I have tried several times to write this blog but keep getting mental blocks.

No I’m not two hundred,nor have I tried to write this blog two hundred times.  I will admit that I am almost 73 years of age,that will actually happen in September.

What’s the two hundred all about. I could write a book about it but that would take too long so I will cut to the chase.

1989 I needed to attend to a family crisis which meant I had leave New Zealand and move over to Brisbane Australia. My ex husband had left the country in 1987 with three of my children all under the age of 18. The children made the decision to go with him, there was a lot of bribery. (That’s another story).  A friend sent a letter to a Christian organisation and arranged for them to meet me on my arrival in Brisbane.

The budget way to travel was to fly from Auckland to Sydney and then travel on an overnight train to Brisbane . Unfortunately when I arrived in Brisbane there was no sign of anyone waiting to meet me.

I tried not to panic. There was an Information Centre at the Roma Street Station in Brisbane. The ladies were very helpful and found a room for me to stay in short term.

It was mid morning , I had a place to stay at Elizabeth Boarding House thank goodness. but needed to find work as soon as possible. Early next day I went to a job agency with a well prepared resume. I had completed my Registered Nurse training but was yet to resit and pass state finals. I found a place needing someone to manage a hostel that housed mental health residents and also provided accommodation on the premises.

Because I was a mature age woman and had previous experience I would have been an idea person to employ. Unfortunately that wasn’t that the case. Even though I said I was a Christian they needed someone who was affiliated with a local church.

I explained my situation, told them about my children who were crying out for help. I also explained that I was not able to get government assistance for at least 6 months.   Then I told the lady who interviewed me that I only had TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS.

The hostel was run and owned by three Malaysian Christian Business Men.  I didn’t get the job but I was offered a place to move into. I then went to view the accommodation. It was a place called Sussex Lodge in Kangaroo Point. My new accommodation would give me a comfortable furnished room, shared bathroom and laundry facilities, communal lounge and two meals day. I accepted it.

On the way to my new accommodation I saw a hospital. My new landlord told me it was a private catholic palliative care hospital. Before collecting my belongings from Elizabeth House I went into the hospital and asked to see the employment officer. I explained why I had moved to Australia , showed my resume and said I was desperate for work. The hospital agreed to employ me as an Assistant Nurse on a casual basis, and issued me with a uniform to loan. I started work two days later and after two weeks they gave me full time employment.

That all happened in May 1989. 3 months later I rented a flat and my children all came to live with me. It wasn’t an easy time .

I am thankful for the help given to me. I even got back to New Zealand sat the state finals and passed.

Two Hundred…Dollars. Where there’s will there’s a way.