June Newsletter

Welcome to the newsletter from Distance Families

DISTANCE FAMILIES NEWS

​In circles of ‘on the move’, rotational, every-two-or-three-years expats, June is frequently the month, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, when many are packing up, saying goodbyes and heading to their next assignment destination, in time for the next school year commencing August/September.
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These families are often from the corporate, diplomatic, military or missionary worlds. In most cases the moves are a choice; sometimes they’re not. 

​Initially, it’s a novelty for all generations, including those at 'home'. But in no time, continuous moves become the norm and there’s a certain ‘here we go again’ that comes into play for everyone. With each move, Distance Sons and Daughters and their children get better at saying their goodbyes, transitioning, making new friends and adjusting to the new culture. But there is also grief, trepidation, uncertainty and upheaval. It can be tough on the parents and tough on the children.

BOOK SERIES NEWS

I had two delightful discoveries in May...

​Second, on Mother’s Day, hubby and I went to the city for a dose of culture. While there, we popped into the central city branch of Auckland Libraries. I had been aware a copy of my books are available in its ‘Central

First I discovered a New Zealand, dedicated ebook retailer - new for our country. Normally we have to order from afar.  If you're keen to 'Buy NZ' you now have choices.
Click here for meBooks.

​City Special Collections’ – but what is the CCSP I’d often asked myself. Time to find out.
​When a helpful librarian enquired if he could assist, I asked for directions to the special collection. He asked why I wanted to know. I explained I was an author and my books featured there. Well, he was so impressed. The CCSC is an appointment-only Reading Room and Research Centre open Monday to Saturday he explained. “Your books feature in the collection because of their cultural significance – congratulations to you”.
Thank you Auckland Libraries - you made my day!                                                                                      (Photo: Auckland Council Libraries website)

ON THE HOME FRONT

​During May we put our U.K. grandson back on a plane home to enjoy the Northern Hemisphere summer and the last year of his law degree. He’s been in New Zealand for eight months and spent a fair slice of that time living with us. We’ve been grateful to connect with him in this way. We all know each other much better – “warts ‘n all” as they say. When we visit the U.K. this winter, reconnections will be seamless - such a luxury as distance grandparents.

Our weather woes continue in New Zealand cemented by this headline in the local rag. We've had a whole year's rain in six months. Despite these issues it doesn’t get super cold in Auckland. ​We're booked to visit​

​Europe and stay with family in the UK for several weeks over November to January. Due to our generally mild temperatures we don’t own the gear we need for this geographical adventure -  so we’ve been shopping! We can't leave that task to later in the year as stores will be filled with summer gear then. To test our new threads and for a change of scene hubby and I have decided to visit Christchurch (further south and colder) for a few days later in June. I hope to share some stunning winter snaps in the next newsletter especially from when we venture across the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train

​Take care until next time
Helen Ellis
 
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