Off to Mildura...

Tomorrow I'm leaving for Mildura, to begin my first day as a responsible doctor in a hospital, an emergency intern. It's a position feared by many, sounding ominous on paper (to be working in the emergency department in a rural area), but it's actually not as bad as it sounds. We're actually quite well supported in our role, the consultants who supervise us are understanding, and it's an excellent opportunity for learning and development. I hope that it turns out to be that way.

Another thing is the seven hour drive, and scorching heat. Buried in the northwest corner of Victoria, Mildura is famous for its heat, averaging a maximum of 32C in January, and recording a highest ever temperature in excess of 50C! I hope there's not too much hostile weather, or else I'll find myself working overtime.

The job itself sounds quite cushy, averaging 41 hour weeks (contrast that with the 60+ hour weeks some of my friends are starting off with!), every second weekend off and occasional weekdays off. We also get two return flights paid for, which is a bonus. Also, Sharon is coming up to work in the surgery team! So, at least I'll always have a close friend nearby. Praying for a safe drive up, hoping for good weather.

Enough about work - today is a day of celebration! Congratulations to Pearl and Martin on their marriage! It was a beautiful wedding - although today was just formalities to register marriage in Australia, there was a video of the ceremony in Korea, everything from the procession, taking of vows, photo shoots, traditional Korean music, and all sorts of traditional Korean ceremonial manoeuvres that I didn't fully understand with lots of bowing, pouring and sipping of drinks. Pearl's wedding dress was like out of a fairytale, and she was made up to near perfection with her hair done up in a traditional wreath like a halo above her angelic face. It was interesting, the move from the more Western formal Church ceremony to the traditional Korean ceremony. The bride had to exchange her dress for a coloured silk gown, as did all the other women in the family. Another cross-cultural touch was the playing of Pachelbel's canon on Korean stringed instruments.

Best wishes to you both, Pearl and Martin! May God bless you with many happy years together, overflowing with love, and honouring Him who created you!

Time now to sleep. Oh, lonely sleep, without Sal around. Am missing her so much. It's really so true, the saying that home is where the heart is. I feel like a stranger in this house sometimes. Anyhow, next time I update, I'll probably be in the land of oranges and wine, Mildura. Till next time, God bless!