Fire Brigade Visit

      Late Sunday night our French roommate Aurelie Mercier came back from holiday. She is 21 and studying law. So far most of our conversations have begun with the phrase "in my country..." comparing the differences between France, Ireland and the U.S. Aurelie has been here for a full semester already and  given Abby and I with a few tips and tricks to help with our adjustment. Seeing as though our commute to the university is quite long she said a bike is an absolute must. Abby went down to Eyre Square yesterday and rented one, however I'm so cheap I don't know if I can shell out 90 euro for a bike. I know it would be a good investment, but I'm going to check with some of the church families first and see if anyone has a spare bike lying around that is not being used. I'm torn because it would certainly be nice to cut down on my walking time, but I do enjoy my walk to and from school. Although most of it's city buildings and roads there are patches of beautiful Irish countryside that make my heart stop and mind marvel at God's beautiful creation. My walking time gives me time alone to pray or listen to sermons. I can get through a full sermon or at least half.  I have yet to find a good option for working out,  but my walk gives me at least a little bit of exercise.
     Aurelie also warned us that when the fire alarm goes off it goes off in every apartment unit and is quite loud and obnoxious. Early this morning at 12:30 we experienced what Aurelie was talking about. The alarm sounded and she wasn't kidding, it rang in every apartment just as loud and obnoxious as she had explained. Everyone came out of their apartments to wait for the fire brigade or maintenance to shut the alarm system off. It was quite something to see everyone trudge outside in raincoats and pajamas half asleep wondering where the fire was and who started it. Was someone having a late night dinner and burned something? Did somebody get a little too lazy and didn't want to stand in the rain to smoke so they lit up inside? No one really knows, but I can't say anyone was super thrilled to stand in the rain in the middle of the night, so I decided I'd take advantage of the humorous situation. Here are a few photos from our late night visit from the fire brigade

Everyone stood outside speaking different languages. I wasn't able to understand everything said, but you can interpret annoyance and cold in any language :  )

My Roommates Abby & Aurelie

The sky had an interesting pinkish red color

     On Wednesdays I don't have class so I had three goals for the day. I wanted to find a bike, rain jacket and coffee shop. I accomplished....none. Although I didn't get done what I had planned I still consider it a productive day.  It rained today...shocking, but I made myself go into town despite the bad weather. I know if I don't start making myself get used it to it I will stay inside all the time. Although I enjoy being warm and comfortable I can sit inside in the U.S. I need to take advantage of the opportunities I don't have back at home.
    I have coined a new phrase, the Sidewalk Shower. When cars are traveling quickly they splash through the large puddles and absolutely drench you as you walk along the sidewalk. Poor Allison, all of 5'1" got completely soaked today in a sidewalk shower. Even worse she experienced a sidewalk shower on her way to campus and then again on her way back. Haha poor girl, at least she got both sides.

I'm going to go finish my devo so I'll finish this post later.

Castles & Charity

     Today I had my first class here at NUIG. The course was titled The Development of the Castle in Medieval Europe from the archaeology department. In only 50 minutes of class I feel like I know so much about different castles, their terminology, structure and use. I absolutely loved the class. I'm excited for more lectures. The class will run twice a week, concluding with an exam worth 10% our mark (grade) and a paper worth 90%. The paper is due April 29th and yes I leave Ireland May 28th...possible time to travel? Yes please! The only issue I had with my first course was my professors accent. It wasn't very thick, however it was enough that it would take me 3-4 times of him saying particular words before I finally caught on. Following my castles course I was supposed to have a class called Americans Abroad which examines American travelers in film and fiction and how they are perceived by others. However, the course doesn't run until the 24th because it is a seminar. Unfortunately my other two courses are just the same so I don't get to "try" them out before the first intense week of classes begin.
    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

Gray Day

     So they weren't kidding when they say it rains in Ireland. I woke up this morning at about 6:30 and it wasn't raining, by 10 it started and has yet to stop. Thankfully it hasn't been a torrential down pour, but it certainly has been consistent. The sun has yet to appear. Yesterday at church I met Mandy who's originally from Texas. She calls it the depressing gray, it looms for most days. When Katie went to Sweden she spoke about not seeing the sun and how exciting it was when it finally made an appearance. I now understand what she meant and can certainly relate to the excitement of even a glimpse of sunshine.
    Today was the first day of classes. On my schedule I only had archaeology: The creation of medieval castles, but for some reason the class wasn't held. I wasn't too upset because I had to be on campus anyway to turn in a Sociology form. In order to get into seminars, which are smaller class sizes, you must wait in line to turn in an application. Only a handful of seats are available, thankfully I was only 5th in line so I think I should be able secure the spot I need.
     The rain has been kind of a downer and miserable to walk in, however the highlight of today was finding a Charity Shop in the business park where I live. On my way home from class I stopped in to see what they had. I found several very vibrant colored sweaters that I would like to purchase. They were also selling used blankets, towels and sheet...kind of sketch, but I'll take the sweaters :  )
     Since arriving on Tuesday I've had constant headaches. At first I chalked it up to traveling, thinking they would soon subside. However, they continued the first couple days. So then I thought maybe they were due to being in a new environment and being a little overwhelmed, but they've still continued. I believe it's because of my pillow. At home I sleep on an ergonomic pillow and here I have a small flat one. Advil and Aleve are not doing anything so I think the pillow is the culprit. This is how I feel about walking in the rain with headaches

     So I may be cold and damp with headaches, but let's be serious I'm in Ireland. I really have nothing to complain about. With my 30 minute walk to campus I plan on listening to Mark Driscoll sermons. Exciting news I found out that The Crane (my new favorite pub) plays trad music every Tuesday night. Which is grand because I don't have class on Wednesdays. During church they said there was a bible study Wednesday mornings so I might check that out. Time for dinner. 

With Love from Galway

 

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

The Waters Rise

So far I've enjoyed my time in Ireland, but the frustration is beginning. The waves of life have begun to crash in and I know that I need to hold firmly to Christ and know that I am in his arms. No tangible worldly desire can bring me true joy and peace.
     Today was the first day we've done anything with course registration. Schooling over here is much different than in the U.S. Irish students have 7 years of primary school and 6 of secondary. This means they have a "transition year" which serves a purpose similar to that of our freshman year in college. Therefore, their time in college only last for 3 years. Most students studying abroad are Juniors, of course I am not, therefore this throws a wrench in things. With the combination of not being a junior and Irish schooling not matching up in  years with American schools it's very difficult to find the right course equivalencies. In addition to this, the Irish classroom setting is also very different. Almost all classes are 50 minutes of solid lecture with no questions. Irish students do not 1) ask questions 2) get up early 3) stay at the university during the weekend. I foresee myself being quite bored with this type of classroom, but it'll just be something I'll have to adjust to. Courses are usually held only once during the week usually mon-wed. Ideally if I can free up my schedule on Fridays to travel I am a-okay with that!
     Unfortunately you must go to each department secure a timetable of their courses and then make sure none of your courses overlap. In order to do this you are given 2 weeks to "try out" your courses making sure they're the right fit for you and then you go ahead and register for them on Jan. 20th. An odd system, but it kind of makes sense. It's nice to have the option to change your mind, however this timetable craziness has been driving me nuts. If all of my courses transfer perfectly than I can get through school in 4 years if I can take a J-term class or maybe a summer course. However, that doesn't look like it's going to happen. The courses  are not working out and I'm feeling frustrated. I know that attending school for another semester will not be the end of the world, because the experience I will have this semester is worth much more. However, trying to figure out these classes and what to do about them has been stressful.
     Balancing friendships has also been a struggle. My program includes 11 girls, we are scattered from all around the U.S. Connecticut, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Minnesota, New Jersey & Arizona.  It has been fun getting to know the girls, but with meeting so many people and trying to figure out so many other issues while walking in the frigid cold for hours each day has worn me down. I want to go out to the pubs and enjoy time with them, but I also love to be alone. I know it's important to not stay in my apartment, I need to stretch my comfort zone and go meet others right away, but I just seem much too tired and desire to have time to myself. I am hoping the weather warms up and my energy comes back so I'll have a desire to go out, explore and have fun
     ...so as I was typing that, friends of mine Allison and Katie stopped by asking if I wanted to go down to apt. 16. A few Irish students invited them down so everyone in the apt complex could get to know one another. How perfect! I went downstairs had a really good time, as well as learned a few things. Lesson number 1) So if you're really drunk I'd call you "twisted". Lesson 2) Irish hospitals are horrible, slow and expensive, don't go unless your limb is falling off. Lesson 3) Learned how to roll my own cigarettes...can't say that skill is of any use to me, but I guess it makes for a fun "did you know?". Lesson 4) Receiving an Irish drivers licenses is ridiculously expensive. Lesson 5) Even the Irish use the phrase "that one time in band camp" ahah I just about fell off my chair when I heard Daniel say this behind me. It's late so I better head off to bed.

With Love from Galway

Gears, Grand & Green

It truly hasn't really hit that I am living here in this beautiful country for the next 5 months. Today we had orientation bright and early at 9:30am. Okay for those of you who know me well are thinking, bright & early? What is she talking about, she is often up for 5 hours by that time! However, this is quite the adjustment. My body is going to hate me, but when going out to the pub the Irish don't even leave until 10-10:30 and if going to a club even later.  This is obviously not my ideal time table, but such is life, I will learn to adjust and hopefully have fun out at the pubs, but also have a few of my treasured 5:00am early mornings to myself. I am most looking forward to seeing the Irish countryside. Our 1hr. 45 min drive from Shannon up to Galway was absolutely marvelous. Unfortunately the ride came at hour 22 of traveling so as much as I wanted to take in the beautiful scenery my eyes were like cement.
     Brian, my program director, gave us a ride in his car. What an experience that was. Driving on the wrong side of the road, ridiculously fast, stop and go jerking all over the place. They call stick shift vehicles "gears". Today during orientation I found out that is actually legal for me to drive here, but I would rather not die. My goodness it's mad over here. Pedestrians do NOT have the right-of-way.
     My heat is working! Hooray, I love to be warm, however it's still chilly over here. In the grand scheme of things it's like living in the tropics. Coming from a cold snowy wisconsin to a green lush Ireland is quite the transition. About the time I start complaining of being cold I stop to think of the blizzard that just dumped 20+ inches of snow on us back in Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago...okay so maybe it's really not so cold over here. Not to mention they told us that last month was one of the coldest months they've ever had in Irelands history. It's January so it can only warm up from here!...I hope :  /
    A few quirky things include the use of the word grand. In the U.S. we use words such as "like" or "um" to fill pauses in sentences or just throw them in unnecessarily. However, over here they use the word grand. It's thrown into sentences all over the place. Brian told us you can basically use it whenever, but you're likely to use it wrong at least once or twice and look like an idiot. Oh well, I'm sure there's already plenty more I'll do that'll look foolish.
     During orientation one of the language professors spoke to us about taking Gaelic during our semester at NUIG. The University is a bilingual university posting all signs in both English & Gaelic. At the conclusion of his presentation he taught us a few phrases such as hello- dia dhuit and your reply would be dia is muire duit- I am doing well. He also taught us how to order a pint of Guinness. The last item of his presentation was a song. It began a little bit corny and I wasn't sure how warmly received it would be. Before long everyone was clapping and singing along in Gaelic, my eyes began to tear up. The atmosphere of the room was just unbelievable; again I had the indescribable internal feeling of 'this is why I'm here!' More to come later :  )

Goodluck! (goodbye)
Abby

In His hands

Is it real? Can it be true? Yes indeed I am in Galway Ireland. After a lengthy 24 hour trip I have arrived. My trip began early the morning of Monday Jan. 3rd.  There are a few apologies that need to be taken care of first. Mom, I am sorry I promised to get everything done ahead of time and did not. Katie, thank you for all of your help and scrambling to get all of my last minute items, even at 6 am, especially because mornings are clearly not your ideal time. Lastly, sorry Dad for the undue stress of the house turning into a chaotic scramble of last minute packing. With many last minute items being thrown in my bag I was finally packed and headed off to the Central Wisconsin Airport to catch my first flight at 10:07 am. Upon arrival I felt fine, we checked my bags in, received by boarding tickets and headed toward security. My stomach began to churn and I was not feeling well. As a family we waited together for about 30 mins before I got in line to go through security. We said our goodbyes and I was now on my own. My only glitch through security was forgetting to take off my watch...whoops, quite obvious error.
      Leaving CWA toward Chicago was a very short flight taking only 32 mins. Seated next to a friendly lady headed to Idaho for work, I was comfortable and looking forward to my next two flights. Just before landing I asked to borrow her cellphone and was able to give loved ones an update. Landing in Chicago I collected by carry-ons and headed toward my gate. My walk to the next gate seemed to take forever with my heavy backpack.....and this is why you pack light.  I knew I had plenty of time and if I kept an easy pace I wouldn't tire myself out and get to my gate in time. First off I found the television screens, enabling me to double check my gate had not changed (Thank you Katie for the good advice). B9 was my destination and I found it after wearily dragging through O'hare. At this point it was about 12 and I knew I should probably eat something even though I wasn't hungry. Near by a Great American Bagel store so I had a sandwich. My stomach didn't feel the greatest, but I figured it was wisest that I eat something. This proved to be a poor choice. On my flight to Newark I became very sick. Vomiting the entire flight the hour and half trip seemed like an eternity. Thankfully I was at a window seat and had no one sitting next to me. At this  point I couldn't even keep water down. Arriving in Newark I collected my belongings once again and headed toward the bus which would take me to the international terminal. Finding the transportation counter quickly I sat door on the floor and again began to vomit. Great, the american girl who looks like she's dying as everyone stares at her. A young swedish man named Uwe was very kind and brought me paper towel, while a girl from Brussels comforted me and gave me anti-nauseau medication for my next flight. I road the bus with Uwe & the girl from Brussels and found out a little bit about each of them. Both were very interesting and quite enjoyable to speak with. Thankfully my next flight from Newark to Shannon went much smoother. I was seated next to and mother and daughter from Ireland, Francise and Josephine. They were visiting family in New York for Holiday.
    The flight from Newark to Shannon was a bit delayed. Landing at 7:18 I then waited 2 hours to get through immigration. Waiting isn't the worst thing in the world, but I needed to get ahold of Brian to let him know the flight was delayed. Brian is the CEA program director who was picking me up from the airport. I couldn't get my phone to work as hard as I tried nothing seemed to get through. I was proud of myself for not panicking the entire trip. Even with changes of gates and a stressful situations like being so sick I had yet to panic. However, I thought the phone issues might push me over the edge, because Brian had specifically said call if our flight is delayed. Instead of panicking I pulled out my new baby bible, thanks to ms. Jordyn, and began to read Isaiah. What comfort I had in the word. I spent most of my time waiting reading and was absolutely thrilled to have the time in the word. God is so good. Just before reaching the immigration desk I was able to get my phone to work and Brian was cheerfully waiting for me outside. I was worried about upsetting Brian for being disrespectful of his time, but I prayed about it and turned to the word. Everything worked out perfectly as he waited for me outside with a few other girls from my program. Unfortunately we also had to wait outside in the cold for an hour to take a bus up to Galway. This meant my trip took a grand total of 24 hours. Needless to say I was wiped.
    My apartment is beautiful and quite new. Fully furnished and stocked with cooking supplies I am ready to get settled in. There are 3 of us girls living here. For the first day I was alone, but knew that I had another roommate because there was food in the fridge and garbage in the trash can. While running downstairs to meet Brian I came across my Landlord Mary and Abby, a girl I had met in the Newark Aiport. They asked if I knew the girl who lived in ap. 38, I responded I did! They proceeded to ask if I minded if Abby moved in, so now Abby and I share the double room and found out our third roommate is from France and flew home for the Holiday. That is the extent of which I know about her, but I am excited to meet her.
   This post is getting ridiculously long and I could type forever, but I'll give a few highlights. Brian is incredible, very friendly, has a wonderful accent and quite charming. Sarah is studying abroad a full year, so she has been very helpful to get advice from. The Irish drive like mad men on the wrong side of the road.  Round abouts are absolutely everywhere. You are required to pay .70 for each grocery bag, therefore bring your own! Great idea though, very sustainable. The Irish are by far the friendliest people I've ever met. They are not kidding when they say it rains all the time. Shopping and fashion are absolutely grand here! Crack is not a drug reference, but rather asking someone if they want to go out for a good time. I am in need of sleep so I will head to bed, seeing as though orientation is bright and early tomorrow morning.

With Love from Galway :  )