...

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