Week 16

The end draws nigh.
I arrived in Dublin on the 25th of June. I have enjoyed walking the old streets of this beautiful town. The river Liffy runs through the city in a series of canals, making it easy to hear the gentle sounds of water wherever I go. The people here continue to be very nice, willing to stop and talk for several minutes at a time. I am really enjoying that aspect of Irish culture.
Dublin has thousands of little nooks and crannies to explore, I have easily gotten lost several times wandering the city, though with each new discovery I find something to else to appreciate. The stores, the quays, long avenues lined with old victorian houses, they all make up what is Dublin.
I am staying at the famous four courts hostel, and am glad that my hosteling experience will end on a good note. It is a great place where one can meet all sorts of people. Again, the people. God has really put it on my hear to care for others, something that was sadly lacking in me before the trip. As my flight date continues to approach, I am reminded of all the great people I have met along the way. Too many to name, though each one has been a blessing to know, especially the ones I did not agree with. They helped me grow the most I think.
My flight is for the 1st of July, and I will arrive in KC that same day, Lord willing. I will stay there for a while and attend my good friend Noahs wedding on the (8th). Then, the following day, I plan to be back in good old Manhattan. I am anxious to get back to work and to see all my friends once more. Hopefully, in between different events this summer, I can get a chance to see all of you.
Thanks for reading,
-Samwise Greenhill

p.s.
This is not the end, I still plan to make one last post, keep your eyes open!

Week 15

Sligo, the town of W.B. Yeats! My time here has already been punctuated by my re-reading of "Dubliners" by James Joyce. As I talk with people here, read Irish literature and hear old rebel songs, I continue to gain respect for the Irish culture. Of course I knew before my trip that at least some Irish people were eloquent, Heaney for example, but I never realized how incredibly adept the Irish in general are at expressing themselves. In addition to that, they are also very hospitable. I was warmly welcomed both in Galway and here in Sligo, and everywhere I go people are really laid back. It is refreshing and a nice change from the ever busy German crowd.
The landscape here continues to be stunning, as you can see from the stolen phot on the left. That is more or less my view when I wake up every morning. Be jelous!
I have been doing a good bit of reading, trying to fill up the time here well, as well as walking the hills when I can. When I was in Galway, there was a lovely night when the wind was nothing more than a breeze. I walked up Salthill and stood, overlooking the Atlantic. As the sun went down in the west, a golden light hit the bay. I do love it here.
Well I don't have long to go now, I am in the home stretch for the trip. Just nine more days and I'll be back in Kansas, Lord willing. I will spend a few more days here and then it will be off to Dublin. I am very excited about seeing that famous city, more so knowing that it will be the last stop before seeing all you folks again!
Please continue to pray for me, I continue to struggle with myself, the flesh following its desires and the heart telling it to stop. I am reminded of Romans 7 daily, "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." By God's grace I am slowly gaining ground, but it is always a struggle.
Thanks friends, I hope to write you again soon.
-Samwise Greenhill

Week 14

As I was going over, the far laying Kerry mountains...

Heh, I've been singing and hearing songs about the Kerry mountains for a few years now, and I guess I know now why people write about them. They are unlike any other mountains in the world (Well, at least not like the Alps, the Rockies or the Applications). They are not quite true mountains, but not yet small enough to be hills. I took a walk from Dingle town out to the head of the peninsula on Saturday. I climbed eagle mountain and looked out across two bays (Tralee and Dingle)and down on little villages, not even a stones throw away from ancient round towers. I felt like singing, so I chose "Be Thou My Vision" to sing there at the top of a mountain in Ireland. It was a good experience.

I am in Galway now, and looking forward to seeing what its like. I am not too far from a park, so I think I may spend some time there. Just about every town I've been to so far has had a bay, a river or lake. It has been tranquil to say the least. The day here is beautiful, so this is going to be a short post, just know that God is good, Ireland is still lovely and I am healthy and well. Love you guys, and I'll try to get a longer post in next week!
-Sam

Week 13

I got to Ireland on the first of June. The ferry crossing from Cherbourg to Rosslare was nice and easy, not too much choppiness. I actually found it quite nice, I lucked out and got a fairly clear sky that night, so I could see the stars (I sails by the stars). THe sun rose over the ocean and it was gorgeous.
We arrived at 11:45 Irish time. I managed to get through immigration easily enough, but something sinister lurked there. When I was waiting for my train at the station (a ten minute walk from the harbour) I noticed something odd about the stamp on my pass. It was dated the first of May. They had forgotten to switch over the month on the stamp.
I ran back to the harbour (the time being 12:40 and my train was leaving at 12:55)and managed to find somebody to help me. I was informed that it was a very specific person that had to fix the mistake and that he was on his way back. At 12:50 he arrived, leafed through my pass, seemed very unconcerned and then made a hand written notation that simply read "first of June". A very official scribble. I ran with my pack back to the train, managed to get on, just as they were closing the doors. No one said travelling would be easy.
I spent most of last week in Cork, drinking in the sights and smells and tastes. I took several walks and saw a good bit of the coast as well as the famous Blarney Castle and the stone at the top that is rumored to grant one who kisses it eloquence. I don't know if it will work, but I gave it a shot all the same. The country side here is similar to Kansas in a lot of ways. In county Cork at least. I am in Killarney now, in county Kerry. Not so much like Kansas.
There are lovely mountains that I am looking foward to climbing, nature trails, waterfalls and old stone castles. There is also an old town that is busy as of late because of Bank holiday weekend, as well as a corresponding Gaelic Football match (think aussie rules). I have been travelling with a nice Irish guy named Vincent, who has differing views from mine, but I respect him for who he is. We have had some good conversations and one or two good nights (wink).
That does lead me to a more serious note, the alchaholism here really is a big problem. People sometimes have so little hope that they only wish to dull themselves to the pain of living. It has been both sad and sobering to see this and how it takes one's life away. These people, like everyone, really need Jesus. To feel His love and know that he can satisfy their thirst. Please be praying that I will share this with the folks here, and that I wouldn't succumb to the temptation to drink to excess.
I will be in county Kerry for another few days and then I think I'll see what Tralee is like. After that, maybe Limmerick and Galway. There is so much to do, so little time and so much oppertunity. I am looking forward to exploring this nice little Island.
I continue to miss you all and remain your friend,
-Samwise Greenhill