As an undergrad, I can remember Matt saying, "When I go to New Zealand..."
"Aren't there more sheep in New Zealand then there are people?" I would ask.
"Yeah, 10 times as many...doesn't that sound great?" he would say.
And then reality set in...we graduated, and after a 4 month jaunt through Europe we settled into an adult world. I took a job with Fairfax County Public Schools and Matt went to work fulltime on the family farm. We married 4th of July weekend of the following year (1998), I moved to Smithsburg (city mouse comes to the country) and I traded one school system for another. Together, Matt and I traveled back and forth to Northern Virginia selling produce at community Farmers' Markets and I filled in when needed at the family operation. I went back to grad school, we waited tables during the evenings and weekends in the off season, and time flew by. But, Matt would still say, "When I (now we) go to New Zealand..."
I don't think we knew how we would go. I don't think we knew when we would go. We just knew deep down that we WOULD go. And we did! In 2002 we left on an adventure that would change our lives. Matt had been accepted to the graduate program at Lincoln University, outside of Christchurch on the South Island, and he had secured a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to cover all of the expenses. So, with 2 suitcases each, we flew out of winter and into summer to start the journey of a lifetime.
We were instantly welcomed by Rotarians from the Lincoln Club...including our "Kiwi Mum & Dad," Graham & Sue Williams, who you will meet on our first day in NZ. I am afraid that they are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their grandbaby so you will be slightly down on the list but you will still feel loved...promise! We found a flat downtown, furnished it with lended/borrowed/bartered items and got busy trying to become "Kiwis" ourselves.
So, what can I tell you about New Zealand? Hum...it is truly remote (the South Island of New Zealand is more sparsely populated than the Outback of Australia), it is an agriculturally based society where farmers and entrepreneurs are one in the same, it honestly looks like it does in the movies (If you have seen Lord of the Rings then you have seen the South Island), the landscape is dramatic (black sand beaches, hot springs, glaciers, rainforest, etc.), and last, but certainly not least, the people are FANTASTIC...honest, genuine, hard workers, friendly...just flat out lovely! You'll see firsthand soon enough!
Our time down under changed our approach to agriculture. It inspired us to think outside of the box, and it made us acutely aware of the fact that we are situated in a market (Baltimore/Washington DC) that much of the rest of the world would love to be in. We came home renewed and with a desire to share our new found excitement with others. This trip is the capstone of "what we learned."
We can't wait to see what touches you. What new ideas you might have as the result of a farm visit or a late night conversation. What you might decide is important or what is weighing you (or your family operation) down. So, that is why New Zealand…only 4 days to go!!!
"Aren't there more sheep in New Zealand then there are people?" I would ask.
"Yeah, 10 times as many...doesn't that sound great?" he would say.
And then reality set in...we graduated, and after a 4 month jaunt through Europe we settled into an adult world. I took a job with Fairfax County Public Schools and Matt went to work fulltime on the family farm. We married 4th of July weekend of the following year (1998), I moved to Smithsburg (city mouse comes to the country) and I traded one school system for another. Together, Matt and I traveled back and forth to Northern Virginia selling produce at community Farmers' Markets and I filled in when needed at the family operation. I went back to grad school, we waited tables during the evenings and weekends in the off season, and time flew by. But, Matt would still say, "When I (now we) go to New Zealand..."
I don't think we knew how we would go. I don't think we knew when we would go. We just knew deep down that we WOULD go. And we did! In 2002 we left on an adventure that would change our lives. Matt had been accepted to the graduate program at Lincoln University, outside of Christchurch on the South Island, and he had secured a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to cover all of the expenses. So, with 2 suitcases each, we flew out of winter and into summer to start the journey of a lifetime.
We were instantly welcomed by Rotarians from the Lincoln Club...including our "Kiwi Mum & Dad," Graham & Sue Williams, who you will meet on our first day in NZ. I am afraid that they are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their grandbaby so you will be slightly down on the list but you will still feel loved...promise! We found a flat downtown, furnished it with lended/borrowed/bartered items and got busy trying to become "Kiwis" ourselves.
So, what can I tell you about New Zealand? Hum...it is truly remote (the South Island of New Zealand is more sparsely populated than the Outback of Australia), it is an agriculturally based society where farmers and entrepreneurs are one in the same, it honestly looks like it does in the movies (If you have seen Lord of the Rings then you have seen the South Island), the landscape is dramatic (black sand beaches, hot springs, glaciers, rainforest, etc.), and last, but certainly not least, the people are FANTASTIC...honest, genuine, hard workers, friendly...just flat out lovely! You'll see firsthand soon enough!
Our time down under changed our approach to agriculture. It inspired us to think outside of the box, and it made us acutely aware of the fact that we are situated in a market (Baltimore/Washington DC) that much of the rest of the world would love to be in. We came home renewed and with a desire to share our new found excitement with others. This trip is the capstone of "what we learned."
We can't wait to see what touches you. What new ideas you might have as the result of a farm visit or a late night conversation. What you might decide is important or what is weighing you (or your family operation) down. So, that is why New Zealand…only 4 days to go!!!
6 comments:
Happy trails, guys! Great to see you for the groundhog. Bets.
Welcome to BLOGLAND people! :)
Our best to Graham & Sue!
Safe travels!
You KNOW I am going to have to give your blog some botox, right??! Lemme work on it!
And the count down begins...
This is yet another attempt to send a message--I have tried several times--but you know me and my computer ability......enjoyed the early morning blog. Give a wink, hug and kiss to Chesley. Greenhouse is looking good. All is well on the homefront. To all the travelers, yes, this is going to be a great trip. We were in New Zealnd when Matt and Mary were living there. So much to see and do and to remember. Take care of Elizabeth--she is a very loving and caring person and can do just about anything. We are waiting for the next blog report. Cilda and John
Hi, Matt, Mary, and wee Chesley!
I'm not sure if I'm posting a comment in the right place -- new to blogs altogether! But if you see this, just want you to know we think of you often -- especially as it is snowing today! Could use some Kiwi sunshine! We had an Open House on Sunday that went well, and another showing this afternoon at 5:30 -- hope someone likes it enough to sign on the dotted line! Everyone apparently exclaims at how "clean" the house is! A good thing, I guess. I'm kind of tired of keeping the house pristine! The new lady to replace me is now working with me as of yesterday, so it's good to be able to show her the ropes. Kind of weird to think that I will soon be walking out of that office never to return! We went to say goodbye to Georg last night (we'd had dinner out at the Hoover House -- a gift card from the Counselling Ministry, bless them! -- with Mike and Em and then went out to Georg and Wendy's house.) We know that we may not see him again this side of Glory, so it was a poignant moment as we prayed with him.
We miss you guys! Please give Chesley a big Cheerio kiss from us!
Love you guys!!
Barb Schuit
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