2 years? We made it!

[Guest Libby1971]

WARNING: LONG POST

I am so proud of my family that we reached this milestone. At one point about three to six months in, I thought we'd stay for the two years, get citizenship and be off as soon as we could be after that. However, nothing could be further from the truth. I thoroughly enjoy my life here.

My daughters have really taken to the Aussie way of life and are throwing themselves into all the activities they can. Those of you who have seen WDU 1 will know my eldest Emily really did not want to come ('I know that living in Australia in Dad's dream but it's not mine' were her words in the summer of 2006) and a great part of my reason to possibly leave was down to her. Her distress and anxiety were just huge. I will never forget a phone she made 2 months ago...the joy and elation in her voice brought me to tears within seconds...she had just gone on a compulsory school trip in order to gather research to do a major assignment for one of her courses. The course was Animal Studies and Marine Biology, and her research task was to swim around Port Noarlunga Reef gathering data. I can't tell you what it meant or how it felt to hear that and to KNOW in just one second that everything we went through was worth it.

My youngest was always more carefree about the move. She became very nervous about what would happen in the event of an accident to me and the OH but a long list of emergency contacts and a clear plan of what to do made a huge difference. It was one of those things that never really occurred to us when we were in the UK but we had to. To see her develop and become not so bogged down with the pressure of SATs as her sister had been has been a relief. Both of them have not lost their English accents, I thought they would sound more Aussie by now. Strange.

We went back to the UK in Sept and that really helped me. Over the past 2 years I have not always found it easy. I really wanted to stay but found it hard to feel as relaxed in Australia and to bond with it. Saying the inevitable goodbyes was almost more than heart and body could stand and I can't tell you how badly I want my sister here, but it did serve to illustrate that this was the right move for us.

Work took a while to get. We tried to get work as cleaners but were told we weren't committed and so they would not employ us. We had to wait for teacher registration, 1 got a 1 term contract, then nothing for a few weeks, then Bob got a 5 week contract, and then a perm job to start in term 1. I then got a job to start almost a year to the day after arriving. It is vital that you assume it will take longer than you think to get a job rather than the other way around or you'll never budget as you should. However I never thought it would take me a year to get a full time perm job.

I have made the most wonderful friends here. Yesterday we went down to one of the wineries in McLaren Vale to celebrate with most of them. I sat down at the end of the day and thought about how full my life has become with these wonderful people in it. Most of us have children and on events such as these (and there are many!!) they play together, and vary in age from 3 to 16. These women and their husbands have played such an important role in helping us all to settle, THANK YOU, you know who you are. Be open and honest with your friends here, they do know what you are thinking, understand what you are feeling and will help.

And finally, my OH. It was his idea, his dream and I am so pleased I listened, supported and stayed. He loved Australia from the very second we landed, and having to sometimes say that I didn’t share that was hard. He has been nothing but supportive and I do think we’ve become closer as a result. Our life here does not compare with our life in the UK. My brother said to me last night that it is not exactly living the dream as you have to work so hard for it. But it does feel better.

[Guest Trakki]

Thanks for the great post Libby. You have been an inspiration to everyone and have never been scared to share your ups and downs with everyone and I really admire you for that. I am so pleased that your girls are settled and you seem so happy. Only sorry that we couldn't make it Sunday, apart from Pete getting the wrong day I was working as per usual. Hope to see you soon and heres to the next ????? years

[ianb]

Congratulations to all the family on making it this far and heres hoping you have many many more great years ahead here.

[The Flinns]

Fantastic post Libby. I'm so pleased for you and the family.

 

We begin our journey soon and your post has lifted our spirits and expectations tenfold.

 

Thanks.

[Guest Django]

Wooosh!!! Where did those two years go eh????

 

Well done on finally feeling settled. Its not a bad old place to live is it? Still sorry about the mix up at the weekend and missing the do we will have to arrange something again soon.

 

Lovely post

 

Pete

[Guest kangomik]

What a truely honest post.

Hats off to you just for that alone.

 

It is difficult, on a huge scale, but for most it is a better life, especially for the kids.

[Rachiegarlo]

Great post libby. The years will continue to roll on and with each one life here will fill up all the cracks the move here have made.

[Guest caoimhe]

Glad you have all settled and I hope you have many more happy years in Adelaide

[Denise]

Thats just a really lovely down to earth post. You really do inspire.

[Guest cunnah10]

That was a lovely thread Libby:notworthy:....always remember watching you all on WDU..was very emotional viewing(you had me in floods of tears watching it)...So glad things have worked out for you after such a lot of hard work & effort!:)and i really hope life continues to get better for you all there in Adelaide!:v_SPIN:

best wishes for the future!

 

Gill xxxx

[Trevali]

Libby, what a lovely, honest post. You have shared both the good and bad of your journey and I think you have inspired us all. Hopefully your courage and true determination will pass to those of us who are yet to arrive. Wishing you lots more happiness for your future down under.

 

Alison x

[Guest Guest75]

Top post Libby.

 

Now get Bob to finish that &*^%$#! wall:biglaugh:

 

 

Seriously,great post,good to have a natter.

 

Here's to many,many more years.

[Lea]

Congratulations Libby and family!

 

Have only met you a couple of times but have followed the trials and tribulations on here. You should be truly proud of yourselves and I think you have the original Aussie spirit of keep on going and she'll be right!

 

Take Care!

 

Lea

[Guest theforrests]

Fab post Libby - thanks for sharing. You are an inspiration to many.

[Runcorn2Adelaide]

Hey Libby Fantastic Post.

 

We watched the show whilst we we in the UK, and tobe honest, did not think you would stay....

Now you are inspirational, when we have doubts....

We have not managed to meet-up, but maybe at one get together...... you never know.

 

Continued good luck to you and your family.

 

Si n Kaz