The Reason We're Here

With Lili's advisor (sweet guy with beard) and a Victoria University colleague (lady) at the Fulbright Welcome Reception

It's all very lovely to move to New Zealand, start new schools, figure out the supermarket and make new friends... but let's not forget the reason we're here. Our darling wife and mom received an amazing award - The Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Research - of which only a handful of people were awarded this year, and only one person from that group sent to New Zealand - Lili! 

While I'm being quite reductive here, Lili's research explores the strategies and impact of teaching literacy in vulnerable populations here in New Zealand - a country that has a very unique relationship with its vulnerable indigenous community, due to the historic signing of the Waitangi Treaty in 1804, which created a strong partnership between the British Crown and the Maori's of New Zealand. It's actually fascinating.

Recently I accompanied Lili to her Fulbright Welcome Reception, where she was seriously a VIP. Those of you who know Lili will be aware that she will do whatever she can to avoid the limelight, so we're so proud of her. A photoshoot was quite outside of her comfort zone.

With the seven other Fulbright recipients stationed in NZ who work in very diverse fields. One guy studies poop, and another is making robots out of chicken wings. 

 

Photo shoot time

But at the reception, Lili was like a rockstar. All these local important people, calling her name from the other side of the room, had either already met Lili at her two initial days at the university, or had heard about her and her research. There is some intense extravert socializing happening for Lili these days. 

Meanwhile, because apparently I can talk to a wall, I was working the room as Lili's husband. Pretty cool since this is quite rare (I'm afraid). I ate every damn vegetable at the buffet unapologetically and went straight up to the US representative for New Zealand and asked if he might personally fund our family's trip to the South Island since he couldn't stop talking about it in his welcome remarks. He said no.

 

At all welcome events across New Zealand life it is customary to have a traditional Maori kapa haka greeting (music and dance). This was really exceptional and powerful.

Anyway, this is just a quick one to remind you all the reason we're here. Moving to another country temporarily is something we've spoken about the whole time we've been togethere, but we just never knew how we'd make it happen. Thanks Fulbright!