I'm making memories, changing, and learning.

Last time, right after I finished writing my blog, something most wonderful happened. I went out to the hall because I heard girls chattering out there. They said they didn't live here, but they were friends with Sami (one of my roommates). Then they said, "Do you want to be friends, though?!" So I made two more friends that night. The four of us, Hannah, Molly, and Sami went to Aldi and got various grocery items. I got salad for our dinner. Then we came back to the apartment, made a pasta dinner with salad, veggies and grapes, then watched "P.s. I Love You." What a perfect night. It was a lovely thought that we were in Ireland (where the plot of the movie/story line took place).

The next morning was orientation. We had a talk, then a break for coffee, tea, and breakfast cookie assortments. Then Katelyn and I went to get cell phones. It is so nice to now have a cell phone that works in Ireland so I can contact all of the friends, here. Then there was another talk, then the campus tour. The campus tour was long, but it was very beautiful. I met new people in my tour group. Two of them are from Germany! They are as nice as they are beautiful (very!). We exchanged numbers and we are also Facebook friends now. One of the girls' names is Marima. I had never heard that name before. Isn't it beautiful? The other is Sarah. They are both so pleasant. It is so amazing that I am making friends from around the world! Later that night there was a social at the pub for international students! I was so excited for my first night at a pub. I wish I liked beer, but I don't. So people told me to try their Cider. It was delicious! It was like a mix between a wine and a beer. You know how it seems Guinness is a big deal, here? Well...As I was talking to people from Ireland at the pub, they said that not many people drink it. Mostly older men, do. That's when I would chime in, "My dad loves Guinness!" Not trying to call my dad, old. . . He's just the only person that I know who really likes it. I had so much fun with friends. What a joyous time it was! It makes me excited for more nights like that to come!

My 15 year old sister, Libbie, would appreciate this. At the pub I met this very friendly Irish girl. She was about my age. I was talking to her about the music they were playing, then we started talking about One Direction and how much we like them. We bonded over this, then she said that she actually sang with the Irish boy from One Direction. She sang with him before he became famous. Unfortunately she said he isn't a very nice person, but it is still so cool that she sang with him!

On Friday, there was an orientation session in the morning. This man who is well known for setting up trips around the country, came in and talked about his adventures. Then we went to a different building to get our module (courses) forms signed by the professor of each department. So far I know I am taking: Global Water Resources, Ireland Since 1800, Victorianism to Modernism, women in the Cletic World, The God of Christ and one or two more classes that are not yet confirmed. It was very windy, rainy and cold, so many people stayed in that day, including me. I took a nap, then looked at some more classes. Then there was a pizza and movie social. The pizza they served was about as big as a paper plate (a little smaller). I got vegetarian pizza. This pizza had onions and corn on it. It was deluctable! There pizza was fresh, not greasy, and the crust tasted very homemade. We watched the movie, "Once". It was pretty good. After that, most people went back to their homes, as did I. I skyped with my older sister, Gwen and her girls. It was so good to see them! That was the first family that I had Skyped with since I have been here.

Before going to bed last night, I wrote in my journal a little bit, and made a list of things I needed. I slept in this morning. I got up and decided that I would go walking around Maynooth. I washed up, ate Irish Porridge Oats, had tea, checked my e-mail, and was out the door. My list was: band-aids, brush, hair dryer, notebooks/folder, agenda, yarn, tea, soup, gloves, lotion, backpack/school bag. It was a little rainy, and chilly, but I was still excited to be going on a solo stroll. I'm very glad that I brought the jacket I brought (remember in one of my other blogs when I wished I would have brought my nice black jacket? I am SO glad I brought the one I did. Much more practical).

I stopped in Dunnes, first, to look for gloves (it is quite chilly here, not quite as cold as it is at home, though). Not much luck. I ended up getting 3 cans of soup and crackers. I looked at tuna, but it was quite expensive. Then I browsed the rest of the mall, and there wasn't anything I really needed. So I went to mainstreet to see if any of the local shops would have more items. I stopped in a bookshop (maybe they'd have notebooks and agendas?) When I walked in, Irish women were having a conversation. I could just stay in that store and listen to them talk all day. It was so delightful. Then a mother and daughter came in and they had just visited a school. The little girl kept talking about how "Brilliant!" the stage was. I couldn't help, but smile. I love that word. The notebooks were about 3E each. I decided to wait to see if I found some cheaper ones. I walked to Tesco (like a Wal-Mart) and notebooks there were also around the same price. I'm wondering if they aren't very cheap here like they are at home - 80cents. So I went to the food aisles and the tuna was just as expensive as the other store, so I got some more soup instead.

I began to feel like a very cheap person as I looked at my list and talked myself out of:
band-aids - I don't get cut that often.
hair dryer - The reason I wanted to get one is because my hair doesn't dry very well or fast because it is so cold in my room and outside, BUT I will wait another week and see if I still think I need it.
notebooks - I don't feel right spending that much money on them. I will ask my friends and Irish friends if there is somewhere I can get them for a better price, then I will come back.
gloves - My hands are cold all the time, but, I'll still wait to get them.
backpack/bag - maybe I can just carry my books.
brush - I'll just use more conditioner so I don't need a brush.

My mom would be proud: after talking myself out of all of those things, I went to the clothes section. They have the greatest style here. I love it! Flowing tops with leggings, boots, long socks. I looked at their clearance items and found a couple tops for only 5E each. But I kept hearing my mom say, "Only spend money on things you need." And I kept thinking about one of my goals this trip, "Spend wisely. Simplify." So, I passed on the cute tops that I so badly wanted to get. I don't need them.

I walked back toward campus and decided to stop in a little cafe called, "Coffee Mill". I opened the door and walked downstairs. There were many people there, but it was so cozy, so I decided to order something and get a table to myself. I ordered their cheapest thing on the menu - soup. Their soup of the day was potato/lentil. With my soup I got some grain bread. (I know you're probably thinking, why would she eat out and buy soup at a coffee shop after buying so much soup, today?) I thought the same thing, to be honest, but I think this is more worth band-aids, hair dryer, brush, etc. - Sitting in a coffee shop in Ireland is priceless. I sat at a table, opened up my journal and listened to the Irish accented chatter around me as I began writing. What a warm feeling it brought me.

After finishing my soup and bread, I headed out the door and went to my last stop of the day, Aldi. This is where I bought things that weren't even on my list, but they were "needed". Peanut butter - it was only 1E. It was interesting that they also had "American Peanutbutter" it was more expensive. I should look at the difference in ingredients next time. Rice Cakes - light snack that I have at home. I want to see what they are like, here. Zip seal bags - for snacks throughout the day while I'm in class/around campus. Funny story: When I was paying for my groceries, it was 5E and 5 cents. I opened up my coin pouch and couldn't remember which coin was 5 cents. I was feeling a little embarassed, so I just gave him a coin that was 2E and he said, "You have no 5 cents, aye?" I laughed and kind of asked, "Which one is 5C?" I pulled out a different coin that was 10 cents, and he said, "I can take 10 cents, too." He was very nice about it. That's something I love about Ireland. Everyone here is patient, friendly and kind toward everyone, it seems.

I'm back at my apartment now. I guess I didn't really do that much, today. I mean it was kind of like running errands at home - but not. I think the fact that I'm in Ireland, makes it much more sweeter and enjoyable. I thank God each day for giving me this experience and opportunity. Surprisingly I haven't had a tad bit feeling of homesickness. I'm wondering if it is going to come later, or if there is a catch... I'm not sure. I don't really miss home. Not in a bad way, just in a good way. I'm not sad about not being home, I'm happy to be here. Does that make sense?

One of the biggest ways I have changed so far since I have been here is that I have become a lot more comfortable in my skin, physically. Remember in one of my first posts when I talked about one of my worries being how I wish I were in better shape. Well when I got over here, it wasn't a worry anymore. I didn't even think about it. I was too busy thinking about everything else going on around me, all of the friends I was making, the fact that I was in Ireland, that I didn't have time to think about how out of shape I feel. Or even when it did cross my mind, there was no negative feelings. It is so trivial. I have just been eating healthy and staying happy. I love this feeling. It is so freeing! There is so much to love about this life, especially right now. Why worry about such trivial things like weight or shape? Be the best version of yourself, that's all He asks for. Embrace yourself and who you are.

I am sorry about the lack of pictures. Gwen asked me last night if there is anything I forgot that I regret forgetting or wish I brought . . the only thing I could think of was my camera cord! I forgot my camera cord! So I can't upload any pictures on my computer, yet. Though, I have been taking them on my phone, and when I have Wi-Fi I send them to my e-mail. I will try to find more time in a Wi-Fi zone to post more pictures!

Tomorrow I visit the cliffs of Moher! 

That is all for now. I hope everyone has a splendid day!

Everything adds up and leads to this.

I'm sitting in my room in Ireland, sipping on a cup of tea and reflecting on the past 1.5 days (which seems like 3 days!) I feel so blessed at this moment to finally be here.

Here is my story so far . . . 

Morning feelings on the day I leave: Monday, January 21st. I woke up with an interesting feeling. I still didn't feel like I was leaving, but the over packed suitcase, lack of appetite, and last minute paper work was telling me that I was leaving. The night before I spent at least 4 hours packing - rearranging, trying to decide what I should bring, what I need more than what I want. Who knew packing would be so difficult?! I knew my bag would be overweight, but I decided to pay what the overweight so I could bring a quilt, pillow, and towel (things that I potentially could buy over in Ireland, but wanted to take with). My dad got home from the farm, I packed my bags into the car, Jacob gave me a hug, and we were off.

Leave it to Megan: To wait until the last day to "remember" that she needs to make a copy of her debit card.  To wait until the day of to plug in her camera and find that it's dead and the charger isn't working. Thank goodness I have a patient mother who stopped at her school on the way to make a copy of the debit card and Best Buy to buy a new charger and battery.

Regret: On the way to the airport, I start thinking about things I regret not bringing. My formal, nice wool black jacket. I started talking out loud and asking, "Why didn't I bring that? It would look so nice over in Ireland! That was silly. I should have brought that instead of the blanket and towel. Darn! Why? Why didn't I bring it?" My sister Libbie responds, "Megan. You're going to Ireland within hours and you're worried about the jacket that you didn't bring? YOU'RE GOING TO BE IN IRELAND! Don't worry about a jacket." I thank Libbie for knocking sense into me in times where I'm becoming hysterical about nonsense.

Simplifying moment: We weigh the bag at the airport and it's 68 lbs. (The weight limit is 50 lbs.) We find out that international flights cannot take overweight bags. Time to take stuff out. I wheel my suitcase off to the side and open up my suitcase. "I need all of this stuff! I don't know what I'm going to get rid of!" Thankfully I had my mom and Libbie there who can easily say, "You don't need this. You can get this over there. You don't need every single clothing that you love." I had a choice, I could start crying about it or I could simplify. Time to simplify. After about 20-30 minutes, I got my suitcase down to 50 lbs. I got rid of some clothes, underwear, quilt, pillow, shoes, and bible. My mom wheeled it over to a man to put it on the plane and the man says, "Is she done getting rid of all of things she thought she couldn't live without?" Comic relief. :) (In the picture, that plastic bag is everything that I took out of my suitcase and sent home.)

Time for security: Once I was through security, I was on my own. My mom said she would stand in the long line with me. My dad and Libbie stayed back. I gave my dad a long hug, and that's when the crying began. Then I gave Libbie a hug. I dried up my tears and got in line with mom. We had about 10 minutes together in line. About halfway through, she stayed at one corner. We hugged, I cried (of course), but only for a few seconds. I wanted to be stronger! Then I got to security and looked at my mom, with a look of, "What do I do now?" She motioned for what I do. A lady behind me also helped. I got through, and waved to my mom. That was that. No more calling my family up to ask questions, no more looking at my mom for what i have to do next. I was on my own. It was the beginning of becoming more independent - changing.

MSP-Chicago: I sat at the gate and began to journal. My mom gave me a journal that she took to Ireland, but didn't fill. I had a window seat! I ended up sitting next to an elderly man. I asked him what book he was reading. It was a book about the Civil War. Eventually I asked him where he was going to from Chicago. He was going home (New York). Then he asked where I was going, and he said he used to work in Ireland. So cool! I can't remember exactly what he did, but it was something with programs for children. He raved about Ireland and how beautiful it is. The last thing he said to me when the plane landed, "Blarney is in the blood of the boys. It gets triggered by Guinness." That was made me laugh!

We're in Chicago: For some reason when we got off the plane we had to walk about 50 yards outside to the airport. I found a girl about my age and asked if she knew where terminal 5 was and she said she was going to terminal 5. We found out we were both going to Ireland. She said, "I knew you were when I saw you at the gate in Chicago because you were wearing rain boots." I was overjoyed that I found someone who was on the same flight as me. The Chicago airport is HUGE. We got off of the plane at Terminal 2 and ended up having to take a train to Terminal 5. We then went through secruity and found our gate. We were the only ones there for a good couple hours. We talked and talked and talked. I found out she's from Woodbury (20 minutes from where I live!). Small world. Two boys showed up and we asked them where they were from and one of them commented on my Packer shirt, saying, "Go Packers!" I asked them what school they go to school and they said, "St. Norbert." Small world! I actually ended up sitting behind them on the plane too. We all had many good conversations and I also met up with a girl who I met through a Maynooth International Student facebook page. We all had good conversations.

Time to board! A few moments before we boarded the plane I actually remembered how I forgot to call my bank and tell them I would be studying abroad. I became very flustered and texted my parents immediately to ask them to call the bank. I was so worried about this. I probably spent an hour going over and over again in my mind how I should have remembered to do that. Now what was I going to do once I got over to Ireland? I can't use my card or they might freeze my account. There are things I need to buy! Like shampoo, pillow, blanket, towel, food! I finally said a prayer. Growing moment: I remembered that Dominic gave me 50E for Christmas. I would just buy things that I really needed. Okay. I'm fine. On the 8 hour flight, I got a window seat! I only slept for about 30 minutes the whole time. My favorite thing about the ride was that they served tea for free! I smiled about this and thought, "I'm going to Ireland." :)

We're in Ireland! It was about 8AM and we were in Ireland. The sun was just rising, so the sight from the plane was exquisite. After getting off the plane, checking in, finding our bags, we found two girls holding a sign saying, "Maynooth University". We sat down next to a couple other girls who were also studying abroad at Maynooth. We found out there was free Wi Fi! That was when I jumped on my computer and notified my parents I was safe and well. We took a bus to the school. I think there were about 10 of us. We got our rooms/apartment keys. Then after checking out our rooms all of us got together, walked across campus to get our internet information, then walked to Tesco.

This was a moment of growth: (imagine what a Wal-Mart looks like - that is what Tesco was like). We got our needed essentials. I knew I only had 50E, so I had to buy sparingly. I got oranges, a bag of Irish oats, a pillow, pillow case, a blanket, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, a towel, hand towel, and wash cloth all for 45E. I did it! My train of thought while buying things was really thinking hard about what I NEEDED. I wasn't concerned about what was the best. Then I had this thought, "This is what I'm going to do while I'm over here. Spend very wisely. Learn that I don't need the best of everything. In fact, I don't need everything. There are people who survive off of way more little than I do. I think I can live without certain things." Simplify.

My roommates: I met 2 of my roommates, and instantly knew that we would all get together. We are all pretty laid back, easy to get along with. I just feel so fortunate!

We went out to eat that night: I didn't have any money left after buying a chord and buying my essentials. One of my new friends, Katelyn, offered to pay for me and I could pay her back when my card was okayed. What a sweetheart! We went to The Rooster. There were about 10 of us again. We were all SO HUNGRY since we hadn't eaten in a very long time. Katelyn and I were sitting next to each other and so exhausted we couldn't even think straight. Most everyone ordered their first Guinness, but Katelyn and I passed. With how tired/exhausted and out of it I was, alcohol was not a good idea. I ordered a chicken salad. After supper we Katelyn and I walked back to our apartments. A stray cat followed us part of the way.

Before bed: I unpacked and had a Skype session. Poor guy, I think he only got like a fraction of Megan since I was so out of it and exhausted. ha. I realized that I was so tired that I didn't miss home, I didn't miss friends, I didn't miss family, I didn't miss Eric, I didn't miss St. Norbert, I MISSED SLEEP. After being awake for 34 hours, I crawled into bed. I woke up in the middle of the night freezing! My heater was on, but it didn't really heat up the room. I e-mailed my mom, then tried going back to sleep. I found that if I didn't move, I could get warm. I woke up at 2PM. Woah! It felt like it was only 9AM. Gotta love jetlag. Katelyn and I went to the bank then Dunes. We bought duvet`s and I got a cheap kids cover for it. Polka-dots and hearts. Then we went to Aldi. Yes! They have an Aldi here!

Little things:
*We noticed that people here walk on the left side. We almost kept running into people since we would go to the right (when they are walking toward us) and they would be going their left. Oops!
*Are there speed limits? Cars drive so fast through this little town.
*Yes, the accents make you melt. I can't get enough of them.
*They don't bring us our check when eating out, we go up and get it. I wonder if it's because in Ireland it's about visiting with each other, not eating the food and going.

No homesickness, yet! I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people I have met so far and I've only been here for a day!

I realize I probably didn't need to add every single detail, but I think that's just the way my brain is operating at this moment on jetlag. Enjoy!

God bless you, all. 

Ready or not . . . Jump or be pushed.

I leave for Ireland in 5 days (including today). I'm sitting in my living room thinking of all of the things I have yet to do, and all of the things I should already have done by now. By this time next week all of those things will be done, I will be in Ireland and gotten through what I'm most nervous about - getting off the plane, finding my bags, finding the Maynooth people, finding my apartment, etc. What a wonderful thought that is! At this time next week I'm sure I will have already made friends. I bet some of these friends will become my best friends over the next 4 months. I've already connected with some on Facebook, and I am so excited to meet them in person. Oh, the beauty of the mystery of what lies ahead!

People keep asking me if I'm ready. My answer is a laugh followed by a verbal, "No." As the days inch closer, my answer should really be, "Yes!" I bet my answer will still be, "No." even while I'm waiting at the gate, boarding the plane. Even when everything is packed, the forms are filled out, the odds and ends are bought, I will still not feel ready, but me saying that I'm not ready does not mean that I don't want to do it. It means that I have no idea what lies ahead and don't know if what I think of as "being ready" is really ready for what lies ahead. I have never cliff jumped before, but I bet the feelings I have about going to another country are similar to jumping or being shoved off of a cliff into a big, refreshing, body of water. I'm scared to jump, but I'm so excited for the feeling that will come as I'm free falling in the air.

I haven't even begun to pack. I know, I know. When I tell people this, they look at me with this look that says, "You're crazy! You leave in less than a week and still haven't started packing?" Yup. I haven't, but it will get done.... probably the night before I leave. I'm doing my "study abroad" shopping with my mom and dad, tonight. (After shopping, tonight, I'll probably start thinking about bringing the suitcases up to my room. :) My mom has asked me each day this week, "Do you have your list ready?" Each time my answer has been a hesitated, "Yes....." I do have a list, I just don't know if everything I need is on it. I just don't know if I'm forgetting anything, but I guess I won't really know if I'm forgetting anything until I get over there. I know that if I forget anything, it is not the end of the world. . .  it will seem like it at that moment since I can't just drive home to get it, but that will be a chance for me to grow and learn!

The most amazing thing about this opportunity/experience is that I have realized that the timing for it couldn't be more perfect. There have been times that I have gotten frustrated with God's timing with this, but then I take a step back and realize He is doing this for a reason. Thoughts I have, but God has an answer/reason for . . .

"Still not running/injured. I wish I wasn't studying abroad until next semester so that I could be in better shape after working and running all summer. Then maybe I'd be more confident and feel better about myself. And when I get over there I will be so busy, I won't be able to workout, so how am I going to get in better shape?" God planned this out for a reason though. It's His test to help you see the beauty within. God says: Stop focusing on body image. Be confident in who you are, now. Be the best person you can be. Be the happiest person you can be, because that I the way God made you. So you won't have time to exercise as much, but you'll be doing bigger and better things. You'll be in Ireland! Make the most of the experience! I felt at peace with this especially after reading this article. You're already perfect. (You should all read it. It is perfect.)

"My cousin is studying abroad next semester. That would have been so cool to study abroad at the same time. Why didn't I wait until next semester to study abroad?" God's says: Maybe if you both would have gone at the same time, you wouldn't have gained as much independence as you will going by yourself.

"I am 4.5 months into a relationship. I wish I would have chosen next semester to study abroad so we could have had a stronger base before I go away for the length of what our relationship is at. (4.5 months)." God's says: I put this so early in the relationship for a reason. This is a time for a break and for each of you to focus on yourselves and if it's really supposed to work, then it will when you get back. You know that I have a miraculous plan for each of you! Trust in me.

"It's my niece's/God daughter's first birthday this year. We share the same birthday. I won't be there to celebrate our birthdays together!" God says: Silly, Megan. That is trivial. You will be able to celebrate many more with her.

Basically I feel God is saying: Stop worrying and trust my plan for you.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

- Jeremiah 29:11 

Yes, I realize that it really is silly for me to worry about all of those things when I am going to IRELAND. So instead, I cast all of those worries aside, pray about them, and think about the bigger picture and how blessed I am to have this opportunity. I am so excited to see what God has in store.

 This is only the beginning.

Hello! It is officially 15 days until I board a plane and cross the North Atlantic ocean to study abroad in Ireland. I have decided to start a blog! This way I can share my thoughts, stories, and reflections throughout the entirety of the trip, including the preparation.

When I first heard about the study abroad program at St. Norbert (when I transferred my Sophomore year), I laughed and thought, "Me? A homebody? I would never ever go 35000 miles away for 5 months! Away from my family? Away from my home? Out of my comfort zone? Never."  Sure enough, a year later, I found myself at a panel of students who studied abroad in Ireland.

A week after the panel, I walked into a study abroad adviser's office with the biggest smile on my face. "I would like to study abroad." She asked where, and for some reason it was without a doubt, "Ireland". To be honest, I did not even really take any other place into consideration. I just knew that Ireland was the place for me to go. We talked about different programs in Ireland. After a few weeks of contemplation between Cork, Ireland and Maynooth, Ireland, I decided on Maynooth. Many many many students who study abroad in Ireland go to Cork, Ireland. I decided I wanted to travel the path where not many traveled (no pun intended) therefore, I chose Maynooth (one of the reasons I chose this school). The National University of Ireland Maynooth is a smaller school with only 8500 students (just right for me!). Maynooth is a  little town about 15 miles outside of Dublin. Perfect location! The more I heard about Maynooth, the more I felt it was just right for me. I will be able to tell you more about Maynooth when I arrive.

For the past several months, most conversation starters and the topic of conversations with relatives and friends has been about my going to Ireland. A few questions have been: "Are you excited?", "What are you studying?", "It's going to be an amazing experience for you!", "Are you living with Irish students?", "If you meet an Irish boy over there, can I be invited to your wedding?" I would like to take the time to answer some questions.

Are you excited? - My answer to this question varied. It hasn't really hit me that I'm going to Ireland... until now. I knew that once the 2 week mark hit, I would come to realizations that I'm leaving the country, about to meet new people, about to change, etc. To answer the question now, I am VERY excited! That is the understatement of the century right there. I think my nerves may be overpowering my excitement as I sit here typing and my palms begin to get sweaty, just thinking about everything that is ahead of me.  My excitement levels will change throughout the course of this experience.

How long will you be there? - I leave January 21st and will come back to the states on June 3rd. So about 4.5 months.

Why did you choose Ireland? - There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to go to Ireland when I decided to study abroad. I think part of it has to do with the fact that I am 50% Irish and I thought it would be interesting to learn more about what that 50% means. 

What are you studying? - My major is Education, but in Maynooth, I am taking several classes to finish up my generals. I will not be taking any education classes.... which is going to a change since this last semester I took only Education classes. A nice change it will be, I'm sure. I sign up for classes during my Orientation week while I'm in Ireland (within the first 2 weeks). So I will not know for sure what I'm studying, until then.

What are you most nervous for/about? - The first week. Boarding the plane by myself, getting off the plane, finding my bags, finding the people to help me get to my school, finding my apartment, finding my classes, finding food, figuring out how the money works, etc. I am nervous for all of the above (and more), but I know I will grow from it, and I can't wait for when I can look back on that first week and laugh at how nervous I was and how far I have come.

Where are you living? - I will be living in a flat with many other flat mates (not sure how many until I get there). There is a possibility I will be living with Irish students. Also, I get my own bedroom AND bathroom! 

Feel free to ask any more questions! I am happy to answer!

To learn more about Maynooth and the University of Ireland, Maynooth, you can click here. 

A question I ask myself: How does one mentally prepare to leave their comfort zone for 4.5 months? I don't really think there is a concrete answer for that. I have been praying, and praying, and praying some more. I have found songs and quotes that help build me up and help raise my excitement levels.

One of my favorite quotes that I found was "Move and be moved." I found it on pinterest one day. The way I read it: move to another place and let yourself change, let yourself grow.

One of my favorite songs is "Roots Before Branches" by Room for Two. (Yes, it was played a couple seasons ago on the season finale with Rachel Berry singing it, but I found that out AFTER I deemed it a theme song of my life.) One line caught my attention, "faith to take chances". I believe my faith is going to become a lot stronger throughout this experience and I have to trust that God is with me, so I should be able to take those chances!

I'm currently sitting at the dining room table with a cup of tea next to me, my mom in the kitchen asking me about ingredients we do or do not have and opening up the fridge saying, "Ugh. Who stacks these bottles in here so cockeyed?" and my thinking to myself "That was me, but I won't say anything." It's these little things that I will miss: my mom asking me "can I give you a list?" of jobs or groceries to get (cinderelly cinderelly), the sound of my dad getting home from the farm, my younger sister asking to wear my clothes and then complaining about me wearing her clothes, my older brother (Jacob) overruling the TV with sports when we just want to watch something other than sports(!), my mom and dad asking to watch the weather in the middle of a tv show, then falling asleep on the couch and taking at least 3 times of saying: "Mom and dad! You will be more comfortable if you sleep in your bed!", Benji - My POS car that gets me from point A to point B, and much more.

I'm not trying to be dramatic like I am leaving forever, but I do believe that going to Ireland will help me to appreciate these little things a little more. A goal I have these next two weeks is to appreciate the little things just a little more than I usually do (and do those jobs that my mom gives me, without complaining).