By: Becca de la Vega
Since arriving in New Zealand in May 2007, we have experienced two autumns and survived two winters. Soon, it will be the blooming of spring flowers. And then, come December, the damaging sun of summer will he here again.

While it is difficult to accept, home for us now is New Zealand. We have been permanent residents since November 2007, exactly six months since we arrived in what is literally The Land of Milk and Honey. Milk and honey are truly in abundance in this part of the world. My husband, Virgil, and I could not believe that over a year has passed us by. We made it through all the trials presented to us everyday. We kept our faith and were determined to make it.
Virgil had been denied several times in his job applications as he had no Kiwi experience to back him up. He had to downscale his CV and keep a low profile. He’s been truly humbled. One day, he went for an interview for a much junior position. That morning before breakfast, we prayed with the children. They asked that their Papa be led to the person who will give him a break. In its truest form, God granted our heart’s desires on that fateful day. The regional manager who conducted the interview realized that Virgil sounded very senior and asked for his untouched CV. July 10, 2007 was a day to remember. It stormed and the strong winds brought along with it the job offer that made us eventually qualify as permanent residents.
In those times, while waiting, God allowed us to reflect and appreciate the little things presented to us. We lived by the beachfront in our first three months in New Zealand. Living by the sea, I began to realize that the stones by the seashore are not sharp and will not hurt you. Have you wondered why? Because they are in constant motion....perpetually, they rub against each other when water runs through them. In time, their rough edges are smoothened. That's exactly how it is living in a community, having a family and being a friend to someone. God allows you to rub against each other. You stay, live and breathe together, accepting and tolerating each other's flaws and faults. In time, you become complete, a perfectly rounded person.
God must have really planned for us to be here. I constantly pray for our mission and it is unfolding each day. When I am disheartened and I look down, He makes me look up to tell me, “See, your disappointments are MY APPOINTMENTS with you. Prepare for our appointment.”
Everyday, I count my blessings. I learn and get by. I thank God for everything we have, and yet to have. Even if the things we hoped for are not given, I know that He will grant us much more than what we asked for.
Rainbows in New Zealand are so beautiful and are ordinary sights. Have you ever seen a rainbow from end to end? It is only now that I have seen one. It is exactly how we draw it and how it is presented to us in storybooks. It is not only in fairytales and bible stories that rainbows appear as a promise after all. It happens in real life...in real time...it happens everyday. SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW...a rainbow connects us...our families...our friendships... our lives.

About the Author:
Becca de la Vega is our Ka-Pinay correspondent in New Zealand. She is a full-time wife and mother with part-time jobs as a personal assistant to an insurance adviser and the IMC manager of Desktop Technology Services, Ltd.

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