Build up beginnings...

The other day when we woke to the sound of the birds making a hullabaloo, I realised as I stepped out of the bedroom, that the air conditioner that we have had running all night keeps us in a chilled little corner of an otherwise "oven-warm" house. The added toastiness is just one element of the end of dry season. Although the temperature numbers stay similar, the humidity is rising again, which means the washing takes a little bit longer than the usual 2-3hrs to dry... As do the floors while mopping. The humidity also means the temperature feels significantly higher than it is, and dehydration can become a real danger as the rivers of sweat cascade off you... As uncomfortable as it is, you get used to it, and can forget to replace all that fluid!

I had been enjoying the balmy weather that the dry season had bestowed upon us. The mild evenings meant that walks were very enjoyable, and during the nights we had more than a sheet on the bed, which is always much more cosy. The combination of being in my second trimester of pregnancy and mild weather meant I was feeling very healthy and chipper. I had even attended a ladies exercise class at the school one day.

Recently, I was able to spend a day "tagging along with" David, to get a better idea of what his day is like. I was amazed at how hectic it can be. From the miscommunication that takes place when people book their flights backwards, to loading up what seems to be a mountain of groceries into such a tiny pod under the GA8 Airvan, to David's fast-paced mathematical mind whirring away as he works out who or what has to stay behind on a flight where the weight is well over the maximum.

I was deeply impressed by his skills to explain carefully and politely to frustrated passengers who were trying to rebook or amend a flight with him (on the spot between flights), how he encouraged a few scared passengers through the bumpy rides and the skill of which he flies the aircraft of course! 

Overall, the last few months have been a steady hum of activity here in Milingimbi. The Men's ceremony festival finished up over a month ago now, and we noticed the influx of males back into the community. Their presence at the shops or fishing along the shoreline has been renewed, and it's nice to see their smiling faces as they spend time with their families and friends.

Many funerals have taken place lately, for a while there it was about once a week. I could hear the distant sound of the story lines being sung and the clapsticks adding a rhythm to the chirping of the birds and insect humming. Milingimbi becomes a hive of activity during these times. People fill the small store on the island, and David gets very busy with flying the attendants in and out. One of the funeral ceremonies has been for a very well-known "old lady" (they don't say the name of those who pass) so many people were flying out this way to attend. The size of a funeral is often a combination of a large family, and also of a position of honour and respect in the community. As well as the passing of our Yolngu brothers and sisters, we have had a few family members pass away. Both David and I lost our remaining Grandmothers, within a week of each other. After always seeing and hearing the sights and sounds of Yolngu funerals it was in some ways strange for it to be something that I was to encounter on a deeply personal level. I was able to go home to NZ briefly to go to both funerals. David was unable to attend as our fellow MAF family on this base were on leave. I got to spend Father's Day with my dad, catch up with my relatives, and see Blenheim, where my family has relocated to. It was nice to still feel "in the loop" with their life changes, and it was lovely to hear some rain while in NZ!

I was back for a busy two weeks in Milingimbi, occasionally helping in the MAF office, taking payments for flights, picking up passengers, delivering goods to go on flights or booking in flights. It was a nice change to the routine, and has meant that I can practice my Yolngu Matha with the local people more, a big step forwards for my language development and pronunciation. This was short-lived however as we are back to a two-pilot base since our return from our short trip to Cairns... So I won't be needed in the office like I have been while Dave was the solo-pilot. We were in Cairns for a short holiday, for David to rest after a month of working the base by himself. Also we packed in a few practical things such as a trip to see the dentist, sort out insurance (things very hard to do in Milingimbi), and of course we had to have a few "treats" like visiting friends and picking up David's parents who are coming to see Milingimbi, and witness our adventure first-hand!

Well, that has been our very intense few months! We would live to hear how things are going in the lives of all our readers, so feel free to send us an email or arrange a skype call so we can stay in touch.

Nhäma Yalala! (See you later!)

David & Kimberley Caradus