August Stories

Sunset in The Phoenix Park

Psalm 94:18-19 When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. My heart is full from His unconditional love and favor. And my hands are steady from His provision and care. He keeps me from slipping and makes the path steady. It's been a rich week in Dublin. Looking forward to reflecting more and sharing a bit today. Since my last post, I have been amazed by how quickly the Spirit can move. He truly moves in His time, but sometimes our clocks are aligned. I have been spending time with Diarmuid and his family since I arrived, and also getting in to routines and ways for keeping in touch with my family and friends outside of Ireland. I've been settled and organized here really, while also getting to enjoy summertime with D. We've gone to Donegal, spent days in town, had some tasty dinners, made our own routines together, enjoyed simple and fun times of just being together, and visited with friends over tea or pints. Everyone is going back to work though, summer holidays are finishing up, and I've felt that slight panic button pushing in on what would happen to me when it's not 'summer'. Well, just when I'm feeling worried or out of sorts, is also just about when I can realize I'm not leaning on God enough. So, that's where the sun has started to come out more. I'm leaning and listening, becoming more prepared and ready, being wrecked and rebuilt, re-shaped for what's coming. I'm being reminded by respected persons in my life to celebrate this time. I've worked hard to be here and if I'm being blessed with my own personal holiday, embrace it! I'm changing my focus for the better and receiving personal time to increase my abilities and performance for the present and future. I have been spending time with my dear friend Megan before she moves back to The States. I will miss her when she isn't here with me in Dublin. Her friendship always has been such a great one, and it's been fun knowing she's right here. Our burrito dates, coffee and tea talks, walks through town, and spontaneous adventures and conversation are always just what I was after and vice versa. But it's time for her to move back to Georgia for a bit, and I'm ready to see what the rest of August is like. September is close enough though. Monday night was a send off party for Megan, a proper tourist trail of traditional food, pints, music, laughter, and shenanigans. D and I met a group of her friends and a couple of them are actually local girls that will be here past the summer. I exchanged numbers with them and will try to meet them or lunch sometime soon. I also made an unexpected friend the other night when I got a surprise email from Liz. A good friend of hers was stranded in Dublin on her own, so I filled in as the ambassador of Ireland for Americans. :D  It was fun girl time and typical Irish banter! Sending off CVs, letters of application, and more official papers this past week. My new job is out there.....but I will have to remain faithful, humble, confident, and patient a while longer. My visa is still processing and I have no update on when I will receive that at the present. I am feeling much better having my registration number, background cleared, and my CV updated. It was also exciting to research about schools in Dublin and genuinely feel enthusiastic about applying. I feel like am an ideal candidate for many of the schools I looked at and that is such an inspiring feeling. I am currently waiting on my bike to arrive from The States too. It's in Customs now and should make its way here in another week or so. In the meantime, I started riding D's Dutch bike and cycled through the city a little more comfortable. I loved cycling through Phoenix Park- must do that again soon! Cheers, m

A Confident Humility

Welcome, Sunday. Good morning from Dublin, Ireland. I am sitting on my bed with the window open. Since college, it has been a small joy to have my bed beside the window. I love to sit, rest, and reflect with the backdrop of the world going on outside.

A fresh cup of Earl Grey tea is warm in my left hand. The window is open because it is sunny and cool outside. It feels like Fall. The breeze is cool on my cheeks and shoulders. The day looks brand new, radiant. I want to take a step toward radiance myself by starting with going into the Word.

Today I am in Ephesians and listening to an online message.

Ephesians 2:8-10

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

This morning I am listening to a message from Jeff Henderson from a few weeks ago in Atlanta, GA. He was a guest pastor at Passion City Church.

If you're interested in listening as well, here you go.

 This is a message about being honest with who you are, where you are, and where you are going.

It is also about humility.

How do I find my sweet spot for walking with Jesus in my daily life right now?

How do I move beyond my failures, limitations, and insecurities?

There is a truth that is written on my heart: I am my beloved's. Despite my failures, limitations, and insecurities; I am loved, redeemed, and worthy.

When I own my weaknesses, that is when God can truly be my strength.

The message today stirred up some big thoughts and emotions in me:

1. "What does God think about when he thinks about me?"

2. "Don't let the reality right now of who you are, stop you from the reality of who you are becoming and are capable of becoming."

3. "We can never get too comfortable with Jesus that we take Him for granted."

4. "Jesus wants us to be confident and humble in the work he believes we are meant to do."

5. "There is an enemy that wants to destroy our good work. He is always headed our way when we are growing in the goodness of Christ."

Approach life with a confident humilty? Okay, but when I leave this bedroom and set out to change myself and make an impact on the world positively, then what? I know I need to be strong in the will of the Lord, but sometimes I am overwhelmed by what is happening all around me. Jesus, will you wrap your arms around me when I feel this way? I invite you into my heart and you are welcome to dwell in any space I keep.

I recognize there will be obstacles to overcome. Jesus believes in me. I am my beloved's. The enemy seeks to kill and destroy, so I must remember and draw close to the truth that when we respond to the voice of the accuser with the voice of God (lean in to scripture), the enemy is crushed. One of my 'go to' verses is, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

Jeff Henderson reminds us that, 'We are God's handy work (His work of art) to do HIS good work. He prepared us in advance to do it. By not stepping up and thinking of yourself as 'junk', you're missing out. God has a great plan for your life.You rob God of His glory when you move forward with pride and arrogance. But you also take a step back when you do not move forward with confidence. Believe God has a good plan for you (for us).'

Here I am in new territory. I, not even a month ago, took one of the biggest steps of faith I ever have and moved myself across the world. I resigned from my job, organized all of my finances, packed away much of my own personal belongings, and celebrated with family and friends the move I made to Ireland.

For those of you who know me well, this is a move I have wanted for so long. I am amazed daily I am really here. Wow, how undeserving yet favored I am. This move, for lack of better understanding, is part of my destiny. It has been written on my heart since I was a young girl. No matter the joy and blessings around me, something even deeper and bigger grew in my heart that kept calling me here.

Calling me where? Here? Everything before me has prepared me for now. Everything now is part of where I am going. When I realized I was REALLY coming here, I was excited and scared. Excited for what experiences, lessons, and blessings will happen. Scared for being alone at first. Don't get me wrong, I am a humble and confident, independent woman. For years God has shaped me for independence. But He has been so rich in giving me relationships, so even though I am good on my own, I am better with my community.

This is a chapter when I have stepped farther away (but forever keeping in touch with) from my community, for the hope of becoming so much more than I already am. I want to know more: more about who I am, what I can do, and what I am made to do. Even when I have been scared, it hasn't really been what I consider fear, because I feel ready. What I am feeling is probably more loneliness, because I haven't yet made relationships here. I do not question my decision to move here, I celebrate it and thank God for the opportunity to be here daily. I do not question my ability to be here on my own, because I welcome it. I want to be here.

When I feel lonely, I am reminded that God wants more of me. Somehow in the middle of being so grateful for everyone close by to me, I took for granted the relationship I aspire to have with Christ. I was working hard as a teacher, daughter, sister, companion, friend, and neighbor; but still feeling empty in some places. Those places are now feeling fuller.

The work I have done has prepared me for now. In the present, I am working out and being more responsible in the dedication and emphasis I put on exercise, food, and rest. My stress has decreased and I am at the start of an epic journey. I am learning new languages, challenging myself to learn more across all academics (especially in subjects like math where I am weaker and in history where I thrive), taking and making time to practice for "DIY" cooking projects and more, and opening my heart to all opportunities here.


God has created us. How to discover our plan more deeply and move forward in the plan, means we have to lean in to God, and be confident in the skills he has given us. Even when that means being wrecked and rebuilt. My goal at large now is to remain humble in how God has made me, but be confident in that as well.

Lately I have been on an  "eat, pray, love" adventure. If so ever you are able to go yourself, I encourage you to let go and go. It will not be easy and you will still have obstacles, but if you're willing to work hard, you will love yourself for trying.

Cheers,
M

August 2013: Music lately

Bakery in Derry, Ireland.

​Let's treat ourselves to some music talk.

I really love going to a pub and relaxing with a pint, while listening to live music. Some nights I'm in the mood for traditional Irish folk (depending on where I go) and other nights it's fun to go to places like Doyle's for the Ruby Sessions, and get to hear up and coming artists. Some bands I like from Doyle's are:

"Leaders of Men"  and "The Heathers".


Another popular style of music on the radio (and in clubs) is house (& pop), ofcourse.
It's been ages since I actually watched MTV, but lately I've caught myself listening to MTV UK in the background, while putting different projects together.
I really like this song (I Could Be).
Plus, the video is bad ass.
Don't forget to live your life.

More songs:

Cue great music now.

Make way, JT. Robin is bringing his own sexy (raunchy lyrics and all).








In my post about Hurling (just before this note), I referenced the GAA's support for traditional sport, music, and Irish language. Something very special about Ireland is how its' culture all ties together: Everything connects. From the GAA to it's very history.

Exploring Donegal...

More traditions having to do with music bring me to a story from the "Jubilee Celebration" last Saturday. I attended Diarmuid's grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary party in Donegal, complete with a mass at home with 18 guests and delcious meal. After the meal, everyone shared their "party piece" and the house was filled with songs and musical instruments for entertainment. There was a joke and story here and there, but the favorites were the music. As it got closer to my turn I was nervous, because I had decided to sign a song with Caiohme singing with me. I was excited to share my (talent) and love for signing music, but not sure if that "counted" as a piece. Well, the family was really impressed and excited to see it, but they still wanted me to sing. Me? Sing? Everyone who knows me- really? Well, when the hosts ask for you to sing AND it's their Jubilee, you think fast and go with it. The only songs I know well enough to sing spontaneously are the ones I interpreted for Deaf Ministry at AC, so I busted out "Hosanna" by Hillsong. I wish I could say that all of a sudden I was touched by an angel and sang the most incredible version of the song known to man, but as I took a deep breath and got ready to sing, I said a prayer for God to bless with me with an opportunity to sing for Him and sound sweet like Him, and then I just did my best. That was the first time I EVER sang a solo, let alone even in front of other people on purpose. I could feel my heart pounding and feel my hands shaking. But my voice was steady, somewhat in melody, and breath calm. It was fun actually and nice to be able to offer a song no one had heard of. They all clapped (politely I'm sure, hehe) when I was done.

So, there you have it. My debut. Dado has requested I learn a country western song for the next time. Something by Dolly maybe?

Cheers,
M

First visit to Croke Park: Hurling Semi-Finals 2013

Ready for Dublin v Cork with Diarmuid

Last Sunday I went to Croke Park for the first time. Dublin's Men's hurling team was in the semi-finals against Cork. The easiest way for explaining how big this match was, is by comparing it to Georgia Tech getting to a BCS game for the first time in 60 years. Then, to add anticipation and excitement, the game is in the county you're from and inside the main GAA facility.

For more information about what the "GAA" is, click here!
As well as here for Dublin GAA information :). And for a bit more information on what hurling is, search this.
The town was decked in flags for both teams, jerseys, pubs packed, streets flooded with tourists, locals, and folks going about their own business on a sunny afternoon, and then the lucky ones set to go to 70 minutes of hurling combat. Dublin played a great match, but sadly lost to Cork. The stadium was packed with fans for both teams. The sportsmanship between fans and athletes was unlike anything I've experienced at any sporting event in The States. For starters, the fans could co-exist in the same seating areas (for the most part).
You won't find that too nicely at an SEC football game. (Shout out for college football in the GA! Go Georgia! ;) #dawgsforever)

The most touching thing for me, even as big of a let down it was after Dublin lost, no one left the stadium. And while the players were shaking hands and clearing out, there were fans still cheering and doing the "Dublin cheers" until it was done. These athletes aren't just prized athletes among the country: They are the teachers, accountants, business executives, doctors, and neighbors. Regular men working hard and training in their leisure time. And on a really good day, playing in a semi-final game at Croke Park with 80,000+ fans.

I really liked the match. In my check-list for enjoying athletic events, there's tailgating, sunshine, cool breezes, great brew and food, and an exciting game. All of the above were accomplished. So, I had fun! I got to join the hurling madness, sport a jersey, cheer, stand inside Croke Park for the first time, and it all held my wee sports fan attention span.Glory, Glory to 70 minute matches with continuous action! Stay strong, Dubs! To get an idea of what it was like inside the stadium, check out the video I shared on my private facebook page!

COME ON YOU BOYS IN BLUE! GO DUBLIN!

Cheers, M

Blogging my expedition...

I've found myself circulating many purposes and ideas for keeping a/this blog. I've thankfully started figuring out who/how I am voxing, skyping, emailing, texting, snap chatting, fb'ing and calling. I've been wanting to get caught up with family and friends at home. I've also been catching up with D, his family, and some of the lads here. I'm going to start getting out on my own more to make some new friends here. I've started running in the park close to where I live right now and am thinking about joining a club of some kind to start meeting people. I'm in my 3rd week now, so maybe this will be the week I sort out my blog (and get back to my own personal journal). I've started this week sorting out my CV again and applications for teaching posts. The visa application got sorted my first week, more teaching council business my second, and now here I am. Moving productively, but also getting time to get settled. I've relaxed a good bit and taken in the scene. I still feel like a tourist in some ways, because I continue to be astonished by how gorgeous and interesting everything is. But that's the part of me (tourist or not) I do not want to lose or change. I always want to appreciate the "here", "now", and world/space around me. Then there's the change of becoming a 'local' or resident you could say. I'm forever learning. Despite having been here twice before for long summer holidays, and feeling as though I know alot about Ireland, there is more. And much more now being in the EU. I'm eager to learn though and happy to have these experiences. Cheers, m