This 'Emerald Isle' & that 'New World'

Top: My cousin Tyler and I hanging out on the beach at Sullivan's Island.
Bottom: The Mourne Mountains overlooking Dundrum Bay.

What is it about anticipation that so preoccupies my mind? Throughout this year, I've had short spots of homesickness, where I've missed something particular in the US for an afternoon or a day. Now that I know I'm going back to the US and not staying in the UK for another 3 years, I find myself thinking about the States frequently.

The smell of the salt air and the beach as my family and I drive over the bridge from Charleston, South Carolina to James Island, anticipating getting to see and catch up with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. The feeling of the sand between my toes, walking along the beach on Sullivan's Island at sunrise or sunset. Going for a bike ride from mom and dad's house in Arkansas out to the peninsula that sticks into the Arkansas River. The smell of the fresh air and the tingle of the cool water, skiing and swimming on Lake Ouachita.

What is it that makes the longings for these memories so strong the closer it gets to the end of September?

Perhaps more importantly, or just as important, how do I make sure to enjoy the most of being here, in Ireland for the time I have left? There's so much here that I've fallen in love with this year.

The beautiful drive along the Antrim coastway, passing Carickfergus Castle, the Glens of Antrim, and looking out across the water at England and Scotland. The smell of the bay in Dundrum as the tied comes in, the Mourne Mountains looking on, smiling with me at the wonder of the ocean. The slower paced life and the love for conversation, over a hot cup of tea. The tastes of Banoffee, Caramel digestives, and fish & chips.

My life is so rich. I love the anticipation of heading back to the US - of feeling my 90 year old Grandma's arms around my neck as she calls me her 'boyfiend,' my mom and dad's smile as I drive up to the house, the chance to be with new friends and old friends.

But that anticipation is mixed with a realization that leaving this wonderful place I've called home for nearly a year, will be bitter sweet. There is so much that is left behind. Wonderful people who have opened their homes and their lives to me - the Gilmores, the Wilson's, the Beatty's, Hetty & Dawn, the McKelvey's, the Wrights, and the list goes on. A wonderful church that I feel like I never really got to get as involved with as I'd hoped. To say goodbye to the Prayer Ministry, Bible Study, and Discipleship Group that I so wanted to be a part of, but never had the chance. The 'gang' from Queen's and our weekly dinners that have been an incredible part of this year.

To say goodbye to this Emerald Isle and cross to the shores of the 'New World'. It's something I'm anticipating with great excitement, and yet, I know that as soon as I step foot on that 'World', I will begin missing the gems of this Isle.