September 27, Monday

Today was Catherine Birthday. She turned 21. Happy Birthday to you. Hope that you had a great birthday!

I had a whole checklist of stuff to get done today. I had to run back to the international office, make a quick stop to the bank, change a tutorial time, and went to the Garda Station to get my immigration card. I can now travel all over. What a great feeling.

I had my Anthropology tutorial in the morning. I really liked it. I was able to interact with a small group of people—I was the only American. (no big deal) Because tutorials are set up for more personal learning purposes, I am excited to see how my fellow classmates think and respond to certain topics regarding differences of people. I have a 700 word essay due next Monday. I have to write about an article that I read. The head guy of our tutorial, do not know his name, made a very great comment. He said, “Anthropology looks at the differences of cultures and how ordinary people interact with everyday life. In this room right now, we all speak English, but we speak English in a different way.” I thought that his comment was great because we are all very different but we do have some sort of common ideal.

I also had my History class today, although I was an hour late due to my Garda appointment. Learning about Irish studies interests me a great deal. The “professor” has a strong accent so this will take some adjusting.

After class, Catherine, Sona, Caitlin, Rose, Annie and I went to the Bagel Factory for dinner. I had a Turkey Club Melt—the best thing that I have ate in my life. We all wanted to celebrate Catherine’s birthday in this way. It was a great time together.

Rose and I stopped at Dunnes, to try on some clothes. They were having great deals. We still came back empty handed.

All of the Saint Mary’s girls got ready to go out to celebrate Catherine’s Birthday. A few of us first celebrated in Catherine’s room by eating a yummy cake. Later in the night, we went to O’Neill’s Pub for a great night of dancing.

It was a great night. I hope that Catherine will always remember this special birthday. It was in Ireland after all.

Dear God, please give me strength, humility and wisdom to be the best version of myself. Help me to be a witness of your truth. In Your name, Amen!

September 28, Tuesday

Skipped my first two classes—I needed sleep and I am running down with a cough and cold. I feel better now. Sleep is probably the best thing that I can do for myself.

My next class did not start until 3. It was Irish Sociological Imagination—my favorite course here. I am certainly interested in the material that is covered throughout the semester. We are learning about childhood in society. I find myself taking down countless notes, with smears of ink on my hand.

After class, I ran to Aldi, a local grocery store and picked up a few items. Their fruit is delicious and cheap too. I like to stick to organic food, and Aldi has a great selection.

I had class again at 5---my English course. It was okay—I was kind of lost with the intensity of her accent but I think I will eventually adjust.

Tonight, Sona and I went to the library. I read a long article for anthropology. It was on Apes in our Family. It was such an amazing and informative article. I actually enjoyed reading it.

I was able to bond with three of my roommates today, as we were each preparing our dinner meals. Max, is super funny. He has a great shine and radiance about him. He knocked on my door and brought over a International calling flyer, which he picked up at Dunnes. He thought that I could use a calling card, since I will be away for a year. Good thinking Max, you may be right!

I was able to talk to my friend Shelby for a little bit tonight. I love talking to her, whether it is through facebook, skype or a simple message. The fact is, I have great friends who support me and never leave my side. For that, I smile.

I had a great day. I was in good spirits. I am off to bed, to rest until my 9 am class tomorrow. Yes, I love morning classes!!

Will be hitting the books hard this week--- wait, this is why I came to Ireland!!

This day taught me to relax even more, to go with the flow, to hold on to strength. In the end, everything will work out. It always does.

September 29, Wednesday

God calls us to explore different journeys in our lives. The moments during these designed journeys never hinder our ability to think and live beyond our depths. There is much to see in this life—and much to understand. I think that what people lack in this life is the full ability to appreciate what is around them. If only human beings used their minds, they would learn about themselves, and the world around them.

Two of my great friends from Saint Mary’s, Heidi and Shelby are on completely different journeys than I am this year. My friend Heidi is studying in Rome for the year, while Shelby is back at Saint Mary’s, further pursing her education career. Each of our three different journeys traveled this year will be s stepping stone of strength and understanding when our three paths meet again.

I am blessed that Shelby will be coming to visit me during Christmas break. It will be nice and refreshing to see my friends who have supported me in the utmost positive ways.

I have found it amazing how I have soaked right in to this campus life. I am now very familiar with the campus—probably just as familiar as I am with Saint Mary’s campus. I feel like I am already starting to interact with “lecturers”, staff and other students. The sense of belonging is no longer a mere reflection.

 I started off my morning with Philosophy. The information was very interesting. I am always intentionally intrigued and fascinated. We talked about Saint Augustine, who

talks about the inner depths. The mind is like a “storehouse” “In my mind, I meet myself. I find myself by going inside.” Inside, the universe is contained.

I went to the clubs open house after class. I signed off for one club—Young Christian Students. Many former Saint Mary’s girls recommended this club, and I fully trust their judgment. There were about five clubs in total that I was interested in, but this one struck me the most. As I said before, I am not going to get super involved this year. I am taking time to enjoy life—to enjoy the relaxing and slow pace lifestyle.

I am excited for Young Christian Students. We meet on Thursdays. I cannot wait to get my feet wet for this experience. The Chaplain here, named Shay, invited me to come, and told me that I would really like it. His warm welcome furthered my desire to be a part of this club.

Using my gifts and talents in a new culture is important to me. I want to be able to bring something special to the table—a sort of framework that others can learn and grow from. The foundation and root of ideas, thoughts and beliefs, collaborate into something big.

Tonight, Sona made an Indian dish for dinner. It was tasty—I love trying new things, especially when I am in a new culture.

I had the lovely opportunity of talking to many of my Five Star kids tonight on facebook. I miss these kids a lot. They are truly striving to live a life of great value. I am sad that I cannot be there with them this year. I know though, that they will give me weekly updates. I am always praying for them.

I got an email tonight, asking if I wanted to be a committee member for the YCS group that I signed up for this morning. Wow, God can really do some cool things!

Until tomorrow,

God Bless

September 30, Thursday

When I woke up today, I asked myself, “Why does everything in America have to be so complicated?”

Really it is though, if you think about it.

Many people have told me, “We are always relaxed here [in Ireland]. We do not worry.”

Here in Ireland, things are simply not complicated. Things are easy. Being amazed seems to be the word that I have used a lot to describe my journey in Ireland. I am though—I am simply and purely amazed by many things.

I got a letter in the mail from one of my best friends today. Emily has been a great friend to me. I met her last year at Saint Mary’s. She is a great woman of God. Her faith inspires me every day. She wrote, “Love God in the minute tasks of daily living.”

This is certainly true and important in our lives—in my life. It is great to have friends who keep supporting you in your faith walk. I am grateful for her.

I had anthropology and Irish Sociological Imagination this afternoon. These are my two favorite classes. In anthropology, I love learning about different cultures, it makes me think outside the box. In Irish Sociological Imagination, we are talking about children in society. These two areas of study are beyond intriguing.

Today I went to a committee meeting for the club “Young Christian Students.”  I am humbled to be the Public Relations Officer. My job is to make posters, finalize events, and keep the campus informed on upcoming events. This group is with the Chaplaincy, another name for campus ministry. Shay, a chaplain is the nicest gentleman that I have met. He is in charge of this group. He is kind, compassionate and loving.

One officer in this group is actually blind. I had a great talk with him. He has such a passion for life, for his faith and for his amazing God. I learned a lot from him in the course of one hour. He taught me something special. I left that meeting thinking, “I wonder what my life would be like if I was blind?” Would I be more grateful? Would I not worry about the littlest things? Would my focus swift? I think that maybe it would.

Tonight a bunch of us Saint Mary’s girls went to the Roost. We all had a great time. We were all together, hanging out, dancing and having a great time. I had a wonderful time. This Ireland experience has allowed me to “let loose”. Not in a bad way, but in the way of enjoying life, being with my friends, and simply laughing. Most importantly though, enjoying the people who are around me. I am enjoying myself. I think that I deserve this.

I got to skype with my dad and my best friend Whitney tonight. It was so nice to hear from my dad. I feel incomplete without him here in Ireland with me, so I enjoyed that time together last night. He told me, “Don’t stay out too late, you are still my baby girl. Oh, and have you met any cute Irish guys?” My dad always brings a smile to my face. He is so funny, with a grand sense of humor.

It was wonderful to skype with Whitney tonight. Her and I met through Five Star. She is also a coach. Her kindness, encouragement and love allows me to keep reaching and to keep strong. It is nice to hear from people back home.

I love getting on facebook, and my Five Star kids chat me right away. Some leave messages in my inbox for me to read. They are excited to share with me their lives. They want to tell me everything—sometimes things that maybe a coach would rather not know, but still, their thoughts and lives are amazing to me. I have dedicated my life to serve them and to allow them to see the awesome God that works in each of their lives.

I am far away. But I feel like I am home. I think that I have adapted into this culture, into this university. I have to remind myself everyday, I will be okay. I cannot let myself get defeated. I cannot let myself be broken. Although I miss my home back in America, I am in Ireland now. I am on this journey to learn, to understand, to live in the now, to appreciate what is around me. Not everyone gets this chance. I do, so why not live it in the greatest form? Everything will be okay back home. My family will be okay, my friends will be okay, my kids will be okay. God is in control. Sometimes we experience things in this life in order to seek something greater—something more meaningful in our lives. I am blessed. I am happy.

October 1, Friday

God calls us to travel different journeys in our lives! He wants to challenge us to discover Him in a whole new way! He wants us to take this time to grow closer to Him. Yes, it is hard to leave those who you love behind, especially your best friends, but these times only make you stronger, closer and appreciative of what you have.

One thing that I noticed on this journey is that I am becoming closer with my friends back home. We are all growing up together, although we are far away from each other. Our focuses have changed.  Although some of my best friends have had challenges, and are struggling, I know that they will be okay. If they hold on to strength, and hope, they will be okay. You see, I know what real friendship is! I know the power of friendship especially through this experience. Real friendship is surrounded in support, prayer, courage and love for one another. My friends do this for me and I do that for them. They complete a part of who I am. They inspire me every day to keep going, and their example of faith and truth, allow me to never give up. That is who real friends are! Shelby, Whitney, Kirsten, Jen, Heidi, Bri, and Kath, I love you.

I got a lovely email from my friend today. She is back at Saint Mary’s. I love when she sends me emails, filling me in on her amazing life. I can see her growing into a beautiful woman of God, with this direct focus and divine understanding for her life. I smile when she writes to me. She brightens my day.

Tonight, Bridgy, Cailin, Caitlin, Megan, Kasey and I went to the Roost for a nice dinner. I had the “Roost Burger.” Probably one of the most fating meals on the menu, but I got a salad instead of fries. So I was kind of good, right?

When we came back, a lot of us watched a movie in Kara’s room. Bridgy and I left half way in the movie, to go back to our rooms. We were getting tired.

Tomorrow, we are off to Dublin. A lot of the Saint Mary’s girls are going together. Another bonding experience. These days keep getting more blest.

As the Irish folks say, “Cheers”.

Goodnight

October 2, Saturday

Today was Dublin! It was another great day in the heart of the city. On our outing was, me, Kara, Molly, Caitlin, Quinny, Annie, Catherine, Bridgy, Rose, Cailin and Megan.

A bonding experience for sure.

It was pretty raining and chilly outside. One of those typical “South Bend” days that many are used to—so you may know what kind of day I am talking about. Surprisingly, the weather here has been pretty nice-- mostly sunny and sometimes heavy showers. Today was the rainiest that I have seen yet.

Our trip started around noon. When we arrived, we walked around for a while. After making a quick stop to the known “McDonalds” for coffee and a snack, we split up into two different groups. Kara, Molly and Quinny went shopping. The rest of us were headed to the Guinness Factory.

The walk to the Factory was, let’s just say, long. That’s okay though. We got out four hours of exercise in for the day. We got lost a few times, but strangers on the street were willing to help us find our way.

The Factory is located in the rougher part of Dublin. I encountered a lot of homelessness. I saw some folks who were cuddled up in a blanket, with a creased and bent paper cup in their hands. Others were hanging out around a local church, near the entrance. I saw paper bags in their hands. One lady looked like she was beat to death on one side of her eye. I encountered one gentleman who was sleeping, as he leaned over a door for comfort. He had scratches all over his face.

Witnessing homelessness and poverty in a different country made me think—a lot. Quite a bit was going through my mind. As I think about in America, “Why is this happening? What can I do to respond? How can I promote social justice and awareness?” Homelessness is everywhere. It will always be an awakening reality.

The Guinness Factory was wonderful. We toured the many floors for sometime.

Some things that I learned on the tour:

The first export of Guinness beer to the US was a shipment to South Carolina in 1817.

“We are brewers and always have been; and in our brewing we have sought, and we seek, to ally the traditions and craftsmanship of the past with the best that science has to teach us.” –Rupert Guinness

At the top, we had a free pint of Guinness. The room that we were in overlooked the whole city of Dublin. I felt like I was in a luxurious get-a-way. It was beautiful. Even the rain, was beautiful.

We were meeting the others at six for dinner at O’Neil’s. (Where we eat last time—the food is just that good)

We took a carriage ride from the factory to Temple Bar (near O’Neil’s). It was the best and happiest time ever!!! Here us eight girls were, in the middle of a big city, in two horse carriages (4 in each), taking pictures, looking at people in their cars, sticking our heads out the window. Better yet—an 11-year-old boy was our “driver” I was jumping up with joy during this amazing ride.

O’Neil’s was tasty—as I was expecting. I had a moping giant burger—“The Dublin Cheeseburger” The thing was huge. I was hungry throughout the day—more correctly, I was starving throughout the day. When I saw the burger, a big smile crossed my face.

I ate the whole thing too. Every bit melted into my mouth. My burgers and I--we make a good team. I am not sure what it is, but I have had intense cravings for them, quite often. You only live once. Even if I have to buy one pant size bigger—it is still worth every bite. It is all about the enjoyment of this trip. I figured the gobs of walking that we did today, would substitute for some of the calories. If not, whatever.

We came back around 9ish. I came back to my room, and chatted with one of my roommates and her friend for a while.

Us Saint Mary’s girls must have a positive and known reputation around this campus. Many seem to know us, and I am constantly asked, “Are you a Saint Mary’s girl?” The accent must give some of it away.

It was another great day in Ireland. I encountered many people, bonded even more with the girls, ate some good food, and just had a grand time.

As for what tomorrow brings, I hope only continued blessings. Right now, I am going to lie down in my semi-comfortable bed, maybe eat an apple and just reflect. Then off to bed. I am tired and I want this headache to go away. It feels nice to finally be lying down, after spending a whole day walking, walking and walking. Was it worth it? Certainly.

Cheers!