Joyful days

      What a wonderful day! It's absolutely beautiful outside, I can hardly contain myself. No need for a jacket on this mornings walk to school as the sun is brightly shinning over Galway. Last night, I was up much too late and it's my long day, as far as course work goes, but I jut can't take a nap with this sunshine. With our apartment windows wide open we're enjoying the fresh air. It's been such a blessing to experience Christ's Joy. On my walk to school I was filled with joy and content, which has been absent over the last week or so. Soaking in the warmth of God's beautiful creation I was elated to spend time in prayer while I walked.

View from out our Kitchen window

Sunshiny day 

     Yesterday, during Bible Interpretation, I was very distracted and couldn't focus on John's teaching to save my life. This was not only frustrating, but discouraging as well, knowing that I truly wanted to learn the material. Thankfully God's mercies are new every morning and today is a new day. Unlike yesterdays scattered thoughts and wandering mind, today God's provided me with a sense of focus and comfort. This morning I learned a great deal during my Violence lecture and enjoyed my ability to concentrate on the course work at hand. Abby C. left her bike on campus last night and offered me a chance to ride it back today. This cut down on my commute allowing me to eat and relax at the apartment between classes. Quite excited for a warm bowl of soup I knew it would be a time crunch to make my soup and get back for my next class. However, I was grateful for the use of Abby C's bike and my time at home so I wouldn't complain. Walking into the apartment Abby C. explained she had just made soup and there was an extra bowl in the fridge if I would like it. Yes! Needless to say I was thrilled.
     During my last post I forgot to mention the variety of food offered at Erik's birthday celebration. On one plate I had Asian, Irish, Italian and American food....quite interesting for the taste buds. Darren is from Co. Mead, Ireland and brought back Irish Stew and Mash from his weekend at home. Vinny made stir fry, Allison put together an Italian pasta dish and Katie cooked baked beans and sausages. Overall the food tasted great and we enjoyed sharing our stories on how the food came together.
     Car's in Ireland are absolutely tiny and very brightly colored. I have never seen so many different colored cars. Some are beautiful and others...well let's just say I wouldn't have made them my first choice. This is certainly not the best example I could find, but it was the closest.

Yikes, I've gotta run. One more class for today and then off to Mandy and Jason's house for 3D (dinner, discussion, dvd). 

     The ultimate provider. God is so good. For over a month now I've been praying that God would provide me with a bike, allowing me to save money and shorten my commute to school. Patiently I've waited and used my long walks as time in prayer. They have been a blessing and much needed quiet time in communication with the Lord. For weeks now my roommates have begged me to get a bike and friends have questioned and pleaded why I haven't just given in and purchased one. Tonight Abby C. and I went to Mandy & Jason's house for our 3D evening. Originally from Texas, Mandy & Jason are taking two months to return home and visit family in the states. Mandy gave birth to their fourth child Wyatt on Christmas Eve, giving them Emma at age 6, Zoe at 4 and little Ruby is 2. Seeing as though they are leaving Ireland for two months Mandy will not be using her bike and has graciously offered to let me borrow it. Overcome by gratitude and emotion I gladly accepted her offer. She even gave me her lock and helmet. What a blessing and prayer request answered! It's a mountain bike which is very heavy, the last bike I would ever choose to compete in a triathlon with, but I could care less. I simply asked for a bike and God provided. How great He is.

     Selfishly, I wanted to attend the 3D night alone and enjoy my time with my church family. However, I've made it a goal of mine to invite Abby C. to come along to events with me. Whether it's a simple trip to the post or a night at 3D, I know she doesn't enjoy engaging in activities alone. I on the other hand am just the opposite, so this can be a bit frustrating Each time I've brought her along to spend time with other believers at CU or 3D she can't stop talking about the immense amount of love she feels. Last night the experience of love and comfort almost became negative to Abby C., as they were homesick reminders. It was delightful to walk into a warmly lit home with candles giving off a sweet cozy aroma. Jason and Mandy also have their family motto posted on the wall; it goes something like this "We are a fun, foreign, family desiring to worship Jesus Christ." What an encouragement to see it displayed for all to see.

Jason & Mandy our wonderful hosts

Adrian(Galway), Ken(South Korea), Mandy(Texas),
 Joanie(Galway), Arthur(Mexico), Me, Abby C.

My new bike & helmet!!

     The repair men came to, once again, fix Aurelie's bathroom. We're not sure if it'll work this time, but Abby C. and I kind of hope it doesn't. Paul and Charlie the cute old men who come each time to fix it are so kind. Each time they sit and chat with us asking how we're enjoying Galway. They had an odd request today asking if they could borrow our hairdryer. It was a humorous sight to watch two old men dressed in work clothes and wellies walk away with a hair dryer. I also ran into my favorite mail man again, remember the one who sang to me when delivering Anna's package? Well he was back whistling the gayest of tunes as he sorted the mail. As I walked down the stairs he even took the time to go through all the mail for me just to check if I had any waiting for me.

Overall today has been absolutely fantastic! Now that I have wheels Abby C. and I are excited to go to the market on Saturday as well as a trip to Salthill.

With Love from Galway