As Inigo Montoya says, "Let me s'plain. No, let me sum up:"
I flew into Dublin and stayed in a luxurious penthouse in the center of the city with some friends for a few days. I spent my mornings doing scripture study and yoga on the deck/roof where I could look out over the city and then I headed out into the streets to explore. I walked as far as I could go and talked to many lovely people.
At night I would make dinner for my very gracious hosts and then watch a movie or throw ice water on our heads or go to institute or out for a real Irish dinner (which ended up being an Italian dinner and not at all Irish). I had loads of fun and great memories to treasure.
On Saturday I then made my way to the bus stop and hopped aboard for the next step of my journey. I arrived in Galway and was met by the most beautiful and perfectly French woman named Myriam. She was gracious and kind and within one day I felt loved and cared for by her and her husband, Didier, and the eight-year-old son, Aaron, who is my charge while I'm here.
Sunday was filled with meeting my branch family and enjoying church with them. The elders and branch president took me under their wings and I immediately felt safe and loved. I couldn't have asked for a better set of people than here in this Galway branch. :)
Ah and since then? Well, it's been a week full of adventure. I spent time with the YSAs in my branch, watching movies and then going to institute. I went out teaching with the missionaries. I made friends with a woman from Bulgaria, two very kind Irish men, and then a girl from Germany. I walked a LOT and ate really good food. I learned how to juggle (I still need lots of practice!) and Aaron is still trying to teach me how to play MarioKart. Did I mention I walked a lot? I did yoga by myself and with Aaron every day and I had some extremely interesting and enlightening conversations with Didier, who is one of the smartest people I've ever met. I found blessings from a loving Heavenly Father every single day and I didn't get lost even once. I got a real Irish phone number and I learned my address. I talked to my family through the amazing means of technology and even some good friends who will take time to talk with me. I invited some friends to church and bore my testimony of Jesus Christ. I wrote down my adventures and took time to make up some of my own in a story. I felt God's love every day and did my best to thank Him for it. I studied His word and felt His Spirit.
These are some of the adventures I've been blessed with this week. They all come from Him because He just loves us so darn much and wants to make us like Him. For some reason, that process has taken me to Ireland, for the time being. But whether in Ireland or Utah, I know He will lead me along this Great Adventure.
"My heart delighteth in righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my God... Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto Him continually by day and give thanks unto His holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice." (2 Nephi 9:49&52)
