Off again...

       Friday morning and off on another adventure. This weekends destination, the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. Both of which I'll make a repeat visit with my family next week, but the beauty of God's creation never gets old, so I certainly won't complain. 3D nights always fall on travel weekends, meaning 4-5 hrs of sleep and early mornings ...ouch. However, this mornings devo was perfect for the weekends adventure. Seeing as though the trip is arranged through my program and price included in my total payment and the adventure is well worth it. We are even staying in a hotel! I feel like royalty after all of these hostels. Anyway the point is, although the trip is will be great craic I still have major assignments worth most or all of my mark. Papers and tests looming over my head doesn't make for a clear mind to go off and travel. However, I know I need to trust God with my time and be thankful for the opportunity in front of me. Most girls in my program love to go out until the wee hours of the morning, which is grand. However, as most of you know this girl does not function well in such a setting. On all of our other trips Abby C. and I have stuck close and returned home early. Sadly, Abby C. didn't come with my program and will therefore not be with me for the weekend. I will greatly miss my traveling companion, however this mornings devotion reminded me of God's strength. No matter how tired I am from either staying out late or the general fatigue of travel, it is not my own strength I draw from, it is that of my Heavenly Fathers.
    

Jesus Calling:     

      "When I gave you My Spirit, I empowered you to live beyond your natural ability and strength. That's why it is so wrong to measure your energy level against the challenges ahead of you. The issue is not your strength but Mine, which is limitless. By walking close to Me, you can accomplish My purposes in My strength."

Any worrisome thoughts of a draining weekend are futile. Whether, stretching, challenging, relaxing or crazy the energy for my weekend will be provided for. 

      The circus has come to town. Tom Duffy's Circus set up camp next door to Gort na Coirbe apartments. A giant blue text, flashing lights and signs posted everywhere give life to the circus. The signs read "Chinese Circus" as irish flags fly high above the tents top. Chinese circus in Ireland? Something about that is just odd. No matter it's oddities it's a popular attraction as long lines of cars wait to join the fun. As I biked past I couldn't help but noticed the scene. Glowing in the dark of night, stage lights inside sent shadows flashing across the blue tent as the booming voice of the ringmaster penetrated the air. Although circus' can be kind of creepy I must admit the scene was quite intriguing, reminding me of Dumbo.

     Spoiled with warm temperature, bright sunshine, and an absence of wind and rain the weather been delight the last week and half. Unfortunately, the wind and rain have returned, it's only fitting my family experience the real Ireland. If they came only to experience sunshine and spring weather, they would never fully understand the damp feeling which soaks through all of Ireland. Whipping and howling the winds ominous sound alone gives a dreadful feeling to the thought of venturing out.  Trekking across the bridge on foot is uncomfortable enough with gust sweeping you from one side to the other. However, biking across is a different story, nearly impossible as you feel like you're biking up a mountain. Watching the proud Connacht Providence flags whip in the wind as you slowly, but surely make your way across.

In these moments of complaint, flowers and shrubbery come to view in the corner of my eye. Wind may be nasty, but I must be thankful, I wouldn't be seeing this in Wisconsin right now:

     Tim and Joan Cummings hosted last nights 3D evening. Providing, tacos, brownies, ice cream and candy we were full to the brim by the nights end. A cozy home, inviting friends and delicious food made for brilliant craic.

 Last night also marked a major event in my life. For the first time ever, I voluntarily watched a movie for a second time, ALL THE WAY THROUGH, with having seen it in the last month. This wasn't just any movie, this was Inception. A movie requiring constant attention connecting scenes and actions. It was difficult, but I did it. Jordyn you've got to be beaming. :  )

Brownie pudding & tea

 Yikes time to pack! I'll return with more stories and photos from the weekend. To all of those who officially start spring break today. Enjoy!!

With Love from Galway