I write this final post somberly knowing that my life abroad in the Emerald Isle is rapidly approaching its end. My academic semester ends in the next few days. I will be on a plane home December 12th after I do final travels with my family, which shall arrive shortly. It feels appropriate to sum up what I have accomplished on this trip (Warning long list approaching!): I have hiked three mountains and reached the highest point in Ireland and hiked in the Alps, I have traveled to five different countries, learned 2000 years of Irish history, literature and theology, deep sea fished, recorded a music video with Irelands leading musicians, tracked down family heritage, experienced the hostel life, lived out of a backpack for ten days, met Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), experienced several Irish pubs, traveled away from family for the first time, remained out of the States for over three months, gained new friends, had five different currencies in my wallet at one time, travelled via train, bus, plan, car, and foot in one day, ate a full Irish breakfast, learned how to cook without the microwave or frozen pizza, wrote this blog, tested myself on a ropes course, learned the words fortnight and penultimate, learned great card games, lessened dependence on electronics, wrote letters with a pen (mind blowing I know), mastered the Tube in London, became more sustainable, read several good books,went to nearly every corner of Ireland, tried several news foods, discussed the ramifications of a post-colonial society and neo colonialism, watched the sun set over Spiddal, and most of all I have had a most wonderful experience on this adventure in my life.

I look back on all that I have done and it is remarkable. Three months ago I arrived on the island not knowing what to expect. I had no idea what I was getting into, and I could not be happier about that. Some advice to any who are thinking about studying abroad is, do it. It is an amazing experience and I know if I had not gone on this abroad experience I would be kicking myself.

I have done things and changed in ways I may not fully understand. What I do know is I have done many things over the past few months and I look forward to the future, and what can be accomplished with it. While this chapter may soon be coming to a close, another is opening. The question remains, where will it lead? I am ready to find out.