You say goodbye, I say hello

Currently sitting at the University of Ulster student union. We just finished are final group presentation where me and 3 other peers were discussing contemporary issues surrounding the interfaces and peace walls that still exist in Belfast. The past weeks have been consumed with researching, writing, late nights, anxieties and reflections on the remainder of the trip as well as the coming days as we all split are different ways to home or further travels. The transition from Belfast to our Dublin trip to now back to Portrush has been difficult but as Nigel puts it, "it's all very intentional" and useful in our experiential learning experience here! I know it will be hard to explain to people when I get back the true experience and stories that I have been exposed to, especially given the deep historical, religious, and political jargon and context that Northern Ireland is so deeply rooted in. While I was confused of what the Troubles entailed before taking on this journey, knowing even more about it has probably enhanced this confusion but the social, political and economic implications that have come with each experience and situation will be helpful when looking at these structures within Minnesota and the United States.

Besides spending hours in the library, and late night discussions, we've had taken advantage of the beautiful beaches that Portrush has to offer and we've been lucky to have wonderful weather these past weeks!!! Sunsets, long walks on the beach, informal soccer matches with local drunks joining in are only a few of the moments to highlight the past weeks! :D

This evening we will be eating at Nigel's house with his family, and then tomorrow and Friday we will be returning to Knocklayd- Corrymeela retreat center where we started our journey in February and decided on internships and talked about issues surrounding social justice and social change. It is once again all very intentional, and with the worry and anxiety of saying goodbyes mixed with Iceland's vomatocious ways, the coming days will be some what of an emotional rollercoaster.

On a closing note, Nigel showed us this video of Cornel West a Princeton university professor, about his note to Barack Obama. I think it reflects the loving pressures that we all put on ourselves, and one another to continually search for social change, social justice, and hopefully peace. If we aren't angry, frustrated, and passionate about the issues we love than what is it that we're really fighting for?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/world_news_america/8471606.stm