October 18, Monday

Monday was a good day. I woke up to go to my anthropology tutorial. We discussed the essay that we have due right after our fall break.

Next week, I am headed on a tour around Ireland with Kara and Catherine. We get to see some amazing cities, which is going to be nice, since I am leaving next semester.

The trip this past weekend was amazing and breathe-taking, and I cannot imagine that these cities will be any less.

I had my history class today. It is from 3-5, so the two hours can sometimes be killer. Thank goodness he gives us a ten minute break.  Most of us girls were on our Mac laptops for the entire class. No comment.

Tonight I had a play meeting. I was casted in the play, “Slippers and Cinderalla.” It is pretty exciting. There are eight of us in the show. I am looking forward to it.

I came back to my room and curled up in my bed and just read for classes. The philosophy book that I am reading is wonderful. I have been interested more and more in this type of field. As philosophy stresses, we are always challenged to think.

The weather is getting a bit chilly. The sprinkled raindrops and slight breeze of the evening winds brought a sudden chill down my back.

The cooler weather is reminding me of the winter season ahead.

Today was a good day. I am thankful for this day. This day brought happy memories, and many fun times. Each day holds something special, and a glimpse of unimaginable design flourishes. I am thankful for living, breathing, for having a bed to sleep in, for food, for clothes on my back. The basic things that we tend to take for granted, I am thankful for.

As I lay down for bed, I ask that God continues to guide my journey. I ask that He gives me the strength and desire to be the best person that I can be.

October 19, Tuesday

Today I went to my sociological imagination class, but hardly paid attention, as I was on facebook the whole time.

I did not feel that bad, because before class I was working hard on readings and preparations for upcoming papers.

I am all set for my sociology paper.

Tonight I had play practice. I am in the play called “Slippers and Cinderella” I am blessed to have a part. The plot of this play is perfect for me. As many know, I work a lot with poverty issues and with children. The backbone of my ministry and work that I do, is listening to the heart of people. Many kids who I have worked with in the last year, do live poverty stricken lives. I have never been able to fully understand the poverty, but I have been able to relate to the people that I work with on many other levels. More importantly though, I have worked so much with poverty issues, that I feel like I have a fairly good understanding of this real issue---I have some sort of front-line understanding.

In many musicals that I have done, I have played kid roles. It is fun to be a kid again, as I am playing these roles. Kids express a special kind of independence. This play that I am currently in, here in Ireland, is about the following:

The children are alone on Halloween, waiting for news (father’s job search) and arrival of their aunt, Lady Errington. The room is shabby. Myra sews a patch on the worn elbow of Jimmy’s coat. Myra would like to go to the Economy Lecture. They fantasize that a fairy godmother might come and provide equipage and gown to go to the lecture just like Cinderella. So the children wish and then are alarmed as the fairy godmother arrives and the wishes begin to come true. Myra sprouts a splendid gown with an enormous train, none of which can be removed. Then the equipage arrives with a flourish of trumpets, white horses and a coach of gold and crystal as big as a haysteek. Voices start announcing Princess Myra’s Carriage. Terrified and unable to stop the sweep of events, Jimmy gets the clever idea of setting the grandfather clock ahead so that it strikes twelve. As it strikes the street clears, and they return to normal. A telegram arrives announcing that Dad has got his appointment. They will be saved from poverty after all.

The reason why this plot is of great importance to me is because I am playing the role of one of the twins. I get to use this time to imagine what it must be like to actually live in poverty and to wish that a princess would bestow her blessings upon us. There is something special that comes out in the heart of acting. An appreciation for life that may have been once unknown, is now known. I think that it is beautiful.

I am excited to explore this journey of acting here in Ireland. The show is about 40 minutes. There are six different shows. I love acting, and unfortunately I do not have as much time as I would like to act as a hobby. Since I have the time here in Ireland, why not grasp this experience to the fullest?

It is another journey—a journey that will be remembered for my lifetime. When I am older, reflecting on my life, I will be able to see how I was able to use my gifts and talents in many different lights. One, which is acting, and digging deeper into the realm of new approached worlds.

October 20, Wednesday

Aquinas says, "We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject. For both have labored in the search for truth and both have helped us in the finding of it."

Meghan and I studied in the library from 9 until the late afternoon. We were working on loads of assignments that are due. Today we did a lot of preparation to write the big papers.

We got a lot of work done—I would say that it was a pretty productive day.

For lunch, we went into town and headed to the Riverside Café for lunch. It was fancy in there—I got a relaxing feeling when I walked in. I ordered a salmon bagel with chips (as they call fries). My meal hit the stop with no question.

After lunch, we discovered that the library was full of people, and finding a spot was against the evens.

We headed to John Hume, a building on North Campus, and found a room to study in.

Later on, we headed back to Meghan’s room, and slowly we began to burn out. It was already hitting the evening at that point. Caroline and Taylor came in for a bit. I grew up with my dad telling me, “Monica, you stick by your friends through the easiestm challenging and emotional times.” That is a profound statement that my dad continues to live by, as I do.

I came back to my apartment and had an amazing chat with my roommate Ciara and Hannah. As I walked into the kitchen in hopes to prepare a meal, I was not expecting to spend a while chatting with them. I learn so much about people who have lived a completely different life than myself. Hannah and I were talking about the media influence on Ireland culture. Hannah has been great help during my stay here, as she has helped me fix problems with my room furnishings several times now.

Tonight, I was filled with so much happiness, and heartfelt love. I was able to skype with my friend Kathleen, and when I talk to her, I just feel the presence of God storming at hand.

People do not understand how amazing life is---their purpose is always beyond the captured vision.

As I studied today, I read a lot about Thomas Aquinas for a paper that I am doing on him. I am truly astonished by his life. He allowed me to think a lot about my life. He allowed me to reflect on my faith journey while here in Ireland. Many people leave marks of legacy, but only those with creative vision and insightful thinking, leave a mark forever.

Today as Meghan and I walked to lunch, I heard kids telling jokes up ahead of us. The kids laughter reminded me of my childhood days, when I was able to explore that innocence. For me, childhood was that time of imagination, creativity and flowing understanding of what could be possible.

I heard adults communicating with each other in the distance. I saw some bike riders, ride past, as if they were on a direct mission.

Today was a blessing, as are all days. God can show you the tiniest glimpses of His design, right before our eyes.

Tonight I read a story that I got in an email. One of the sisters that I visit back home sent me this wonderful story. It was about a little girl who was able to explore her childhood innocence. She wanted to go out and let the rain just soak on her skin. This reminded me of last year, when Meghan and I sat out in the pouring rain one night. We sat out for a good hour and just talked and let the raindrops drip on our layer-less clothes.

It was that moment in nature—where God became most alive. God has created this amazing world. Yet, do we actually appreciate it? Nothing is created exactly the same. Not one snowflake is the same! What does this say about God’s work of art? God could have made this world black and white, but He chose to use color. He had a plan, and His plan has radiated wonderful creativity. Appreciating nature has put a lot into perspective for me.

Dear God, thank you for this journey. Thank you for the people that I met today, those I talked to today and for the countless blessings that you bestow on me. You NEVER cease to amaze me. I hear your whisper through the simplest forms of life—I can see the outline of your master plan in the brightest patches of everyday life. I am never blinded—never will be.

The quote by Aquinas is true of our lives. We are called to interact with all people—regardless of differences. Our differences allow our lights to shine in whole new ways. In order to find truth, we must love all people. We must listen to the heart of man, to see God in a whole new way. We love all people, because God is in all people.

October 21, Thursday

Meghan and I met at the library to study for an hour before we met with a group of students to discuss the reading that is based on our anthropology exam-essay.

I have always loved getting together in groups, to discuss any topic really. Listening to others express their opinions and beliefs, allows me to reflect on the world around me. Furthermore, I am challenged in my own thinking process.

Our philosophy tutorial was at 3, so with the hour and half that we had, we went to Saint Catherine’s. Saint Catherine’s is a special place on campus. It holds a chapel, with adoration, as well as a room that is welcomed for all people. The room has a piano and sofas. We are allowed to help ourselves to tea, and cookies.

Meghan was playing the piano, as we both sang some of our favorite songs together. Her and I were the only two in the room, but a lady heard us singing from her office, and came into the room to tell us how lovely we sounded. Her affirmation brightened my day, as it did Meghan’s.

Our philosophy tutorial was grand. Meghan presented on Socrates and did a great job. After her presentation, we talked about the differences in American and Ireland—the education system, poverty and the government. The notion of human thought, seen as a public element, was the main high light of our discussion.

I had play practice tonight and had such an AWESOME time. It was so much fun to be on stage again and just act. To play the character of a little girl, has always been enjoyable to me. My fellow actors are great people with a lot of talent.

Tonight we went to the Roost. A lot of students were dressed up in Halloween costumes. I went as myself---typical.

I had a great night out, as always. I ended up seeing my roommate Hannah out, and her and I hung out for a while.

I later saw two of the folks in the play with me, at the Roost.

I love the feeling of knowing people and meeting new people, outside of America.

I met this great guy, named Gavin. Him and I talked about a lot of different topics—ranging from religion, to the typical Ireland life.

I have seen a lot of Ireland, since being here. A lot of Irish folks have told me, “Wow, you probably have seen more of Ireland than we have.”

Ireland is a special place.

When I look outside, as the sun begins to fade behind the clouds, I experience a calming peace. The color of the sunset cannot be explained. God is a great artist, as His artistic design, never ceases to amaze me.

A lot of the laughter in the background, is humanity alive.

Smiles on peoples faces, are signs of God’s greatness.

Some say to always live up an adventure. I say, live it up, but also reach out to see every aspect that makes the adventure so great—which are often the smallest things.

October 22, Friday

I woke up at 12:30 today. My dad would say, “your day is almost over.”

I made a visit to the laundry shop, downtown. I then went to the bank, to print out a bank statement.

I went to a few stores in town, and looked at all of the clothes. There were many different kinds of clothes to look at. The Ireland style is for sure different than American style.

After getting back from town, I went to Saint Catherine’s chapel for some adoration—never taking advantage time with Jesus.

I loved the quietness of the chapel. In silence, God becomes most alive, and I can hear His whisper.

Megan, Taylor and I hung out for the rest of the way. We cooked oatmeal for dinner. Megan added a little extra spice of life to the oatmeal by adding apples.

We then watched My Sisters Keeper in Megan’s common room. This movie really does put life into perspective. So many people complain about the smallest things in life, and tend to be ungrateful for what they have.

The three of us had great bonding time. I love to just simply relax and be with my friends.

Taylor is spending the night in my room tonight. It is my greatest prayer that she will get a good nights sleep.

With friendship, God always knows what He is doing. Friendship is incredibly important in our lives. Each one of my friends, has taught me something about life. In addition, each of my friends support me in a special way.

October 23, Saturday

Today was a grand day.

The campus was empty as many students went home or are already traveling.

I went to pick up my laundry and then I met Megan and Taylor at Dunne’s to do some food shopping. I bought some snacks for my trip this week. (I am touring all of Ireland, with Kara, Catherine and Taylor)

I picked healthy snacks—go me!

We had lunch in Taylor’s common room—turkey and cheese sandwiches. I can always rely on a good sandwich.

Taylor is now coming on the Ireland bus tour with us, which is exciting news.

The three of us wanted to get some homework done. We went to the library—closed. We went to John Hume—closed. The only thing that was open was Saint Catherine’s, although the Internet connection was sadly disappointing. One minute it was working, the other minute it was dead. Although we did not get homework done in there, we still enjoyed the peaceful touch of silence and calming that filled the room. One minute it was sunny, the next minute pouring. That is the beauty of God’s love, right before one’s eyes.

We eventually trailed back to Megan’s room to do homework. We actually got a lot done.

For dinner we each brought something to the table. We had Weight Watchers pizza, pasta, and chicken steaks. A great combination of food, right?

Our friend Casey came to visit for a while. He is a good-hearted guy, from the states. His mom actually went to Saint Mary’s. What a small world?

We all watched The NoteBook. We have been on a movie kick.

After the movie was over, we all actually reflected on the movie, and what true love means in our society and in our lives.

Taylor spent the night in my room again. I am glad that she is able to finally get a good nights sleep—and if that means sleeping in my room, that is totally fine with me.

Today, I experienced amazing peace and silence. As the three of us walked around campus (hoping to study somewhere), the pathways were empty. The sun was slowly fading, beneath the clouds. The gentle breeze reminded me that God was right there with us.

God calls us to different experiences in our lives for specific reasons—He knows exactly what He is doing! God challenges us in ways that may not make sense at the moment, but will later on.

I have seen God mold this journey in Ireland is many ways. He has become more alive than ever. His design of beauty is wherever—no matter what angle of life I am looking at. The lens of His beauty is never foggy.

Dear God, thank you for this journey. Thank you for inspiring each an every day. Furthermore, thank you for allowing me to let go and just enjoy the simplest moments in life. You have molded my journey in ways that I never thought possible. Although this journey has taught me a lot about myself, it has also taught me how to focus more on your will and your calling for my life.