Michelle Wong – Off to New Zealand

It’s happening. I’m off to New Zealand for a rugby adventure.

Once I read an article titled Bravery is a Choice by Chris Brogan. It has stuck with me since I read it in December 2012. It made me think about being brave about my choices and also about having courage to make decisions. Which is one of the reasons why I’m going to the other side of the world for a new life experience and to learn the rugby.

While I’m in New Zealand I hope to immerse myself in the culture and rugby culture to learn all about it. They say the best way to learn a language is to surround yourself with it, so why not surround myself with rugby?

I’ll be staying in Christchurch in the sound island, which is in the Canterbury region. The club rugby season starts with pre-season in March, competition begins in April and goes until August. One of my college rugby teammates has been living and playing rugby in Christchurch for the past few years so I’ll join her team, the Sydenham Rugby Club.

The Crusaders are Christchurch’s Super Rugby team. Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, and Israel Dagg are a few of the players on the squad. Excited to watch some professional rugby!

I’m traveling with Stacia. She loves nature and is interested in sustainable living, and permaculture. We will be staying on farms and doing some work in exchange for a place to live and food through WWOOFing (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms). I’m looking forward to learning a bit about agriculture and where food comes from.

Courage is another thing that’s been on my mind since reading the Bravery is a Choice blog post. Courage to pick up and leave what I’m familiar with, courage to try something new, and courage to experience life in a different country.

Here’s to a brave new adventure in New Zealand!