September, Wednesday 15^th:

Letting go means letting go of all the worries, my future potential ordained goals (for a short while). Letting go means letting go of the pain that I mat still have inside from past situations.

Appreciating means focusing my mind and heart of what is around me in that moment—in that precise moment. Throwing my whole self into the horizon of another. In order to fully understand, I must listen. Not listening with my ears, but with my heart.

The check in at the airport went okay. It is never exactly the most fun thing to do in the world, but yet again, it is the adventure.

Through traveling on Aer Lingus, there certain requirements for luggage. I did not have a scale at home to weigh my luggage, so I just winged it—hoping for the best. On of my pieces of luggage ended up being overweight, so the worse case scenario was paying an extra fee.

My friend Rose and I actually got to O’Hare at the same time. Rose is a fun girl and a great friend of mine. Our rather different personalities bring the best out of our friendship. Rose is also a writer and her imagination is one of a kind—its creativity speaks brightly of who she is. Her gifts and talents shine through her attitude about life and in the depths of her character.

It was hard for me to say goodbye to my best friend in the world—my daddy. Our huge reassured that we would still be together—just with some distance.

I think that for most girls going, leaving the ones that they love is a rather hard thing to do. How many actually step out of their comfort zone and journey to a place that is unfamiliar to them? After living in a place that you call home for so long, how can it be that easy? It’s not. It is the future experience that shapes and forms a certain aspect of who you are, and who you are called to become.

One of the challenges in America has been trying to figure out how exactly to step away from the distractions. I crave silence, removal of all materialism and true peace. In my life, seeking silence has been done through retreating from the outside world—whether sitting in nature, sitting in my silent room or just stopping in prayer. My mind is transformed and I feel a newfound peace—a peace that I often feel, only when I step back. The peace that I yearn for is a stronger peace within myself. Not holding back on the fears, the loneliness or any type of potential rejection, betrayal and of being unloved; often comes when we know how to find peace within ourselves. I think that I am almost there, but still have not yet finished the race.

A distraction such as materialism is hard, especially when you live in a culture, a society that desires such. Our minds have to be renewed with the reminder that we are to be seeking God at all times. Whenever I feel the forces of the dark world upon me, I have to turn to prayer. I have to simplify myself even more. It is hard—terribly hard, especially when the corrupted world is right in your face. The real question is, how do you live in this world, but not be of this world?

People do not take time to listen. I believe that if they did, their purpose in life would be filled in a greater way.

On the plane, I have encountered all types of people. I have witnessed many different styles of clothing and mannerisms. I sat back and watched the flight attendants interact with the passengers. The way they moved their eyes, and the communication that they have is beyond fascinating.

I met Deacon Michael, who is from Ireland. He is probably one of the kindest people that I have met. I could feel God’s grace radiating through his warm spirit and his gentle compassion for people, never ceased to amaze me. I was able to talk to him and he was thrilled that I have a heart for youth ministry. He shared with me the need for faithful young leaders in the Catholic Church.

It is amazing how God brings these amazing people into my life.

I spent the plane ride chatting with a few other strangers—now great people that I know. I ate a delicious chicken dinner. Rose, my traveling buddy and seat partner and I watched Remember Me. It was nice to be relaxed and to soak up into a good movie.

Being up in the sky, Rose and I experienced some beautiful sunsets. The face of God was alive through those vibrant colors.

Enjoying breakfast—a glass of orange juice and a ham sandwich.

Many girls look tired—I was tired. The idea of sleeping was quickly thrown out of the ring when we realized that our comfortable beds were left back home.

Enjoying the last moments on the plane, the smell of the Irish breeze awaits me. The sounds of Irish folks will no longer be just a thought. I will soon experience reality. God, thank you.

At the airport, we waited for Roberta, our advisor, and graduate of Saint Mary’s College. After greeting us, we hopped on the bus. It was becoming real.

I was not sure what I was expecting upon my arrival, but when I arrived at the University, I quickly became sad. I was emotional. I missed home. What was I doing here? I was tired. Am I really about to spend 9 months here? Many thoughts and emotions were creeping through the veins of my skin.

We got all moved in to our rooms. Our RA welcomed us with a nice greeting. We got our picture ids taken---right as we got off the bus. Thanks, I looked terrible—way to remember how tired and awful I looked.

We would soon meet for lunch, as a group. We were headed to a castle for lunch. I, along with the other girls were tired. I ordered pasta-it was good, but I was not in the mood to eat. I was trying to hold back the tears. Seriously, am I really here? I guess it was fair to say that I was experiencing a full swing of culture shock—much more than I expected—much more. My friend Bridget asked me if I was okay. She was there for me. I just did not know how to react to anything around me.

I met Rose’s roommate Evelien. She is seriously the most amazing person that I know.

Rose and I took a tour of campus. I was truly amazed by the beauty on South Campus. Old buildings, beautiful and vibrant colors, friendly people, and incredible scenery, were the thoughts running through my mind. I mean, it did not get any better than this. Simply amazing. I knew for certain that I would be getting my exercise in this year with all of the walking that I get to do this year.

North campus is where most class buildings are and where my apartment-dorm buildings tend to be. South Campus captures the old history. Both sides offer great aspects. The bridge serves its purpose of keeping both sides together.

That night, Annie, Catherine, Bridgy and I went out. We headed to the Roost, a local Pub in town. I tried my first Guinness. Yum. Bridgy’s reaction to the taste was not so pleasant. We hung out and chatted with people, and I introduced myself to two gentlemen. They were quite kind. I went back to campus that night thinking, “I miss home, but I think that if I live in the moment and truly just enjoy life, I will be okay.” I slept in Annie’s Room that night. I did not want to be alone and I knew that she would be there to support me. I needed somebody by my side.