Our stay with friends in both Perth, Fremantle and Albany was clarifying. I should not seek for a place near a dear friend. Our lifestyles were to different and I could not lean on somebody else too much. Besides that, living 10 km away from each other is already very different then both living in Broome. It is like in Holland; a 10 minute drive can be enough not to see one another for weeks or even months. Also I realized that Perth, even Freo, was to crowded for me. I prefer a smaller community. Main point of research was day care and schooling possibilities for Joy, but that all turned out fine.
I still wanted to live in Australia but did not know where.
The quest (1997-2006)
After a while I got my act together and found out what I needed to do to possibly be able to return to Australia permanently. Next to a fulltime job I started studying to become a social worker. If it wasn't for Niki I would have lost my sanity and probably gained at least 10 kg. But I didn't, she kept me moving and outdoors which I needed with this schedule. I graduated after 3,5 years because I was in a hurry. I needed two years of working experience in this field and to have that before I turned 35, otherwise I would loose points on age. Just in time I applied for a visa - skilled independent migrant. And the waiting started.
Meanwhile I decided to explore other options. When having lived in New Zealand for two years you can get into Australia as well I was been told. So in 2003 I checked New Zealand out and applied for jobs. Just around accepting one I ran into Rick, a friend of a friend, and fell in love. As Rick was willing to move with me but once, I decided to put him on the application for Australia and see what would happen.
I fell pregnant. Joy was born. Not long after, against all advise, I inquired about the progress of my application. The immigration deparment had left my file on the wrong stack they said. A few months later I received the visa for Joy and myself, unfortunately the relation with Rick did not last.
In March 2006 Joy and I 'activated' our visa and explored possibilities and options for a possible future in Australia.
Meanwhile I decided to explore other options. When having lived in New Zealand for two years you can get into Australia as well I was been told. So in 2003 I checked New Zealand out and applied for jobs. Just around accepting one I ran into Rick, a friend of a friend, and fell in love. As Rick was willing to move with me but once, I decided to put him on the application for Australia and see what would happen.
I fell pregnant. Joy was born. Not long after, against all advise, I inquired about the progress of my application. The immigration deparment had left my file on the wrong stack they said. A few months later I received the visa for Joy and myself, unfortunately the relation with Rick did not last.
In March 2006 Joy and I 'activated' our visa and explored possibilities and options for a possible future in Australia.
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