The Trip

My trip to Ireland went really well. My dad, brother and I arrived in Chicago FAR too early, but it worked out the best since I haven't been through O'Hare in years. First blessing was Starbucks. I furnished myself with an ice cold Vanilla Latte....venti. Next I found a back corner seat in the waiting area by my gate, which happened to be the very last gate in that corridor. Lastly, there was an electrical outlet right next to my chair. For the next few hours (I told you I was really early), I played around on my brand new iPod touch and watched a couple episodes of Friends on DVD. It didn't take long for me to start realizing what an amazing thing it was that I was about to do! Going back to Ireland felt like a dream coming true and I had to mentally pinch myself a few times. The flights were good and pretty much uneventful. Crossing over the North Atlantic can be a little bumpy at times, but mostly it was just LONG. I couldn't sleep at all. Partially due to cramped quarters and partially excitement, I just listed to my iPod. Man, that was a good investment!!

My only "nervous" moment during the travel was at Immigration in Dublin. My immigration officer was extremely serious and didn't crack a single smile. He shook his head and said "that's not enough" when I told him how much cash I had on me for my 3-month stay. Praise the Lord that I brought my most recent bank statement to show how my money I actually had access to. He was approving after seeing that paperwork. When he asked me what I do for a living, he wasn't too pleased to know that I'm unemployed mostly and just work as a temp (I didn't want to lie!). He looked at me suspiciously, wondering surely, if I was trying to find work here. He said, "What are you doing here for 3 months?", in not a very friendly tone. I assured him I am only visiting friends and helping their church for NO pay at all. I am supporting myself financially. I could tell he wasn't buying it. That's when I really thanked Jesus that the Drehers had sent a "welcome" letter from their church to prove I was coming over to volunteer. The officer read it over and grilled me about the Drehers.

Officer: "What does Allan do?"
Katy: "He's a pastor."
Officer: "Is Allan married?"
Katy: "Yes, to Christine."
Officer: "Do they have any children?"
Katy: "They have Dylan and Desmond. One is a foster child and the other they just adopted in June. I don't know which is which though." (Can you tell I was nervous? Now I remember that it is Dylan who is fostered and Desmond who is adopted - sweet boys by the way!!)
Officer: "Well, you certainly have your story straight."

I so wanted to say, "It's not a STORY....it's TRUE." But, I wisely kept my mouth shut and prayed like gang-busters in my mind.

Officer: "Do you have a return flight?"
Katy: "Yes, for December 14th. I wanted to make it for just shy of 3 months....to be safe."
Officer: "Show me."

I pulled out my receipt for my ticket. He examined it closely. Then he (begrudgingly, in my opinion) stamped my passport with a 3-month visitor's visa, for departure on December 14th.

WHEW.

Officer: "You are NOT allowed to work here."
Katy: "Yes, definitely."
Officer: "Welcome to Ireland."
Katy: "Thank you."

I walked calmly and confidently away from immigration and found my luggage and the Drehers. Hallelujah.

So much more to tell already, but I'll save that for the next blog!!

Love, Katy