But really, the last couple months have really been a lesson in simplicity and patience. Until the end of last week, Seth and I had been dealing with financial frustration. Our loan disbursement was supposed to start processing on January 23, and we finally received the money on February 22. During that month, we had to wade through a lack of communication, staff inefficiency (one person had retired in December and the other was on sick leave), and a constant weight of not-knowing as the bank account dwindled and the days dragged on and there was nothing we could do. I worried, I stressed out, and found myself angry with U of Ulster and the financial department. It was a constant battle to tell myself, "Look, the money's coming. Relax. You can't help anything by worrying, and God will provide for you."
During the financial uncertainty, we had to live simply. It wasn't like we had been extravagant, but our budget was cut down to food. More specifically, food that was cheap, (hopefully) healthy, and that would fill us up. Lots of pasta, rice, fresh vegetables, etc. We didn't go out to do anything. Valentine's Day passed us by (though Seth bought me beautiful flowers and Tesco chocolates).
So really, my happiness had to come not from "awesome experiences in another country exploring culture", but from the little things - a big change from other times that I've traveled. Like seeing cats outside when I'm walking. The opening of the Ebrington barracks into the new courtyard, which cut off a good 10 minutes from our walk to church on Sunday. Seth doing a silly dance when he walks by me as I do homework just so I'll laugh. The man in church who always manages to sing either off-key or off-rhythm (or both) but somehow never loses his enthusiasm. Being able to talk on the phone with my mom for so long that O2 drops the call. A really good cup of coffee (not easy in the land of instant). Enjoying what I'm learning again.
In a way, it's just part of life. Once the novelty of living in a country that's not your own wears off, you've got to swap perspectives. It's home for the year, and with "home" comes all of the dreary, day-to-day tasks that you have to learn to enjoy. Yes, it's no cakewalk living in a college dorm with flatmates who don't know how to wash dishes and clean up after themselves, but we're here, and I have to keep a positive attitude. There's plenty of things in which to find joy. After all, the living situation is only temporary, and I know God has me here for a reason.
"Simple living" aside, Seth and I did make a short trip out to Dublin last weekend for his 24th (and golden!) birthday. It was only a couple days, but it was so much fun to get back into a big city again and to be able to spend time together.
We also did a hop on, hop off bus tour, ate a full Irish breakfast, toured Kilmainham Gaol, took a walk in St. Stephen's Green (in the sunshine!), toured the old Jameson distillery, and visited the Irish Writers' Museum.
(As a side note: we also stayed at Cassidy's, the same hotel I stayed at when we were in Dublin for England Term. Good times.)
So I haven't updated this blog recently, but that should give you a good idea of what's going on right now. I'm in week 5 of classes and have my first assignment due Tuesday, so this is really when things get busy. Another assignment two weeks after that, then a whirlwind visit from Lynette and Tony for Easter break, then a group presentation, a test, and a couple more essays at the beginning of May - all while trying to narrow down my dissertation topic and begin those preparations (and think about moving back to the States). Suddenly, a Master's degree in a year is hard. Eeesh.
Of course, I'm also battling a cold / cough that attacked me on Sunday, so let's hope I can kick it in the unmentionables before I get behind in my work.
Alright, I'm out. Cheers!
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