Preparing to Depart
July 13, 2026
By the end of this month, I will be living in a country that is a twenty-two hour plane ride from everyone I know and love, and I will embrace a new community of people whom I hope will embrace me as well. While the present anxieties of what new life may mean are easy to dwell on, the excitement of the opportunity to learn and grow in virtues that will benefit the communities I encounter from here on out, especially to do so in a place as beautiful and peaceful as New Zealand, is deep.
Right now, as I prepare to depart, I have finished all of the practical steps I need to land and live in New Zealand- passport, visa, plane ticket, health insurance, project paperwork, you name it, I (hope) it is all set (all though, at times the paperwork, visa, etc, caused some distress, I am so thankful to be prepared fully!!). Apart from this, I simply need to pack! This is not a strong suit of mine, but I am sure that with the help of packing lists, and a giant suit case, all will be well!
As of right now, I am focusing on spending time with those dearest to me, whom I will miss the most as I venture away from home. I have enjoyed spending time with my fiancé, Jason, visiting my family, and checking in with my friends. I am also focusing on spending time organizing pieces of my wedding that will occur next spring, which would be difficult to complete while I am away, which has been an adventure in itself! In this, I am also thinking about what routines will be in place to ensure that I stay healthily connected with those at home, while still being present where my feet are. Although I am physically leaving Nashville, it is not lost on me that I will still have responsibilities to steward from afar. Setting myself up to do so well has been an important part of this preparation.
During my time abroad, I hope to gain a better understanding of what it means to love and serve the most vulnerable, especially children with special needs. I aim to gain practical skills that can be operationalized in all settings where children are cared for. I believe I will grow in patience, sacrifice, empathy, and knowledge. I desire to take this time away to intentionally focus on the community my feet are in, and personal growth that will better equip me to love every community I will return to. I cannot wait to meet the children I will get to work with every day!
Another piece of this journey I am very excited to enjoy is the beauty that New Zealand’s natural landscape portrays. I believe this will be grounding for me as I adjust to an entirely new culture and set of people. I have had the opportunity to hear a little bit about the staff member of the school I will be living with, and she runs ultra marathons and hikes some crazy intense hikes- a friend I am excited to make!
Overall, I am feeling nervous, excited, and hopeful about a new start. I am looking forward to embracing all New Zealand is, and grieving the time I will be away from my loved ones. I am preparing my heart and mind for all that I do not yet know, and excited to learn what that may be.
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