Maynooth

I have arrived to Maynooth safe and sound.
I moved into my flat last Sunday and I've had orientation all this week.  It's been a blast getting to know the area and exploring the campus.  I start classes on Monday, I cannot wait to meet my profs and dig into the material.

I like my apartment a lot, I have 4 other roommates.  Two of them are from America and only staying for this first term, the other two are from Ireland and are full degree students like myself.  I have my own room and bathroom which is very nice.  There's a shared kitchen/dinning room and living room.  The campus is absolutely beautiful (pictures to come!) and the town is super quaint and cozy.
Other than my roommates I've made a few friends, mostly people from the international community.  The university is very good about putting on events for the international students.  I've met people from Germany, Spain, France, Denmark, China and Holland.  The Irish have been super friendly and helpful, as per usual to the Irish culture.

At this point I still need to check-in with immigration and do some pre-lecture reading that some profs have assigned online.  My major is Anthropology and I am taking two other courses this year which are, Spanish and philosophy.  I'm also signing up for clubs and campus societies.  This is really exciting to me the clubs I plan on being a part of are:
-International Society
-Basketball
-Ultimate Frisbee
-Composers Club
-Music Society

That's about it.  I might be overestimating myself, but I figure the best way to meet people and make friends
is to just get really involved.

That's is for now from me.
Some prayer points:

• Meet/Make friends
• Find a church
• Abiding in God and having the confidence He is with me.  

Ellie O'Connor

A New Beginning

Hello everyone!

So I sort of lost track of keeping up with blogging in the last few months of being at JIMS.
Since my last post, I got accepted to the National University of Ireland in Maynooth, I finished up my commitment at JIMS, went home for the months of August, and now I am back in Kilkeel getting ready for school to start.
I arrived in Kilkeel yesterday and have spent my time connecting with my friends again and seeing everyone. I'll be here until Sunday, at that time I will move to Maynooth.
I am so excited to start university and live in a whole new town...it's like a whole new beginning for me (cleverly tying in the title of this post).  I'm a little anxious to start, just because there is so much that needs to be done.  I am practicing my trust in God and more so, giving all my worry and anxiety to God.

Being back in Michigan this past month was so good for me.  I came back and it surprised me how God has been moving in my town.  There is such an evident hunger for something more among the people of South West Michigan.  Hearts are turning to Jesus, and others are showing and exploring their curiosity of God and what's even better even MORE people are living out their faith.  Since I had been back, I heard numerous stories of mission trips and outreaches in the community.  It's amazing to see God on the move like He is.

I will try to be much better at updating this blog.
Prayers for:

• Moving in and getting settled in Maynooth
• Give thanks to the Father for all the opportunities and open doors He presents to us
• My family as we start a new school year
• That God shows up and shows off in this new beginning and having the eyes to see Him do it.

In Christ
Ellie O'Connor