi Internet at the airport enabled us to contact home and update our family.
We finally departed from Kuala Lumpur at nearly 10:00 PM, and with an 11-hour flight ahead, we could sleep and get some much-needed rest.
Boyet and Sharon Quimba met us at Auckland Airport. Boyet was a schoolmate at Central Philippine University and a Baptist youth mate. He led the Campus Crusade for Christ at Central Philippine University.
We are very grateful to Boyet, Sharon, and their family for providing shelter and valuable guidance as we began our new life in New Zealand. They had lived in Auckland for several years before our arrival.
A few weeks later, after finding a job, we moved to our own rented flat and gradually integrated into our new country, New Zealand.
We thank all our brothers and sisters in Christ who consistently pray for us.
We thank our families and kin for your love and thoughtfulness.
We thank the Lord God Almighty for our safe trip and, most importantly, for making our living in New Zealand possible and successful.
Wonderful family journey!