Perhaps the most life-changing decision I’ve ever made was migrating to New Zealand.  It was the 31st of December 2006 – the day “my earth stood still” as I opened a new episode of my seemingly theatrical life story with all its twists and turns bordering on a roller-coaster ride.  I can vividly recall that overwhelming experience as I admired the breathtaking views from the clouds of this awesome land of the Kiwis.  As my plane prepared to land, I had tears of joy and couldn’t thank the Lord enough for the enormous blessing as I told myself, “Yes, I’m not dreaming, I actually made it to NZ!

Coming to a new country involves significant give-and-take of peer support.  I had an opportunity to share an inspirational thought in a forum for aspiring and new migrants in NZ, and I’d like to share an excerpt of my message with you as well, so here it goes …

“I know most new migrants here in NZ have their own stories to tell – I’m telling my story to share God’s greatness. 

I arrived in NZ with nothing but NZ$1,000 and PURE TRUST IN THE LORD. My first morning in Wellington was the first day of 2007, a new year full of hope for a new life.  I started each morning with a prayer, and spent each day job searching online, clipping newspaper ads, attending job fairs – name it!  40 days passed … and after I’ve sent over 200 applications, declined about 33 times, interviewed 9 times – with still no job offer at hand, my soaring enthusiasm nose-dived and my little “baon” was almost gone. But I held on to my faith.

At last I was noticed, and for a while I thought I made it, only to get desperate when I was almost there but didn’t make it for just an entry-level accounting role. The reason: Despite my credentials, I’ve got no local experience, just like most of you! Then came sleepless nights brainstorming on my options not only to find a job, but factually to survive… and I did everything possible to save the little money that I have.  Like a desperate traveler, I moved to a cheaper accommodation, I walked miles to save on transport costs and have done something I couldn’t imagine doing – housekeeping! It’s no joke to clean 8 to 10 rooms within 5 hours each day in a shabby 3-star hotel, just so that I may survive. I questioned myself, ‘I had been on business travels for many years staying at posh hotels while working for ADB, and now I’m rubbing elbows with toilet bowls and soiled sheets to tide me over – what is the Lord teaching me?’ I cried every night as I nurse my aching back, weakening and about to fall, but in my heart I believe God has a better plan. It was a humbling experience that opened my eyes to the true-to-life perils and struggles of a new migrant.

And indeed, patience is a virtue … the Lord truly works in mysterious ways! On 19 February 07, heaven smiled at me!! I signed a job offer as Corporate Accountant, a mid-management role at a government ministry. The Lord has truly blessed me! And now I’m ready for a new battle, armed with a deeper faith.”


Living alone in my first home at Newlands, Wellington, March 2007