We arived in Australia on 19th of October 2000...finally!
The kids had talked to Missy on the computer and the telephone and they really enjoyed their time with her but I was still worried about how they would adapt to having someone new in the house. But, I worried for nothing!
We got back to Western Australia at 2am in the morning and drove the hours drive to pick them up. It was so amazing. The kids had never had baby sitters before and my social life was non existent so they never took to people quickly without caution. Well Missy was sitting in the back seat while I drove us home to Bunbury, another hours driving. Danielle went and plonked herself next to Missy and cuddled her the whole way home. They chatted as if they were old school friends. Amazing!!! I can't tell you how much that warmed my heart!
More amazing yet, I have a little dog at home called Maza. He wouldn't hurt a fly but he always barks when strangers come, even if I' with them. We arrived home at about 4 o'clock in the morning. I expected Maza to go crazy..1). he'd have really missed me and
2). he would see a stranger on our doorstep. Well, blow me down, he didn't give a hoot about me but ran up to Missy giving her licks and a warm welcome...not one bark! It was like we had all lived together for years and it all felt soooo right!
Well, since that first night, as a family we have grown from strength to strength! My friends all excepted Missy wonderfully! My Mum sends us cards addressed to her "two daughters" and we couldn't be happier!
On March 31st, 2001, Missy and I (and the kids!) cellebrated our love in front of 35 close friends in a committment ceremony. It was beautiful. Most of our guest cried as we shared our vows because they had seen us over come almost impossible barriers to be together. Some said it was the most touching wedding they had ever been to. I know it was the most touching for me! The kids even made comment "it's not just your wedding mum, we're marrying Missy too!"
We have had a lot of ups and downs, as all couples do but love can conquer all and it is!
Missy and I have been flying out of the country every 3 months to re-new her visa to stay in Australia. It's been very expensive and very wearing but we just took our final trip last month. See our travel page. On September 28, 2001, we can apply for an Interdependent Spouse visa that will allow her to stay here and work here for 2 years. At the end of that time we can apply for her permanent visa.
This last year has been incredible. So much has happened, so much has changed! But, it just goes to show, why bother worrying over the future when you can just enjoy today. The future changes the present so rapidly, so unexpectedly...so just enjoy what you have and realise that fate has a way of leading you into a nicer tomorrow.
Please move onto the next page to see where we're at.
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