To state it simply, I'm not ready to leave this island yet. Sure I knew it was coming all along, an end to the my 14 weeks here...but it crept up too fast. I leave N.I. and this entire experience in less than two days and it feels as though I just got here. With possibly being even more confused than ever about the history, conflict, and future of this place I somehow feel I've learned what I came here to learn. Although the focus of the study abroad experience was 'Democracy and Social Change in Northern Ireland" I think I have learned more about myself than I thought I would. I am excited to go back to the States and start a brand new journey with the knowledge I've gained here about peace building and myself. I am very thankful for all that I have encountered here and I look forward to the next couple months when I hopefully can recognize how this trip has impacted me. I don't think I can fully understand just yet how powerful it has actually been.
After the past 10 days of research and work I finally finished my individual and group study projects. With the GSP presentation today and a final farewell lunch, we closed the chapter of the 'academic work' we came here to do. I look forward to the next 2 days which will be filled with relaxing, reflection, and simply enjoying our last couple hours as a group together on the North Coast---a perfect place to end.
Then on Friday, I head to Spain for a week of sun with Erin and Maddie. I am thrilled to being going and looking forward to having a great time and practice a bit of my rusty Spanish!
For those that have checked this blog regularly, I say a big thank you! I haven't done justice to the entire experience but I hope I have given a glimpse into my past 3 1/2 month adventures!
Looking forward to being back in the 612 and hope warm and sunny days meet me upon my return!
I leave you with a quote that some important people have shared with me on the trip....I think its fitting to some of the ideas I will take away with me.
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace."
---Jimi Hendrix
Love from Norn Iron,
Sara
