Life in Melbourne

Sorry to break it to you guys, but I don't have any big trips coming up until July (Sydney!!). So in the meantime I thought I would give you a little insight into my life in Melbourne.

Shannon in all her polo glory

 I'm absolutely in love with this city, I've only been here a month and a bit, but I feel so at home. Last Friday, I started working, and that solidified this feeling even more. Once you start seeing the true side of the city (versus all the tourist hype), you really start to understand why it is that people love Melbourne. Yes the cafes are amazing, and there are endless activities within the city; but its really the whole vibe that makes you want to stay. It feels like a more relaxed Toronto.
 Until my last bit of paperwork goes through, I'm only allowed to working Private hospitals. But this has been quite insightful into the two-tier health care system. Patients that I have had are not as acutely ill, they have need to be in hospital but don't require the same level of care that I'm accustomed to at home. The overall pace of private is much more relaxed. The most surprising thing is that all the charting I've done so far is paper, which I'm not so much a fan of. It irks my organized self and my earth-warrior self to have so many sheets of paper floating around. I've heard most other hospitals are on the electronic system though, so I'll let this one slide. Best part of the hospital I've been at for my first few shifts is the free espresso machine. Absolute life-saver.
The other half of my life is Hillsong. I know megachurches sometimes get a bit of a bad wrap for being over produced and inauthentic. But i couldn't disagree more. I've been attending Hillsong since the first week here and the community there is more welcoming and personable than any other church I've ever experienced. Mikaela has accused me, in a lighthearted way, of being a little addicted to church. Today is Friday and I've spent nearly every night this week at a church event. Everything Hillsong puts on is done with such purpose and carried out so well that I just can't get enough. The reason I scheduled my Sydney trip for July is to attend their annual conference, its like Christmas in July. We're currently working on a plan to sneak Mikaela away from YWAM for a week, any suggestions would be welcome. The invite is open to everyone though, Louis Giglio is speaking... just saying.
I wish there was some magical way to have Melbourne closer to home. But not to worry, I think the call of Timmies is still strong enough to get me back to Ontario eventually!
And to all of you who keep asking: No I have not met Australian Prince Charming (....yet). ;)