Officially Residents!

It feels unreal to say it out loud—we’re officially New Zealand residents! John has been on this journey for just over two years, me for a year and a half, and somehow, we made it. Honestly, it still feels like stepping into a dream (well… I guess we are!).

We just got back from a month-long vacation in the Philippines, catching up with family, devouring our favorite Filipino food, and soaking up way too much sunshine! But coming back to New Zealand hit us differently. A week before flying back, I found myself feeling anxious to “get home.” Because that’s what it is—home. Not just a place we live, but the place we’ve built our life around. The familiar cafes, our beloved library and public pool, even the weather that makes us complain in winter but secretly love—it all felt like ours.

Getting our residence visas isn’t just paperwork checked off a list. It’s a reminder of all the waiting, the little hurdles, and the hope that kept us going. We’re grateful for the whole journey—the lessons, the people who helped along the way, and yes… even the moments that tested our patience (damn you, endless forms!). Every bit of uncertainty somehow led us right to this feeling of truly belonging.

We can’t wait to settle in for good: to make our space truly ours, host friends for home-cooked dinners, explore more hidden corners of this beautiful country, and maybe even start a family someday...♡