Monday morning. Greeting it with anticipation and a bit of anxiety. When Jo and I arrived, there was Chris and Annie the permanent RAN. They left last Monday morning leaving Jo and I and Juerg (the doctor) and Susi, his wife (also one of the nurses). Comfort in numbers.
This morning Juerg and Susi leave. Leaving Jo and I.
This is the real deal. Jo and I have enjoyed the Draeyer's company over our first two weeks here. Another family to chat to, and debrief to. At 830 this morning we will just have each other.
Ben and Amy are back at school today. For Ben the challenge of home school in year 10 (final term) looms. This is his real test of fortitude, and resilience. Ben can commit himself to the work, and Jo and I trust that he can thrive, but Darnley has so much distractions. A reef of adventure literally on our door step is always a more appealing option than trigonometry and grammar. He is to source work experience these first two weeks of term. No mean feat when you consider that the opportunities here for work are almost non existent. Many islanders live on a "work for the dole" scheme, where menial tasks like rubbish clearing, and road maintenance are the primary industry. The teens on the island start their exodus back down south to Thursday Island and Cairns for school this week, and this will make Ben somewhat an island in that he is the only one (with out a baby) in his age group left here.
Amy starts her first day of Darnley School. There will be other year 4 kids in her composite 3/4 class, and a few of the other children that she met will be familiar faces for her. Especially little Zoe who has taken Amy under her wing and shown her the best of the island through a child's eyes. It was Zoe's Dad that took the kids out in his dingie on Saturday, when Ben landed that mackerel.
Starting school here will be a great new experience for her. Jo and I are thankful that they have both been able to occupy them selves given the fact that we have both had to work full time (and then some) these past two weeks.
Well ...a quick breakfast post this is. Must get ready for the day, and Job 1 is to take the doctor and nurse team that have been so much part of our orientation, and package them on a plane for their journey home.
We are it. Exciting, but scary just the same. wish us luck .
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