Home

I've been in Cork now for just over one month.  Time is slipping away far too quickly.  As all of you know from my continued enthusiasm, I love it here.  From the first moment I stepped off the plane to this very minute, sitting at my desk and looking out my window, I feel that I am home.

I've been a lot of places that I've loved, but I can't remember any other that gave me the heartwarming, sense of calm and happiness you get when you come home.  Not so immediately.  I am constantly in a state of peace and joy here.  If home is where the heart is, then I've found my heart here in Ireland.

I've been trying to articulate why I've loved my archaeology class so much because it reflects, I believe, why I love Ireland, but I am still unable to find the right words.  The best I can do at this moment is to say that there is simply something spectacular about standing on the same land your ancestors stood on thousands of years ago.  Of looking at the very beginnings of tools and technology and towns.  Of standing in a Cathedral, looking up at a vaulted ceiling high above your head and knowing that decades of love and care were spent by people to build the space now around you.

I'm rambling now, and so I will quickly end this post.  But I would like to make it known that Ireland is a very special country.  If ever you have a chance, visit.  Perhaps it will be home for you as well.

Always, slán agus beannacht leat.