Here

Well I made it.

I got into the Dublin airport around 10:35 am on Friday. My flight was long but good and timely. My boss, Ivan, and one of my coworkers, Megan, picked me up from the airport and drove me to my new home.

So far I like everything very much. My house is very cozy. It's right next to one of the churches and right across the street from a chippy and a convenient store. I have my own room and bathroom and an excellent view of the church yard and street. From my house, a walk to work is no further than 10 minutes and that's if I'm walking slowly.

My first day here was slow. After Ivan and Megan dropped me off at my house, which they call the Cornerstone, and showed me around they left me to unpack and unwind.

Yesterday two of my housemates moved in and I was able to explore the town and it is gorgeous here. I discovered from my house it's about a 5 minute walk to a bakery, ice cream shop, small grocery store (Like a Walgreens), Pound World (Dollar Tree), and Gordon's Chemist (sells shampoo, soap, meds, ect.). I walked down to the harbor, which is about a 20 minute walk. On the way to the harbor I found the main grocery story called ASDA that is about 15 minutes from my house. I found another Gordon's Chemist, a tea room/cafe, Neptunes Cafe, and a Chinese restaruant. Keep in mind on the way to the harbor I passed about 5 or 6 chippies and I intend to try them all...

I will upload pictures of the town as soon as I can. It really is very beautiful here. There's this park overlooking the sea that is only a 10 minute walk. And looking back at the town from the park I can see the Mourne Mountains surrounding the town. Truly breathtaking.

I will update more later and try to post pictures in the meantime.

Ellie O'Connor

Today

I leave from Chicago at 5:10 and should arrive in Atlanta around 8ish. From Atlanta I leave at 9:35 and should arrive in Dublin around 10:30 the next morning.

I am freaking out today. I ask everyone for prayers that the flight will go smoothly and timely. I haven't been on a plane since I moved back to the US from the Philippines when I was 5. I am very nervous about flying. Pray that I will be able to sleep on the plane. I also ask for prayers for my family. I am and have always believe that it is easier to leave than to be left. As hard as it is for me to leave my life here in Michigan, it is even harder for my parents and sibblings.

I am so excited for everything that awaits me.

God knows how to take care of me

Ellie O'Connor

Ten, Nine, Eight....

Ten days until I take off.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me with their contributions.
My Visa was issued to me last week and today I began sorting through my clothes and packing.
Lots of weeding through item I can take, can't take, what I want to take....I am pretty limited in the space I have to bring things.

Decisions, decisions, decisions....

I ask for prayers as I say goodbye to lots of friends and as my packing and sorting continues.

Ellie O'Connor