Well, it all started when i was still in-love-the girl on my previous blog. Haha. But anyway, the memory is still fresh though it was already 3 years ago. Never have i thought that I will be here at the 'land down under' and it was never in my bucket list because Australia is not known in the Philippines. Most of the nurses (and yes im a PH RN since 2007) at home will either go for
- 1. US
- 2. CANADA
- 3. UK.
- 4. Middle East.
My plans were either going to options 2,3 and 4 and never in US as i was not fascinated in going there, just a personal preference. My mom just passed away 3 months ago when I decided to process my application for Australia. I was invited by my aunt to try my luck. I submitted my application as a live in assistant in L'arche Australia on March 11, 2015. Though, i didnt really understand my future tasks but i still push through with it (good thing). Yes, they (the bosses) promptly replied on my email and still gave me goosebumps on how i started. I processed everything that is needed as the company is a non-profit organization having people with and without intellectual disabilities. So i did my research a little bit but still didn't understand how they work since we don't have this kind of program in the Philippines (until i reached Sydney). I did my IELTS-GT (dreaded) and got a 7 scores (review done via youtube) and was praying the whole time that my application was processed.
I submitted all the requirements and visa related documents (visa 408) which i was hoping that it will be approved very soon. Then, Aileen, my homes coordinator that time, was really patient and passionate about helping me through the process. I can say she's really amazing and i will be stoked to meet her. On February 11, 2016 my visa got approved. Yes, it took almost a year for me to complete the documents. I was shivering that time having mixed emotions of nervousness and excitement. I submitted my resignation for my company that time and spent my few weeks with my friends and family in Naga City until my flight on February 20, 2016.
When we arrived at the NAIA 3 airport, it was still surreal for me. I gave my sister and nephew a hug and my aunts before i go to the airplane. This is my first flight abroad for leisure and for professional career so just imagine my nervousness that time. When the plane took off, i was just praying that everything will be alright-my flight, my journey, the experience (and it did). My flight was from 12mn (PH time) and arrived in Sydney at 2pm (Syd time).
I finally arrived in Sydney, still rattling and confused of my emotions. I was still scared leaving the airport and approaching several immigration officers but they were friendly unlike PH immigration officers. I took my bags and left the door. I tried to take a selfie but an officer told me (hearing the first Oz accent) to delete the pictures i took which i did. I was stupid and never read the signs. Haha.
I prayed and thanked God that i arrived safe and finally, i was there. I went out and Aileen picked me up together with Bonfire (core member) and Cohen (new live in assistant). First, i was amazed, shocked, baffled when i saw her. She was white, tall, wearing glasses, thin, looks really smart but most of all, she had long dreadlocks and barefoot. I thought to my self, "is this the culture here in Australia during summer?". She was all smiles, laughing and was really genuine so it was all good. Then, Cohen, black, all smiles, thin, young. Im not being racist just trying to describe them. Then, Bonfire, he had Down's Syndrome, in a wheelchair but all smiles too. They greeted me and went off to the car.
I was still nervous that time going with them. I felt inferior from their race because we never had a lot of encounters of races in the Philippines and i was afraid to utter something that my offend them or not appropriate. But as Aileen was driving, she was really passionate to know more about me so i felt relaxed as the time goes by. By the way, Aileen is german and Cohen was South African and Bonfire was Aussie. We continued talking and laughing and talking about the history of Bonfire on how he got his name as Aileen makes it more interesting. Then, it took about 1 hour to reach the house where i will stay (and work).
Then, we arrived an entered a very cozy house. I met Katie(core member), greeting me in front of the door, Stephanie (house coordinator), Lawrence(Filipino live in assistant) and then Anthony and Janine (core members). Everyone was lovely, the first impression was really good. Then, they sent me to my room and gave me time to rest until dinner at 6pm). My room was so big (for me), it has its own couch and walk in cabinets. I took time to get my things sorted and prayed just to thank God for that time.
I went downstairs and had dinner with them. The chat continued and that was the start of my beautiful journey in Australia. Until this day, i am grateful.
