Months of preparation and anticipation lead up to the airport arrival. Many of us arrived early, too eager to wait at home for even a minute longer than we had to. The minutes of waiting felt like hours until finally, their flight arrived. Standing at the arrival gate with the totem poles made at the quiz night, and the welcome banner made at the workshop, we were ready to welcome them to Australia. Every time the door slid open, a squeal of excitement would escape, only to realize it’s not them yet. Joyful chaos erupted as a sea of green shirts streamed through the door, accompanied by the smiling faces of the dingoes we had been waiting for months to meet. As we headed outside, there were hugs a-plenty, as well as conversations about their long trek from Zambia. Singing and dancing attracted the attention of many travelers passing by. As the time neared for them to head off to their accommodation for the night, a last few hugs and chats were squeezed in. Heading to the bus, we greeted them with lots of waves, bursting with excitement to see the new members of our family at the beach party the next day.

Chade, YATZ member