adventures in the land of luck, continued

You alright?

It's been a while. In fact, when I ended this blog last May I didn't expect to ever have an opportunity/reason to write it again. I was wrong :)

In case you haven't heard, my nostalgia for Norn 'Iron didn't really die down a lot after I returned to the states. It seems like just a few days ago, but way back in July I decided to e-mail the volunteer coordinator of the organisation I volunteered with abroad to see if she had any openings for resident volunteers in the Spring of 2010, by any slight chance.
Although I was delighted when I received an e-mail back stating I was of course fondly remembered and able to come back in the Spring of 2010, I never had really thought of this as a real option as it would constitute not "studying abroad" but rather formally taking a semester off of college to volunteer. After considering the fact that I'm on track to graduate a semester early anyway, the fact that my nostalgia wasn't going anywhere fast, and positive effects this volunteer program would have on my experience when it does come time to graduate, and simply the amazing opportunity itself, I decided I couldn't pass it up. Without the approval of my parents, but with major support from seemingly the rest of the world including my academic advisor, I went ahead with the plan.

I interned in the Belfast office of Corrymeela last spring helping with the website, magazine, and business side of the organisation. To supplement my work in city, I was able to spend two weekends up at the Peace and Reconciliation Centre in Ballycastle helping facilitate youth groups. This time I'll be living on site in Ballycastle, could quite possibly be the only American, and will be quite busy facilitating groups and helping with daily chores/tasks around the Centre. Should be grand :)

Since the summer, I've accomplished:
Securing a UK work visa, complete with visiting the visa application centre in St. Paul and getting my mug shots/fingerprints taken. The UK doesn't accept just anyone, you know.
-Purchasing a plane ticket to London (the flights were cheaper) and another flight to Newcastle, England, where I'll stay with a friend for a few days.
-Purchasing a flight from Newcastle to Belfast for 16 pounds sterling. With taxes, fees, and the conversion rate, that's $39!!! Why can't flights be this cheap in the US?

There's a lot left to do, but I'm well on my way to an enriching, exciting, freeing experience come January 18th. Up 'til then, I'm reentering the world of blogging as it's been far too long.



-Karen