Rain Rain Go Away

It’s yet another gloomy rainy day here in Ireland.  I am sitting by the fire in our living room watching the rain come down with a hot cup of coffee writing you all. You know how in movies when the main character is doing something similar to what I am doing today it often leads to some great epiphany by that character as they contemplate the greater meaning of life.  Well, I can't guarantee any major epiphanies but I am feeling rather reflective today so we'll see how this goes.  

Lately I've been thinking a lot about my life and the direction God has taken me. Can I just say it is not exactly what I expected!  I never in a million years would have guessed I would head to Ireland to do another year of NET after I graduated college.  My life plans went something like this... After graduation I would find a job doing youth or music ministry in a Catholic parish somewhere close to home, probably in Wyoming or Colorado.  I would love my job and eventually meet a nice guy who would love Jesus and we would fall in love and get married.  We would then spend some time traveling the world together before settling down and starting a family.  From there you can guess where this is going. The typical movie theme, we live happily ever after with tons of family and friends around until we die at a nice old age after a life spent with loved ones.  Now, most of that could still happen, just not in the timing I expected.  However, this is yet another time God has proven to me that his plans are always way better than mine!

I may not have planned this 9 month adventure in Ireland but it has been one of the best experiences of my life.  God is teaching me so many lessons and helping me grow so much and I just know he has so much more for me. 

One area my family and team are very grateful I have grown is staying calm while driving.  Before this year I would often get nervous and freak out when driving, especially when lost.  Now, I still struggle with this at times (especially in big cities) but I think my little brother and team can testify that I freak out much less.  I have also learned that my body, gluten and dairy don’t mix and am learning to change my diet to take care of myself.  It is hard to change a lifetime of eating habits and I have definitely had my struggles. Saying no to ice cream is still one of the hardest things I have to do.  It may be hard but through this challenge I am growing in self-discipline and a new respect for my body.  I am learning to appreciate how important it is to take care of myself and eat foods that fuel my body and keep me healthy rather than empty fats and sugars.  Next, is overcoming my lifelong habit of hitting snooze in the morning!

I am also learning this year to trust in the Lord’s plan for my life (again!).  I have always had plans for my life and sometimes they are in line with God’s and sometimes they are not.  God has always provided for me and I have had an incredibly blessed life because of it.  They say hindsight is 20/20 and that is definitely the case with me and my life.  I tend to freak out about not knowing my next move and then God reveals it and sometimes we argue about it because I don’t always want to go where He wants me to but eventually I concede and realize He was right along, just like every other time we had the same argument.  I am now trying to trust from the start to avoid the struggle that always comes with trying to fight God’s plan.

I currently have no plan for my life and although it terrifies me I have a strange sort of peace about it that is a rather new concept in my life.  I have no idea where I am going in June.  I don’t know what I want to do with my life as far as finding a job and career goes.  I have no clue where I will live and how I will afford to live there when I get there.  I have $10,000 of student loans to come home to, plus sponsorship yet to raise for my year here on NET and currently make 100 euro a month.  I have no car (I sold mine to come to Ireland). I don’t even own a bike!  Not to mention I am often reminded of my lack of direction by friends who have careers, are getting married and having babies.  I love my friends and family and am incredibly happy for all of them and the joys life has brought them.  I would never wish ill on them and pray for their continued happiness every day.  It can just be hard to feel like I’m being left behind in my life at times.  Granted, most of them are not living in foreign countries on this crazy adventure but lately I’ve been sitting around just wondering when my life is going to begin.  I keep thinking someday I’ll have the life all my friends and family are living and then my real life will begin.  The other day my supervisor Kristen reminded me however that I have to stop waiting for my life to begin because it’s happening now and I’m just letting it slip by.  She asked me, “If you’re life hasn’t begun then who’s life are you living?”  It may seem silly but I had never thought about it like that.  Through that conversation and others and lots of prayer I am starting to accept that my life isn’t like my friends and that’s ok.  It’s great actually!  While I would still like a life like my friends and family someday I am learning to be grateful and thank God for this amazing journey I am on.  It isn’t what I had planned but that is because God always knows best!

Thank you all for your support of me and helping me on this amazing journey.  I am incredibly grateful for you love and support.  Know that I am praying for everyone reading this blog and supporting me.

God Bless,

Amy

Back in the Village

After a wonderful Christmas break I found myself in Co. Donegal at the beautiful Capuchin Friary in Ards.  This was the site of our January Training.  We spent about a week up there getting ourselves readjusted to the NET life and making a game plan for the second half of the year.  We heard some great talks and had great craic. The friary was right on the coast with a beach just a 10 minutes walk away.  The last day we were at Ards we went down to the beach to play sport and after jumped in the frigid ocean.  It was absolutely freezing but so much fun.  Being soaking wet I didn't want to put my shoes on since I didn't want them to get wet and unwearable for the next day so we made that 10 minute walk back barefoot.  It definitely took more than 10 minutes and was quite painful as the path was not exactly paved.  We made it though and it is well worth it!

Sport right before we jumped in the freezing ocean!

We returned to our house on January 7th to find it just as we had left it, minus the temperature which was significantly lower.  Although we haven't been here long we have already had many adventures and are enjoying our time back so far.  For our senior youth group we had a scavenger hunt around the town which had the youth performing all sorts of crazy tasks, including singing happy birthday to our parish priest Fr. Seamus.  It was a cold night but running around kept us warm and we now have some great stories to tell.
Our first Saturday back we drove into Mullingar and saw Les Miserable.  I had been counting down the days until the movie came out so I was incredibly grateful to my team for the chance to see it.  It was amazing and the rest of my team enjoyed it as well which made it that much better.  It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

The keep at Trim Castle

 This last Saturday we had a day off that we spent as a team.  We started the day by heading to Trim Castle.  Trim Castle is the same castle that can be found in the movie Braveheart.  Every castle shown in the movie was filmed at Trim Castle.  We even saw the piece of wood Mel Gibson was tortured on in front of the castle.  It was a bitterly cold morning that left my toes numb but I had wellies so at least they were dry, if cold.  That was more than others on my team could say.

Hill of Slane

After a cold but good morning at Trim Castle we drove up to Slane where we accidentally visited Slane Castle and intentionally visited the Hill of Slane.  We just came upon the castle and tried to get in but the doors were locked, despite Becca and Marie's best efforts to open the door.  After that slight detour we drove to the hill.  The Hill of Slane is where St. Patrick lit the pascal fire that angered the pagan king sitting on the Hill of Tara when he saw it.  There are ruins of a castle that was really fun to climb around on and a ruined church and cemetery.  It was pretty incredible to stand on a place with such history and think about all that had happened there.
After immersing ourselves in events of the past we stepped forward in time to make history!  That same night the pro-life movement here in Ireland was holding a pro-life rally called Unite For Life in Dublin.  Over 30,000 people gathered at Marrion Square to send a message to the Irish government.  I've talked before about the issue of abortion here in Ireland before and the battle continues.  The situation is beginning to look bleak for the pro-life side. So, the pro-life movement organized this rally to let the government know where people stand and show them they should not make the choice to allow abortion in the country. It was absolutely incredible to stand among a crowd of over 30,000 people all fighting for the same cause.  It was a blessing to be a part of history in the making in this country.  We also got to see all the other teams and staff from NET as they all were present.
Ministry is still slow right now but we have many things we are looking forward to in the next few months that will keep us plenty busy.  We are holding a rally for our youth groups and youth groups in the neighboring area that will be a lot of work but should be wonderful.  We also have a lot to plan with Lent coming us as it is such a big liturgical season.  Along with all those things we have our usual 3 youth groups, school sessions and retreats, youth masses, weekly jam sessions, and other random events to plan for.  All a days work for a NET team.  We will definitely not be bored in the next few months!
Oh yeah, and we had our first snow Wednesday!!!!  It made my day!!!

I'll be home for Christmas...if only in my dreams

Instead of going home for Christmas this year mom and Tim came over to Ireland and we spent Christmas on this side of the pond.  We had so much fun exploring this country and London together.  

After December retreat I had to stay a night in Dublin before mom and Tim got over here the next day.  A couple other people from NET were in Dublin that night as well so we got together and went to the Christmas markets to look around and then went to dinner at Eddie Rockets.  It was really nice to have some people to hang out with for the evening.  Christophe (the team leader of the road team) and I decided we would stay in a hostel that night to save some money.  Not the best idea!  We were put in a room with 8 other people, most of which were really loud until about 4 am.  They decided it would be a good idea to come into the room once about every hour until  4 am and turn on the lights and talk loudly.  It was quite the experience that I am glad I had so I can say I have done it but I don't think it will be repeated.

I picked up mom and Tim from the airport the next morning bright and early.  We ate breakfast and picked up the rental car before starting our Irish/English adventures.  We headed to the Guinness factory first thing that morning because it was not going to be open when we were back in Dublin and of course my 21 year old brother had to see the Guinness Factory.  So off we went to a beer making factory at 10:00 in the morning.  We are not alcoholics I swear!  It was a really cool factory.  We got to see how the beer is made and got to have samples.  We didn't get our free pint though because it was 10:00 in the morning and about half way through the tour mom and Tim’s jet lag set in and we decided to just head out to our next destination.

Gingerbread house in the reception area at the castle.

We then headed to Co. Clare where we stayed at Dromoland Castle, a castle that is now fitted with modern amenities including a spa.  Mom and I went to the spa and got massages while Tim took a nap :)  It was absolutely wonderful after a night on the most uncomfortable bed of my life.  The castle was great and totally opposite of my accommodations the night before.  So much so that we learned it is in fact possible to be under dressed for breakfast!!! Bet you didn't know that was possible but let me tell you it is.  We decided we eat breakfast at the castle since they had a continental breakfast.  We headed down to check it out and before we knew it we were being seated at a table with thick linen napkins in our lap and real silver at our place settings.  It cost about $25 a piece for a continental breakfast. It was ridiculous and we totally felt like fish out of water.  It was a good breakfast with pastries and fruit and yogurt with granola and some other stuff but I would not say it was worth the money we spent.  Our time at the castle showed us how the other side lives and I have to say I'm quite happy being on this side thank you very much!

After our ridiculous breakfast and tour of the castle grounds we set off for the Cliffs of Moher.  I had yet to see the Cliffs so I was really excited for this. On the way we got held up by some cows but they were quickly herded off the road and we were back on our way.  It was a really foggy morning and when we got there the lady told us visibility was basically nothing but we decided to go in anyways and man am I glad we did.  When we first got there we couldn't see anything because of the fog but we spent some time in the visitor center and by the time we came back out it was starting to clear.  It turned out to be a great day and there were hardly any people there because the fog earlier had deterred so many.  They were absolutely beautiful, even with the fog.

Cliffs of Moher

At Glenveagh National Park

 During our time in Ireland we also went to Galway and spent some time in Sligo.  We saw the Hobbit in 3D and did some great shopping.  We also went up to Co. Donegal into Glenveagh national park which was absolutely beautiful.  We got to see many more castles that didn't make us feel quite so out of place.  We also spent a couple of nights in Delvin at my house where my mom and Tim got a taste of real Irish living, cold!!!  From Delvin I took them to the Hill of Tara where I got to explore the old book shop again.  We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas day at a B&B in Dublin.  On Christmas Eve we walked around Dublin and explored the city which equaled great soreness the next day.  Luckily we spent Christmas day just hanging out at the B&B relaxing.  The next day we headed out for London to begin the next leg of our journey.

London was great despite a rough first day.  We happened to arrive in London the day the tube(subway) drivers decided to go on strike.  Luckily one line was open and it happened to lead right to where we needed to go... kind of.  We didn't stay in the main part of town to save money but because of that it was a little hard to find our way around that first day.  We spent a little time being lost then a very nice man with an iphone google mapped where we needed to go and got us right there.  I thank God for that man because otherwise I think we would still be lost on the streets of London.  We got to London earlier enough that first day to do some exploring so after dropping off our bags we headed out.  We had to take the bus because the tube was shut down like I mentioned which meant the buses were crazy packed.  Plus it was the day after Christmas which is just as a big a shopping holiday here as it is back home.  After figuring everything out and an hour long detour on a bus heading the wrong direction we made it back to the hotel to enjoy a good nights rest after a very long day.

View from the London Eye

The rest of the trip went by much smoother because the tube was up and running, except for a few stations all close to us, of course, but we made do and were able to get around quite easily.  We tried to see as much as possible and were able to see a lot.  Tim and I went to the London Zoo which was awesome.  It was a rainy day so it was pretty empty which made us quite happy.  Tim and I also went on the London Eye while mom went to the Florence Nightengale Museum (she doesn't do heights).  The London Eye was probably my favorite thing.  It was the one thing I wanted to do while we were there.  

We also went to the Tower of London and saw the crown jewels which included a 520 carat diamond.  It was huge.  We went to Buckingham Palace and saw the guards.  The other thing we did that closely tied the London Eye was the British Music Experience (BME) at the O2 Theater.  It was this great exhibit that had the history of British music from the early 1920's to now complete with photos, memorabilia and other cool stuff.  It also had a room where you could play instruments and sing.  That was my favorite part and I'm pretty sure I could have stayed in there all day learning different instruments but as mom and Tim are not musically inclined we did not stay there all day.  I was really glad the BME was at the O2 because that meant I got to see that great theater as well.  I didn't get to go to a show or see the stage really but I can say I was there which will do for now!  

Gate in front of Buckingham Palace

Overall it was a great trip and I really enjoyed spending time with my family.  Mom and Tim headed home the morning of New Years Eve and I headed back to Delvin.  I spent a few days just sitting at home enjoying a good rest before heading up to Donegal for January training.  

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas...or at least it was!

So, it’s been forever since I’ve posted an update and I am incredibly sorry for that.  Life has definitely been an adventure the last almost 2 months since I last posted.  A lot has happened and therefore I think I will write a couple posts so you can pick and choose which adventures you would like to read about and which you want to skip.  I’ll start where I left off in December. 

Our last 2 weeks in Delvin were relatively uneventful.  We had a couple youth nights that were all very fun.  We had Christmas parties with both our junior and senior youth groups.  We had party poppers and sugar cookies, Christmas carols and mafia (our senior youth group’s favorite game).  Our house was all decorated which of course made my heart so happy.  Christmas is my favorite holiday by far so I thoroughly enjoyed getting to celebrate Christmas so many times!  We were lucky enough to get a Christmas tree from Tim’s cousin so we even had a Christmas tree, something rare for NET teams.  We had a jam session for our last youth mass which turned out to be quite the ordeal.  The power went out around 5:30 and didn't come back on for about 2 hours so half our jam session was done in the dark.  Keep in mind it gets dark now around 4:00 so when I say dark I mean, really dark.  We did the best we could with candles and actually had a lot of fun despite not being able to see much. 

On our last Saturday before we headed out we spent the afternoon as a team.  We decided to continue the Christmas celebrations and headed for Blanchardstown mall just outside of Dublin.  We each drew the name of a team member out of a hat and had 45 mins and €5 each to find the perfect Secret Santa gift.  We then ate dinner at TGI Fridays, exchanged gifts and enjoyed our version of Christmas as a team.  Some of the gifts were great.  Rebecca gave Tim a giant party popper with games and other wonderful things inside.  This party popper actually led to quite the event on our team.  When we finally opened it later that week we all started playing with the toys and put on the crowns.  Ben then stole all our crowns and as Becca was chasing him up the stairs his foot combined with her arm, her necklace and her mouth equaled a chipped front tooth.  It was not very funny at the time but now makes for a great story.  Other gifts that day included a blanket, coffee and a beanie.  I personally thought my gift was the best but I might be a little bias.  Tim got my name and his gift made my day.  He gave me a craft kit because he knows how much I like crafts.  He also gave me a pair of really warm socks because my feet are always cold and my toes very frequently go numb.  He gave me candy canes because I had been missing candy cane hot chocolate like no tomorrow.  Finally, he gave me snow spray because all I wanted for Christmas was snow and since nature wasn't obliging Tim did.  It was such a great gift and a great night.  We had a awesome team Christmas!

We learned some swing dancing!

On December 15^th we headed to Newbridge in Co. Kildare for our December Retreat.  Each year NET holds a retreat for the netters right before Christmas break to help us wind down and relax before heading different directions for a few weeks to enjoy a needed break.  December retreat was really great.  For part of the retreat we joined another retreat happening at the same time put on by the group Youth2000.  Youth2000 is an international movement of young people called to spread the Good News of the Catholic faith and share this experience with other young people.  The retreat they were holding was their annual Christmas retreat where they invite youth from all over the country to spend a weekend reflecting on the Lord and coming to a deeper understanding of his love for them.  We only attended parts of the retreat but the parts we did attend were very powerful.  One night we participated in their reconciliation service.  Fr. John, an Irish priest who spent many years in Rome, gave a talk on reconciliation that spoke right to my heart.  I was then able to attend reconciliation with him and it was one of the best confessions I have had.  He was able to understand my struggles because he had similar one and had some great advice for overcoming them.   When we weren't at the Youth2000 retreat we were staying at this beautiful retreat house run by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  This house serves as a place for people who could not typically afford a holiday the opportunity to come spend a week on holiday where they can relax and enjoy a few days away from all the hard times they face in their day to day lives.  It was a joy to stay there for a few days and spend some time with all the other NET teams. 

Getting to spend time with the other NET teams is always a real joy for me.  I have made some great friends here in Ireland and am incredibly blessed by the people God has put into my life.  Although we are all volunteering with NET the teams don’t get many opportunities to see each other because of the busy schedules we all keep.  Therefore, every opportunity we get to spend some time in each other’s presence is a true blessing and gift.  It was a beautiful way to spend our last few days before we headed out for Christmas break.