Easter Break: Sunday in Dublin

Andrew is gone:( Today has been a really really hard day. It's not so much that I'm homesick, but I'm just not ready for the best week of my whole life to be over. I am so blessed to have been able to have this experience though, and for that I am totally grateful. When I woke up this morning the entire group was gone, it was very lonely and sad. I had to make my way to the bus by myself, and when I got home no one was here for several hours. Although no one was waiting for me, a "parcel" (package) was! My mom sent me some much-craved Doritos, some candy, a water bottle to replace the one I had to throw away in the airport, some peanut butter (it's really dry here), and a Starbucks gift card:) I also had a card from my Indiana students, and a few of my friends. It really helped cheer me up! Thanks to everyone!



Diane finally came home and we talked for a bit. After a couple hours Eileen (Diane's mom) came over. Diane was cooking dinner, so the three of us were just sitting around talking. All the sudden Nola, John, Laura, Emma, Anna, and Steph came in! I had no idea they were coming; they had planned a surprise gathering to celebrate Steph and my engagements! Steph didn't know about it either, she said they told her just a few minutes before they left to come here. We all sat outside and "pretended it was summer" while we shared some snacks and talked (this is what they say Irish people do. Even if they're cold they'll pretend they are warm if the weather is nice. Nothing stops them from being outside if it's not raining) . Then we all came in and sat around the kitchen table together for a wonderful meal prepared by Diane. Steph and I felt really special, and it helped make us feel less sad about not being able to celebrate with friends and family yet. It was the perfect ending to a rough day!