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