the change of plans

Sometimes plans change.

We arrived in New Zealand the beginning of December for a two month visit.
Three months later and we are still here.

Here's the story.

Christmas Eve I said a little prayer. "Lord if it is in your plans for us to stay in New Zealand and look after Nigels Gran then I am willing. Please just let Nigel know as well."

I am not sure exactly where this prayer came from. It is something that we talk about from time to time and we were going to see Gran the next day. It is just one of those things I prayed out without thinking too much about it!

The next day we had a lovely Christmas picnic on the beach with Gran and Mum. On the drive back Nigel says to me,"I would really like to move back here for a bit and take care of my Gran. What do you think?"

I replied out loud with, "Um I think you really need to be sure about it."
I replied in my head with. "WHAT! We are supposed to be going back to the states! We are commited to a LOT of things! Did i really just pray this yesterday?!"

So a month and a half later and we decide that yes this is where we are supposed to be at the moment.

We are currently in Woodville, Nigels hometown. And by town I do mean town. We are still in our big green bus and are working on getting a place ready for Gran to move into.

We are missing our friends and family back in the USA but we know that this is where we are supposed to be for the next season.

Sometimes plans change.

the lemons

 I have been walking around Woodville for the last couple weeks.

Looking for a job, going to the library, getting a feel for my new home.



I noticed on my walks a yard that had two trees full of lemons. So full! Falling on the ground full.

The yard also had two very large dogs in it. Very large! Scary large.

I brought Nigel around to the house and we knocked on the door. We said we couldn't help but notice the beautiful lemon trees and were wondering if we could get a few bags of lemons.
"Sure!" they said, "Thanks for asking, help yourself."
We gathered two large bags of lemons and I spent the week dealing with them.

Lemon curd.
Lemon cordial.
Lemon poppy seed muffins.
Lemon curd muffins.
Lemon poppy seed and curd muffins.
Lemon bars.
Lemon ginger slice.
Lemon juice.
Lemon and ginger juice.

I froze it all.

This has been the first time in years that I have been able to stock up in the freezer and know that I will be there in a few months to eat it all!
It is very exciting for me.


I might be going overboard on the lemons.