I know—it’s been a while. My last post was in June 2022, and so much has happened since then… most of it off the water, so you probably don’t want the full recap.
But if you’re still reading, here’s a mid-year “Christmas letter” of sorts from the Vawters in New Zealand:
Cameron is thriving as Vineyard Manager at Seresin Estate. Though he originally applied to drive tractor, his resume quickly steered him into leadership. Transitioning from winemaking in the U.S. to vineyard operations in NZ was no small feat, but he’s hit his stride, managing a biodynamic, mixed-use property with grapes, olives, pine nuts, livestock, and bees. Seresin is the largest Demeter Certified biodynamic vineyard in NZ, and Cameron now serves on the Council of the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association of New Zealand, volunteering to uphold certification standards and increase the popularity of biodynamics in New Zealand.
He’s also active in our Marlborough Catholic parish—on the Parish Council, mentoring RCIA candidates, and enrolled in Called & Equipped, a lay leadership program. When time allows, he escapes to fish, dive, or hunt, but mostly, he’s a dedicated dad and husband, supporting the girls and me in all we do.
Adelaide is graduating high school! She’s been homeschooled through Oak Meadow and is finishing on the U.S. schedule. She has done a fabulous job garnering good grades and lovely comments from her teachers. She’s deferred her admission to Montana State University (Fall 2026) to take a gap year and explore her interest in Early Childhood Education. She’s soon to start work at a Montessori preschool as a relief teacher!
She’s also found a home in Blenheim’s thriving musical theatre scene. It began as offering backstage help for Les Misérables in 2022 and grew to her recent role as Assistant Stage Manager for Footloose. Most recently she was offered a job at our wonderful ASB Theatre! She has already started work as a stagehand, gaining valuable tech experience and enjoying every minute of it.
Isa is finishing her sophomore year with Oak Meadow and continues to excel. Her two great loves are horses and violin. She’s heavily involved in Marlborough’s music community. Most recently she was in the orchestra for Footloose, but she can be found teaching violin at the Marlborough Academy of Music, gigging with a local singer-songwriter, playing with Marlborough Civic Orchestra or studying to complete her Level 10 Royal Conservatory of Music qualifications (which, in two years, will earn her a credential equivalent to a 3-year music degree at the University level).
She’s also passionate about riding. We’ve leased a lovely little horse from a local riding school, and Isa’s often found mucking out paddocks, riding riverside, or working on her dressage. She’s already certified as an equine massage therapist and dreams of combining that with veterinary work one day.
As for me, I’m loving life here. Between supporting the girls and running my horse coaching business (15–20 hours a week), my days are full. With my Equestrian Sport NZ Coach qualification I help riders with confidence-building, biomechanics, groundwork, starting young horses and more. I also volunteer weekly at Marlborough Riding for the Disabled and am beginning the process of becoming a qualified coach there—Adelaide volunteers with me, and we love it.
When I can, I work on my oil painting skills —thanks to my kiwi BFF who is a very talented fine artist. And, after a long break, I’ve returned to musical theatre! I played Alice Beineke in The Addams Family and most recently, Vi Moore in Footloose. Sharing the experience with Adelaide, Isa, and our nephew Caleb (who worked backstage) was incredibly special.
Yes, our nephew Caleb is here from Hawaii! He’s working with Cameron at Seresin, having weathered harvest he is now on board for pruning season. He’s been a fantastic housemate, a fabulous “big brother” to the girls, and a martial arts enthusiast in his downtime. His western swing skills stole the show at the Footloose cast party!
Karate update: Adelaide has overtaken us! She’s now an advanced green belt in Seido Karate, while Cameron and I are still green belts—hoping to catch up soon. Caleb achieved his advanced blue belt at his first grading but has since started training (sometimes 5 times a week with the local Jujitsu club).
The big picture? We’re happy here, but open to returning to the U.S. if we are needed. The slow pace of life, the quirky culture, and the strength of the community are what keeps me feeling like this is home. We were recently granted Permanent Residency in NZ, which gives us the freedom to come and go indefinitely. In three years, we can apply for citizenship—great for the girls’ future studies and work opportunities. Last year, we bought a sweet little house which we have filled with love and laughter and a few well-found antiques and op shop treasures. Each day brings new challenges. They are not always easy and being so far away from family and friends is the hardest part. Each day we just have to trust in God’s goodness and do our best to give back or pay forward what we can.
Thanks for reading. Sending love from our little patch of paradise.
