In 1954 Todd, Patricia and their two children leave the lush climate of New Zealand for the desert of Western Australia with the intention of bringing the light of civilisation and the truths of Christianity to the Wangkayi Aborigines at the mission settlement at Cundeelee. Todd pursues his teaching goals and Patricia her nursing, while evangelising and attempting to assimilate these people whom they at first labelled as ignorant, unsophisticated heathens. Both Todd and Patricia gradually awaken to the Aboriginal qualities of sensitivity and creativity, with deep spiritual underpinnings in their long lasting culture, which brings them in conflict with Wally, the mission superintendent, and a challenge to their own inner convictions. Events draw Todd and Patricia to discover more about the Aboriginal people, their language, how they deal with birth and death, their traditions, their law and beliefs. This leads to Todd recognising the Everywhen that is at the heart of the Dreaming, in which these beautiful people experience the pulse of the earth, sky and all of life, and live in complete harmony with Nature. In the process, Todd undergoes his own conversion - one that he would never have imagined possible - and finds a much greater purpose and meaning in his life.