Perks on Earth

One year ago, I left Vietnam with beautiful friends and headed for Australian shores. Arriving in Sydney, jet lagged and starry eyed, I could never have guessed at what the incredible city, and country, had in store. I have seen some incredible places, and met truly wonderful people. And on top of all of this, I’ve fallen in love with a dream which I am now lucky enough to pursue!! If my year in Australia has taught me anything, it is that the world has so much to offer, we just have to get up and chase it.

This year has been far from linear, there have been ups and downs, heartbreaks, moves and unsettlement. But when I look back at each of these moments, I see my friends and family, right there beside me. I see a wonderful network of people who supported me and helped build me up. Individuals who imparted their knowledge and advice to me, and allowed me to lean on them. And I did. Now, I am grateful for the hard days, grateful for the trails and challenges. I am leaving Sydney today the same Ella, but a little more competent, confident, and content.

For the last week of goodbye dinners and see you later coffees, I’ve been asking myself what my highlights of this year have been. In truth, there are just two many, but a few special moments come to mind.

My parents renewing their vows at Moorabinda has to be one of the most special moments of my life to date. Witnessing them commit their love whilst surrounded by their closest family, on the very hilltop my dad proposed 28 years earlier, is a moment that will forever be etched into my memory.

Embarking on a career that allowed me to travel, meet incredibly inspiring individuals, and impart some little of my passion to others, has been on overarching highlight. My role with the Rural Doctors Network is one I will hold so dear, my first “adult” job and in an organization I will now forever hold close to my heart.

The celebrations with my friends, old and new, and the Sunday mornings spent hazily laughing over coffees. The small things, those are the highlights. Somehow finding four of my closest friends from university in the same city as me, on the other side of the world on an Aussie adventure together! Ella, india, Sorel, and Thea, I’m not really sure how we got lucky enough! I’m grateful for the oceans and blue skies, lazy beach days and early morning swims. For new hobbies, trying my hand at the pottery wheel and somehow producing pieces I am proud of and bring me such joy!

A huge highlight has to be reading an email on the 14th of November and finding out that, somehow, I got in to study at a university I already love. The sheer awe and happiness that fills me even now when I think of all the knowledge and learning to come, and the career that education will lead me too. Thinking about it now, I’m still in complete disbelief! I’m proud of myself for pushing my boundaries and trying my best at an exam I thought impossible, and for getting me through, I’m thankful for the beautiful Pip, my cousin and soul sister. If you’re reading this- you truly are one of a kind and I owe you a big life changing moment!

And of course, each and every moment spent at Moorabinda. From wild weekends shared with friends, to the quiet weekends with just the family, Moorabinda has become my home away from home. Wholesome dinners, picnics by the river, adventures in the back of the truck, roo spotting and sheep sheering. The list is endless, but every moment in Moorabinda I spend with a smile on my face. I simply cannot wait to go back.

There are countless other highlights, memories I will hold dear forevermore. I will probably be adding more as the weeks tick by, and what was intended to be a very short blog may grow! For now, I am a slightly emotional mess. Reflecting on one of the happiest years, heading home to the one thing that’s been missing- Mum, Dad, Clara, Hanna, Alice, and Harry. Plus a few flurry friends of course! After a year away from my family, and even longer away from the four walls I call home, I am beyond excited. The last year has been truly life changing, and I am forever grateful for each change that has come.

Before I get back to the Emerald Isle, India calls! And in 18 short hours, I’ll be reuniting with my sister Clara in New Delhi for an adventure before Christmas calls us home.

And after that? Well I guess a whole new chapter will be beginning, and I truly cannot wait!