The Ostrom Family Adventures

A small family embarking on a year-long adventure to New Zealand to meet new friends and learn about more of the world and ourselves.

Play Hard / Work Hard

Greetings readers! Apologies for the prolonged silence. We have been in the season of working hard since we returned from our first exploration of the South Island in April. We have not been without some fun and newsworthy times though. And, we are finding joy in a bit of routine as well. (Yes, this is still Jessa writing ☺️).

Anzac Day field of biodegradable felt Poppies!

We woke early on ANZAC day and joined the hundreds of people awake before dawn forming a spontaneous and solemn parade to Memorial park for a gorgeous sunrise service to honor those New Zealanders (and Australians) who have fought and died in not only WWI, but so many other wars and battles around the world. There were prayers of gratitude for them and many for future peace and protection of those willing to serve again.

Our incredible friend Donovan who has served in the army, as a boxer for NZ, on the police force and currently as the CEO of our Anglesea Urgent Care. (He was in the formal parade).

Several moments during the celebration stood out to remember – hundreds of people singing Amazing Grace together in the sunrise, the bugle call was hauntingly beautiful, followed by a bagpipers call (there is a large Scottish influence here that we have been surprised by – and love), and finally when the New Zealand National anthem was sung in both Te Reo Maōri and English and Leif knew both and sang them boldly!!

Speaking of Leif, this kid is growing up so fast and we are incredibly proud of how he has adjusted to public school in a new country, making new friends and learning how to choose them wisely and how to be a good friend. His broken hand fully recovered and has nearly been forgotten with all the mountain biking, tricking practice, weightlifting with Dad and now joining the Field Hockey team for his school!! Here’s a post from the team’s first game!

Leif is number 3.

Tricking is going really well too – shout out to our Master Na’s Taekwondo family back home – he’a practicing for the demo team next year and missing you all a lot!

jessalostrom

One response to “Play Hard / Work Hard”

  1. dolphinsuperba9f65c8577 Avatar
    dolphinsuperba9f65c8577

    Just was wondering how you were all! We just sent our grandkids back to NM after two week visit. We both had forgotten how you get nothing accomplished as one expected! Met with Lisa Ann and Aislynn and Becky as a “broker” to talk about having Bricco come live with us! You might share insights of us to them. Btw, she really wants you to come home, Jessa. Leif is growing up right in front of our eyes, both physically and emotionally. So great to see him trying so many new things! And “tricking” looks like another name for gymnastics. How is medical practice different in NZ? Is there a holistic approach? Are people inclined to do preventative medicine or wait until something becomes urgent to treat? Home remedies? Do the Maury people have their own traditional medicine practices? Mail has slowed down quite a bit. Mostly monthly or quarterly financial statements (envelopes look a lot like ours). I thought I would wait a bit to send the next batch out (unless I sense something is important). Does that seem right to you? Saw Henry out the other day when we were walking the field. Amanda says he is enjoying his new buddies. She came to our ladies luncheon in early May. Lovely young lady! Let me know if you need anything. Miss you all!

    Tina

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment