Sisterhood...

Dublin city center is a comfortable place for me. We fit together, we have great memories today. I love it. That's where Hannah and I went today. My feet stepped the familiar route to retro second-hand clothing stores, my beloved arcade, and drizzly streets, my sister with me. I kept trying to tell myself to savor it, because it just may be the last time. But eventually I found that I was just enjoying those places, like I always do. Whether it's the last time or not doesn't change it. To start the day off right, we took the Dart into town. Love the dart.



Once in town, we meandered around, just taking in all the city is. Really, it is a neat thing to see someone you love appreciating places that you love. Thus the joy of today. We went to that favorite tea place of mine, where Hannah bought a few bags. I put out a few euro for a couple more teas. They also gave me one of the boxes they ship it in, which excited me greatly.



We stopped by the Immigrant Council. I wanted Hannah to see where I work, and it was a chance to say good-bye to Nusha, Brian, Ruth, and Moire. Sad. It's always sad saying good-bye. I hate saying them. But I love the experiences I've shared with them, and the possibility of being with them again. Someday. I've heard that you're not supposed to peak in your career until your at least in your 40's... something like that. The amount that I relished working at the ICI tells me I may have hit my peak far too soon. Oh well...

Lunch=Wagamama's. Ethnic food is very typical of Dublin city life. It's such a diverse place with people from all over. Indulging in some Japanese food seemed to fit the occasion. Delicious.



I had my last class today, just to get our final articles turned back to us, so for a couple hours, I left Hannah to explore. To be honest, the class wasn't very challenging as far as amount of work or theories of journalism is concerned. That's just the way it was. I love writing, yet in journalism scenarios, I just find my writing to be sub-par in so many ways. Anyway... those thoughts are for another time. Not for this day with Hannah. :)

Meeting as planned, we continued through the city that was now illuminated by the thousands of Christmas lights hanging above. No kidding, they have chandeliers of Christmas lights. Lovely. I think so anyway. Hannah did too. We went to Leon, a French place serving desserts and pastries. I've walked by it before, admiring the artistic skill obviously required for the food, yet also appreciating the distance between my budget and their prices. But with Hannah here... it's just a different story.



Banoffi is a fantastic dessert that I get along with very well. Apple pie is a classic. Splitting seemed like a good idea, so we got both.

I meet with some folks from my church on Wednesday nights. We eat food, share in life, talk about Jesus, and talk to God about it all. These people, oh these people, how very dear they are to me. Mandy and Richard, the couple I first found friendship with in Ireland, just had a baby. Ryan and I became good friends right away.



Once again, hate saying good-bye. Loved the privilege (and a privilege it is) to get to know them. People are so close to my heart. Many people. It rips to be away from them. Some of my friends in Ireland are the best I've ever known. They weren't just fillers for the semester. I understand this is a part of life. I don't have to like it though.

One person that I've been away from for far too long, and I'm more excited than words to be reunited with is.... EMMA!! Being with one sister makes me want to have the other here too. Em, I miss you so incredibly much. Ah! I can't wait to talk with you and hear you laugh about things. I want to know how you're doing, deep down. But right now, more than anything, I want you to be here with me. You're so special. I tell everybody this. I'll see you soon. Just know that you're missed. I love you!!