When the light appears!

The Melbourne sky starts to dim, It is the fifth year anniversary since Mum has died and Dad has filled his sadness with work. Night time for me is one of the most overwhelming times of the day, it is the memories that flood in and consume my thinking, being on a high rise building definitely doesn't help either, I have always had a fear of heights, I never knew why we moved into this worn down building anyway. Music is the only thing that blocks out my perception of the world. Sometimes I wish that God would have never put me on this earth, school Is already hard enough with being in Year 9. It is especially hard with the homework, bullies and loneliness. 

Dad walks in with that same old look on his face, The smiling but hurt type of face. He walks into my room, taps on my headphones and leads me to the dinner table. We started eating and Dad pipes up saying "I have been sent on a business trip ". At first I thought, well that is okay. But yet again Dad has never been on a business trip before"surely It will be In another state of Australia" I think to myself. He later explains "It is set in Vanuatu." My eyes widen and I start to hyper ventilate. "what?" I say. My mind swirls, Dad has never been on a business trip before, neither has he left the country. I don't know how this will go. Dad pipes up again saying "and you are coming with me." I stand up in a rush with very high, mixed set of emotions and I run to my room. I lay on my bed, grab my headphones and I lye down, I start to doze of into an emotionless state.

Dad walks in and I try to ignore him, but I can't do it. I take of my headphones and expect a lecture, but that was not the case. He gently said to me " I am giving you the choice if you want us to go or not." At the time I felt really confused but after a nights worth of thinking I decided that it would be good to go somewhere else for a change. In the morning I tell Dad what I think about the trip and he looks like he is taking it really well but I know on the inside he is having a small dance party. 

The day arrives when we leave. I am actually not feeling to nervous about the trip anymore, I think Mum would be proud of me. We hop on the plane with no hassle and lift off here we go. Memories flood back in my mind of when Mum and I were on the plane waiting for our ears to pop as we were going up into the sky. I remember landing and seeing her big blue eyes widen as we land, two hours later the plane lands and I find myself in this lusciously green paradise. Dad calls down a small van that has the sign taxi on it, It felt very strange seeing a vibrantly colourful van rather then a small little yellow car that you see in the movies. We are driven a small way north and the taxi driver points out each of the iconic places. "Espiritu santo, Vanuatu's biggest island is so beautiful" I think to myself!

We arrive at our house and we are greeted by the locals. They are warm and friendly people who just are happy with the little that they have. Then I cuddle my Dad and talk to him about all the trips and amazing adventures that we had with Mum. He nods harshly with agreement, we then settle in the house and head to bed. All thoughts have left my mind and I fall into a peaceful trance. In the morning, I hear a village rooster crow and I feel as if I am on a farm. I begin to realise how much I am starting to love Vanuatu. I love the fresh air, the bon fires, birds chirping, clear night sky and the beautiful lush landscape. 

Weeks later I have made many new friends who don't bully or tease but accept me for my faults and weaknesses. I have adventured around part of the island, I have learnt how to spear fish and fend for myself. I am learning more about my Dad and the way he thinks, he has taught me a lot. The business trip was meant to go for four weeks but It ended up having no end date on when we were going back. I feel that this is an amazing gift that has been given to me. I am humbled by the way the people live here, they are so happy! My life has changed for the better!

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