The First Leap

During my undergrad, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Northern Ireland for a semester through Best Semester. What I could not foresee when signing up for a semester away was a passion for the place and its people, and a passion for my studies in Peace and Reconciliation. Ever since that semester I have been holding my breath for the opportunity to go back and pursue my master's degree in the topic.

Northern Ireland is regarded globally in this topic with consideration of the recent history and local war of the Troubles. During this time, the beautiful province fought, part of the population fighting to join the Republic of Ireland in independence from the United Kingdom, and the other part fighting to remain under the United Kingdom.

April 10th, 1998 a Peace Treaty was signed by the people as a beginning towards peace in the land and cities. While there is still much work and reparations to be done, the peace treaty is held as very successful and has begun to be looked at globally as an opportunity for other countries and communities to find peace in their homes as well.

While I am not completely sure where this degree will take me, I do know I am passionate about assisting individuals and communities in finding reconciliation. This has been a dream of mine since I studied in 2018, and has only been affirmed through the rising tensions in 2020. I truly believe that no new public issues have arisen in this past year, but continued tensions have resurfaced through this year's trials.

SO. . . little did I expect this would be the year I would make the full leap across the pond. I began to prepare for the opportunity to be close to family, to refocus and decide what my next steps might be, maybe take a year off my career to have some space to think, HA! While this opened my mind from the routine I had been in, once the consideration of it being an opportunity to go back for my master's arose in the back of my mind it began to avalanche.

In January I decided to submit an application to Queen's, to see if I could even get into the program as it is fairly prestigious. This was supposed to rest my mind, say I tried, pat myself on the back and maybe try again in the future, but within one week of submitting my application I received an email of acceptance into the school. And the rest is history, kinda...

There has been a lot of sweat and tears to get here, and I'm not quite in the country yet. Currently I have successfully moved from Roseville, the area I've lived in for almost 6 years now, I have quit my job as the Middle School Coordinator at Valley Springs Presbyterian Church, as well as the second job I took up at Gap for extra money to pad this crazy adventure.

The thought of finances makes me want to cry, when does it not, right? There are different points I had hoped to be at before going back for this degree, but when God calls He calls, and where He calls he provides.

I have applied and gotten into housing for the year, I have submitted for my student visa and should hear back shortly, and I have booked my flight to land in Dublin September 11th.

So many details, so many anxieties, but here we are, on the brink of a new season in life and a new big adventure. . . I couldn't be more excited!

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. To stay updated on my newsletters you can subscribe at the bottom of the page.

I am so blessed to have an incredible army of friends and family behind me while I go into this next season, thank you so much for all of your support and love.

Cheers,

Angie