Settling In

Since arriving in Wexford I have often been asked, “Are you settling in okay? How are you settling in? It takes time, it takes time to settle in.” Before leaving to participate in the House of Brigid I received many comments from friends and family about how I was going to love my year in Ireland, how the people in Ireland are so friendly, the landscape is beautiful, and Ireland is a magical country. However, I also received warnings about dealing with homesickness and the adjustment of being so far away from Indiana. In the past, whenever I have traveled far from home I have felt immense homesickness. I love my hometown of Indianapolis and I especially love being close to my family. Before committing to the House of Brigid, I thoroughly checked with my heart to see if I would be able to live in another country, without going home, for 11 months. I knew it would be a challenge and that homesickness was inevitable. However, I was confident that God was calling me to be a part of Teach Bhríde and was at peace.

Arriving in Ireland in August was a whirlwind. I had a ticket booked and bags packed to leave within 24 hours (due to issues with our volunteer visas). I arrived in Dublin and a couple hours later I was already on a bus to Galway. The House of Brigid fellows then spent a couple of tiring, beautiful, magical, and peaceful days on the Aran Islands. After a mini flight and three bus rides, I finally arrived in Wexford, my new home for the next 11 months. Our first week was filled with a flood of informational training with past Teach Bhríde member, Sara. The following week I was once again on a bus to the other side of the country on a church pilgrimage to Knock. Just a few days after returning from Knock I fell ill as a result of food poising, experienced an Irish emergency room, and upon leaving was prescribed to 4 days of bed rest. Life then started to form a routine of sorts; choir practice, tea and conversations with parishioners, learning about Taize services, exploring and resting in this new beautiful city I live in, and simply being present.

As I reflect on these past week’s life lessons I am very thankful that homesickness has been minimal. I often think of the verse, “Be still and know that I am God.” I carried this mantra with me from the United States and it has appeared in my thoughts frequently and even musically in the parish choirs since my arrival in Ireland. Although it has been a hectic start to my year in Ireland, I am overwhelmed with the kindness that has been shown to me, the beautiful priorities of the Irish culture of putting quality time first, and the opportunities to see and be with God in my daily life.

So, to answer the question, “How are you settling in?”- I am settling in very well. I am learning that an afternoon of work can be turned into an afternoon of exploring Katherine’s ancestry, because that can be just as fruitful as working. I am learning that lots of information is best taken in when you have multiple tea and biscuit breaks. This is a hard lesson but I am learning that stress is wasted energy because in the end we try our best and that’s what matters. I am learning to “be still ” and be aware of God. I am shown God’s love every day through the beautiful congregation of Clonard, in the county of Wexford, and with the love and support from the United States.

Taking a break during our retreat at Ballyvaloo with Sara to walk on the beach.

Father Denis and Katherine at Saint Martin’s church in Piercestown where Katherine’s great, great, great, great, grandparents attended church before moving to the U.S.A.