One month to go. I can't believe this to be true. We look ahead with excitement over the last 4 weeks we have together, and we anticipate much more to learn, experience, share, and be challenged by together.
More to come soon.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Just another day at the Y.
You may join Tom bright and early for a swim at the more than freezing beach, as he has made it known to all that he is always up for it. Also wakin’ up far too early for their own good, Mandy and Ariel start out our beautiful Irish morning. Ariel is out on her cliffs for God moments and early devotionals, and if you are lucky, you may catch Mandy for breakfast. You may have to try to beat the rush for Josh’s hot java as the majority of us stumble out of bed, not quite ready to face the day till that glorious beverage passes our lips. There is just something about waking up to that comforting, hand warming coffee and looking out to the chilly Irish Sea that many can see from their rooms.
Quick, catch a hug from Amy on the way out to the classroom, marveling at the surreal green of the lawn, still yet too early for Jon and his bed-head hair to be kicking a ’football’ around. Always looking fresh and ready for class, Megan is bound to make you smile as you sit down, and, depending if you are lucky enough to get a seat next to Kaela, you may get your first back scratch of the day. What a way to start learning.
While class is early, it never ceases to amaze us how easy it is to talk about the issues brought up, for we are actually living them. Ben “Hazel” Hayes always has something good to add into discussion, even though some of us take a little longer to get the brain going. It doesn’t take long for Ray to start a little debate to get us all fired up for the next portion of our morning.
A small break for tea and biscuits ushers in a rapid change from morning sweatpants to some more appropriate clothing worn for chapel, and in passing, Jennifer Lewis yells out a request for Joe to throw on a tie for the occasion. The search continues for Jess and Carla’s hidden stash of Starbucks, not brought out till later when they can enjoy it in peace. Yet, all are satisfied by our selection of fruity, green and Rooibos teas.
The worship team, having spent time the previous day practicing, leads us in wonderful worship songs that all can lift up His name with. Jordan plucks away on his bass while Bryant keeps us on beat with the djembe, Lydia and Jon on guitars backing up the marvelous vocals of Ana. You get shivers listening to our group’s amazing musical prowess, and we’re not even bragging.
Depending on the day, we may get a message from one of the local pastors, Jennifer, or a surprise guest, yet somehow it always leaves you feeling as though it were tailored (no pun intended) specifically for you. There is always a walk promised afterwards by Leah or Erin if you feel the need to share that touch of God with someone special. In any case, chapel is an excellent escape from studies, and if you asked any of us, we wouldn’t give it up for the world.
There is a break between chapel letting out and lunch, so why not hop the Dart with Olivia or Tyler? They’re always up to going somewhere. Kyle and Laura thoughtfully got us unlimited monthly passes to ride our local train, so it’s free to explore anywhere the train or even buses lead. And for others of the group, a walk around Greystones, along the beach or in town, is not an unwelcome second choice.
Meanwhile back at the kitchen, Katelyn astounds us with her culinary creations, whipping up yet another lunch to be reckoned with. (Our favorite from the past being twice baked potatoes. You can’t beat that back in the States!) After some rather lively conversations, maybe a toast or two made by Ellie and Carly, Erin enjoys her obsession with the big steam machine we call the sanitizer as she aids in washing dishes. Leading a cleaning crew with an iron fist, she insures we eat on only the finest of cleaned silverware.
Back to class for another debate on Irish history and politics. Here, Dash opens up a can of worms with his flowery verbiage, and beautifully dramatic opening statements. Ariel and Leah are quick to put a stop to our ramblings, closing down the arguments and summing up our thoughts on the matters at hand. Class dismissed, and everyone leaves laughing again as “BenN” makes some sarcastic, funny remark.
Off to do a bit of homework or go on a run with Hazel, Megan or Jess, our afternoon progresses in a lazy, fun-packed fashion. As dinner gets made, games are played, towns are explored, presents and letters are sent off back home; a profound sense of peace prevails over all.
Diplomacy is played out on computers by BenN and Ray in what the girls have dubbed the “Man Cave,” and James solves our technical problems back in the main house. What would we do without him? He is also often found in the company of Mandy, Dash and Ana in the dining room playing cards with some of our local friends and neighbors. Jonathan, Luke and Josh still won’t admit that our very own American Dash can beat them any day in poker.
Olivia is often found snuggled up to something fuzzy, the main perpetrator being her cozy pink blanket. As you pass through the Coffee Room, doing a little dance with Ashley in passing, it seems the puzzle creates itself, adding a few pieces each day, but really it is just Carla and Tom adding slowly to our 5,000 piece mastery. Others take advantage of the free time to Skype family and friends, keeping them up-to-date with the exciting events, beautiful views, and new lessons that fill every day. Late into the evening, you may run into Jon on the main computer Skyping his girlfriend Rachel; it’s amazing what technology today can do.
The night-life at the Y is full of community and fun. Every room of Coolnagreina is brimming with life, whether we are deep in a discussion about a homework assignment or life and its fun times. Ariel, Lydia and Bryant are always up for a fun movie, and boy do we have some funny ones going. When walking through the kitchen for your last cup of tea for the night, you may come upon the die-hard Euchre players: Josh, Jess, Carla, and Katelyn. You are sure to witness the deep battle of their semester-long tournament, and shouts of joy or misery are interspersed throughout the same minute.
Ellie, Carly and Breaden, nicknamed Melvin for those who recognize the Madagascar reference, can be found making someone laugh with their hilarious life stories. Our favorite having to do with Communion; a story that you have to ask them, but one that will leave you laughing. A prayer with Amy, a walk to the neighboring town Bray with Tyler, or a foosball study break with Katelyn and Melvin are always welcome additions to the evening, and present most nights.
Ashley, Kyle, Hazel, and Dash may be found displaying their loyalty to teams back home, and in this part of the world, by watching their favorite sports teams with fervor. Once a week you’ll find a group, not excluding Carly, Carla, Ellie, and Melvin, giggling while watching the highly anticipated new episode of “The Office.” One of the exciting things about our unique group is the initiative taken to make God part of every aspect of our lives. Midnight worship song sing-alongs bring the group together in pursuit of Christ and bring a perfect end to our adventure-filled days. It’s off to sleep, but don’t even worry, there is always tomorrow to do it all over again.
written by Joe Kesler & Megan Kiel
Quick, catch a hug from Amy on the way out to the classroom, marveling at the surreal green of the lawn, still yet too early for Jon and his bed-head hair to be kicking a ’football’ around. Always looking fresh and ready for class, Megan is bound to make you smile as you sit down, and, depending if you are lucky enough to get a seat next to Kaela, you may get your first back scratch of the day. What a way to start learning.
While class is early, it never ceases to amaze us how easy it is to talk about the issues brought up, for we are actually living them. Ben “Hazel” Hayes always has something good to add into discussion, even though some of us take a little longer to get the brain going. It doesn’t take long for Ray to start a little debate to get us all fired up for the next portion of our morning.
A small break for tea and biscuits ushers in a rapid change from morning sweatpants to some more appropriate clothing worn for chapel, and in passing, Jennifer Lewis yells out a request for Joe to throw on a tie for the occasion. The search continues for Jess and Carla’s hidden stash of Starbucks, not brought out till later when they can enjoy it in peace. Yet, all are satisfied by our selection of fruity, green and Rooibos teas.
The worship team, having spent time the previous day practicing, leads us in wonderful worship songs that all can lift up His name with. Jordan plucks away on his bass while Bryant keeps us on beat with the djembe, Lydia and Jon on guitars backing up the marvelous vocals of Ana. You get shivers listening to our group’s amazing musical prowess, and we’re not even bragging.
Depending on the day, we may get a message from one of the local pastors, Jennifer, or a surprise guest, yet somehow it always leaves you feeling as though it were tailored (no pun intended) specifically for you. There is always a walk promised afterwards by Leah or Erin if you feel the need to share that touch of God with someone special. In any case, chapel is an excellent escape from studies, and if you asked any of us, we wouldn’t give it up for the world.
There is a break between chapel letting out and lunch, so why not hop the Dart with Olivia or Tyler? They’re always up to going somewhere. Kyle and Laura thoughtfully got us unlimited monthly passes to ride our local train, so it’s free to explore anywhere the train or even buses lead. And for others of the group, a walk around Greystones, along the beach or in town, is not an unwelcome second choice.
Meanwhile back at the kitchen, Katelyn astounds us with her culinary creations, whipping up yet another lunch to be reckoned with. (Our favorite from the past being twice baked potatoes. You can’t beat that back in the States!) After some rather lively conversations, maybe a toast or two made by Ellie and Carly, Erin enjoys her obsession with the big steam machine we call the sanitizer as she aids in washing dishes. Leading a cleaning crew with an iron fist, she insures we eat on only the finest of cleaned silverware.
Back to class for another debate on Irish history and politics. Here, Dash opens up a can of worms with his flowery verbiage, and beautifully dramatic opening statements. Ariel and Leah are quick to put a stop to our ramblings, closing down the arguments and summing up our thoughts on the matters at hand. Class dismissed, and everyone leaves laughing again as “BenN” makes some sarcastic, funny remark.
Off to do a bit of homework or go on a run with Hazel, Megan or Jess, our afternoon progresses in a lazy, fun-packed fashion. As dinner gets made, games are played, towns are explored, presents and letters are sent off back home; a profound sense of peace prevails over all.
Diplomacy is played out on computers by BenN and Ray in what the girls have dubbed the “Man Cave,” and James solves our technical problems back in the main house. What would we do without him? He is also often found in the company of Mandy, Dash and Ana in the dining room playing cards with some of our local friends and neighbors. Jonathan, Luke and Josh still won’t admit that our very own American Dash can beat them any day in poker.
Olivia is often found snuggled up to something fuzzy, the main perpetrator being her cozy pink blanket. As you pass through the Coffee Room, doing a little dance with Ashley in passing, it seems the puzzle creates itself, adding a few pieces each day, but really it is just Carla and Tom adding slowly to our 5,000 piece mastery. Others take advantage of the free time to Skype family and friends, keeping them up-to-date with the exciting events, beautiful views, and new lessons that fill every day. Late into the evening, you may run into Jon on the main computer Skyping his girlfriend Rachel; it’s amazing what technology today can do.
The night-life at the Y is full of community and fun. Every room of Coolnagreina is brimming with life, whether we are deep in a discussion about a homework assignment or life and its fun times. Ariel, Lydia and Bryant are always up for a fun movie, and boy do we have some funny ones going. When walking through the kitchen for your last cup of tea for the night, you may come upon the die-hard Euchre players: Josh, Jess, Carla, and Katelyn. You are sure to witness the deep battle of their semester-long tournament, and shouts of joy or misery are interspersed throughout the same minute.
Ellie, Carly and Breaden, nicknamed Melvin for those who recognize the Madagascar reference, can be found making someone laugh with their hilarious life stories. Our favorite having to do with Communion; a story that you have to ask them, but one that will leave you laughing. A prayer with Amy, a walk to the neighboring town Bray with Tyler, or a foosball study break with Katelyn and Melvin are always welcome additions to the evening, and present most nights.
Ashley, Kyle, Hazel, and Dash may be found displaying their loyalty to teams back home, and in this part of the world, by watching their favorite sports teams with fervor. Once a week you’ll find a group, not excluding Carly, Carla, Ellie, and Melvin, giggling while watching the highly anticipated new episode of “The Office.” One of the exciting things about our unique group is the initiative taken to make God part of every aspect of our lives. Midnight worship song sing-alongs bring the group together in pursuit of Christ and bring a perfect end to our adventure-filled days. It’s off to sleep, but don’t even worry, there is always tomorrow to do it all over again.
written by Joe Kesler & Megan Kiel
Skellig Michael.
One of the sights we have had the chance to visit is Skellig Michael. Twelve miles off the southwest coast of Ireland there is an island, a mountain rising out of the sea. Known throughout Ireland as a “must-visit” spot, this island held a place of long awaited anticipation for the ’09 FISPers.
When we landed on the island we walked up a slanted path. I couldn’t help thinking about the supposed 700 steps to the top and was filled with a mixture of anticipation and truth be told, dread. We waited for our entire group to reach the bottom of the steps before starting the climb. The steps hug the outside of the mountain, sometimes making it possible to look several hundred feet down to the ocean. After climbing what seemed like innumerable steps, I reached a wall with a little door in it. I felt like I was being lulled into a false sense of security, because I was sure that I hadn’t climbed enough steps to be at the top, but I was. Apparently there are actually 582 steps according to the people who counted. Past the wall, we were in the middle of a small stone village.
This was the home of the monks that lived on the island for several hundred years. Standing on the top of the mountain you try to imagine what it would have been like to live in such an isolated but beautiful spot. As the guide described what life would probably have been like for the monastic community there, I found myself amazed by the radical devotion that drove people to this island, to serve God in what they thought was the most selfless way possible. It was amazing to see that the houses were still standing and to hear how they built them.
As we sailed back to the main land the aspect that I kept focusing on was the austere beauty of this place. Imagining the seclusion that the people who lived there would have had to endure makes you glad for fellowship, as well as making you rethink your priorities, and your own level of devotion to God. I think that this was one of the most impressive and moving sights that we have visited.
written by Ana Brown
When we landed on the island we walked up a slanted path. I couldn’t help thinking about the supposed 700 steps to the top and was filled with a mixture of anticipation and truth be told, dread. We waited for our entire group to reach the bottom of the steps before starting the climb. The steps hug the outside of the mountain, sometimes making it possible to look several hundred feet down to the ocean. After climbing what seemed like innumerable steps, I reached a wall with a little door in it. I felt like I was being lulled into a false sense of security, because I was sure that I hadn’t climbed enough steps to be at the top, but I was. Apparently there are actually 582 steps according to the people who counted. Past the wall, we were in the middle of a small stone village.
This was the home of the monks that lived on the island for several hundred years. Standing on the top of the mountain you try to imagine what it would have been like to live in such an isolated but beautiful spot. As the guide described what life would probably have been like for the monastic community there, I found myself amazed by the radical devotion that drove people to this island, to serve God in what they thought was the most selfless way possible. It was amazing to see that the houses were still standing and to hear how they built them.
As we sailed back to the main land the aspect that I kept focusing on was the austere beauty of this place. Imagining the seclusion that the people who lived there would have had to endure makes you glad for fellowship, as well as making you rethink your priorities, and your own level of devotion to God. I think that this was one of the most impressive and moving sights that we have visited.
written by Ana Brown
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
boat extravaganza
It all started on a rainy day. You would think that we would be used to this kind of weather, as we are living in Ireland, but we have been blessed with incredible weather so far. So it was a little bit of a downer, but I was still pushing through. I personally had no idea where we were going either. All I knew was that we were going to be hiking, but that was about it. For some reason, Jess, one of our P.A.s, was super positive and hyper. Her attitude was so great, so ready for anything, and it was catching. I am so thankful for that positivity, as otherwise the day could have been awful. But with her infectious smiles, it was amazing. As we got off the bus, I saw that we had come to a lake, and there were three motorboats that looked like canoes. We were going to take a ride around the lake and look at the views, and then it was going to take us to starting point of our two hour hike. The views were amazing. You could see the mountains, the foliage, the random islands, and even a castle popped up there. Everywhere you looked it was simply breathtaking.
Then we came to a bridge, and the river had a rapids going that the boats couldn’t cross. We had to get off the canoes and cross the bridge, pull the boats through with a rope. My canoe pulled up to the land, and the guide told us to follow the path and cross the bridge. We saw no path at first and were a little confused; then we also saw that the other two boats were unloading at a point much closer to the bridge. Realization hit us: there was no path. Not only was there no path, but the ground was flooded to about mid-calf. There was nothing to do but to forge ahead. So my group did it. And as a result, our boots were soaking wet the whole day. But it was totally okay. I had a bullet proof positive attitude. We pulled the boats through the rapids, and got back on them. We finished the boat ride among downpour, but I had a great time with the people in my boat.
And once we got hiking, we felt much warmer. The hike was amazing. The view of the Gap of Dunloe was simply brilliant. God’s beauty and brilliance almost hit you in the face; it was so in front of your eyes. It was a really fantastic day for me. It not only brought the beauty of God’s earth in front of me, but also the beauty of His people and their individual personalities. As a group in close quarters, we are easily affected by one another. I was so thankful for Jess and her attitude; she made the whole day not only bearable, but fun. I was able to find the joy through the discomfort and the cold. This is a big thing for me, as I tend to be a negative person. So this day was not only fun and full of gorgeous sights, but it was meaningful, and it taught me a big lesson that I have been trying to keep with me, and intend to keep with me for the rest of the trip.
written by Kaela Blasen
Then we came to a bridge, and the river had a rapids going that the boats couldn’t cross. We had to get off the canoes and cross the bridge, pull the boats through with a rope. My canoe pulled up to the land, and the guide told us to follow the path and cross the bridge. We saw no path at first and were a little confused; then we also saw that the other two boats were unloading at a point much closer to the bridge. Realization hit us: there was no path. Not only was there no path, but the ground was flooded to about mid-calf. There was nothing to do but to forge ahead. So my group did it. And as a result, our boots were soaking wet the whole day. But it was totally okay. I had a bullet proof positive attitude. We pulled the boats through the rapids, and got back on them. We finished the boat ride among downpour, but I had a great time with the people in my boat.
And once we got hiking, we felt much warmer. The hike was amazing. The view of the Gap of Dunloe was simply brilliant. God’s beauty and brilliance almost hit you in the face; it was so in front of your eyes. It was a really fantastic day for me. It not only brought the beauty of God’s earth in front of me, but also the beauty of His people and their individual personalities. As a group in close quarters, we are easily affected by one another. I was so thankful for Jess and her attitude; she made the whole day not only bearable, but fun. I was able to find the joy through the discomfort and the cold. This is a big thing for me, as I tend to be a negative person. So this day was not only fun and full of gorgeous sights, but it was meaningful, and it taught me a big lesson that I have been trying to keep with me, and intend to keep with me for the rest of the trip.
written by Kaela Blasen
A walk through Glendalough
8:15 a.m.-Stumble into kitchen to make bagged lunch, put on too much mayonnaise, climb onto tour bus, fall asleep again.
9:45-Wake up at place called “Glendalough”, put on lots of rain gear, make funny faces at little kids before tour starts.
10:30-Half-listen to tour guide, half-mindedly take pictures of high crosses, round towers, and St. Kevin’s “Kitchen”.
11:15-Take lots of pictures in front of glorious lake and majestic mountains, drink hot chocolate, put on more rain gear.
11:45-Begin a “fun and exhilarating” hike with 19 people, stop to take pictures at St. Kevin’s cave, eat a snack bar.
12:30 p.m.-Stop for lunch at old ruins, watch mountain goats play on rocks, get soaked because of lack of rain gear.
1:15-Put on any rain gear not already on, climb up rocks, stop to take pictures at neat waterfall.
1:50-Reach the top of the hike, cross very scary bridge over waterfall, take a few more pictures, lose feeling in toes.
2:20-Try not to fall off a path that is the width of two railroad ties and has little staples in it to increase grip, try really hard not to fall off path when the person behind you grabs your backpack to keep their balance.
2:55-Stop to take more pictures, battle epic wind and rain, get a little muddy when the path isn’t where it should be, lose feeling in fingers.
3:20-Try to figure out what’s going on with the weather, rain and sunshine, repeat, take off rain gear because it is sunny…nevermind, it started raining again.
3:35-Witness the hand of God painting a brilliant rainbow in the brightest sky, send up a prayer of thanks, take more pictures, take off rain gear.
3:50-Start thinking about how you can invent “breathable rain gear”, start descent into forest down 200+ steps, lose feeling in whatever hadn’t already lost feeling.
4:15-Back in parking lot, holding a cup of the best hot chocolate ever, hearing stories from everyone else about sights and sounds seen and heard.
4:35-Climb onto bus, get as comfortable as possible in wet clothes and muddy shoes, fall asleep within minutes.
Proof of a day well lived.
Written by Erin Flathers
9:45-Wake up at place called “Glendalough”, put on lots of rain gear, make funny faces at little kids before tour starts.
10:30-Half-listen to tour guide, half-mindedly take pictures of high crosses, round towers, and St. Kevin’s “Kitchen”.
11:15-Take lots of pictures in front of glorious lake and majestic mountains, drink hot chocolate, put on more rain gear.
11:45-Begin a “fun and exhilarating” hike with 19 people, stop to take pictures at St. Kevin’s cave, eat a snack bar.
12:30 p.m.-Stop for lunch at old ruins, watch mountain goats play on rocks, get soaked because of lack of rain gear.
1:15-Put on any rain gear not already on, climb up rocks, stop to take pictures at neat waterfall.
1:50-Reach the top of the hike, cross very scary bridge over waterfall, take a few more pictures, lose feeling in toes.
2:20-Try not to fall off a path that is the width of two railroad ties and has little staples in it to increase grip, try really hard not to fall off path when the person behind you grabs your backpack to keep their balance.
2:55-Stop to take more pictures, battle epic wind and rain, get a little muddy when the path isn’t where it should be, lose feeling in fingers.
3:20-Try to figure out what’s going on with the weather, rain and sunshine, repeat, take off rain gear because it is sunny…nevermind, it started raining again.
3:35-Witness the hand of God painting a brilliant rainbow in the brightest sky, send up a prayer of thanks, take more pictures, take off rain gear.
3:50-Start thinking about how you can invent “breathable rain gear”, start descent into forest down 200+ steps, lose feeling in whatever hadn’t already lost feeling.
4:15-Back in parking lot, holding a cup of the best hot chocolate ever, hearing stories from everyone else about sights and sounds seen and heard.
4:35-Climb onto bus, get as comfortable as possible in wet clothes and muddy shoes, fall asleep within minutes.
Proof of a day well lived.
Written by Erin Flathers
Finally...
Well, after five weeks we've finally started to settle into life at the Y and an understanding of what this life in Ireland will look like. This also means that several students have now heroically produced blog entrances (admist other work and play) on some of their experiences thus far.
These entries are written to be delightfully interesting to parents, family, and friends while giving a glimpse into how students are personally interacting with the many sites and experiences they've encountered in Ireland.
We'll begin way back in Glendalough, throw in a boat ride extravaganza through the Killarney Lakes, explore the rugged cliffs of Skellig Michael, and finish with just another day in the Y.
We're basically throwing a heap of excitement your way. Hope you enjoy these accounts and we'll work on adding to these soon.
Thanks!
Laura
These entries are written to be delightfully interesting to parents, family, and friends while giving a glimpse into how students are personally interacting with the many sites and experiences they've encountered in Ireland.
We'll begin way back in Glendalough, throw in a boat ride extravaganza through the Killarney Lakes, explore the rugged cliffs of Skellig Michael, and finish with just another day in the Y.
We're basically throwing a heap of excitement your way. Hope you enjoy these accounts and we'll work on adding to these soon.
Thanks!
Laura
Monday, September 28, 2009
To Galway and Beyond.
We returned home from Galway on Saturday. We had another 3 days of incredible weather as we got to explore:
We are also settling in to the realities of community life. Random dirty socks are piling up. Newspapers are piled high. We even realize that we can get on each others' nerves when we spend this much time together. At the same time, we are challenged to love each other even when it's hard. To embrace the nuances that each person provides, even when it might be annoying. And, to continue to learn what it means to seek God in this time and place.
What a blessing it is to learn and serve in this community.
Kyle
- The Cliffs of Moher
- The Burren
- Connemara
- Galway
- Bunratty Castle
- Da Robertas Italian Restaurant
- A Rugby Match
- The Bogs
We are also settling in to the realities of community life. Random dirty socks are piling up. Newspapers are piled high. We even realize that we can get on each others' nerves when we spend this much time together. At the same time, we are challenged to love each other even when it's hard. To embrace the nuances that each person provides, even when it might be annoying. And, to continue to learn what it means to seek God in this time and place.
What a blessing it is to learn and serve in this community.
Kyle
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