The sun was out this morning! It was grand to see the sun shine against the building and out over the small town houses in the distance. I especially enjoy marveling at rays as they spill out over the grassy field on my way to the University.
The pace of life here is much different than home and so is the communication. Most people have cellphones, but they are not always used. University communication is also very different. E-mail is the main form of communication at UW-L, in fact professors will often say don't call because they don't use their phones and e-mail is faster than coming to their office. However, here e-mail is used, but it's just as slow as snail mail. If you want an answer by Friday you best e-mail the professor by Monday. You can call because they may answer, but a visit to their office is the best bet. I had one professor who responded to my e-mail by telling me to e-mail his secretary. Umm..okay? Wouldn't have it been quicker if you had just forwarded my e-mail to her? Quirky situations like that make me shake my head and move on with my patience and learning in this new culture.
An additional difference with the cellphones is the frequency in which I charge it. It was almost a full week before I even considered plugging it in. This is probably due to the major decrease of texts and phone calls I receive, as well as no online capabilities like my phone back home.
Our apartment complex has a lift (elevator) that has voice commands to let you know when the door is opening or closing. Even the voice on the lift has an accent. I guess I didn't realize it until today when she kindly told me in an Irish accent I had "arrived on my desired floor". It makes me wonder if people think American voice commands sound funny?
The Charity Shop has come through as my favorite place so far this week! Today I bought 3 sweaters and a jacket all for 14 euros. I left behind a few sweaters and a cute black dress, but they're only a few steps away should I need them. I don't plan on doing a lot of shopping here considering I'm already broke, however before shopping anywhere else I 'm going to check the charity shop first. I'm stoked about my new deals!
I'll admit this is weird that I took a picture of the bathroom, but I just thought it was really fun looking. It's quite different than bathrooms at UW-L. Anyone who has tried to enter a bathroom in Cowley, and nearly gotten stuck because the entrance is so narrow, knows what I mean. Check our how neat this bathroom is
On my way to the University today I decided to listen to a sermon Michael had sent me from his church at school, Hope Community in Minneapolis. The sermon was titled The Gospel and Grief by pastor Steve Treichler. My walk to school seemed much more enjoyable and productive listening to the sermon. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get all the way through, but I enjoyed the 25 minutes that I was able to get through. Tonight after dinner I was able to finish it and work through a few of the topics that impacted me. Something from the sermon that especially struck me was "Grief produces words for the wind" Job 6:26. Job is grieving and says an off statement and is then called out on it. Grief causes people to say and do things they do not mean or think, do not correct them on it. I think it's easy to get caught up in being the "perfect Christian" and having a polished exterior making sure everything that comes from our mouthes is pure. This is true we need to watch our tongues(James 3), however we also have real feelings and need to express them. Rather than rebuking your brother or sister, sometimes just being there to listen and help them through the grieving process is the greatest way to love them.
Pastor Treichler went on to give more examples of grief such as when women are struggling they'll often turn to their husbands and ask for help. He will then respond by trying to fix the situation or problem and her response will often times be "why are you trying to fix it!" The situation sounds foolish, but it's true. Pastor Treichler explained that people in general, especially when men are put in this situation, cannot do or say anything to fix those situations of grief. When dealing with loved ones who are hurting we so often want to fix their problems, but we're not created to do that. He ended with a statement that also struck a chord in me saying: If you're not a follower of Christ and you're going back and forth as to maybe, maybe not. Consider becoming a follower of Christ just for your loved ones sake. To give them assurance knowing you're with Christ at your passing.
All of these were interesting things to think about throughout today. It's been an enjoyable day and I'm off to do my devo. No class tomorrow, but I have a mission to find the coffee shop that Re'anna's friends own and get a bike!
With Love from Galway
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