Corrymeela begins when you leave...and that is rapidly approaching

Sorry for the lack of updates!

I spent the midweek relaxing in Newry with Conor, made brilliant stir-fry, visited the seaside town of Newcastle, and overall had a bit of craic. 'Twas lovely :)
On the drive back up to Ballycastle Thursday afternoon, we decided to stop at No.8, which is the office I worked at in Belfast for two months last year. I wasn't sure if the lovely women there would remember me, but alas :) they did, and it was great to catch up and see familiar faces.

We arrived back at Corrymeela Thursday night and began preparing for "Community Weekend". As a peace and reconciliation centre, the "Corrymeela Community" is a network of folks who support the work of the organisation by donating, volunteering, working, or just have a genuine interest in the visions of the organisation. Twice a year the Centre hosts a community weekend where members come to spend two nights socializing, learning about recent events at the Centre, and planning. It was a bit crazy with about 200 people at the Centre, but it was fun talking to so many new people.

I can't believe it's my last week here!! Three other volunteers had their last day on Monday, and it got me thinking more about mine. It's crazy how new people and friends come in and out of your life so fast... I hate to think about how many I've met here I'll most likely never cross paths with again.

I get to work on a High School boys group this Wednesday and Thursday, which should be interesting for several reasons. 1)High School aged Irish boys=hilarious. 2)Conor is the facilitator, meaning he's running all of their sessions and planning their program. 3)There are two schools coming together for the programme, one from the South of Ireland and one from a particularly posh district of Belfast...

I'm attempting to plan out where I'll be this Friday-the following Friday when my mother arrives :) After brainstorming last night and weighing out options and possible couches to crash on, I have a rough idea that I'll be bopping around from Kilrea to Newry to Belfast and eventually Dublin. Should be two great final weeks on the wee island! My mom and I are planning on visiting Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Kilkenny, Dublin, and wherever the road takes us. As long as I can navigate on the left side of it, that is.

Karen