First Steps

Ayun sa masyadong bugbog na atang salawikain, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Indeed, New Zealand is literally thousands and thousands of miles away from where we are right now. A single step is what we need to start that journey, they say. However, in 1998, we had already taken that single step. The only problem was - we were taking more steps backwards than forwards. That's why after almost 10 years of dreaming about the place, we are still here.

Last year, when Mom went to the states to, you know, work (what else, we can't afford to go there simply on tour), I was so much hopeful that she could lend us a small amount to re-start our journey (for the nth time). Fifteen thousand bucks was all we need then. I just ended up getting very frustrated when not a single penny was loaned to us. I could not blame her (me utang pa kasi ako sa kanya, well).

That was September of last year when the point system was at its lowest. Then my dear papa took his turn in going to the states. Yes, my very generous father. He was willing to lend us money then but it was us who refused as the points went up to 140. Thought it would be difficult for us to pass then.

Four months later, I got across the NZIS site again and tried to review the policies and changes. I tried to get in touch with NewjobZ but they do charge a lot for their service. When I learned from Debbie Go that Kate Go did not really get the service from them, I took a step back and tried to check our points again. Wow, we're at the 140 threshold. That gives us little hope then...

... starting the same journey again.