2002

Most people can remember where they were at particular moments in the past.  Mal and I were just musing about where we were in 2002.  Since I am not good at keeping a journal, I thought that I would put those memories here.  

At the beginning of '02 Mal and I were both living in Guam.  We were married on May 15th.  Then, immediately proceeded to process the immigration paperwork for our entry into Australia.  I was projected to attend an USAF training school at the end of June until August.  So I resigned from work, my girls and I scaled down all our belonging into I think 11 suitcases or boxes.  Basically, we shed most everything and travelled to Australia on a visitors visa.  Just days before typhoon Chataan (will check the spelling) hit Guam.  Note here people in Guam mark time by typhoon names.  

We spent a few days in our new home then traveled to the US.  Deb and Mia went to Grampa's in South Dakota and I went on to school in Texas.  Mal joined me there after a few weeks.  At then end of the school, Mal and I travelled to South Dakota on different airlines because the travel agent messed up but we both got there.  The girls and I had to wait until our visas were processed before we could return to Australia.  Mal went off to Western Samoa for work.  Mal had faith in the visa process and purchased the girls' and my tickets to Australia for mid-Sept.  Mal did email the consulate and tell them that we would just happen to be in LA mid-Sept could we get our visa.  The answer came a couple of weeks later, yes.  We were off.  

Before, I left South Dakota, my grandmother age 94 was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  She said, "Well you have to die of something."  My Dad's sister was very tired and crabby and suffering from pain in her shoulder.  We thought it stress from Gramma's impending death.  

While in Samoa, Mal broke his wrist, playing a friendly game of soccer.  Mal, they were younger and probably bigger than you! He came back to Australia a week later had his wrist re-broken and cast properly and all has been well.

Not long after getting to Australia, my Aunt was also diagnosed with terminal cancer.  Bummer, I was never to see her again and she had done a lot to raise me because my mother was sick.

Then in November, my Gramma past away.  I was in Cairns and started planning to come home for the funeral.  My Dad asked if I wanted to come to Gramma's funeral or my Aunt's.  He said she will die soon.  After an agonizing few hours, I called Dad and said I would wait.  Two weeks later my Aunt died and I made flights home.  

The church we attended every year about this time held a beach camp for young adults.  Mal and I were to lead one of the sessions during the week.  A lesson called "Hanging tough with change", do ya think we were qualified?!

My trip to the US meant that I would miss the first day of camp but I got my girl's to pack for me.  Mal then too missed most of the camp, because while I was in the US typhoon Pongsonga (I will check spelling) hit Guam and caused a major fire.  Mal was flown as part of the response team.  Deb also packed his bag as he left 2 hours after the call and was at the doctor.

I flew home only to realize that I was locked out of my house.  After a good cry. I remembered Mal had a hidden key and got in.  Threw some things together and got picked up to go to camp.  Mal returned on the last day of the camp. I knew very few people so it was an experience.  Probably good in retrospect because people got to know me as me not as Mal's wife.  

We then returned home for a couple of weeks and the four of us Mal and girls and I, left for 4 weeks in Samoa.  I was ready for this because life for an American in Australia was very tough at the time.  Australians were blaming Americans for sending their troops to Iraq.  I didn't mind catching flack most of the time but when people started pointing on my daughters, too young to vote, and abuse them for send troops and being war mongers.  I had enough.  Thank God for work in Samoa.  

Mal and I chatted about these memories last night because, he has sent in a resume for more work in Samoa.  I was remembering walking down the street almost every evening for ice cream, swimming (really, watching Mal and the girls swim as I was only just learning). a New Year's eve dance at the hotel, and scrapbooking withe the girls.  It was good.  Mal reminded me that we had a big fight while there.  It was our first, his nationalism took on mine and neither of us came out much better for it.  

I may also note that between the end of the camp and the trip to Samoa, I got drunk.  I didn't mean to I was having a wine with Mal's daughter and next thing I remember, I was, well sick.  Not a fine moment but I remember telling Mal's daughter about my Aunt and Gramma and well.  I guess, I was mourning.  

There was more and Mal may comment with his memories but it was a "full on" year.