Getting To Here

First of all, thanks to everyone who took the time to read!
In the past two days, I've gotten three major questions, so here are some answers:

1. Why?
As trite as sounds, the answer is "Why Not?"  Pat and I always talked about living abroad, and now seems like a reasonable time.  Our children are young and portable.  We don't own a house.  We don't have any pets (not that you can't bring pets to New Zealand -- just expect them to spend some weeks in quarantine after you arrive).
New Zealand is any easy choice, and many (ED docs especially) have made the trip, at least temporarily.  English is the primary language, the ABEM Board Certification is sufficient for unrestricted practice (not that it was easy to come by!), and it's (reportedly) a beautiful and safe place for kids.  Being a 2.5 hour flight from Fiji isn't bad either.

2. How?
This is for you who have asked how to make something like this happen.  To the right (weblinks) is a website from the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) which is geared toward answering some common questions. 

The first step is to find a job.  The Ministry of Health oversees 20 District Health Boards (DHBs), which frequently post listings for job openings in their regions.  You can also contact a recruitment agency.  It is important to keep in mind that New Zealand is about the size of Oregon and has more sheep than people.  I say this because there are not always that many open jobs available and those that are open in the nicer areas tend to get snapped up pretty quickly.  Pat and I found our jobs by combing the DHB websites for vacancies and applying directly (rather than pay a recruiter to find positions for us).  After a few dead-ends, we landed 3 phone interviews and finally (luckily) signed on for two years in Taranaki (next to the volcano).

Next, you have to register with the MCNZ.  It's much easier to find a job and register with The Council if you're already board-certified, and, for those considering making the move right out of residency, I might suggest waiting the year or so until you've passed the Boards.

THEN comes the Visa application.  It is what it is.  Lots of paperwork, doctors notes, blood tests, background checks.  We spent $150 on passport photos alone for this thing.  Still checking the mail every day hoping it'll show up in time to leave!

All-in-all, I think the sweet-spot is to start looking 6 months in advance.  Enough time to find a job, get all the paperwork done, pass the boards, get out of your current lease, sell all your s**t.  I feel there's a lot more I have to say about the process, and I'm happy to answer specific questions if you have them.

3. Maybe You Two Will Go And The Kids Will Stay With Me?
No.  Sorry Katherine, Taylor, Grandparents on both sides.  Elise just learned to say "we're moving to New Zealand," and she's too cute to leave behind.

Mount Taranaki (from Wikipedia).  Keep a lid on it for another two years, ok?

Obligatory Band Photo

Starting Out

It's now T-minus one month until we officially become expats.

Since we're going to be relatively out-of-touch (at least time zone-wise) from our friends and family, I thought it would be a good idea to chronicle some of our adventures, including what it's like to live, work, and raise two kids on the other side of the planet.

The mood right now?  Heavy purging phase.  Having made the decision to not take really anything overseas with us, we've donated, trashed, or sold most of our clothes, kids' toys, and furniture, and are beginning to get a taste of what it'll be like to leave all our familiar comforts behind.  I guess it's a little scary?

Other than that:
1. Plane tickets -- check
2. Jobs lined up -- check
3. Preschool applications -- check
4. Dramamine for the kids (16 hour flight!) -- check

Now if only our Visas would arrive ...

Maybe we'll come back with accents

Maybe I'll come back with the ability to walk on my own.