Each time I leave New Zealand seems to increase my sense of belonging to my recently adopted country. Upon my return, the sight of rugged coastlines and ancient volcanic peaks stirs feelings of familiarity and comfort. Flying in to Auckland, the rolling green hills smile up towards me as I glow with pride for what is now my new home. The oceans waters flow through the estuaries and bays like the life giving blood in my veins and I realise this land is now part of me.
But it is my love for Australia which will stop these feelings becoming all encompassing. My admiration and bond with New Zealand will continue to grow, but can never replace the years of witnessing the stunning beauty of the Australian landscape. The rugged ranges, endless beaches, lush rainforests and immense deserts are all ingrained in to my psyche. It is what I grew up amongst, it is what I have travelled through extensively, and it is what has shaped me.
So as I move between the two countries I find a gentle balance. There is the homeland which has given me so much and so many memories and will provide so many future opportunities yet to be revealed. Then there is the place of my present, providing me with nourishing and formative experiences, building on what Australia has already provided. As for the future, we can never really know what lies ahead. One thing I do know though is that I have been blessed to have had such rich opportunities to live in either of these amazing places.

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”