While brainstorming for this blog post, there have been so many new and surprising experiences that I had already here in Wexford. Countless moments that can be shared, really, all with so much sentimental value to my heart.  I thought what better way to share some of the special moments than in an unironic, watch-mojo-style blog post (if you know, you know). So without further ado, here are the six things I did not expect to experience here in Wexford, some very niche and specific, some that can be considered general, and all in between.

1. Strangers helping strangers

I have to admit to one of the most humbling moments of my entire life. The luggage juggle of Halloween 2023. As soon as I made it through immigration, it hit me that I may have overpacked. My mother suggested at the airport in Boston, I should try to get a trolley to help transport everything to the bus, but I forgot I had no clue how said trolley actually worked. So here I am, in all my glory the American girl that had never been to Europe in Dublin airport. Not one, not two, but FOUR separate people helped me with my trolley blunder. Without all of their kindness, I probably would still be at Dublin Airport, as I also walked in the complete opposite direction to the wrong bus stop (shout out to the expressway bus driver for not only directing me to the proper stop but also pushing my trolley up that hill).

2. Sunsets that look like watercolor paintings.

We took a walk on Kilmore Quay with Fr. Denis and Fr. Barry. The sky was like a painting and it was one of the key moments of me fully realizing that I am here in Ireland. It was also my last day of being 22 years of age, and to spend the sunset on the Quay with Claire, Becca, Fr. Barry, and Fr. Denis was truly a moment of peace and presence. Walking with one another and sharing stories of each other’s lives that are so different yet familiar to one another was truly something special, and something that I have the privilege to continue to experience with my community. Even while we walked down the street with the wind blowing us away (s/o to Claire and the Dolly Trolley, it was truly a moment of oh wow, we are here).  These moments big or small, cannot be put to words on how special they have been to me. At the Quay, I was also made aware of puffins on the Saltee Islands (new goal unlocked: see a puffin.). Good vibes all around that evening.

3. Birthday wishes

Our visiting priest here at Clonard has been so kind to all of us here in Teach Bhríde. On my Birthday, he wished me a happy birthday at the end of the Vigil Mass. He even gave me a good laugh in the announcement (while being red in the face). In addition to this, a couple in the parish gifted me a truly beautiful card and a cake that doubled as a welcome to Wexford cake for myself and Claire who had just arrived at this point. This moment as I recall it still makes me float with so much joy and love for this new home I settle into. Truly will be one of my most special birthdays to date.

4. The Support and kindness from the parishioners.

I cannot express justly how kind and supportive everyone at the Parish truly is. Every single person that I have had the pleasure to speak with has shown great care in our conversations. The genuine care that I have been met with has soothed the soul for being so far away from home. One person in the community that I was speaking with, said to me that it is important to show kindness to people when they are far away from home; we are all pilgrims at the end of the day. These words have struck me and are something that I will hold on to. These people are good people, and to be surrounded by good people nourishes the soul; I always hope and pray I can serve the community with the care and kindness that everyone has shown to us.

5. I drink tea over coffee

If you know me, this statement is bold. I want to disclaim that I will always treat myself to a nice espresso drink, but if I am to want a hot beverage, it is now tea; without any sort of internal struggle taking place. I am just as shocked as you must be feeling. I have perfected the preparation of a nice cup of tea and even have managed to treat myself to gluten-free biscuits in different varieties(I love a good gf digestive or a gf chocolate finger, especially dunked into the tea). I think the best part about tea is how you have company with it. We had tea with the Tea ladies at our house and to see the house so full of life and to share tea, biscuits, and conversation was so special.

6. Our Neighbor’s greetings almost every morning.

When I arrived at Wexford, food was on the brain. So Becca and I took a walk over to Lidl and as we walked down our street, I was immediately engulfed in an embrace from one of our neighbors. She’s so happy to see us on our walk and almost every morning/afternoon that I walk on our street, I am almost sure to see her and have a boost to my day. Even on the days that you are running on empty, our neighbor’s smile and hugs will give me comfort and confidence to take on the day and the tasks at hand. 

That just about wraps up the first two months here. There could have easily been 200 on this list, and I continue to be in awe of the wonderful place that is Wexford and Ireland. I will leave this as a bonus item to the list: explaining what a Snickerdoodle cookie is (again, if you know, you know).