Step One. Done.

Does anyone read this thing? I think I may have one follower over in the Pacific Ocean and thats it. Oh well! Anyways... here's a letter I just sent to close family and friends. And now I'm ready for a drink.

Hey all,

Just thought I would send out a quick New Zealand update!

After about 100 trips to various notaries and federal offices and several exasperated phone calls down under, I finally sent off my "intent to apply" packet to the NZ Nursing Council (NZNC) for review. They required all kinds of information including the application, a report from the FBI and my fingerprints(!), proof that I passed an English Test (harder than one would think), many letters of recommendation, and certified copies of just about anything with my name on it. Oh yes, and way too much money!

But it's done. It felt so good to send that packet off, all items in it meticulously checked and rechecked off my to-do list. In 8-10 business days the NZNC will contact me acknowledging that they received my application. At this time, I am to have the board of registered nursing and CSU Chico send all my license and college transcript information straight to the council. After they've received those documents, they estimate it will take 20 business days to process and approve my NZ nursing license. Unfortunately, in reality I've heard it takes much longer. I'm hoping to hear the good news that I'm licensed by the end of July. When this happens, my agency in NZ will begin the job hunt for me in the cities that I specify to them. Scott and I have narrowed down a couple, but haven't finalized our choices. We're pretty positive that we want to live on the south island though (but would consider Wellington if push came to shove).

After a job has been secured and accepted, I have an immigration specialist hired to expedite our visas. Since we have the next few months to gather any documents he may require, this should be smooth. Immigrating to New Zealand when one has a job offer in a field in need (ie: healthcare, education, computer sciences) there is pretty much no way the application will be denied. Our guy told us this step would take 4 weeks tops.

Whew. SO... we could have a move date as early as October.... but realistically, we're planning on December. On our end of things we need to prepare the house for renting out and find good renters. This is terrifying, by the way. We love our house. But we have a good and trustworthy friend who owns a property management company and will be looking after it. Thank goodness.

So thats the update! Its unlikely there will be any real news again until mid-summer... but we're excited! In the meantime, lots of bike riding and racing! And a little work. Thank you all so much for all of your support! Even though it's the beginning- I truly feel like the first step was the hardest!

Hugs to all,
Kristen & Scott