BACK and FORWARD

My nephew Ben, his wife Lauren and their three children, Josh, Ruby and Sam have recently returned to the small town of Fairlie in the beautiful Mackenzie District of the South Island. If anyone has had a famous Fairlie pie (Bacon and Salmon, Vegan, Venison and Cranberry to name a few) then you will have tasted a real humdinger. 
Ben (on promotion) and his family moved four years ago to a high school in Taranaki. The consuming nature of climbing the promotional ladder and realising that time with family and lifestyle was more important than anything else, they (both Ben and Lauren) applied for and won teaching positions at Mackenzie College. 
The community has made their return easy. “Great to have you back” is a common refrain. Ben said, “You can’t go to the supermarket in ten minutes. Everywhere you turn, another conversation will start up.” (My kind of town!). 

Staff at school have also been very encouraging and complimentary to them on Ben’s return as Deputy Principal and Lauren as she starts in a beginning teacher position. The kind welcomes and greetings have made the many adjustments of moving so much easier and how reassuring it must be for them to know their kids are safe and happy in an amazing outdoor environment. 
Ben and his family know they belong. They have gone back, but it is not a backwards move. Their priorities and values align. They have simplified their pace of life and have so much to look forward to.