25 Years Later: USA Marine Moves his family to New Zealand

In this episode, we chat with VD, a Vietnamese-American who transformed his family’s life by relocating from California to New Zealand.

VD is a well-loved member of our NZ Ahead private community, and today he shares the heartfelt journey of planning, preparation, and discovery, highlighting the importance of community and the magic of unexpected connections.

This is such an emotional and uplifting conversation that emphasises the beauty of dreams, resilience, and family bonds.

If ever you needed something to motivate you to chase your dreams and aspirations, this episode is it.

Enjoy!

From California Dreamin’ to Kiwi Living

The story begins in Oakland, California, where VD and his family spent years envisioning a life abroad.

After a heartfelt revelation, stemming from VD’s experiences in the United States Marine Corps and the loss of loved ones, he recognized that life was too precious not to chase dreams wholeheartedly.

Meeting his wife, Heon, a Vietnamese immigrant herself, was like finding a soulmate who understood the power of resilience and dreams.

After they were married, she surprised him with a trip to New Zealand, where they explored the North and South Islands, creating cherished memories that solidified their desire to relocate.

Preparing for the Move to New Zealand

For over five years, the couple meticulously planned their move, overcoming obstacles and divine interventions. They involved their children—Raewyn and Otis—in the process, ensuring they understood the meaning behind their big leap.

VD emphasizes the importance of being upfront with children about such life changes, explaining the “why” behind their move rather than providing a façade of surprise.

As they secured a job offer in New Zealand for Heon, a pharmacist, they navigated the visa application process, which allowed them to transition smoothly into their new life.

They packed their essentials into a U-Box, preparing for a new adventure filled with opportunities and challenges.

The Beauty of New Beginnings

Arriving in New Zealand was nothing short of magical.

The family embraced the vibrant landscape, where verdant green fields contrasted starkly against the Californian drought they’d left behind.

Every day was filled with exploration, laughter, and aimless wandering, allowing them to immerse themselves in the Kiwi culture.

From bonding over their first meat pie to playing on the beach, VD captured the essence of their journey beautifully.

The family engaged deeply with their surroundings, reminding themselves to maintain a sense of wonder akin to that of children.

Finding Community

The importance of community shone through in their experiences. VD shared an incredible anecdote about meeting a fellow Californian on the plane to New Zealand.

The connection highlighted the serendipity that surrounded their journey.

Additionally, they found support through local networks and embraced the warmth of the Kiwi people, which allowed them to feel right at home.

Keeping the Spark Alive

As the initial excitement of the move began to settle, VD and his family recognized the value of maintaining optimism and resilience.

They relied on their vision board—featuring dreams, aspirations, and goals—to remind themselves of why they made the move in the first place.

VD’s journey illustrates the profound notion that life is not merely about the destination, but the experiences and growth along the way.

The family’s shared joys, laughter, and connection to one another made every day an opportunity for discovery and enrichment.

Conclusion

This enlightening exchange serves as a reminder that moving to a new country can be more than just an address change; it can be an awakening of the spirit.

It’s about building a life that resonates with one’s core values, fostering community connections, and inspiring those around us to embrace the unknown.

VD’s story embodies this beautifully.

As they continue their journey in New Zealand, we can only imagine the breathtaking memories they’ll make, the lessons they’ll learn, and the depths of their love for each other and their new home.

In this age of global connection, VD’s story serves as a reminder to us all: no matter where we come from, we all seek the same thing—a place to call home, where we can nurture dreams, embrace adventure, and keep our hearts open to life’s endless possibilities.