Short and Sweet

I am simply posting to say...We are here, We are safe, and we are sleepy! Thanks again for the prayers! I'll do an update post later.

Love and Blessings,

Kait

Concluding...

Hello to All,

I only have several hours left on my internet code, so I wanted to put up one last post before it runs out. First of all, may I say thank you for your prayers as this semester has progressed. The power of prayer is far greater than anyone can imagine - and that is why it must not be taken for granted. So, thank you so much, my appreciation is greater than you will ever know. Anyways, I felt I should put up one last post as a sort of conclusion, but I do not know how to do that. I think I am realizing that this is not in fact a conclusion though. When something concludes, it is over, and I suppose that by going home, this experience is simply continuing, for I hope that I do not leave all I have learned - all I have gained - behind here in Ireland. My prayer is that I bring it all with me, and that I will carry this experience and use it...hopefully and prayerfully adding more great and wonderful adventuress to this story that is my life. That is my prayer. I cannot believe that my time here in Ireland is almost done, but I do not want to leave this place with a longing to stay, with a longing to remain in this way. I think that would be an insult to all of the strength and wisdom I have been subjected too. I want to leave this place with a smile on my face, in awe of the blessing of such a time and experience. This place will always hold some of my fondest memories. It was in Ireland that I learned I am able to be independent. It was in Ireland that I learned to step into the unknown with confidence. It was in Ireland that I remembered to dream big. It was in Ireland that I fell in love with the diversity of God's people. It was in Ireland that I grew up in a sense. But now it is time to leave, and I will trust in the perfection of God's timing...for who knows what lies around the corner - something great I am sure. Well, all of this to say...maybe this isn't "concluding" - it's just - "until the next adventure". I like the sound of that better ;-) So...thank you again. Thank you for your prayers. Pray for our travels home on Tuesday. And to all of those I met along this journey and for all of the friends I made, thank you for your wisdom, your generosity, the opening of your homes, the meals shared, and the many many memories and smiles. How great to acquire friends near and far. I am thankful for you all. Nigel - remember to publish that poem of yours! (Katherine make sure he does).

A little Irish Prayer to leave you with...

"Christ be with me,
be after me,
be before me,
and be at my right and left hand.
May everything I do be for Christ."

I'll Be Seeing You -
Kaitlyn

Hmm...

Well - I took my last final yesterday. It was a time of both celebration and sadness. I cannot believe that this time has drawn to an end. What a blessing to have an experience such as this. I pray that I always grasp the opportunities set before me - this has been the time of my life. A few of us went to a Christmas party at the Murlough House last night. It was fun - and funny. I'll tell you all about it later. Today we went to some of our friends house - just the students - and had a cook out and spent the day there. It was a blast to get away and such a fun time with our friends. I am typing quickly, but wanted to update quick. Tomorrow we're going into Belfast to the zoo and the castle. I had suggested this earlier so professor Jones decided to make a day of it - we're excited.

I am getting anxious to see everyone, but it is also hard to know we'll be leaving. I decorated our house for Christmas on the 28th last week (since that is our tradition at home). So I'll post a picture of that. I think one of the things I'm going to miss most is looking out of my back window and seeing the bay and the Mourne Mountains. I'll put a picture up of that too - although the tide was out so the bay is empty in this particular pic. Oh well. Anyways - I know this is short and unorganized, but wanted to update quick.





There will be so much to process and so much to share...I'll try and make one more post before we leave...until then

My All -

Kaitlyn

Thanksgiving Celebration in Northern Ireland

Hello to All -

Well, I wanted to write this because I have had many inquiries regarding..."Thanksgiving in Ireland". As you all know, Thanksgiving is an American holiday...how therefore would one celebrate while in another country? I do not know about others, but I will tell you what transpired here yesterday. And for all concerned...I was stuffed to the brim, and smiling, so no worries there.

There are only three girls staying in my house right now (myself included). Yesterday we woke up, lit the fire in the living room, and finished baking the last of the deserts. Afterwards, we bundled up, and walked to Nicholas and Kathleen Laning's House (right up the road), where the 'grand meal' was to take place. Nicholas and Kathleen are some dear friends of ours that we have made while here. They are actually from Texas, so they were anxious for some American company. Needless to say, the day proceeded, and we had the usual turkey and cranberry sauce, pecan and pumpkin pies, mashed potatoes, rolls, gravy - you name it, we had it. It was great, but what I most enjoyed was our Irish company. Hadden and Betty joined, as well as many friends from the Murlough House. It was such a blessing to see how eager our Irish friends were to make 'Thanksgiving' so special for us. There was great concern that we were missing it in the states, and I have never seen such giving spirits in how they worked to give us our 'holiday'. Talk about the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Sitting in the Laning's yesterday, cuddled up in their small living room, feet warming by the fire, with about twenty others packed in around me - all laughing and talking and sharing...it was really something special. We were all without 'our family', yet we created a family of random, unique, and varied people, from Ireland to America, and goodness it had me smiling. What a day!

Simultaneously when all of the business ended - I started feeling the pains of missing my family. It was the first time it really hit me like that, and whenever I was able to Skype with my entire family, grandparents and cousins, aunts and uncles, mom and dad, let's just say the tears were free falling for a moment or two. I really do cherish my family. How blessed I am!

Anyways, I need to get ready b/c Jordan and I are grabbing a bus to Belfast. Thought I would fill you all in quick! And please know that it was a wonderful day. God is such a provider.

And Park - Happy Belated Birthday to you! I pray it was a wonderful one for you.

My All!
Kaitlyn

A Day With The President...and so on...

Hello To Everyone -

I know my posts have been delayed, but we have been doing a bit of traveling. We are currently in Belfast staying at LakeSide Manor. It is the new property JBU will be leasing for future study abroad teams, and summer programs etc. It is gorgeous here, and the city has been a nice change of scenery. Yesterday we had lunch with the President of the Republic of Ireland. When her speech was given we sat in the front two rows as the guests of honor. It was a surprise and needless to say: an amazing experience. The amount of hospitality we have been given by all whom we have encountered on this trip abroad has been overwhelming. We are truly indebted to all of our hosts. After the speech and luncheon we hung around the manor until rushing off to make our dinner reservations at Villa Vicci before "Light Up Belfast". It was a great evening. Today we kept busy with the Stevenson's (who are currently visiting). We had lunch at 'The Crown' in the city, and then went for coffee at the Europa Hotel. It is famous for having been bombed precisely 73 times during the dispute. If you can imagine, Billy was quite animated in recalling all of his experiences. After coffee Billy drove the students to Shankle Road and we took a walk while he gave his testimony. It has been a great couple of days. I know this was rushed and short, but some friends are waiting for me to head down the street to StarBucks. I can't keep them waiting! Ha. I've included a picture of LakeSide.

So Many Blessings, and All of My Love!
Kait

Mother and Father

I know the title of this post is kind of random, but I will explain, just give me a moment. I went running this morning (something I take great joy in). I ran and ran and ran - because when I run, I think, I contemplate, and mainly, I pray. I suppose today I found lots to think on, to contemplate, and always, to pray on. When I run - that is my time, no distractions, just me and the path, feet hitting the ground, wind on my face - free. I love it.

This morning, as I was running I got to see the sun coming up and as I crossed to a path near the shoreline and saw the rising sun through the reflection on the water, it was truly and wonderfully breathtaking. Pure beauty - there really are no words...and in that moment, the only thing I could think of was my beautiful mother and amazing father. My mom and my dad.

I realize the more I grow, how much of my parents I have in me. I think I have my mothers laugh, and I know I have her brown eyes. I have her love of reading and writing - and so many other attributes, I am blessed that she is mine. I have my fathers passion for history, and love for outdoors - His quirkiness and 'pondering' - and so many other attributes. I am blessed that he is mine.

I have always felt incredibly blessed to have the parents that I have. God is good. Despite feeling blessed, it hasn't been until recently that I have been able to reflect upon my relationship with them. It hasn't been until recently that I have been able to look back through the years I spent under their roof and simply smile. This is why I smile...

My mother is beautiful. I may be biased, but she simply is. She is beauty through and through - from the inside out. She is so compassionate and so passionate. She has a love for living that is absolutely contagious. Others draw near to her, because she is a light, and no one wants to be in the dark. She is so full of wisdom and grace, and when she speaks others listen. She is so sweet and so caring. I love that she would put on plays with me and my brother when we were little (A Nativity Play etc.), or rearrange the furniture with us before a game of hide-and-seek so that we could hide behind the couch. I love that she says "Woo Hoo" and puts on lipstick while she's driving. I love her, flaws and perfections, because she is my mother, and I am blessed. Wow.

My father is incredible. I may be biased, but he simply is. He is such an example to me and my brother. He had it pretty rough growing up, and whenever I look at him, I know that I am seeing an absolute miracle. He is so strong and so admirable. He really listens when you speak, and hears what you have to say. He has always believed in me and my abilities and is always encouraging whenever I have an idea. AND he is sooo funny. I admit, he may tell science teacher jokes, but at least I am always laughing. I love that he would buy my brother and I kites and fly them with us in the field by our house, or bring home animals, like snakes and baby opossums and teach me about them when I was little. I love that he talks things through aloud to himself, and that he reads the encyclopedia. I love him, flaws and perfections, because he is my father, and I am blessed. Wow.

Maybe this wasn't the 'Ireland' post that you were all looking for, but this is my blog, and this is what I wanted to write.

Also, Mom and Dad, I just want to say thank you. My cup runneth over.

Kaitlyn


Playing Hide & Seek

And baby Garris and Dad (I just like the picture).

November is Here...

Hello to All!

November is here - and with it the crisp air and early nights. We have been so busy lately - tons of papers, tons of research, fun day trips, and lots of random activities - such as an exciting Belfast Giants game, and a Shakespearian performance of "A Midsummer Nights Dream" (which was held in a Circus Tent!) Needless to say, we have been busy (constantly on the go!), stressed (so many assignments!), and simultaneously - enjoying ourselves greatly!

Yesterday I grabbed a bus into Belfast and did some research in the Queens University Library. It was nice to have an afternoon to myself, and I enjoyed the 'university atmosphere' as I have been missing that a little. I also did a little window shopping - seeing how Thanksgiving is not celebrated here, the Christmas spirit is already in the air, and I am really enjoying it. In a few weeks we will go into the city to watch as they 'light up Belfast'. I am really looking forward to it.

The other week some friends and I decided to get a little artsy-crafty and made some tie-dye shirts. It was really run.


I pray you are all well. I pray you are able to take silent moments throughout your day - simply to breathe in the truth that is God. I pray that you are all at ease, and able to rest in knowing 'All is Well and All will be well'. I need to go - we are going to an art exhibition, but I thought I'd post a quick update. I love you all - Very Much!

Kaitie

Digging Deep

Hello Everyone -

I woke up today and went down stairs to eat a bowl of cereal. From the window, I watched the bay fill as the tide came in, and sat there for a moment just thinking. It is pretty surreal - this whole experience I am having. I miss everyone so much, but at the same time, I do not want this time, this experience, this moment in my life to end. I am learning so many things - so many things unplanned for. I am learning so many things that do not pertain merely to 'school and university'. I am learning so many things about myself, about the world, about God, about life and living. I do not want to lose 'this'.

This whole time abroad has placed me on an island in both a literal and symbolic sense. Unlike other trips, or study abroad programs, we are not in the middle of fast paced life. We are not 'in the city' or living on a busy campus. At first, this was one aspect I was not looking forward to, but I was wrong to have my doubts. There is something deep within you that takes place when you are able to rest your soul for a time. I say soul because that is what I feel. I feel my soul is at rest in this place. There is something to be said of the opportunity to reflect in a tranquil and beautiful place - something to be said of the allowed silence as you jog down the bay with the Mourne Mountains before you.

I have learned things and seen things I will never forget. We have six weeks left and I am trying to live each moment here to the absolute fullest as the days are zooming by. I know that God has me here in this place, for this time. I know that He will ready my heart to return in December. I pray that I take with me all that I was supposed to learn, that I absorb all this place has to offer, that I am alert and attentive as this experience continues...and maybe, just maybe, I will be able to capture enough to share with you all; though obviously, unless you live it, it will only ever be a retelling - and for that, I am sorry, because I wish you could all have this experience.

Thinking of You All, Praying You are Well. Until next time!...

Love,
Kaitlyn


Oh and Mom and Dad - Remind me to tell you about the Police Headquarters we visited today!

For Mom and Dad

For Mom and Dad - Who have both taught me to reflect and contemplate -

Some times we have to go through the difficult process of removing the hindrances in our lives in order to continue as we were meant to. Just as a person who discovers they have cancer in their leg is not eager to have their leg amputated, there are times when it must be done. If the cancer is not removed, it will overpower the rest of the body, slowly weakening and killing that whom it holds captive. No one wants to lose their leg – no one wants to lose a part of themselves – but when life is dependent upon it the deed must be done. The person with the newly amputated leg will have to learn to walk again, adjusting to their new form, but they will learn to walk again with new life and a new strength. Our hindrances are our cancer, and we too must go through a process of amputation - we too must learn to walk again... and we will learn to walk again, with renewed spirits and a lightened load - For how precious is the breath of freedom? I find myself learning to walk again. It is no easy thing, but I can already feel my spirits being renewed as my load is lightened. And as I stumble through those first steps, tripping and falling along the way, I feel a hand guiding me and a whisper, which says “You are doing it, that’s the way, it is all going to be okay”.

I miss you both very very much. Mom - I taught Aidan "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" and it made me smile thinking of you getting me from Mrs. Whitley's class in kindergarten and first grade and driving down to Mamaw and Papaws. I know this wasn't really an update post, but I'm lying in bed sick, with Kaylie (having caught what I have) lying in her bed a few feet away. The rest of the team is in Belfast, so I wrote this and thought I'd post it for the both of you.

My Cup Runneth over!
Tater

Back from Paris!

Hello to Everyone!

Today Kaylie, Kevin, and I arrived back from Paris. I cannot even begin to explain to you all the time that we had. It is such an intriguing city. Versaille was breathtaking...I could live in the gardens! The Louve was a compilation of exquisite masterpieces - I am still processing all that I saw. It was surreal to be standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower looking out over the city, I am so thankful and blessed for the experience. Walking through Notre Dame is something I will never forget. You do not have to be silent, but I couldn't help it as I walked around. I sat for the longest time in there after we had 'toured' the building and just prayed. I have seen God in so many ways while on this journey abroad and it never seises to amaze me. I have some funny stories about the hostel we stayed at. Disneyland was a BLAST! I finally got to go! The metro in Paris is crazy, but I feel we handled it with expertise! We are city slickers and never knew it! Ha. Goodness, so much to say, but never enough words. I am thinking of you all and hope that you are all doing wonderfully. I know this was short, but I am exhausted from the trip. I am attaching several of the pictures...there are tons more, but this will have to do until December!

With My Love,
Kaitlyn

Face Mask Night!

I haven't done the best job as of late of posting pictures. I haven't put up our farewell to Murlough House bonfire pictures or the trip to Belfast with the elephant on the street, but tonight the girls in our house had a facemask party! I thought I'd post a few while taking a break from homework. Things have been going well, but we have been so busy with trips and homework...I have five papers due in the coming two weeks as well as fall break and my trip to Paris! I am excited about the trip, and slightly stressing the papers haha. Our trip to the Northern Ireland Assembly was amazing. We were able to interview party members and do a Q & A session. It was such a neat experience. We met them at Stormont which is a beautiful place, you should type it into google! Anyways, I need to hit the books. More later.

My Love,
Kait

Papers

Hey Everyone -

It's been a few days, but we have SO MANY PAPERS to write and books to read. Hadden said we are reading for our degree. I really don't mind though, because I love reading and writing, it's just there is a ton of it, so the updates may be a little spread our for a time. Tomorrow we are driving into Belfast wearing our best attire because we are meeting with some members of 'congress' as we would say in the US. I will make sure to update afterwards because it will be a great experience I am sure. In November we will be doing something similar only then we will be meeting with the President of the Republic of Ireland so I am sure that will be great as well. We have been at the Holiday Homes for a few days now and I love it here, though I do miss Murlough House. The Holiday Homes are beautiful and it is fun to unpack. We celebrated Kaylie's birthday on Tuesday and that was a lot of fun. We went to the movies in Belfast and then out to dinner. Paris is right around the corner so Kaylie and I are getting really excited about that, (but I am nervous about the flying part of course). Anyways, I will update again soon, I need to go fix dinner!

Love and Blessings,
Kaitie

...

Okay-

I am going to post the poem I finished for my literature class. It is not great on any plane, but I know mom wants to read it - and I want to elaborate on it.

This semester has already stretched me in ways I was not anticipating. I walked out onto the beach the first night we arrived here at Murlough House and as I was walking to the end of the sand flats - slowly chasing the tide as it moved out, I felt tears on my cheeks. It wasn't windy, and it wasn't that cold, so I knew they were my tears; tears I was crying.

I felt God in that moment (not in a cliche way)...in a simple way...a way I haven't experienced in such a long time, and so I cried. I cried because I felt ashamed, I cried because I was overcome with joy, and I cried because I knew everything was okay.

I have been struggling with wanting answers in a definite and black and white way for quite some time now. I think whenever you get into higher education and the vast spectrum of arguments and debates are laid out before you - you start to contemplate issues within yourself. I feel this is a crucial period, something that must take place, but it can also be very lonely, because at the end of the day, you have to be okay with whatever YOU conclude - not those things which are concluded for you.

How do you take knowledge and understanding, science and reasoning, spirituality and the holy world and combine them in a harmonious way? It is hard to sift through the pieces when they don't seem to fit. They do fit though, all of the pieces come together, you simply have to turn them the right way.

I realize that in my quest for ultimate understanding I forgot the simplicity and key of all relationships - communication. As I searched, as I studied, as I asked questions and weighed the various answers, I forgot to listen to that whisper, that ever present whisper that has so faithfully guided me for as long as I have been aware.

I heard it though, I heard that whisper when I was at the beach, and I remembered that one crucial element was the element I had been leaving out for far too long now.

So...I am here in Ireland, and I am realizing that this experience has already changed me in ways unexpected...and as this experience continues, I know that I will be molded and refined. Pray for me as this all takes place.

I wanted to post this, because I have been working on transparency. I want to be honest and sincere, bold in my struggles and down falls - I want to be humble.

Here is the Prayer I prayed this morning from The Common Book of Prayers (I picked it up the other day and have been using it in the mornings). I wanted to share this with you because I felt this prayer fitting and then I will attach the poem.

TO our prayers, O Lord, we join our unfeigned thanks for all thy mercies; for our being, our reason, and all other endowments and faculties of soul and body; for our health, friends, food, and raiment, and all the other comforts and conveniences of life. Above all, we adore thy mercy in sending thy only Son into the world, to redeem us from sin and eternal death, and in giving us the knowledge and sense of our duty towards thee. We bless thee for thy pa-tience with us, notwithstanding our many and great provo-cations; for all the directions, assistances, and comforts of thy Holy Spirit; for thy continual care and watchful providence over us through the whole course of our lives; and particularly for the mercies and benefits of the past day; beseeching thee to continue these thy blessings to us, and to give us grace to show our thankfulness in a sincere obedience to his laws, through whose merits and inter-cession we received them all, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Diamonds in the Sun

I feel the pulse between my fingers
As I take the pen into my hand
My every breath is labored
How do I write what I cannot understand?
In the tranquility of this moment
As thoughts are sifted through
The only thought that does stand out
Is the thought of You
I hear the tide come in
Feel the breeze it brings about
I see the ocean before me
I see it - How do I doubt?
I have such little faith
I am a skeptic - I always sway
But even in this moment - I hear Your whisper
Constant - It does not go away
You do not speak with clarity
In the confidence that clarity brings
Such a gentle whisper - A simple reminder
Never alone throughout all things
I open my eyes a little wider
See the sand glistening like a thousand diamonds in the sun
Your presence is before me
I am not scared - I will not run
I cannot argue with the feeling that there is something more
I cannot debate my conscience
As I have done before
See - Your voice - It is within me
I did not put it there
Your voice that's growing louder
I hear you - I am aware
And tho I want to argue - Afraid of what I cannot see
Your truth has finally grasped
And claimed even the worst of me

My Love Always,
Kait

Quick Update

Hello!

I am updating quick (homework to do).

As of late we have visited the Tolleymore Forest (beautiful!), Saul Church (which is where St. Patrick first preached and brought Christianity to the island of Ireland), and to Inch Abbey (an ancient ruin of a beautiful cathedral). We have been keeping busy with touring and school and lots of free time - which is great to have. While walking around Saul Church I stepped onto a Stinging Thistle (with only flip-flops on). I didn't know what a Stinging Thistle was, but quickly grew aware when little bumps appeared on my foot and true to it's name the entire area began stinging. Hadden informed me it would only last about three hours (and he was correct), but I will know to look out for those from now on!

We move on Monday to the Holiday Homes. It will be strange to leave Murlough House as I have really begun to fall in love with the place. I am thankful I will get to return throughout the weeks to help out though.

I am getting ready to jog to the beach and write a poem for my Irish Lit. class. I love being near to the ocean - it is a nice setting to do your homework in.

I included an album of a few pictures from the recent events.

My Love to You All,
Kaitie

Mom and Dad - my cup runneth over - I miss you...

Also...Happy Birthday Papaw! (a little early)

Another Post!

Two posts in one day...I know I know, but tonight was amazing.

We all went down to have a bonfire (just me and some of the girls). Anyways, after a while the interns from Murlough House showed up. We hung out down there for a couple of hours just talking. It was a great time. Then a meteor went overhead, so we watched the stars for a while and told stories. It was great getting to know the interns better. After our discussion they indicated a need for more volunteers in their various ministries for the semester so a few of us are going to start helping out. This is an answer to prayer because we have really wanted to get involved while we are here outside of the "JBU Group".

After talking we hiked to the end of the sand flat (the area that appears when the tide goes out) - Because of the time of year the tide goes all the way out for about a mile, so you can literally walk out onto the ocean floor. It is so beautiful. I honestly cannot describe it but you can try to imagine it if you'd like.

I know I rambled, but I need to be reading, so no edits for this post.

Sleep Tight (In Six Hours),

Kaitlyn

A Great Day...

Today we had class and then went to Belfast after lunch. We went to the Lenin Hall Library which is the largest library in all of Ireland. They are famous for their political archives section and we were admitted access and given a tour. They were so generous and have allowed us free access to the archives for the remainder of our time here in Ireland. The experience was one I will never forget and I hope to go back soon. The library is not government owned so there is no censorship on what is allowed into the library: this means that many 'banned' documents are in the archives representing both sides of the dispute. It was so interesting. One book I found incredibly intriguing was one with quotes from children of their opinions of the dispute in Ireland.

After the library we were allowed free time in the city. A group of us went to a few neat shops and then hung outside of the mall waiting for the others. While waiting I decided it would be fun to do the limbo. Ha...I'm always up for games! Anyways some of the Irish kids sitting around on the benches near us asked if they could join. Next thing you know we had a full fledged limbo party going on outside of the mall on the sidewalk in the middle of Belfast! Crazy stuff. It was so interesting to talk with some of them and an eye opener as well. One girl said she believes all American's are millionaires with beautiful blonde hair. I quickly told her that was not an accurate assumption, but even more wondered if that is what we really portray?

I need to go because some of us girls are going to have a bonfire on the beach! I will write again soon.

All My Love,
KT

Viking Day!

Yesterday we went to a Viking festival. It was a really fun time. We were there for a majority of the afternoon and got to do a lot of things including archery! They acted out a viking raid on the village and had authentic clothing on and out for display. I enjoyed it.

Today we went to a church about 30 minutes from where we're staying at the Murlough House. It is going to be our "home church". Haden Wilson pastored the church for many years. After church our team was divided into 8 groups with two people each and then paired up with a host family. The host families will provide Sunday lunch for their assigned students as well as a 'get away'. It will be nice to form relationships with residents of the area. It's about 5:30 here now and we just got back from Haden's house. They had the whole team over for lunch! Betty (his wife) cooked for everyone. It was really sweet.

I need to do my homework now, but will post again soon. I included pictures from the Viking Festival.

Love,

Kaitlyn

Happy Friday!

I will type more later, but Carys and I had a "photoshoot". She wanted me to show the pictures to "everyone". Anyways, because Carys is cool I am putting these up (just a few of them though). I'll update tonight though. Until then!



Okay - It's tonight...so I'm updating. Last night was a lot of fun. I hung around here and caught up on some reading, but then went down to the beach. Kevin and Jordan were down there with "seal bait". I think I may have called them sea-lions earlier so I apologize for the confusion. It was funny watching the boys try to feed the seals who would have nothing to do with Jordan or Kevin.

It is so beautiful by the water. The Mouren Mountains act as a backdrop when looking right towards the bay area. It is breath taking. Classes have been going really well. I love all of my professors. Each of them have a different teaching style and I am appreciative of this. My art professor really gets us to study the pieces we view (whether in gallery or in text), and I am not used to studying them in this way. It is neat to be able to figure out what a color may have represented or why a specific carving was made during a certain era etc. My Literature teacher is such a good writer. He is so descriptive in his teaching(as I suppose writers are) and really has some fun assignments set up. My other classes are amazing as well, but I realize I cannot really describe successfully what I am learning without typing out a novel for you all to read. In short: I am appreciative of their abilities to challenge me...to force me to think deeper than I regularly do...to defend my ideas and thoughts...to question what I do not understand...and to be okay with the learning process. It excites me.

I guess I better end as I have more of Aristotle to read! Goodness...all I can say is thank you Prof. Jones for that assignment! Ha.

One more thing though I almost forgot. Tomorrow we are going to a Viking festival! How cool is that? The vikings are arriving tomorrow from Norway on a long ship. They are actually rowing and sailing here. I am really excited and will promise to take a ton of pictures and post them afterwards.

Also,
I am drinking lots of tea and enjoying lots of fish and chips.

Love and More Love,
Kaitlyn

Hugs From Ireland!

Hey Everyone,

First off, I have one word for you all....PICTURES! Yay! I finally got to put some up today. I have taken over 400 already, so I cannot imagine how many I will have when this trip is over. Anyways, obviously with that many pictures this is just a sample of what's been going on, but still exciting.

We moved to Murlough House yesterday. It was our fourth move in less than two weeks, but everyone has been doing great. I guess when you are having a blast and surrounded by breathtaking views every which way you look you don't have much room to complain. Though; it will be nice to be at the Holiday Homes and get settled in as an added bonus in two weeks.

I just got back from a jog. I ran down to the bay and watched the tide go out, and then was able to walk out into the bay where the water had just been. My shoes kept getting stuck and the sea weed was a little smelly and slimy, but how cool to walk out into the bay. I loved it! Plus running felt good.

I got a little homesick last night because most everyone has a cell phone and was on the phone with their families so that made me a little sad, but I was tough. No worries!

Murlough house is beautiful and it is funny because all 12 of us girls are in one room! It's just like Madeline at her boarding school. I like it though...girl time it always fun!

I guess I need to wrap this us because I have to clean the bathrooms (it's my turn), but click on the link to check out my photo album. You will see a slideshot already, but if you want the pictures larger, just click on one.




With Lots of Love and Hugs!

Kaitie

PS, I apologize because the pictures are in random order, so that is why they jump around. Oh well though.

Hello! Hello!

Hey Everyone,

It won't let me put an album up yet because of the networks being slow at the hostels, but once I get to Dundrum around the 30th, I should be able. I wanted you to see Peter though. He was so sweet. I wish I could put an album up because I am getting anxious to show you everything, and today we went to the North Shore, so I really want to show those pictures. I am hurrying though, so I'll cut this short.

Love and Blessings,

Kaitie

With Love,

How refreshing to be here...here in a place I have never been, away from anything and everything I have ever known. It is a huge change after growing up in the same place for twenty years...experiencing the same things, seeing the same people, eating the same foods, walking the same streets - But now, to be here, tasting, seeing, smelling, and feeling new things in a foreign land, it is really amazing. I know that we have only been here five days, but all of the anxieties I had about going away, about leaving home, and becoming homesick are afterthoughts now (no offense mom ;-)...I will miss you all for sure), but I know that everything is okay and that everything will be okay. Today has been fun. We went to church, at Christ Church Cathedral. Look it up if you get a chance, I am sure the pictures will not do it justice, but what a beautiful place, what a wonderful experience. I am trying not to get sappy, but I am just really excited for all that is ahead as this semester lies before me. I know that times will be hard, but I am thankful to be here, to be in this place, to be here at this time, and to be me.

Remind me to tell you about the street musicians and the styles, Templer Bar, and the Templer square at night. I don't want to forget the stories I have, so remind me (and I'm journaling). We leave tomorrow, so I don't know when I'll write again, but soon I am sure.

With Love,

Kaitlyn

Hello Hello

Hey Everyone,

Two posts in one day! I know, I know. But, today has been amazing. We toured around today and winded up doing a tour through the Kilmainham Jail, which is the main setting for the movie, "In the Name of the Father" with Daniel Day Lewis. I was very excited because Jason, Park, Jon, and myself watched that right before I came here to Ireland. It was so interesting to see. Somber at the same time, but what an experience. As I am writing, Peter (our old Australian friend) is playing the bagpipes outside of the window. How amazing. We had a free afternoon so the same group of us that went out last night went out again and toured some more around the city. We stopped into some neat shops and chatted with a few of the locals. We're all watching a movie here in a few, so I'd better go. I'm going to try to attach some pictures but the connection is very slow, so no promises. We'll see.

With Love,

Kaitlyn

Good Morning!

Hello Everyone,

Well...we've been here in Ireland since about noon (Irish time) yesterday. We toured around Dublin a little yesterday afternoon and then ate dinner. Later, we crashed at the hostel for a bit before a group session. Last night, Joel, Jordan, Kevin, Kaylie, and myself went out into the city for a bit. We walked around and then sat down in a pub for a few minutes to watch a "futbol" game. It was really fun. A few of us have also aquired a friend, I will describe him as a feisty old man haha. He is a blast and we talked with him for quite a time last night and then he ate breakfast with us this morning. He is from Australia and it is so interesting to talk with him about absolutely everything. Especially politics because when he talks it's his view of america from a different country and also from 'older eyes'. He also fought a while which was interesting to hear about...and he informed us that John Wayne movies are not an accurate portrayal of war. It's interesting being here. I don't know if it has even really hit me yet, but I am certain it will. Already tons to tell...can't wait!

Love to you All,

Kaitie

Officially Packed

Hey Everyone,

The packing is officially complete as of yesterday, so now it seems real. Five more days! Thank you all for the prayers and farewells! I suppose the next post will be coming from Ireland, so until then I pray that you are all well.

Many Blessings,

Kaitlyn

Here We Go!

Hello everyone! I have E-mailed you each a link to this blog. I will be keeping this as a type of online journal for you to check up on from time to time. I will upload photos and videos from my time overseas and hope that this is a good and dependable means of communication for those of you who wish to see how things are going. Please feel free to leave comments and feedback as I am sure I will be overjoyed to hear from you all. And, of course, I will be using my JBU e-mail (hudsonkl@jbu.edu), so please feel free to e-mail! Wishing you all the best!

Blessings,

Kait