In the beginning

In September 2010 a new job offer for my husband came from across the Ocean.  It was a no-brainer.  Change rainy, dark Scotland for a sunny climate and the chance to start again, swim in the Ocean - change it all for a new life in Australia.  The job offer was good with the opportunity to grow the company and gain a lot of experience and I of course would get a job as a teacher. Easy  We would live happily every after.  So far so good.


We sent off our application for a working visa which enabled us to stay permanently.  We told friends and family and they were excited for us. We put the house up for sale.  Christmas came and went, no visa.  Some six months later we received an email for Immigration.  We were almost too excited to open it up.  But excitement turned to disappointment when we were told we had to withdraw our application as we had not included a skills assessment and the employer's sponsorship had expired.  Winter was bleak and the outlook looked grim.  The company withdrew their offer and we of course were disappointed.  No new life Down Under.  


A month or so later Stuart contacted them to see what their position was and after some discussion they decided to offer the job again, if Stuart was still interested.  Why wouldn't we be?  A new exciting life Down Under awaited.  This time we sent off our Temporary Visa Application (March 2011) we were told this would be quicker.  So again we told friends and family, who were again excited for us.  "Yes go, we will be sorry to see you leave" "How exciting, the kids will love it".  


Our preparations began in earnest: tidy the house, clear cupboards, live and eat daily, carry on with working, tidy the house, clear cupboards.  "What will we take?"  "Will we need this?"  Go to work.


In the meantime some of our children were telling us they couldn't/wouldn't come as they had commitments at University, College, Work.  That's okay we thought.  We still have one child to take with us.