October 24, Sunday

Taylor spent the night in my room last night. We woke up around 11.

Today, I worked more on my anthropology paper, and did some random things for my spring classes next semester.

I went to mass at 6, at the local church in town. In his homily, the priest talked about the importance of being a witness in our everyday life. He also talked about the importance of prayer. I have seen the power of prayer transform into powerful manifestations on this Ireland journey. His words were powerful though, as we are called to be a witness of truth to all people. Moreover, our walk of faith is not going to be easy. We will be bashed, slammed, and hurt, but it is through this glimpses of weakness, that prominently mold the intense vision of our strength. It is through our steadfast example to others, that we are able to provide them with a touch of God’s grace. We are able to be an instrument of God’s love, as He is the ultimate guide.

Taylor, Megan and I had a nice dinner together—chicken, and a lovely filled pasta.

Taylor and I went to Kara’s room to do last minute things for our trip. Taylor, Kara, Catherine and I are spending this upcoming week touring Ireland. What is nice about this trip, is that everything is already planned. Included are a lot of tours, breakfast and neat places to see.

I am excited for this week. This will be a great time to meet other people, who will be joining this tour for the week. For me, listening to someone’s story brings a lot of importance to life.

It was just one of those chilled days—appreciating every moment.

The tour of Ireland will come with much excitement and happy memories, I am sure. For now though, I look at the existence of Ireland right before my eyes. I can see the beauty of this peaceful country. The shades of colors, are ever so vibrant, and glorious. When I look out my window, I see God right before my eyes. I am seeing God in new ways on this journey. He is real. He is alive. He is the ONLY thing that will keep me going in my life. He is the Father and ruler of all; He is my Father—this is the greatest gift of all.

October 25^th, Monday

Today was our first day of our Paddy wagon tour. We took a taxi really early in the morning. Our driver met George Bush---how cool. When we arrived to Dublin, we went to the Paddy wagon building—checked in and had breakfast down in their kitchen.

The bus was pretty spacious and cozy, which is probably a good thing, considering there are 58 of us, and we will be on this bus a lot this week.

Our first stop was to the Guinness Factory. This was my second time going—each time bringing something special and new. We went up the Galaxy Bar, which shows a 360 view of the whole city. The sun was shining on the whole city. The Bar is nice and cozy and luxurious. I was not up for a free pint of Guinness early in the morning, so I had soda instead—probably a good choice on my part.

A lot of people on our tour with us were from Australia and London.  A lot of people were also teachers. We were the only Americans—no big deal though, we just represented our lovely country in a good way I hope.

We saw the battle scenes where the movie Brave Heart took place. Mel Gibson came to Ireland and said, “We need land.” Since the movie Brave Heart was shot, there has been talk about re-making it. The Irish army gets first say if there is an opportunity for extras.

We headed to Cork.

The Irish people sometimes take for granted the beauty that surrounds there every day. I think that we all do though. I have reflected on my life back home in America—I often take for granted the beauty that is around me every day. We often do not take the time to look. God’s design is right before our eyes—yet we ignore it because we are too busy.

This Ireland journey is always about the adventure—a central theme that has been put into use with all of the Saint Mary’s girls here in Ireland.

Wilferd A Peterson once said, “Go forth seeking adventure, open your eyes, your ears, your mind, your heart, your spirit and you will find adventure everywhere.”

A boy named Patrick was held in hostage. Later on in his life, his vision for studying Christianity increased. He was eventually re-captured. Rather than working, he was praying. He was ordained a priest later on in his life. He left Ireland for 7 years. Patrick returned to Ireland around Halloween—which is a big pagan celebration. Patrick met the high king of Ireland. He spread Christianity around Ireland—from village to village. He picked up a Shamrock, which symbolizes the Trinity. The Ireland people could not read or write. He began to turn Ireland from a pagan country to a Christianity country.

We went to Cashel—the capital town of Ireland. This is where the crowning took place for the high kings. Saint Patrick built his monastery here. It is up on a beautiful hill—I saw it with my own eyes!

The Rock House was our spot for lunch, located right by the monastery. The four of us—Kara, Catherine, Taylor and I had chicken, potatoes and veggies. It was yummy—I ate it fast.

We met Josh, who is from London and on our bus tour.

Cork is a rebellious city. We went to the Blarney Castle—I nearly died as I kissed the stone. My anxiety went up big time, because I am scared of heights. However, I did not let my fear get the best of me—I needed to conquer my fear. I had to have the courage to overcome my fear—as I teach my Five Star kids back home. It is always about the adventure—and my adventure with kissing the stone was the topic of the day. The castle was wonderful.

Cork harbor is the second largest in the world, and the titanic was structured there.

Kara, Catherine, Taylor and I walked around the city of Cork, after settling into our hostel (The Kinaley Hostel). All of the shopping centers were about to close, which was sad. At least we saved money by not shopping.

For dinner we all had pasta, garlic bread and salad. All 58 of us ate this yummy dish in the kitchen at the hostel. I probably had six helpings—not sure why I am always hungry.

The four of us shared many laughs. We slept in a room with 16 other people—coed.

We got this little corner, closed off for the four of us. The room was certainly a little questionable, as can be expected in a hostel. The saying, “You get what you pay for,” is sure. Hostels are about the experience, and it took a lot of convincing by my friends, that I would be okay.

We all hung out in the lounge room for a while. It was great getting to know a lot of the people who would  be on this journey with me. It is safe to say that I knew that I would be making life long friends.

October 26, Tuesday

We woke up early and had a great, large, amazing breakfast---toast. We spiced it up with a bit of jam and butter though.

I did not sleep well last night, so I knew that I would be tired all day today.

We went to the National Park in Killarney and took a carriage around. The water, fields, mountains, the everything, was beautiful. We stopped at Rock Castle, during our carriage ride tour.

We then headed to Inch beach---breath taking. Far in the distance, the sun rays reflected over the water. It was peaceful, breezy and windy. There was a little café overlooking the water. Instead of eating there, we went to the little shop and bought food. Taylor and I had cheese and crackers. We were on budgets, and our parents would be proud.

We headed to Dingle, and on our way, saw the Amateur Race Track. The bus ride to Dingle was breath taking. We saw amazing cliffs.

The four of us toured the town. We went to Murphy’s ice cream, and then did some walking around and shopping. It was a windy, rainy and cold day—welcome to Ireland!

We got to the hostel and the town that we stayed in has under 1,000 people. The hostel was a lot nicer than last night. We got a room of 6 with our own bathroom. I slept pretty well. The only type of night-life in this town was the pub that was attacked to the hostel. We had a great time, as a lot of the tour crew stayed together in the pub. We danced, had laughs, sang karaoke and just had a grand time. I sang Summer Nights and a few other songs with “Team America” (a pretty creative name, I’ll say). Everyone sang me happy birthday and at midnight, the four of us, and other members of our tour group had a birthday drink.

This was my last day to be a teenager: my birthday, October 27.

I look back on my teenage years with a big smile. I accomplished a lot during those years. I experienced a lot, met a lot of great people and saw God working miracles.

I look at the moment, and appreciate each day, hoping that many blessings come in the next chapter of my life.

As Taylor told me, “Moni, you are now a MS (mature student).

October 27^th, Wednesday

My birthday!!!! I am 20 years old.

I woke up with my friends and members of the tour saying, “Happy Birthday.”

This morning we stopped in Adare. Taylor and I went to the supermarket called Centra. We both got sandwiches to snack on. Again, we both budgeted and figured that this would be cheaper than eating in the little café that was around the corner. Gosh, my dad is going to be super proud of me and all of my savings. I also bought hummus and crackers, so that when we stopped for lunch, I could just eat this.

The best birthday present—the Cliffs of Moher. I could sit here and write about my experience but I can’t, because what I experienced cannot come in words. These experiences are personal to me, and what I see with my own eyes, is unreal.

As I stood on the cliff, I remember praising God for this beauty that I was seeing right before my eyes. I thought about the creation story, and how God created the world. He could have made everything black and white, but instead He chose color and creativity.

It was a windy day though, so every picture that we tried to take of the four of us, took some effort.

For lunch, we stopped at Fitzpatricks bar. The four of us ate our lunch outside, as the others eagerly waited in line to fill their empty stomachs. The birds outside came fairly close to us, in hopes to get some of our food.

Off to Galway we went. Galway is a stunning city. Caroline, Quinny and Molly came in for my birthday. They stayed at the Earl Hotel, which ended up being close to our hostel. They surprised me with a bottle of my favorite drink, a card and a big birthday badge to wear.

Quinny, Molly, Caroline, Taylor, Kara, Catherine and I went to the local pub for dinner. I had the 100% Steak Burger (which was not a surprise). The waitress surprised me with a birthday dessert—a brownie and ice cream. It was a great dinner. It was nice to all be together, and for the three to come to Galway to celebrate with me.

We all went out to the Coyote Night Club. It was a fun night, to say the least.

I will always remember my 20^th birthday. Not only was I able to celebrate it with my friends and the amazing people that I met on this tour, but I got to spend it in the heart of this beautiful country—and not many can say that they have done just that.

I got an email from my dad, saying that he remembered the day when I was born—I was wrapped in a blanket and he held me for the first time. He said that that was a happy moment in his life.

It is amazing, looking on the 20 years of my life, and seeing all that I have accomplished, through the glory of God. I am thankful for my life, for my amazing God and for the experiences that never cease to amaze me.

October 28, Thursday

We left Galway bright and early. We headed to the Shrine of Our Lady, which was in Knock, Ireland.

Unfortunately, the actual church was closed, but I still enjoyed the other pretty stuff that I saw.

We had lunch at Strandhill beach.

In 450 B.C., the Celtic people arrived in Ireland, and brought farming and language.

We went to the grave of W.B. Yeats, in Drumcliffe.

“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights, it is a change that goes on deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” –Miriam Beard

I think about my interactions with so many people in my life time. I have consumed myself in many different situations where I have met so many different types of people. For just a split second, they are strangers, but once I actually take time to get to know them—their individual talents, personalities, and individuality shines and I begin to learn more about life. No longer are these people just “faces in the crowd,” they are people who show me what life is about. A lot of people overlap in similarity, yet many people cannot see this because they do not interact.

Strangers often become my friends—they are people who I continue to pray for, and that I remain in contact with. There is nothing more exciting than being around people. We think that humanity is so different—but when we get to know people, we realize how similar we actually are.

For the world to change, ignorance and selfishness must be fogged up and compassion and understanding must become more visible.

I look at the life of W.B. Yeats and I look at his gravestone. I remind myself, “What can I do in this life, to be that instrument of peace and justice? What actions can I take?”

On this tour, I have met so many incredible people—many young teachers, and people aspired callings and passions. More importantly, when being with these people. I remind myself that I am surrounded by a lot of the world. The universe is on this bud—people from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England and so forth. Each bring a piece of their life and history to this week. Aside from seeing the face of God through astonishing nature—He has been ever more apparent in the people.

We stayed in Derry that night. We arrived at Paddy’s Palace. We soon had a walk tour around the city. This city was one in which I had to be a little cautious about. The city is divided between Catholics and non-Catholics. They barely talk and never cross sides.

The police were standing outside in full uniform—guns and everything. This is when you want to be on your best behavior. After the tour, we came back and had a cookout. It was outside, in the backyard of the hostel. It was decorated really cute and cozy.

The four of us shared a room. After we all ate dinner, we sat around and chatted—eventually gathering around to play the piano to sing some classics. I love singing, especially with a group of new people.

We all went to the local pub. The four of us left early and went back to the hostel, there sharing many laughs.

The people who were in charge of the hostel were very friendly.

When I reflect on Derry, I think about the huge division that is present. The idea of peace and unity seems almost impossible to imagine. Derry is by far a completely different life than I am used to. I cannot imagine living under such a division.

October 29, Friday

Our bus driver and tour guide, Joe, has been a pleasant part of this trip. He has a great sense of humor and always kind.

Off to Belfast!

The four of us went and toured the city, walking to a few shopping areas. In Belfast, the original titanic was drawn in one of the buildings.

We went to the National Trust of Causeway, known as the Giant’s Causeway. We look a lot of pictures. The cliffs, water, and mountains in the distance were all stunning.

After lunch at a local Pub, we went to the Carrick-A-Rede, which is known for their rope walk across two Islands. I have seen such things in movies, but never thought that I would actually see one in real life, moreover, walk across it! It is always about the adventure and overcoming fears.

I was up very high, walking on a rope bridge, that stood over a body of clear blue water. I think that the fact that it was so pretty, helped me to stay semi-calm. But I did it—I walked across it.

For dinner, we hit up an all-you-can eat Chinese buffet. It was nice inside and the food was good—no stomach reaction which is always a good thing. It was nice to eat something a little bit different.

At night, we went to the Crown Bar and on our way home, grabbed pizza at the only fast food place that was open.

This was our last night out as a group—a bittersweet moment for sure.

Good memories make me smile. Meeting these people this week brought a lot of happiness to my life. Although we all have grown up in completely different life-styles, we still are very similar. Our eagerness to see the beauty of Ireland and the world, embodies are potential to crave something more than we know. There is so much out in the there in the world—so why not jump to every possible experience to learn something new, when you can. A man by the name of John Burroughs once said, “The longer I live, the more my mind dwells upon the beauty and the wonder of the world.”

October 30, Saturday

Early in the morning, we got a black taxi tour around Belfast. Like Derry, there is also a big division here in Belfast. It is mind blowing to hear about the continued division between Protestants and Catholics—who do NOT cross paths at all. The wall that serves as the divider point, is the ultimate testimony of such a division. And then I got thinking—this division is not based on religion, but on identity. When you are born into one of these groups, that is the shaper of your life. I think about the young children, who do not know anything other than this life—who are born into a continued hatred generation after generation. Tears layer under my eye lids, because these young children are not able to reach to their fullest ability to see the whole of life. It makes me extremely grateful for my life, that I have been raised to strive to live in unity, peace and justice.

I cannot even IMAGINE, this way of life. During the tour, I was only introduced to such a division that will more than likely continue for years, generation after generation. This offers little room for people to express the fullness of their talents, their dreams and their abilities. It is through differences, and through our interaction with people. Where humanity and life become full, and where our purpose for living is multiplied in greatness.

After the tour, we gathered up our belongings, and the journey was coming close to an end. We stopped for lunch and then made two quick stops on our way back to Dublin. One stop was to Saint Peter’s Church—to learn more about Oliver Plunkett, who was beatified in 1920 and canonized in 1975. In 1979 Pope John Paul II visited Drogheda and prayed before his relic.

The whole tour and week was great. I can go back to America with a great understanding of Ireland. I have seen every city in Ireland. I will go back to America with a huge appreciation for Ireland. I was glad that I had the opportunity before I left to see all of Ireland. There is something magical about this country. A piece of Ireland will always be in my heart. The feeling of warmth, peace and renewed vision that I have gained because of this experience has been a badge of God’s grace, scattered throughout my soul.

October 31, Sunday

Happy Halloween!

Today was one of those days when I felt sick—maybe the flu, but the throat ache did no good for my day.

This morning, a few of us did a shopping trip to Tesco’s to buy our Halloween gear—togas and accessories. I was looking forward to going out and enjoying this great holiday—but I stayed in, with the knowledge that my body just needed rest.

After spending the day with some of the girls, I came back in the afternoon to catch up on emails and just enjoy some peace and quite in my room.

Tonight, I pray for one of my friends who I love dearly, that she is able to feel the grace of God’s love, pouring in her heart, that she is able to see the vision of God’s calling for her life, right before her eyes, and that she will always hold on to trust.

Dear God, watch over me as I go to bed not feeling well. Please protect my family, friends and those who have no food to eat on this day. Amen.