The Ostrom Family Adventures

August 25-29

Kia Ora whanau me hoa aroha

(Hello dear family and friends).

We are deep in a week of flu symptoms here in Aotearoa. The rates of flu I have been seeing in the urgent care have been incredible! Probably exceeding many of the flu season’s I have worked through in the US. Covid is still around a bit as well, but being outmatched by Flu A and B by far.

My poor clinic is suffering terribly as staff have been coming down with it in droves as well, so those remaining healthy are working extra – by a lot.

I started getting symptoms on Friday – at 1200pm while at work – it hit suddenly as the flu does. I worked another couple hours and then went to Leif’s last field hockey match of the season, which they won BTW! 🙂 He had a beautiful goal as well but it was just after a whistle had been blown so didn’t count.

Mason had already booked an airbnb in Taupo so we could bike and explore that area more. He drove down while I slept and I explored the very comfy bed the whole weekend, and every so often, when the fever and headache would lift a bit, I got a beautiful view of the lake and hills out the window.

Mason and Leif had a great time at Spa Park riding the many different jump lines!

They took a lovely walk to the lake as well and got me some photos.

The lake was beautiful and comforting to be near while I was so sick and truly I have not been this sick in a long time.

The biggest bugger of it all is that this week is Leif’s school year 7-8 camp, and I was supposed to be one of the parent helpers for the Adventure Camp on Motutapu Island. I wasn’t able to go and we have sent Leif off – in a foreign country, by bus, then by ferry, to an Island, and then they hiked in 18kms to a camp that is really hard to get to!! What on the beautiful Island nation of New Zealand are we thinking?!?!?!?

Now, Mason has a fever, I’m still exhausted and coughing my lungs out AND wrestling between horrible anxiety and praying fervently for our little boy – our Young Man – to stay well and be safe and learn a ton and have his own amazing adventure on that island.

But, we have been getting some updates, and it sounds like Leif is doing well and having a ton of fun and we can’t wait to hear all about the week from him. Please pray he stay’s healthy when you think of him this week. We miss you all and hope you are healthy, happy and finding fulfillment and adventure in your daily lives.

Aroha ahau ki a koe. (My love to you all)