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| Sunset at Tahunanui at low tide. |
Recently, Jeremiah and I learned to dive. It was one of the scariest, most amazing experiences I have had in a long time. Standing on the bottom of the ocean and looking up was completely surreal. Where my sight ends, the sky begins. I loved the feeling of being weightless and the ability to see this underwater world. Glimmers of light flashed everywhere as the light scattered over fish and coral and sand. My panic of being deep under the surface shifted to wonder.
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| Snorkeling photo - our camera doesn't do deep water. |
Before this dive we went through training. We had to show that we were capable swimmers and that we could navigate all of our equipment above and below the surface. Part of the test included taking off our masks underwater and replacing them. For me, this was the most daunting task going into the training. I wear contacts and I was terrified of having my mask taken off and essentially having to sit there, sightless, while I fumbled around in the water trying to put the darned thing back on. I made sure to tell my instructor this, and he did an amazing job teaching me in steps. First try it in the shallow end, then the deep end. Finally, remove the mask completely and swim a few laps around the bottom of the pool with him guiding me with his arm.
Not being able to see has always been a fear of mine. My eyes are not great and the fact that I had eye surgery very young has also added to the fear of loosing my sight. It's right up there with my fear of my teeth falling out (I know some of you are laughing because you've got this same silly fear). When I took off the mask and allowed myself to be guided around the pool, I was astonished at how relaxing the experience was. I had to give up control completely. With my eyes closed the instructor took me in laps around the pool while I simply enjoyed the sensation of the water flowing through my hair and over my skin.
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| Jeremiah Ready to Dive |
I bring you this story because our move to Nelson has been just this. I was so stressed and afraid moving back over here, more than I like to admit. I had done this move before, but I was so comfortable in Wilmington. Thoughts of,
it would just be so much easier to stay put, and
why are we doing this again? were constantly floating just below the surface. The stress leading up to the move built up and up until we made the leap. Just like removing those goggles at the bottom of the pool. I am walking by faith, not by sight. And the amazing thing is that the seas seem to have parted as each piece of our new life here falls neatly into place. Worries that overwhelmed me are being vanquished one by one.
How are we ever going to get a job when it's so competitive? - Contract Signed
What if our friends have forgotten us? - At least 5 offers to pick us up from the airport.
How are we going to get around? - Borrowed bikes, then bought bikes, then car.
Immigration is impossible! How can we navigate this? - in process but nearly sorted.
Where the heck are we going to live? - Fingers crossed that this one is nearly sorted too.
As we revisit places we love and work to find a place to live, I feel that I am moving forward without really seeing the next step. Following my guide is so necessary - where the heck can I take us without my sight anyways?
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| Sunrise at Wakatahuri in Forsyth Bay |
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:9-10
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| Now this looks familiar! |
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| Ru and Jeremiah hiking the Hackett |
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| Boing is hoping to grab some of Jeremiah's breakfast. |
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| Tim, Jeremiah, and Ruby enjoy the view. |
