On the first of February we celebrated the feast of St. Brigid. And I told you that Spring had come to Ireland. I was wrong. Spring has NOW come to Ireland, with yellow furze covering almost every fallow field, pink wildflowers dotting the road sides, and every other hour filled with cold rain drops (or even hail). Although it is almost Summer, (with 80 degree weather back home…) we have discovered that, in Ireland, April showers in fact bring May showers. And probably June showers. The Sunny Southeast is reminding us that we are in Ireland, friends, and all that green comes at a cost.
beautiful flowers in Fr. James’ backyard
hail from the storm I got caught walking home in last week.
Another thing that happened several weeks ago in Ireland was Mother’s Day (March 15th to be exact). The pink and yellow cards filled the shops pretty soon after St. Valentine’s Day and I will admit that I can’t really do anything that far in advance so, Mom is receiving a homemade card this year (probably a few days late, hi mom). In honor of this holiday, I would like to thank all of the moms of Teach Bhríde: our mothers back home who may or may not miss being able to talk to us everyday; our “adopted (grand)mothers” here in Ireland who make sure we eat breakfast, and have warm socks to wear, and insist we get enough sleep and take holidays whenever we need them; and all of the women in our lives who have inspired us and supported us on our different journeys to where we are. We are forever grateful.
The end of our time together in Ireland is approaching too quickly, I feel. We have spent the year knowing ‘The Sacraments’ marked the beginning of the end, and it feels so strange to finally be in the middle of those. Working with the school children has been one of my favorite ministries this year. Their endless questions, coupled with their enthusiasm and sincerity have been an inspiration to me throughout the year. And when the Sacraments are over, we will have a few final weeks to enjoy our beautiful Wexford. And hopefully some sunshine.
God bless!
Brigid
