West Belfast Wall of Peace

Hospitality at its best

The host families in Dublin could not have been more courteous or welcoming to Mercedes and I. The father, Oliver, picked us up from the bus stop after a little confusion. He was extremely polite and outgoing. When we got to their house, his wife, Gwen, had already made us a lavish dinner. Afterwards, they gave Sarina, Mercedes and I a quick tour of some interesting parts of Dublin. Their generosity continued throughout the week as they took us to pubs, museums, the mall, etc. I couldn't, and still cannot, thank them enough for welcoming us into their home. Although I was a little nervous at first, I had a wonderful time chatting about current events and getting to know them. Apparently they believe Americans are very polite! My host family was also very informative about Irish culture, opinion and politics. It was a great experience getting an insider's view which was both uncut and real. 
-Morgan 

New Perspectives

It's a very rare opportunity to meet a group with the bravery, strength, and kindness as the Anti bullying group of Dublin. Meet with them yesterday was an eye opening experience on the rights and services uses by those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They have a voice and are ready to be heard. 

Each member shared their experiences, from encounters with rude strangers on the bus to services not meeting their needs.

They are incredibly capable people who deserve to have choices in where they live and who assists them, and I believe they will make big changes for their community.

For the rest of the time in Dublin, we will be with Bridge 21. Today we teamed up with the students, age ranging from 13-17, and collaborated on videos to capture American and Irish culture. I felt like I was sixteen again... And loved it. Not that the age gap is that large, but the mind set was a huge change. As I'm approaching my senior year, I try to make adult decisions, adult conversations, and etc, but I think everyone needs a break from that some days. 

It was great to hear their slang, joke with them, and really hear their opinion of the school system. 

They are a great group of kids that are a part of something bigger than they realize, a new beginning for classroom dynamics in Ireland.

-devin 

Weekend in Limerick

This is Suri Raut, the service learning partner for this AB trip in Ireland. This has been an an amazing experience so far! The people here are so friendly! We met with Nigel, who runs a program called Local Heros. It's a non profit organization that is trying to develop tourism,retail,community and 3 E's (enterprise,employment, and education) in the city of Limerick. He's doing a great job, and this organization is going to do great things for this community! We did some service with a group of monks who moved into a impoverished part of town to help with their youth to spread positivness and support. That has been the highlight of this trip thus far! Those guys are amazing and are doing wonderful work! We are heading out to Dublin tomorrow to continue our service working with Bridge 21. After Dublin, we will head north to Belfast to work with Project Children! I'll post again later after we do some more work!

Clare Hills

a picture could never capture how unbelievably beautiful it is here

-Mercedes Weir

On the Clare Hills overlooking Limerick after a long day of service :)

Arrival!

We have just arrived to the gorgeous country of Ireland! So much on the schedule today, like visiting the Mayor of Limerick, University of Limerick, and tons of people excited to welcome us!

The jetlag has not taken long to set in, but we are determined to push through the day and jump right into Limerick!