Making A Friend...

Well, this last Thursday I was in tears during my art class at Queens. Two little old Irish women tried to encourage my friend making by giving me ideas on how to meet people. As my class begun, seeing that I was surrounded by "life time learning" students (meaning everyone is over the age of 65) I began to get even more frusterated with my current situation. 15 of us Americans live in Dundrum all week. With no one our age...and with busses only going to and from Dundrum til about 8 at night. And when I get to Belfast and see the hundreds of students at Queens I am a bit overwhelmed. My friend Emily and I tried to sit in the Caf there...we ate homemade PB and J's like the home schooled children we felt like. We just acted awkward...knowing as soon as we said something they would know we were from America. Then, not having much luck we went into the pub...in the student center. Turns out its pretty popular to go to the bar and get a drink... at 1 in the afternoon. All the kids sat drinking between class as Emily and I sipped on Diet Coke... and still not making any friends...

So, my day wasnt that great. And being the sixth week, Culture shock started to hit. You know, being homesick...hating the Irish ways...wanting MTV and a limade from Sonic...maybe even internet that you dont bike 8 miles for....

BUT then the good news comes. This weekend one of my good friends Jill and I got to leave! We went to Portadown and stayed with some family friends of hers. Steven and Gail have two wee kids, Sam and Abby. Abby is the most so cute...stating that most things are "quite lovely" in her four year old voice. Sam loves football. (soccer) and loves WWE too... similiar to WWF?

Gail to us to one of those women parties...you know, the older wife ones. where women buy things... like cute things for their houses. Jill and I were so pleased to see someone younger there. We made a friend! Her name is Laura and she is a first year student at Queens. We are going to meet up with her this next week and she is going to show us where she lives. Who knows...maybe we will met her friends...or even have a place to stay in Belfast...

But even just meeting someone has been great. Getting away from the Brady Bunch back in Dundrum...and being more one on one with the Northern Irish people. God is good and is blessing me each and every day! He is always knowing my prayers and my heart. : )

This weekend in Portadown has actually been "quite lovely"