Lesson in Being an Isolated Extrovert

It's strange to think back on why we made some of the big decisions of our lives. This move is pretty high up on the list of life altering decisions....but did I really think it was a good idea for me - a very affectionate extrovert - to move to a remote, isolated cattle station to live solely with a family of quiet introverts? ...Didn't I consider how lonely it was going to be? HUH?!

In all fairness, most of the time it's actually been a really good experience. I like the job and the family are really great to work for, and there is quiet and peace here like I have never experienced before. 

But sometimes, you just want to hug a friend. And say a lot of words.

So what then?

I am blessed to have the resources to go the 180km into town each weekend and hang out with the Baptists on a Sunday morning. They have been amazing. More than I can describe. And some real friendships are just starting to bloom out of the beautiful welcome and fellowship I've experienced in these last 9 months, even if I am such a nutcase who has no idea how to act appropriately in the city, let alone in the country. But even so, none of this can replace just a simple evening with your mum on the couch doing the crossword, or looking into the eyes of an old and beloved friend. Thinking about this sometimes makes me feel frustrated or angry that I can't have it (maybe I spend too much time with children?) and sometimes it makes me sad and I cry with the longing pains in my heart to feel totally comfortable and safe in friendships again. 

But... those reactions really only happen sometimes. Most of the time as I remember my Saviour, my Brother, my Friend, I am blown away by how tangibly real His companionship is and I am so thankful. Jesus has truly been my rock, my comforter, my all in all. He has calmed my anxious heart with his loving presence more times than I can say. Gosh, He is a good friend. I wouldn't have the patience for me that He does. So, this is what I have been learning of Him out here in the alone-ness of my current state of life. And I haven't been lonely. 

I could really use a few more hugs in my life and wouldn't say no to have a few more close friends around me regularly to share my life with, but I don't say any of this with despair. Just hope for the future and faith in the One who knows me and loves me as I look forward to that great day when I can finally give Him a hug. Bring it on.

Lesson about Traffic Hazards.

There are some fairly significant differences between city driving and country driving. The roads are different, the speed is different, the hazards are more “flora and fauna” and less “traffic jams and road rage”. So if I have learnt anything from being part of the Masterchef generation, I know that after 3 weeks out here I am officially an expert on the topic. So here are my lessons on driving in the country:

First and foremost – Keep Your Eyes Open. And I don’t mean just staying awake. Considering we are talking about driving, I’m going to assume consciousness as a given. No, I mean Look and Scan. All. The. Time. These hazards come at you from the front, side, behind you, underneath you, so stay alert.

Hazard One – Dirt Roads. I suspect it’s like driving on bitumen with bare tyres cause things get a little slippery pretty quickly. So to avoid the heart palpitations that ensue when the car starts turning in a way you didn’t tell it to go, break early and slowly.

Hazard Two – Kangaroos. The novelty wore off pretty quickly cause I see HUNDREDS of these guys everyday. I probably should have put these as Hazard Number One as you’ll see a dead one every 200m. They will come at you from any direction, they love sunrise and sunset the most, and they just love getting in your way.

Hazard Three – Emus. I’m told they are the stupidest of the lot, but I’m yet to see it. Apparently they are known to start running away from you, change their minds, then run straight into the side of your car instead. At least they are easy to spot.

Hazard Four – Bush Turkeys. Don’t be fooled though, they look nothing like a turkey. More like a prouder, miniature emu. Or a librarian. In any case, I’ve been told they are partial to fly directly into your windscreen and smash it.

Hazard Five – Sheep. Sheep really hate being left out or left behind, so will always want to find their friends when you come along and it doesn’t really matter to them if it means crossing right in front of you. But their big fluffy bums are super cute when they run, so enjoy that.

Hazard Six – Cows. These guys are probably my favourite hazard as they’re super easy to spot and usually polite enough to let you pass. Plus, when they start to run they look a bit like a gangly 13 year old boy after a sudden growth spurt who now has these long limbs they aren’t sure what to do with. Enjoy that too.

I’m super thankful for the advice of my cousin and my employers who suggested getting a ‘roo bar, a two way radio and always carrying water, food and fuel (and don’t get me started about how thankful I am to Papa Pidge for getting it all together). With long stretches of dirt road and often 100km between phone reception that are quickly becoming part of my weekly routines, and I know one day they will be my lifeline. Plus if I get hungry, I’ll be able to cook up that dead ‘roo I probably hit.