The Countdown: 15 Days (OMG)

I must apologize for my use of OMG in the title of this post, but seriously. 15 days until I get on a plane to live in another country for four months!? OH MY GOD. I haven't started anything! I almost finished my shopping, I just need to go to Target for some shirts. Because one can never have enough comfy v-necks. I got bored with Rick Steves' book, so I started a new one. I began making mental lists of things I need to pack. I have been taking care of my medical needs, including check-ups, teeth cleanings, medication refills, and physical fitness. So in all reality, I guess I have started some things. Just nothing... tangible. Because once I do that, I know it will be totally REAL.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a lovely going away party, and all of my favorite people came to say farewell. I received some very generous financial assistance, which I have already used... surprise, surprise... and I got some really lovely blessings. Like this Irish blessing from a church friend: 

"May God grant you always...

A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you."

I thought it was touching, and I'm gonna keep that card with me when I go. My sweet grandma also gave me a prayer card to reflect on, and the Deacon from my church prayed over me. I'm a pretty spiritual person, so these things meant a lot to me. I have faith that my travels will be safe and fun and, as nervous as I am, this will be a truly life changing experience. 

So back to the new book I started, I only got as far as the first page. BUT it seems so interesting! It is about a man, Robert Emmett Ginna, who made a journey from the most North to the most South point of Ireland, making a path straight down the center of the country. I cannot wait to read more. I think it'll really help inform my travels, especially when I'm able to get away from school and go sight seeing. A good family friend of mine told me that reading things like this will allow me to see sights that maybe not many see when they travel. I'll get insight from someone who has lived this, not just more and more tourist information. 

On another note, I have recently discovered that Wicked is going to be in Dublin until sometime in October! SO clearly I have to go. I mean, it's WICKED. In DUBLIN, IRELAND. How cool would that be? I wanted to see a show while I was there, anyway, and Wicked is such a good one. I saw it when it came through Cleveland's PlayhouseSquare a few years ago, and I would love to see it again. Especially with a group of new Irish friends that I'm sure I'll make as soon as I get there X)

Well, in the next fifteen days, I hope to make much more progress in my preliminary travel preparation. Until then!