#39 - Penultimate Day on Darnley

#39
The Penultimate day on Darnley started with an ABC radio interview as a follow up to one I did when posted in Saibai.  It was a surreal moment waiting on hold while David Illifffe was reading the miserable weather forecast for Toowoomba and surroundings ... I was sitting on my unit verandah, in 28 degree comfort, nice breeze blowing from the ocean in my front yard, and watching the island dogs taunt something in one of the rocky  fish traps .

A million miles from anything that closely resembled winter.

I arrived at work and again packed an Esky for my Immunisation out-clinic.  with 50 Flu Vaccinations in my kit, paper work, anaphylaxis kit, ambulance, and a spring in my step, I preceded to jab away till my esky was spent.

One of my facebook buddies (a nurse who will remain nameless) commented that this was about 45 mins work, and what was I going to do for the rest of my day...???   Well Andy, the rest of the day was that most noble of time wasters; the documentation!  I swear that the routine immunising of people is so stitched up with red tape that there is no wonder that immunisation nurses have to complete a special course!!!   1 day on immunisation, and 5months 3and a half weeks of paperwork....sheesh!!!

On my return to the clinic, it was Annie our permanent nurse's turn to fly off the island.  Her and Chris her husband left to catch the flight, and was to be met by Juerg, our swiss doctor.  You have to see the Calendar in Juerg's office...It is photos the village in the Swiss Alps, from where he came just a few months ago.  I am not sure if he knows what he is in for during the Torres summer!

The rest of my day was punctuated with minor procedures, dressings, sutures, digging out 'something' from a girls foot.  Something that she stood on a month ago and which is now oozing something that looks like it crawled out of my 16 year old son's sock drawer.  Nothing that an incision, a toothbrush scrubbing, and industrial strength antibiotic, and an exorcism of what was at one time, probably a form of vegetation, embedded deep in her foot. 

My couple (See earlier blogs) who during a disagreement about who He should be texting on his phone; returned also today.  It was lovely to see them walking together, chatting, laughing, to have their sutures removed.  But, I notice that in our culture (I am a Kiwi born white Australian with British heritage) a couple will often walk hand in hand.  That doesn't happen in the islander culture.  I cant recall having seen one couple showing public affection towards one another.  Public affection towards babies, and small children is open and lavish and flamboyant.  Toddlers and babies are showered with kisses, by Aunties and Aka's (old women), but spousal affection is not seen.

Tomorrow is School sports day.  I have a new nurse to collect from the air strip and orientate.  Then I will take the ambulance and some first aid gear down to the school "just in case".  The kids have been practicing their island dancing and singing for weeks, so whilst they probably really don't need me there as first aid...I really want to go for the spectacle, and photo opportunities.

I reflect on the job I am doing here and to be seen out in the community, builds relationships, and trust.  Often up to year 7, these children only ever come to the clinic to see a nurse if they need antibiotics for a tonsillitis, or infected wounds...then it is a shot in the bum.  The may only see us for their immunisations, then it is a shot in the leg, and or arm.  To the children, the Nurse is someone pictured as a needle giver, and to see us in a different light - fishing on the jetty, walking down the road, playing marbles in the dirt, exploring on the reef, or just sitting outside the shop chatting to the adults, then I think that that goes a long way to expel the misconception that I am a bad guy....Slowly slowly, I feel that I am getting through...Saibai was the same.  You just feel that you have developed that trust, and Im on a plane and flying home.

Today I made firm plans to bring my family up to the Torres for the experience, 1 - for my kids to see a different side to Australia / Queensland.  2 - because a change is good, and no risk means no growth. and 3 - because I really believe that being here for longer, and with my family by my side, I can really contribute to these communities.   This exercise was meant to be a short 2 x 3 week stints, and it has left an indelible mark on my life, and my ambitions, and my direction.  There was never any intention of coming here for more than this 6 weeks that ends tomorrow, but when all is said and done, Ive been bitten by the Torres Bug, and my ever adventurous bride and children are dead keen to sample the life up here with me.

I am wrapped that this wonderful organisation has offered me this opportunity, and also offered me the opportunity for my family to come with me to Badu Island in August, as I again go...
Over the Top.