Brilliant Craic

I have fallen in love. Last night we went out downtown for some good craic, incase you've forgotten craic = a good time. Beginning at the Spanish Arch we met up with Sarah and others from the Gort na Coiribe apartments. The pub was packed, but somehow we managed to secure a small side room and enjoy singing along to the cover band. The band did a nice job, but that's not what I truly desired to hear. Throughout the week I've both heard and read that The Crane is the best pub for trad (traditional) music. Cover bands are fun and bring variety, but I want the true Ireland, I wanted to listen to authentic trad. Shop street is where most of the pubs are located and the commotion of the city takes place. I know the street decently well, but no other conjoining streets well enough to wander off. Following the crowd we wound through the narrow streets of Galway and walked into a corner pub where we followed the sound of a flute upstairs to a dim packed room. Sitting in an flattened oval shape were 17 musicians playing beautiful music. Instantly I could feel the warmth and tradition filling the air. Some clapped others tapped their feet, and all enjoyed the musical talents of the trad artists. Every so often you hear "hush, hush...shutup!" The room would fall silent and someone would begin to sing. Never in my life have I heard voices like these. A cappella they sang beautifully with their charming Irish accents. The pub was so crowded I wouldn't even call if standing room only, considering you could not even move from one side to the other.

      Between songs a few people had given up on how impossibly crowded the pub had become and left. This left at least a very small space to breathe. An older gentleman was sitting in front of me and stood up to get another Guinness. He noticed that neither Allison nor I had drinks in our hands and questioned us. "Well lads where are your drinks?!?" Before I had time to respond he asked "Could you do a half pint?..yea yea Half pint ah?" Before I knew it I had my very first alcoholic drink in my hand and it was a half pint of Guinness. What was I getting myself into?! We then learned his name was Tom and he was born and raised in Galway. He welcomed us to the city and hoped we would enjoy our stay. (By the way everyone says "you're very welcome here." I cannot tell you how many times I've been welcomed with this phrase.) Another gentleman walked in with his wife and began talking to Tom. This man came over and introduced himself as John and his wife Maggie. Most of our time in the pub was spent talking to John, explaining our stay in Galway and what we hope to accomplish while here. Somehow it came out that it was my very first time in a pub and my first drink. Dumbfounded he asked how old are you? I explained that I was 20 and too young to go to bars in the U.S. This made him chuckle. He couldn't quite believe it was my very first drink either. John asked if either of us had family in Ireland. Both sets of Allison's grandparents are from Ireland so she explained that her family was from Cork. He then asked what her surname was to see if he would recognize the name. Turning to me he asked what my surname was. I told him it was Jamison and he just about passed out. Erupting in laughter and disbelief he couldn't handle what he had just heard. "You mean to tell me your last name is Jamison and this is your first drink!" He ran over to Tom to explain that his kind gesture of buying me a drink was quite the benchmark in my life. I made it about an 1/8 of the way through my half pint of Guinness...give me a break it was my very first one! Tom and Ortis tried to buy Allison and I a drink for the road. They pleaded to do so, but with my almost full Guinness and no desire for more alcohol I politely refused. What a great first night out. Beautiful music, welcoming atmosphere, friendly people and good old craic.

      This morning I had an hour 1/2 long walk to church so I used the time to enjoy God's creation and the beautiful sunshine. Unfortunately after about an hour I got a little lost so I called a taxi and had him drive me the rest of the way. Anyway I attended Galway City Baptist Church. It's very small with a congregation of about 80, but they have sincere hearts and are slowly, but surely growing in size. Obviously it was much different than First Free, but this mornings message is exactly what I needed to hear. Yesterday while trying to get all of this course chaos figured out I became very frustrated and knew exactly what I needed to do... turn to the word and pray. I knew God would comfort me and in His timing and will would work things out, whether it had been how I planned or not. For some reason I just wouldn't do it. I chose to continue to push forward and figure things out on my own...foolish. Over and over I began more frustrated and upset. This mornings sermon was all about prayer. Pastor Kirk focused on Acts 12 when Peter was arrested and how the church had been praying for him v. 5 "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him." He also used scripture such as Phil. 4:6-7 one of my favorite verses that I have committed to memory and repeat over and over when in difficult situations. I had completely forgotten about the verse during my time of struggle yesterday. As well as Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose. 

    The church picked Genesis 18:14 as their verse for the year: "Is there anything to hard for the Lord?" Wow did this hit me. Of course the answer is no, but yesterday I was foolishly believing that God wouldn't be able to take care of my courses and things would not work out. What are a few piddly college courses compared to his great might and strength? Nothing! When taking a step back it floors me at how I can get wrapped up in such sinful lies and prideful ways of thought, but it gives me such an appreciation for God's unfailing love for me. No matter how many times I find myself believing sinful lies or trapped in prideful thoughts He is always there with extended arms welcoming me back. I am so thankful I was able to attend church this morning and meet with other believers. Gretta & Larry an older couple in the church generously gave me a lift home and offered to take me to bible study as well. God is so good.
     As I was trying to figure out my course confusion I took time to have a quiet time with God and read a little bit of the book Michael and I are going through together. After looking down at the table I noticed that I had a collection of my favorite things with me: My camelbak, journal, bible, G2 pen, good book, nutella & bread :  )

  
In an effort to save money Abby and I buy our groceries from the cheap german grocery stores Aldi & Tesco. Neither of us are great cooks, but we do what we can. Tonight we made our very first meal together, pasta with meat sauce. Along with cheese and crackers. yummm!

     Random facts, they keep their eggs out on regular shelves unrefrigerated....weird. Salmonella anyone? In order to fit in with downtown Galway girls I need 1) Heels...really high heels  2) Cigarettes   3) Black Tights    4) Loads of makeup.....I think it'll be awhile before I fit in downtown, if ever. Heels on cobblestone?! Are you kidding me? When Irish students introduce us to their other Irish friends they'll often say "meet my new yank friend."  Friday we were able to get a tour of the campus and our guide told us how the Irish were able to immediately spot Americans...North Face. The Irish don't wear The North Face and we obviously do...as a good 60-70% our group looked down at our jackets and went "shoot!" There are no clocks here....anywhere! Unless you're wearing a watch you can't find the time to save your life. It's nice that everyone is laid back, but it's certainly something to get used to. If someone says they'll meet you half past nine they'll show up at 10 or 10:30 guaranteed. It's difficult to adjust from a very rigid schedule to one where no one is on time, but I've used my waiting time to spend in the word. Tomorrow is my very first day of classes so better go figure out where I need to be!

With Love from Galway