Blog #5 We’re halfway there! Wo-oah! Living on a prayer!
It’s the halfway point blog! In this blog, I’ll reflect on experiences and goals and evaluate the last half of this experience.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
Let’s be real for a moment. I’m in another country. Crazy. I still don’t really believe it. It’s not easy either. Yes, it’s fun and exciting, but I didn’t stop to process enough that those feelings will wear off eventually. Yes, I learned about culture shock, but I didn’t know what to expect. When will it hit? Is it like one big moment or a very gradual thing? Will it wear off? How long could it take? What will it feel like?
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
Homesickness is real. I’m not homesick for a place. I miss my fiancé. I miss my friends. I miss my family. I miss the laughs and memories we make when we’re together. I miss people I know. Don’t get me wrong, I’m having fun and making many memories! My housemates are fantastic, and we love hanging out together. We just had a mid-term for the academic semester. Assignments are coming due every week. Thanksgiving is around the corner. We don’t get Thanksgiving break. Christmas decor is going up and is in stores all over the place. I’m looking forward to Christmas, family, and memories. I love the anticipation of Christmas, but it’s coming earlier than usual. Being at a higher latitude than the US is different. It was completely dark by 5:30 pm today. So in my mind, it’s later in the year than usual, and Thanksgiving is less than a week away (not a month). Then the music can be played and the tree can go up.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
I have gotten out of my comfort zone more than usual. And to be honest, I don’t always know where my comfort zone is now. I have learned so much while here, most of it not from classes. I have gained so many new experiences and learned from them. I have learned how to navigate using public transportation. From taking buses and trains across the country, purchasing tickets, taking the bus across town, or just walking and navigating the city, I’ve become more comfortable with navigating unfamiliar places. This is a goal accomplished. I have attended the Christian Union Society (a club) multiple times. I’m still not completely comfortable, but I’ve definitely improved. This is a goal in progress. It’s hard to enrich connections with those who are far away. But the fun part is planning and anticipating the sweet reunion and hugs to come. Calling and just talking isn’t always my cup of tea. I like doing things and making memories. This is a goal in progress.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
Where can I improve? I’ve got more than three. But that’s what we’ll stick to. 1) Planning things to do with my people in the States. Minecraft? Games? 20 questions? Digital escape rooms? All things I’ve done or thought about. 2) Devotions and livestreaming church. Getting to a WELS church is not possible here. There are none. The closest one is in London. Did you hear a good sermon? Share it with me! Read a good bible passage? Send it my way! Text or Facebook Messenger is great! 3) Motivation for school work. What I learn is applicable and fun. But I need a better homework motivation schedule. Most of the time, I don’t want to sit in my apartment and do homework.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
I was surprised how similar it was to the US. There are still some significant differences, such as Ireland being more of a being culture than a doing culture. In the US, everyone is always go-go-go, but Ireland is a bit more laid back. In my education course last week, a guest speaker gave us information on the writing center, telling us tips and tricks for planning to write a paper (this class is mainly for first-year students). When discussing planning to write our paper, she told us to put a beer break in the schedule. No joking. She said, “And think about when you will have a beer in there.” I was stunned. I love how the Irish people aren’t as focused on every task they have to do. They take time to live and just to be. I did not know this before, and it has changed my opinion that we all could use a little break. We only get one life. Why rush through it? God has blessed us with time with our families and friends on this earth. Don’t ignore that. Don’t toss it away. Don’t live to work. Work to live. Take time just to be.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
Song to check out! → “Across the Pond” by JigJam
Song to check out! → “Young Again” by Barry Kirwan