Ahhh...the Arans

Yay!! My family is back from Brazil!! Everyone is safe and sound, and my new sister, Ellie Jane (that's in English, in Portuguese it's Elle Giani, in Wai-Wai it's Elishani) is so wonderful!! I just love her so much! She is trying really hard to learn English as quick as possible and, oh, she's just so amazing!
Anyway, my dad and I were walking in the park today, and I start telling him about how in Ireland the most random things happened to us. So, I focused upon the really neat African drummers (Ian and Simon) that Ashley M., Michelle, Prathiba, Corey, and I met on Inishmore in the little thatched roof cottage on the hill. So many memories just flooded my mind!! I realized that all of the pictures I took would never ever be able to recreate that moment! They were mere attempts to capture such a purely fantastic essence!
I remembered again an instance from Inishmore that almost made me cry. When we had hiked up to the lighthouse, hehe, Corey and I just agreed to sit on a stone wall and watch the ocean because our legs were quite exhausted. As we sat and conversed, for some reason or another, I asked Corey if I could sing her a song I had written. Well, this song is very soft, slow, calm, and simple. But as I was singing this song, which is titled "In This Land", the ocean was magnificiently blue and serene, the wind gently caressed us and the grass around us with its hushed breeze, and somewhere, off in the mysterious distance, a church bell rang out over the hills and pierced my melody with sweet harmony. When I ended the song, Corey and I both looked at each other and remarked on the chills we had! It was a dream!! I couldn't believe how this had all fallen into place! It was kind of like when you spread a cotton sheet over the bed and it lands perfectly onto all corners without one wrinkle!! AAHHH!! My heart just wanted to burst and as I think of it now, it still desires to do so!! I love the Aran Islands! I love Inishmore! But most of all, I'm so glad I was able to spend my time there with all of you! Because you are all precious gems that have been crafted and kissed by the Master of the Universe!! Thanks to all of you and love sent your way!! :-) God Bless abundantly!!!

Esther

constant reminders...

Haha...like Kelli, I'm really glad that we're all kind of still writing in the blog. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one making comparisons. :-P Anyway, in my political science class yesterday we were watching a video about immigration. Suddenly Irish music starts winding its way out of the speakers, and I nearly destroyed my computer which was resting on the desk because I jumped so fast! I actually recognized a couple of tunes, although as usual, I can't remember any names to go with them. And I kept having this strong urge to point and say "I was there! I was in Ireland!" Ha ha... I think that the rest of the people in that class believe that I am insane now.