Thanks so much for reading this and keeping up to date with what we're up to as a mobile family at the moment, we are so thankful to be able to do life together with you, whether from afar or close. We are in South Africa and doing well, can't believe it's been over a month since we left Perth! It's been surreal, a whirlwind, a huge time of transition with lots of ups and downs, and though leaving Perth was one of the hardest things we've done, we are excited for where we're at and for the journey ahead.
Our journey so far: After leaving Perth, we took about 10 days out to visit with some close friends on the Gold Coast of Australia, near Brisbane. Going there before the big move was the best decision we could have made! We were so refreshed and had a great time getting to see what our friends family life there is like. They have a little boy just older than Autumn, it was fun seeing them interact. We were so blessed to get to know their little cutie and have such a good visit with them.
On our way to South Africa we had a overnight layover in Mauritius, which was lovely! We made it just in time to see the sunset and swim in the ocean. Autumn did so well in our travels and our arrival in South Africa was filled with much joy, especially as Kulu and Gogo (grandpa and grandma) got to squeeze their grandbaby!
Here in Durban, South Africa we are staying with Svens family. So far we've enjoyed being with everyone and just relaxing. I (Andrea) have been doing lots of art which I've loved having time for and Svens been stoked to be able to surf nearly every day. After a hectic and difficult last few months in Perth, it's been very nice to not have any pressures on and just try to have things be light hearted.
My struggle with Postnatal depression (or as I was diagnosed with a major depressive and anxiety disorder), continues on but is by far better than when I was in hospital and there after. I was seeing a psychologist in Perth once or twice a week until we left and was advised to see one in South Africa until I felt stable enough on my own. Our plan has been to stay here until things settle down, and so we are taking it as it comes with an arrival in Canada in early May. I have been seeing a psychologist in the town where Svens Gran lives, a small town called Eshowe about an hour and a half from Durban. Every time we are there we thoroughly enjoy it, it's laid back and easy going, lots of outdoors wilderness places to to explore and always such a pleasant visit. I have been doing okay, the sessions are alright, nothing like while in Perth but thats okay. We're finding it a bit difficult to really know how we're doing with all the changes and transitions, but are trying to have a good outlook on life, leaning on God and grateful for the help that's offered.
If you haven't heard already, Autumn has hit a huge milestone as she is now walking... well nearly, she takes steps. We love our little girl so much and are grateful for all of you who love her so dearly. She's doing great.
Other news: We're official starting Svens Canadian immigration process. We've sent off some documents, but once we get to Canada the process will properly start. When we get there Sven won't be able to work for the first 5 months because he'll be waiting for the work permit to come through, so I'll take on a job... No idea where yet. He will be on a spousal visa. Then after about a year he'll get his permanent residency, then we'll jump through the hoops and purse the citizenship process. It could take 3-5 years all together.
While in Canada my parents are graciously going to help us out for the first while, we will be living in their basement suite. It will be nice to be settled there, a fresh start! Along with work, we're thinking of potentially studying in order to get some qualifications because it's a great opportunity to do that.
We wanted to say a big thanks for all the love passed our way in this time of transition and change, especially considering our circumstances with my health. Your encouragement and kind words are a huge blessing. We would be grateful for your prayers as we do daily life in the midst of transition, for my continued recovery and for the needs we'll have as we get started in Canada. Grateful that God knows our needs before we have them.
Lots of love from the three of us :)