We are nearly half-way through our assignment, but now, it looks like it could be the end of it. – The NZ government is ‘urging all New Zealanders living abroad to return home as soon as possible’. –
The VSA have promptly acted upon this and are sending ALL their volunteers from all the countries home. And fast. We could be leaving as early as this Saturday – to be confirmed.
I am just keeping this short as we are busy packing suitcases, as you can imagine. I’m sure you will also feel with us the mix of sadness and joy, without too many explanations.
The bottom line is, we must leave, it’s an order, not an option. A couple of weeks ago, it looked like we had options and choices. When to leave, what status to take on, when to come back. Then, the COVID-19 situation accelerated so fast that action was required immediately. Now, we have been told to ‘prepare and pack as if you’re not returning.’
We are trying to keep a cool head and not get too emotional. Yes, there are plenty of silver linings. And ultimately, home is the place we want to be at such a time as this. Home and back with our beautiful families.
Travellers from the Pacific Islands are exempt from having to self-isolate, so we are glad about that. It’s enough that our daughter and son-in-law are currently in isolation after a trip to Europe, which they also had to cut short. No hugging for another week…
We will write again soon – probably once we’re home. Together, we can do this! Good-bye, sweet Tonga. We WILL see you again…
PS. We just heard the news that NZ is closing the borders to all travellers except NZ citizens and residents.
The Lord watch over the both of you. Safe travels.
It will highly likely all be over within 6 months 😳
Safe travels back Rolf and Sabine! Rolf we will be able to go for a lunchtime run again sometime! Even though I’m no longer working at the gym I’m still catching up with the group at least once a month!
Take care and be safe,
Rachel 😊
You have achieved so much within these few months and left lots of most valuable tracks in Tonga. I wish you a safe return to NZ without too much sadness about this abrupt end of your mission. Love you!