A practical theological narrative research of the adaptation process of a family that moved from South Africa to New Zealand

• Main Author: J. Reyneke
• Format: Article
• Language: Afrikaans
• Published: AOSIS 2005-07-01
• Series: In die Skriflig
• Subjects: Adaptation; Move To New Zealand; Narrative Research; Postmodernism; Practical Theological Wisdom; Social Constructionism
• Online Access: https://indieskriflig.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/view/414

Using narrative research methods with an emphasis on the value of practical theological wisdom and an awareness of postmodernism and social constructionism as paradigmatic context, the adaptation process of the Vermaak (pseudonym) family after a move from South Africa to New Zealand, was explored.   Five major areas of their family life in which change occurred are discussed and their experience of God’s involvement in the process is articulated. This understanding is enriched by an interdisciplinary inquiry which highlighted the process and the importance of the motivation for an overseas move as a helpful or hindering factor for meaningful adaptation. A brief mention of possible physical, psychological and social consequences is followed by a few comments that might be helpful to others.   The Vermaak family managed to strike a balance between the continuation of their past story and embracing their new context. This fact provides a hopeful anticipated future.