End of the week. Robs Blog 3.
As the week draws to an end, I stap ya to reflect on change blo mi and my pamle. I found Saibai hard to adjust to and attribute this partly to the fact that I didn’t have family, and knowledge about the culture or what to expect. Having worked now on Saibai in the far north west, and Darnley in the East, Yam Island in the centre and now here, (Masig) right of the centre; I feel that I have been able to talk to family about the uniqueness of this beautiful yet raw place. Jo and the kids came on this adventure with their eyes open a little wider than I did back in May/June, partly because they could see the islands through the RAN series on SBS, and the stories I told, the other blog I wrote, and the photos and video I shared when going home between island hops.
I have a sense of ease that Jo and the kids are adjusting really well given that we have not been here a full week. I’d like to think that I played a big part of this. For the last three placements it was about self preservation and orientation to the working conditions in these isolated settings, but this week on Yorke (Masig) it has been different. I feel so much more at ease. I don’t feel crippled by the ball and chain that was boredom and loneliness this time because I have my people just 15 metres away and up 7 steps. I can debrief every lunch time and every afternoon with Jo, and when something interesting comes in, I can call her in to see it, and learn the way the clinic runs. In 2 short weeks, Jo is going to me my second nurse, and I will rely on her to offer clinical support to the Darnley Health centre, not just matrimonial support to her neurotic husband.
Today has been a day of sitting and talking to Robyn, the Yorke permanent RAN about her history, and the role she played in the filming and production of the RAN series. I have invited Robyn, and one of our health workers (Bonnie – pictured with Ben in one of Jo’s photos) to come for one of my Curries tonight. I spent my lunch break today making fresh coconut cream from coconuts picked and husked yesterday. This one is going to be the real deal. We as a family are really looking forward to having them share their stories. The kids on the island all highly respect Robyn and call her Aka Robyn which means “grandmother”, and she speaks with a passion about the islands and islanders…It is infectious.
Jo has also been asked to consult on a couple of wounds today. This is a role that she loves, and I just love watching her do her thing with diabetic leg ulcers. A nurse on another island heard about Jo being here, and has send photos of their “problem patient’s” wounds for her to offer advise also. It is great that, even before she officially starts on payroll, she is being sought after. I knew this would happen, and I can see the day in the not too distant future, when she will be helicoptered in and out of islands to offer assessment and consultation and support to nurses who feel that support is required.
The nicest reflection of the week has to be the way that Amy and Ben have embraced island life. Amy is off to school each day and loves the differences that she experiences even though these things are not our way. Jo went to assembly at the school with Amy today and I am sure that she will blog that experience. I know I am looking forward to reading it. Ben is off on the reef 2-3 times each day. He collects the strangest of creatures, and puts them in a big polystyrene box for a few hours to “study them” . It is a great way for him to maintain his biology diary (if he is actually doing it). He was snorkelling last night and came up with massive sea urchins. Robyn said if they were big enough, she would show him how to eat them…Not an islander tradition in these waters, but Robyn has Kiwi heritage, and the Maori are known for loving sea urchin. Well this was just a challenge for Ben, and I know he will hunt relentlessly until he finds a big enough sea urchin to eat. He has come a long way from the kid who was a fussy eater. These days he is game on for anything.
Speaking of anything, I cooked up that Javelin Fish this morning. Note to self….dont cook any more Javelin fish!!! If you like your fish with millions of nylon like needle bones, eat Javelin fish. I prefer big fillets of boneless fish…..Javelin Fish is at the other end of the spectrum.
I am really looking forward to the Weekend. On Saturday Jo and the Kids and I will fish, sunbake and snorkel, and catch the very best of the tides. Jo can take photos with her schmik new camera, Amy can make sand castles and decorate them with the prettiest of shells, and Ben and I can be shark bait. I cant wait.
Yep…the Torres is different for me this time round, and I am so thankful to my courageous family for trusting me, and allowing me to take them on this adventure. Ok… well I should draw this post to an end, and wind down for the day/week…(did you detect the sarcasm??). Things here are a little quiet.
Have a great TGIF everyone!! Yawo.
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