Happily Ever After

I have to admit, I have never really been in love before. I have been in very, very serious "like" and I would have said that I loved a person or two, but "in love"....nope, not yet.

However, I could guess what it could feel like. I have a pretty good imagination.

So, it doesn't seem like a stretch to say that being in Ireland for this 3 month period is a bit like falling in love and getting married.

1) The Meeting: The first time I came here (14 years ago), it was as if Ireland and I shook hands, had a couple of heart-to-heart talks and considered our feelings for each other as being chock full of potential. Then, as we parted ways, a few tears were shed and a few promises were spoken to reunite one day.

2) The Commitment: Over a decade later, I bought that ticket, boarded that plane and crossed that big, blue ocean. Once my feet were on Irish soil, I knew it was a fantastic decision to return, one that I would never, ever regret.

3) The Honeymoon: The beauty, the mystery....too many sights, sounds, tastes, textures to all take in. I was surrounded by so much and wanted to see it all. What a gorgeous place! I am BLESSED beyond words. Thank you Lord!!! Wow! But, my head was also in a fog from running around and falling into bed each night with sheer exhaustion.

4) The Reality: It can be a bit awkward to move your stuff into an unfamiliar house and get used to being around people that you don't know very well. I wanted to get along and not offend anyone, managing that precarious balance of "just enough interaction". My feet hurt from walking too much, I started to miss some of the things I used to have back home. I wondered if I'd over-romanticized my memories and dreams of Ireland. I questioned my commitment.

5) The Glory: Then, suddenly, I felt myself settle into this completely comfortable state of mind that is almost blissful. I've begun to get to really know this town, where my favorite shops and cafes are. I know where the post office is and the bank. I can even explore with no fear of getting lost and I could even give directions to others in need of guidance (within reason, of course!). The real glory is in a deeper sense of familiarity, not in the initial honeymoon phase.

I could see the allure of moving here and setting down roots. Who knows? Maybe one day. I don't know if I feel called to that at this point, but the possibility is there.

I can also say that it seems to me that Killarney is a place where God is at work, in quiet ways. It's not a boisterous place, spiritually speaking, but He has not forgotten this southwestern county. He is here, alive and active and wants to do great things for the Kingdom.

Coincidentally, Kerry County is nicknamed "The Kingdom". I think it has great potential in God's plans for being a blessing to all of the Republic of Ireland. At least, I think so. But, I'm a bit partial. After all, I've fallen in love.

Love,
Katy

Rain, rain, rain and a little more rain....

The first time I visited Ireland (14 years ago), the weather was unusually gorgeous for most of the thirteen days. As I recall, we had only one or two days of slight rain. People told us that we had brought the gorgeous, sunny skies with us from America.

When I first arrived, and for pretty much the first 30 days I was here, it was beautiful again. The locals were absolutely loving it. This summer has been one of the worst in recorded history, as far as rainfall. They had a miserable June, July and most of August. So, to have September and the beginning of October bring some sunshine was an extremely appreciated blessing.

About mid-October though, I am finally getting to experience the true Ireland that we have all heard about. The kind where you go to sleep with the pleasant sound of raindrops hitting the windows and rooftop. The kind where you wake up to a soft pouring of rain. The kind where you look out the window and see the sun peek through the clouds for 3 minutes and then it starts raining again. The kind where you get an entire morning of sunshine, so you walk into town feeling upbeat and dillusionally hopeful that it will last all day and then, as you begin the journey home a couple of hours later, you quickly learn that your fabulous, hooded, brown TJ Maxx coat is only water resistant...not water proof.

As I write this, I am looking out the office window at the Dreher's house to a very foreboding sky of multi-hued grays. The wind is whipping through the neighbor's tree across the street. A few puddles in the driveway are rippling against push of the wind as well. It is currently not raining, but give it a minute.

Now, I actually love rain. I find it extremely cozy and kind of inspiring, for some reason. However, I've learned something about myself. I love rain only when I have a car that I can use to get me places in spite of it. Even the greatest rain-enthusiast can become downtrodden when trapped inside all day, nearly every day.

I am choosing to enjoy it though. Mostly, because this is the authentic Irish experience I was hoping for and also because I know that I'm headed for bitter temperatures and endless snow in Wisconsin upon my return.

Off to enjoy watching the rain....took too long to post this blog and now it's started up again. Ah, Ireland. :)

Love,
Katy