Wicklow: A Leahy Family Welcome

     It's been so long, but no worries I have many stories to share with you from my latest adventures.

Rewind....

Thursday April 7th
Hosting Thursday evenings 3D night the Poth family welcomed us to their cozy country home.

Stopping by the beautiful flowering trees
on our way to catch the bus to the Poths

Meeting Kelly in Eyre Square for the bus

The nights menu featured a salad bar, baked potatoes and chili. Most international students found it odd Mandy & I removed the foil from our potatoes to add toppings. Especially the Irish students who are used to eating loads of potatoes plain. For dessert Mandy baked a white bundt Cake as well as a chocolate Texas sheet cake. Yumm! Following dinner gathering in the living room we played 2 truths and a lie. Mine included:
1. I've landed on my head pole vaulting
2. I'm allergic to seafood
3. I love to get up at 5 am
...can you guess which is the lie?

Although I'm not actually allergic to seafood, I'm often tempted to use it as an excuse to refuse to eat it. Some lies were easier to pick out than others. For example when Hushang from Japan included "I'm Irish" as one if his statements. Finishing our game it was time for the film. Sandlin picked the film Big Fish, tieing in with our theme of lies and half truths.



Thursday was my first viewing of the film. Centering around the broken relationship of a father and son,
the film explores the life story of the father. With a passion for story telling and elaborate tales he exaggerates, making everything a bit more fascinating than reality. After viewing we enjoyed a great deal of discussion concerning the film. Was it wrong of the father to lie and exaggerate? Was the son stubborn in his attitude of not accepting his fathers love for exaggerated tales? How does pride tie in? It's always incredibly interesting to have so many walks of life in one room with very different views.

     The theme of fearlessness was touched on as the father lived a relatively fearless life. Our discussion was intriguing and convicting. Although common sense must come into play, I feel as though I haven't been living fearlessly. Many opportunities I've passed up. Small events like going kayaking with Abby C. I've let go week after week. This comfortable attitude has bothered me, especially after Thursday evenings discussion. Praying that I would trust God with my future and live more fearlessly this new attitude has been laid on my heart. Go on more adventures, take advantage of a greater range of opportunities presented to me. Laying in bed praying Friday morning Sinead sent me a text inviting me to Wicklow for the weekend. Not making it to her baptism I missed meeting her family, something I looked forward to. In addition, Wicklow was high on my list of locations to visit. As the only area of Ireland I'd yet to visit, Wicklow is situated in the southeast area of the country. This opportunity was perfect! Shoot! Monday morning my Irish exam was to take place at 9:30am, not to mention leaving the same evening for my 10 day holiday. Maybe it's best I stay home to study, pack and feel completely ready for my trip. No way! Just a few seconds prior to receiving the texts I prayed for an opportunity like this. God had provided immediately. Praying about the devision I decided I would go visit beautiful county Wicklow, meet the Leahy family and set aside time to study for my exam while there.

    Rushing to pack, our departure was 3:15pm, arriving in Dublin at 5:45pm.

Like all of my adventures, they begin in the bus station.

 Locating the Dart train we took a 50min ride down to Bray where Sinead's parents would collect us.

The Dart

Having the desire to eat out, they called to let us know we would stay in Bray for the evening to eat at her Uncles pub.

Bray's Seaside.

A bit anxious to meet her parents I wasn't sure if they were thrilled to find out about my accompanying Sinead just a few hours beforehand. Teresa, her mother introduced herself giving me a warm hug. Turning to her father Donal, he threw his arms open wide. As a man of very tall stature, 6'6" his wing span was quite large. Thinking he was simply trying to break the ice, with such a funny awkward gesture, I was wrong. He threw his big arms around me and gave me a large kiss on the cheek. Having never met him before I think this sort of gesture would have been uncomfortable with other males. However, there was a genuine love from a father that emanated from his warm smile and tight bear hug. With my own father having left just 2 weeks prior it was a sad reminder of how far away my he is. But also a wonderful welcome any daughter would love to receive from a father. Both welcomed me to Wicklow and treated me like their daughter the entirety of the weekend.

    Sineads uncle owns a couple pubs in Bray. Using family ties we found Uncle John asking him to get us a table in the busy pub. While Sinead & Teresa looked for John, Donal bought me a drink. This was the first of many generous gifts throughout the weekend. Ordering a stir fry Teres's meal included prawns, seafood... Yuck. She offered I try one, I politely declined, but she insisted. Shoot, this is going to be gross. Hesitantly lifting the prawn to my mouth as my insides churned, it was shockingly good. Wow, I actually enjoyed a type of seafood? My chicken Penne pasta dish with garlic bread was exquisite. Paying for my meal the Leahy's refused to allow me to chip in. Heading for home it was dark out, making  it impossible to enjoy Wicklow's beautiful scenery. However, simply by the bends, twists and turns in the narrow road I could only imagine the breathtaking views I'd take in the next morning. I was thrilled to find the Leahy's lived in the countryside. This is a dream come true. So badly I desired to live with a family in the countryside for my study abroad experience. God may have put me in a business park in a apartment, but he also gave me three wonderful days with a family in the beautiful countryside of Wicklow.

     Rising early I was able to enjoy the beautiful sun, glowing over the Wicklow mountains and into the large glass kitchen windows. Leaving at 10am Sinead and I went to Lugala climbing to the top we ran into a photography class. I can't think of a better setting for a photography course. We also encountered hoards of cyclists. One would think it was the tour de Wicklow.

Wooden steps covered with wire wound up the mountain to it's peak.

 From the top Sinead pointed out each mountain naming them and explaining certain locations used in films. Our hike down was just as spectacular taking in the wonderful view. Wicklow felt a little bit more like home as it features wooden fences rather than that of just stone fences in the rest if Ireland.

Way down in the distance there is a large
 home where celebrities stay on vacation.

Following our hike up Glendalough we made our way to the National Park.

Straight?

I could just barely see over the ledge!

Unfortunately with the beginning of tourism season also comes full car parks. Both the first and second were full forcing us to park in the 3rd which requires €4. Rather than purchase cheap, greasy, over-priced tourist food we walked to a nearby hotel for lunch. Munching on a vegetable quesadilla I was more than satisfied with my meal. Tempted by the dessert menu Sunead and I split the bread and butter pudding. Sinead and I thoroughly enjoyed it which included cinnamon, sugar, bread, and raisins in a warm custard sauce with cream on the side. Oh my goodness was it nice.

Another little oddity or quirky difference between Ireland and the states is the adjectives used to describe food. Often times in the U.S. we'll use words like good or great to describe somethings taste. However, in Ireland the word nice is quite often used. Friday even dinner is another good example when Mrs. Leahy used the word gorgeous multiple instances to describe her meal.
  
     Devouring our dessert we had plenty of calories to burn. Off we went to the see the infamous lake and find the waterfall. Lacking in confidence as to the direction of the waterfall we started up the mountain. Up and up we climbed reaching near the top Sinead could have sworn it wasn't this far of a climb. Hearing water rushing below us I began to laugh questioning Sineads advice to keep climbing. Hiking all the way down we found a simple turn to the left would have brought us to the waterfall rather than our climb to the top.  Finally we found it. At last here was the Poulanass Waterfall. It wasn’t quite as impressive as those I’ve seen in Denver, but nonetheless beautiful.

I can hear something below?!?...

We were pooped by the time we found it

Poulnass Waterfall

Wicklow is a popular setting for movies as the lake makes for a beautiful backdrop.

By this time Sinead and I were tuckered out. Time to hold cute puppies! Her Aunts dog recently gave birth meaning 7 spotted fur balls curled up in the barn. Sineads parents have agreed to take one of the puppies as their family dog is quite old. It has been quite some time since I’ve held a puppy. Tumbling over one another, wobbling back and forth the ups were adorable.

Although it was time for dinner we couldn’t help, but stop for a quick cone. Yum!

  Calling from home Teresa asked we pick up a chicken and block of ice cream. Neither sounded unusually, however both tasks turned out to be different than  that of home. Picking up a chicken in the states means mom wants me to swing by Pick ‘n Save to grab a rotisserie chicken. However, this stop was to the butchers for a fresh chicken. In addition the block of ice cream absolutely floored me. It was tiny! Don't let the angle of the photo deceive you, it was truly only an 1-1.5 inches thick.

Smallest block of ice cream I've ever seen.

Our blocks of ice cream are four times the size. At the mention of it’s size the Leahy’s were appalled at the size. I couldn’t bring myself to tell them about our gallon pals of ice cream.

Our time was coming to a close as Sunday morning Sinead brought me to church where I was confused to be Irish. Success!! I've wanted this to happen and I thought it did in a pub with my family. Sadly it was just the opposite the man from Holland immediately knew I was American and though the rest of the family might be Irish. But this time it was for real. He truly though I was Irish. He was German, but never mind that. 

After church we met up with Sarah Jane a friend of Sineads from church. Taking a walk on the beach we enjoyed the sights and sounds of families playing together enjoying the bright sunshine and warm weather.

Returning from our walk on the beach gave us just enough time to enjoy lunch and head back to Galway.

The view out the Leahy's patio doors.

The Leahy family was very kind in welcoming me into their home. There are many more stories and small things I learned throughout the weekend, that I may add later. Most of all I learned to surrender my time and enjoy God's blessings for me in the moment. I did little studying for Irish and most likely will not do as well on the exam as I had hoped. However, my time the Leahy's was invaluable. Out of all of my traveling I can truly say it's been one of my favorite memories. I am blessed.

With Love from Galway

A Good Friday Indeed

     What a glorious morning! Arriving home in sweet Galway at 3 am, crawling into bed an hour later, left me with 6 hours of sleep. In an attempt to keep my normal time schedule I've been given advice to follow the schedule as you normally would, not based upon how you feel. Great advice. Following my body would leave me sleeping until 3pm. Streaming through a small crack in the curtains bright morning sun filled my room. Rolling over to check the time it was 9:54, my 10:45am was far from sounding. Still feeling tired, contemplating additional sleep I realized on any normal day I wouldn't sleep past 10, so I wouldn't today either. Eating dinner at 3pm yesterday and arriving at 3am, left me 12 hours without a meal. Eating two pieces of toast I was off to bed. I was quite hungry this morning, however before leaving we ate most of the food in our apartment, so as not to let it go to waste when we were gone. Thankfully we had pancake mix, allowing for a quick and delicious breakfast. Not to mention the maple syrup Mom and Dad brought from home.

     Our Good Friday church service at 2pm left me with little time to find a lift, take a shower and finish devos. Thankfully Mark saved the day offering both Abby C. and I a lift at 1:00pm. Knowing Jitka might like to come along I rushed over in my pajamas to ask if she'd like to join us. Having never been to a church service, she was a bit uneasy with the idea. In addition the service was in English, creating a greater barrier.  She politely declined, but was grateful for the offer. Jitka stopped by our apartment just as I was running out the door for my Irish exam on Monday the 11th. For a couple of weeks now I've waited to for the perfect time to give her the Czech Bible. A time where we could sit down together, she could ask questions, I would try my best to answer them. This was unrealistic, as it is exam season and there will never be a "perfect time".  Standing in our entrance way glancing in my room noticing the Bible gave me feelings of uneasiness and frustration. A small argument waged back in forth in my head:
  Why hadn't I given it to her?
  I'm going to be late for my exam, I have no time to waste.
  Maybe I should do it now?
  No! You were going to wrap it in ribbon and make it look special.
  You're leaving for 10 days, this is 10 full days she could spend in the word.

Running into my room grabbing the Bible quickly handing it to her, apologizing for the quick and random nature of it's presentation I gave her the Bible. Explaining my intentions of wrapping it and sitting down with her I felt bad for my rushing out the door. Standing in amazement Jitka turned the Bible from one side to the other, not knowing what to say. Eventually looking up she asked "This is for me?" ..."wow, it's incredible, it's in Czech?!" "Can I keep it?" Laughing,  I responded "Well, I can't read Czech, so it's of no use to me"  Quickly explaining if she would like to read the Bible together I would love to do so, or if questions arose I was here to help.

Returning from holiday left me questioning if Jitka read her Bible. Not wanting her to feel pressured, I  was feeling hesitant as to whether or not I should ask about it. As our conversation came to a close Jitka said, "Oh! By the way, I've been reading the Bible. It's really amazing. I've started in Genesis." Letting her know I was thrilled for her, I asked if she had any questions. She responded saying "No, everything seems quite clear so far. It's nice to actually be able to read the Bible. I've read children's Bibles, but not the real things, so it's quite nice. I think everyone should read the Bible".....WHAT?!? Did I hear her correctly? I've only been out of the country for 5 months, but maybe Dr. Kuhn needs to check my hearing. Out of the mouth of an agnostic: "I think everyone should read the Bible"

Wow, prayer request answered. For weeks now I've been praying the Holy Spirit would work on and soften Jitka's heart. I continue to pray that this is the tip of the iceberg. How neat it would be to see Jitka hunger for the word. Finishing our conversation I felt as though my heart would leap right out of my chest. God is so good. This lead me to thinking, which friends fall into the "They'll never be saved, so why am I praying for them anyway?" category. This section in my mind needs to be erased, God works in mysterious and amazing ways. There is no one too "distant" to be saved.

Tomorrow will begin my recap of the last two weeks.

With Love from Galway

Post Promise

I'm still alive! I have been on Holiday in London and Norway. My travels end tomorrow as I fly back to Ireland. Arriving around 3am I won't technically be back until Friday, but I promise a new post is coming. Many pictures and stories from my adventures.


With Love from Oslo Norway

A New Home

UW-La Crosse offers a course called International Studies-Journaling. While in Ireland my course requirements include reading  from Linda Chisholms book titled "Charting a Hero's Journey" as well as writing 12 journal entries pertaining to my experiences here. This weeks entry asked

Have you reached the stage, if only briefly, where your host culture felt as similar and as easily traversed as shops in your own street at home? Describe an incident in which you realized that....


I'll share my journal entry with you...

     This is my home…walking back to my flat the feeling finally hit, this is my home. Amy, a dear friend from high school came for the weekend as we had an amazing time learning to surf. Dropping her off at the bus station I headed back to my flat in the crisp evening air. Accustomed to biking everywhere the walk home gave me time to slow down and appreciate the sites and sounds I take for granted. As I walked at dusk I wasn’t afraid to be alone, there wasn’t any hesitation that I may get lost, I could name off every shop I would pass. This was it, a feeling of home. A feeling of comfortable familiarity as I knew this city so well I could call it home.  It’ll of course never be my true home as that lies several thousand miles across the ocean. However, God has placed me here in Galway for this short period in my life. Providing me with a wonderful church family and brilliant flat mates, I can all Galway home.

     Two weeks ago my family came to visit as we toured Ireland. Not able to speak for the rest of them, I can at least say it’s the most fun I’ve had on a vacation. Full of adventures, many laughs, uncertain situations and provisions by our Heavenly Father, we enjoyed a truly fantastic week together. Thursday morning it was time to say our goodbyes. Rather than tearful, sad hugs and kisses, it was almost as if we said “see ya later!” With a presentation looming over my head I needed to get to campus as the family needed to take off for Dublin in plenty of sunlight. We hugged, kissed and off we parted. There was nothing sad or even unusual. It was as if we did it all the time; I’ll stay in this country and you return home, bye! Maybe it was indeed unusual. Most would probably expect a sad, drawn out farewell, but I’m thankful it wasn’t that way. It shows  that Galway is my new home and my family and I know that it doesn’t matter if we’re separated for just a few short months or forever; we’ll meet again. I must confess the Wednesday afternoon my family left to come over, was a bit shocking, realizing my entire family were in a plane flying over the ocean. If they crashed I was an orphan…shucks! It’s the first time this type of situation had ever occurred, where they were all in one location. My nerves lasted only a few seconds before realizing the situation may be sad for me, but glorious for them. Meeting our Heavenly Father and spending eternity in paradise with Him, sounds wonderful to me. As beautiful as Ireland is, I’m sure it doesn’t even touch Heaven’s beauty.

     So here I am in Galway and my family is back in Wisconsin.  I was able to receive a little piece of home when they came over and they were able to see a little piece of my new home. 

                                                                          

                                                          My Homes

With Love from Galway

Chocolates for John

     Today marked my very last class. Academic courses at the NUIG have been finished since last Friday, however, todays course held at Emmaus School of Scripture came to a close. Technically, one last class will be held next week, but I'll be in London. At this point I'm sure you're all feeling sorry for me. I know, I know, it's rough, but someones gotta do it.
     During our course we covered, the importance of prayer, observation, interpretation, evaluation and application. At time some material seemed daunting and unrealistic as I couldn't imagine having the time to go through verse by verse applying these new skills. However, John did a wonderful job breaking scripture down to very small details, but also showing us the importance of realistic Bible study.

   As our classes wound down, Joe and I had each thought about giving John a gift. Agreeing on chocolates and a card we ventured windy shop street in search of a delicious treat.

Passing Butlers Chocolates their enticing smell and shiny appearance have caught my eye many a time. Alas I am too frugal to actually try them. Promising myself at some point during the semester I would indulge, makes the frequent walk past a bit easier. Thankfully Butlers proved to be the perfect place for John's present providing us with a small box of chocolates beautifully wrapped in gold paper with a bow.

At the conclusion of todays class we presented John with his chocolates and card. Both of which he greatly appreciated.  With only 4 of us in the course, opportunities for deep dicussion and question asking were frequent.  Another funny dynamic was Beatrice pregnancy. As a 20 year old, none of my close friends have ever been pregnant. Beatrice is the first person I've seen on a consistant basis throughout a pregnancy. It's been fun to watch the baby grow as Beatrice eminates with her Motherly Glow more and more each week.

Ricardo, Joe, Me, Beatrice, John

Following Bible class John again allowed me to stay in the upper room to study. What a blessing! It's absolutely silent with natural sunlight streaming through our window overlooking the canal. Overhearing this Joe piped in asking if he too could join me. Of course I eagerly invited him, maybe it would keep me on task.

Joe hard at work studying engineering

Making my way up to the room before Joe had, I began my work. Walking in a bit later exclaiming how hot his feet were, Joe announced he'd take off his shoes. Tempted to make a smart alec comment about the smell of his feet, I refrained incase it'd result in self conscious thoughts. After a solid hour and fifteen minutes of studying I was ready to head home. Leaving the classroom, it was adorable to see Joe's shoes tucked neatly next to the wall outside the classroom...just incase they smelled. What a gentleman.

Trying something new for dinner we feasted on spinach quiche. A new favorite!

My Irish language exam is Monday. I currently know....about 3 phrases in Irish...this is not good. I've got loads of studying to do.

With Love from Galway

Falafel Fun

    Saturday morning before making my way to the university a stop at the market to cool down and relax was necessary. Kaylee and Kelly mentioned meeting at the Falafel stand around half 12. Unfortunately, time ran away from me as I was caught up in the frustration of being disconnected. Not making it to the market until 1:15 I'd missed the girls. Having never eaten a falafel I figured I'd give it a go, even if I was by myself. Falafel is Arabic; inside a pita pocket you'll find vegetables, hummus, and falafels; ground chickpeas.

Not knowing what exactly was entering my mouth, I doubted whether this experience would go well. Happily I can say it was delicious as I plan on going back to the market this Saturday for round two.

My first falafel

John, my Bible teacher, also mentioned the market has the best bagels. As a bagel addict I was both excited and nervous about this statement. Having loved bagels from an early age, I will eat any bagel, at any time. However, the amount of calories in bagels is frightening. Therefore, if I truly did run into the best bagels, how was I ever going to contain myself? Thankfully my frugal side took over limiting my purchase to just one. It was pretty good, but not anything to write home about. haha sorry that was a bad joke. Anyway, it was only a plain bagel. Several individuals have warned the best bagels sell out early morning. This Saturday I'll schedule an early trip to have a cinnamon raisin bagel, my favorite!

Maybe this isn't so funny to the Irish, but the sign atop the potatoes made me laugh.

Good thing they're blight resistant...anyone heard of the potato famine?

Fresh vegetables lined the streets, providing a colorful scenery.

The rhubarb had me craving Grandma Rose's rhubarb pie.

Living toward the east side of Galway City I often forget the ocean is so close. However, the fresh fish markets serve as a clear reminder of the oceans presence. For those who don't know me so well, I don't enjoy seafood. However, I have had fish and chips twice! No matter how much I'm pushing myself to try new things and expand my liking for fish, this just grosses me out.

Yucckkk!

Handcrafted mirrors and pottery displayed on either side of the street provided beauty and warmth catching my eye.

Enjoying the sites and sounds of the market finishing my falafel, there it was, my favorite section of the market...flowers. Beautiful blooming flowers in pots, vases, wrapped in paper, they were everywhere. Big sunflower heads opened wide stood proudly in the back, as smaller petite tulips leaned against them. White Hydrangeas, puffy like clouds filled big pots, creating a beautiful backdrop for brightly colored flowers in front of them. 

Monday had finally come, the deadline for my paper. 3 days without internet access, 1 very frustrated phone call and 13 pages later my paper was finished. Putting in a great deal of hard work I decided dressing up for the occasion was necessary. Turning in essays is not simply handing them to a professor. Instead a cover sheet is required, as they are to be turned into the head of the department. Upon submission you're required to sign a plagiarism waiver in his presence. Skinny jeans, flats, sweater and a scarf completed my outfit for the day. Windy and raining the weather wasn't exactly ideal, however there was no option. My essay needing to be submitted had to find some way to the university. Considering a cab I chose to once again be frugal and take my bike.....poor life choice. Biking through a hurricane isn't quite as much fun as one would think.

Within the first 30 seconds I regretted the choice to leave behind my rain pants. Blowing like mad the wind was not helping the commute. In fact it blew so hard I looked over to see the metal posts standing still. As my legs pushed and pedaled, my bike was actually not going anywhere...this is not cool. By the time I reached the half-way point I was sopping wet and in need of motivation. So I turned it into a race. As crazy as it sounds I needed something to get me through this, it was either laugh or cry, so I made myself laugh. Pretending it was a horse race, I was the horse, jockey and announcer. Cheering myself on at each familiar landmark as I progressed closer to campus. My jockey wanted to go faster, but the horse just couldn't hack it through the wind and rain. Finally reaching campus the race was over, I had made it! I parked my bike to one that had gone through one too many rain storms...we'll call him rusty.

Rusty bike in rough shape

Looking down noticing the condition of my jeans a distinct line ran all the way down to my ankle. The photo does not have a shadow, the dark region is sopping wet as the back of my jeans escaped the rain.

Seeing my reflection in a window, it wasn't a pretty sight as mascara ran down my face. The end result of my once cute outfit, wasn't so cute anymore.

Result of biking through a hurricane.

My jeans were wet, my hair was tangled, my mascara was running...but none of it mattered, because my paper was done! One course finished, 3 more to go :  )

With Love from Galway

Disconnected

Spasmodically: done in brief and irregular bursts...a random word I found while researching for my paper, it seemed to fit my blogging lately. Long time no post; unfortunately Friday our internet went down not returning until this morning. 

Recap:

Friday:

    Marking the end of classes it was quite evident students were finishing up at the university. Usually packed with bikes the now empty bike rack held my lonely bike with just one other,  a clear sign classes had finished.

    Taking advantage of the beautiful sunshine and lack of classes many students played outside. Kicking balls around, practicing herling or just laying in the grass. 

     With no classes on Friday the day was perfect for studying. However, no internet made for quite an inconvenient situation. O'Briens cafe located directly across the street offers free wifi. Taking advantage of it's close proximity and internet access, it became my new home for the day. With background music a bit loud and quite a few customers I was skeptical how productive this type of environment would be. However,  determined to get this paper done I began plowing through. Tucking myself into a corner, avoiding distractions, I was able to make great progress on it. During the lunch hour the cafe became crowded as tables began filling rapidly. Having not purchased anything I felt as though my presence wasn't welcomed. Craving a bit of chocolate I splurged for a chocolate muffin to justify my place in the cafe and enjoy a sweet treat. Well worth it!

My table at O'Briens

Spending several hours at O'Briens it was time to head home and get ready for CU @ the movies. This week Joy was hosting the event.

Walking to Joy's

With quite an interesting selection of movies the vote was split; choosing a random movie the choice was Porco Rosso. Confession: I have no appreciation for anime. Surpsingly I enjoyed it: a Japanese anime film by Hayao Miyazaki. Maybe because the main character was a pig? Either way shockingly enough, a Japanese anime film reading subtitles was great. Can't say I expected it to turn out well, but I'm thankful it did. Not everyone was left with the same impression as Joe exclaimed "What was that?...I don't even get it."

Wonderful hosts Joy & Joel from Canda

Joe enjoying our chicken wraps!

Not quite enough chairs, so I was tucked
in by the fireplace. I loved it!

Group photo from our last CU.

Haha I managed to snap a picture of the photo in Joy's kitchen. We're not sure who decorated the apartment, but they have an interesting taste in photography. Is she yawning? Mad? Angered by the berries?

I don't think I've ever seen someone so upset to be picking strawberries. Whatever the case is, the photo makes me chuckle.

      Unfortunately our apartment complex only staffs the office during weekdays. This meant noone to fix the internet all weekend. No internet access isn't ever convenient, however it's a whole different story when you're disconnected during exams. How exactly I am suppose to finish my research if I cannot access my articles? Rising early Saturday morning I was off on a hunt for wifi. Sadly, O'Briens isn't open on weekends, so I sat outside their front door using the wifi, however the wind was just nippy enough it made for an uncomfortable situation. Mocha Beans, located a few doors down was my next option. Although they too had wifi it was not free. Ms. frugal was not about to pay for wifi, on to my next cafe. Arabica offered free wifi! Yes! However, as the morning progressed so did the noise level and distractions. Ultimately Arabica was a bit of a fail, as I wasn't able to get much done. Resulting in a beautiful soy chai latte it wasn't a complete disaster.

Soy chai latte...my favorite :  )

Also in need of internet access Katie and Abby joined me.

Katie & Abby

Kind of odd, normally this reference is used for my sister and I.

Frustrated by the noisy environment I retreated back to my flat. Seeing as though I am paying for internet access I was quite disturbed by the lack of connection. There is an emergency line we are able to call during weekends. Not having internet access isn't an emergency, however when all of the residents are students and it's finals...it's an emergency. The receptionist was less than friendly, leaving me ready to explode. Throw my phone? Punch a whole in the wall? Yell at the top of my lungs? What was my best option? Okay, so I suppose I should pray about it. Wanting to scream I realized I cannot get angry with the receptionist, as discourteous as she was it was not her fault the internet went down. Remembering back to my days at the YMCA, all too often angry members would blame me for situations completely out of my control. It was not my place to be frustrated with her as I've been in her position many times. Knowing there was nothing I could do to control the situation I simply prayed about it.

Laugh or cry? Crying was a waste of energy. It was time I moved on and made progress on my paper. Biking to campus I found my way into my favorite building, one of the oldest on campus. Rather than resort to the overcrowded library, I found an empty computer lab. Perfect!  I was able to write as God gave me a peace of mind and perspective on the situation. More weekend adventures to come in tomorrows post.

With Love from Galway