Ireland 2013

Ireland 2013

08-28-13

I've been on some incredible trips in my life but none can compare to my most recent trip to Ireland. I was traveling with three of my closest friends and to add to that, I was able to spend time with many others. I've decided I'm making a small list of top five events.

5. Hangout time with the House
   Originally when Kolbe, James, CJ and I had decided to all go to Ireland together, it was to be just the four of us. Then Hannah offered us an opportunity to stay at the house she had rented, which already had ten other people. The four of us discussed it and we decided we would stay with them. It turned out to be a wonderful decision, and we were able to share some wonderful times together. “I've had Four,” became a running joke that I assume will last the semester.

4. The Beach of Galway
   When we all arrived in Dublin, we had some bus trouble, which I will discuss later, and with that, we ended up not arriving in Galway till late Tuesday night. On Wednesday, we decided to have a semi-relaxed day, and just hung out at the local beach. It turned out to be an awesome time, and though we didn't swim, we did get to see a lot of good stuff, and even crossed a land bridge that was being taken over by the tide. The memories are unforgettable.

3. The Cliff's of Moher
   Everyone says that when you are in Ireland, it is essential to visit the cliffs. We decided we would do this, and we joined up with a few more Franciscan students for the trip. Though we weren't at the Cliff's too long, it was a beautiful site, and I am very glad we went.

2. The Aran Islands
   I love the great outdoors, and the Aran Islands provided all a man needs in that case. We hiked, we climbed, we rode bikes, and we even laid down on some rocks. The reason this is number two though is not for the outdoor stuff we were able to do, but instead, because of this little church we were told about. It turns out that it is the smallest Church in the world, and was freaking sweet. After the Church, it only got better, as I discovered a beautiful part of the Island that looked untouched. The pictures prove it is a gorgeous spot, but it is even better being there in person.

1. The Lord providing
   This is easily my number one. When we arrived in Ireland, our plane came in an hour late, and we ended up missing our bus. We had to buy new tickets and we got them for 1 p.m. instead of 11 a.m. Which was our original plan. Turns out though, there is no 1 p.m. bus stop at the Airport, at least not to Galway, and so we had to wait till 2:40 p.m. CJ and I, on finding out this news, went to the Church across the road and decided to go pray. We walked in on Mass, and not only that, but the priest, Fr. Brennen, heard confessions afterward, including ours. It was an incredible turn of events, and then the Lord provided again, allowing our old tickets to work for the 2:40 bus. The God moments on this trip were incredible, and all we could do is sing his praises.

There was much more to Ireland, but this is the stuff that I felt like sharing. I hope you enjoyed it, and look for more trip summary's to come. God Bless!

“He died for me, so I will live for Him.”

Expectations for Austria

Expectations – Europe Fall 2013

08-20-13&08-21-13

Greetings my friends!

I hope I find you in the best of spirits. Personally, I am in the best of moods, for as I write this, I am only a few hours from landing in Dublin, Ireland. This is my first of hopefully many blogs to come while I am studying abroad.

When most people think of their semester of studying abroad, they can say that they've been planning on doing this since they got to Franciscan. For me though, I've been planning on doing this since my sister went back in 2005. This is truly a dream come true.

With that though, I don't want to write this blog about my childhood dreams becoming reality, but I instead wanted to focus on expectations and making sure that while we are all abroad, we truly can get the most out of it. I think I'll go with a little list, one that I am truly making as I type. Whelp, here it goes. I can't wait to read this is a few months and see if any of what I type today is true. We shall see.

Expectations – Europe Fall 2013

1. The Lord has a plan

When I think of Europe, or even more specifically, Gaming, I start thinking of all the wonderful stories I've heard over the years, and how much the Lord has been able to do with people. The Lord truly does have a plan, and we just have to be open to it. Not just on certain weekend trips, or certain days, but daily. I think the daily mindset is so very vital. I know I can look at my own life, and some days I am so very good at pursing what the Lord wants, while other days, I truly fail miserably. Luckily for us though, we have a most merciful God, one who forgives us for our many shortcomings. He understands we will fail him time and time again, but he only asks that we get up, and push forward.

2. The semester will be life changing

From everyone I have spoken with, they all seem to come back from their time in Europe a changed man or women, able to say, I am changed person. I hope that I can say the same. I think that I have a lot of room for growth, and this will be a wonderful opportunity to work on that.

3. The semester will be difficult

As much as I am going to enjoy the semester, it seems like the consensus is that it will be difficult as well. For many, it is the first time we'll have a chance to really look at ourselves in a good light. It might happen that we don't like what we see. I am expecting that for all the good times, there will be a fair number of hard ones. Guess what though? That is just life.

4. God is going to be present

This is not so much an expectation but a true statement. The fact is, the Lord is always present in all that we do, but I think that because we have many of our everyday distractions out of the way, he will appear more present than usual. I am looking forward to this very much. Lately my mindset has been to just die to myself, or crucify my will, and I think I will be able to develop this even more while in Austria.

5. God's will brings about the most happiness

This is going to be my last expectation, and just like the last four, it goes hand in hand. When it comes down to it, God has a plan for us, and due to our sinful nature, we don't follow it the way we should. With that though, the Lord does give us a pretty good idea of what he desires from us, and what would bring him the most joy. The beautiful thing is, what brings him the most joy is what should bring us the most joy. If we are seeking his will, and then also doing it, we should find ourselves happier then ever before. I feel like this is quite a tough task to fulfill though while studying abroad. My reasoning is because it seems like the mentality over here is to do as much as you possibly can in four months, and don't ever slow down. I understand that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and that going to different countries and whatnot is super exciting and life changing, but it can also be very self centered. It can be very easy to strictly do what is fun, and though in a moral sense the stuff would not be bad, is it really doing God's will to the best of our abilities? I can't answer that question, and you can never fully know, but one way I like to look at it is this. When you make any decision, ask yourself if this is the best way you can love. In 1 John 4:8 we read, “God is Love,” and so we must chose the things that bring us closest to that. The things that require us to love the most sometimes will not seem to be the most fun things, but trust me, they are easily the most worthwhile.

Conclusion:

I am hoping you love your experience in Austria, and I hope I can love mine the same. This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we should truly hold dear every last moment. If the Lord is at the center of our hearts, we will bring him great joy and the feeling will be felt on our hearts. Remember to put the kingdom of God first in all things, and allow for the graces that your given to spring forth abundantly. I hope that we can all leave this place better people, and with experiences that we can hold dear forever.

Our Lady, wrap us in your Mantle of protection!

St. Brendan the Navigator and St. Francis Xavier, guide us on our journeys!

God be the Glory!

“He died for me, so I must live for him.”

How I got My License - 1,470 days later

How I got My License

08-13-12

The fact that there is a story behind me getting my license is ridiculous. Most kids around the age of fifteen and a half get their permit, drive for a few months, and shortly after turning sixteen, are  licensed drivers. Key here is, I said "most kids." Sadly, I was not to be like most kids. 

When I was sixteen years old, I got my permit, just like most. I might have been a few months behind, but I was still supposed to have it relatively early. But then things didn't go according to plan. 
My Dad decided that since Michael drove, I didn't need to myself. He also didn't want to pay for drivers education, so once everything was factored in, I was to wait till I turned 18. 
I was upset, but I understood, and I just bummed rides off of everyone. My local friends, if you are reading this, I know your head is moving up and down. Sorry about all those times. 
So I found myself turning 18 right before college began. Due to my work schedule though, I had very few days that I was able to renew my permit. I finally found an open day and went and took the test.
I failed.... 
How someone fails the permit test I do not know, but I got 29 out of 40 questions right... I needed to get 30... The worst part was, the question that got me was about tire measurements. How the heck am I supposed to know tire measurements. I was not about to open that book and read it! No freaking way.
Anyways, I took the test a few weeks later, and this time I passed. I was one step closer to getting my license. 
Then something happened... Freshman year. 
I got my permit the day before school began, and the first time I drove with that permit was the following summer. Now due to my limited time, I had a few months to develop as a driver, and a very busy schedule that would be getting in the way of my practicing. 
 I kept driving as much as I could, and I learned the local community college's parking lot pretty well,  but I didn't see the actual road until late July/early August, and even then, I was limited. 
The joke that my Dad liked was that I could be the first person to get my license who had never driven on the road. The permit instructor could be giving me the directions and I could tell them, "This is the first time I've done this!" Believe me though, I hated that joke. Driving in a parking lot is fun for a total of five minutes. After that, it just stinks. 
Anyways...
My permit expired on August 24, 2012. I was set on getting it before then, and when we finally set up the test, it was to take place on the last day possible, the 24th. 
Then life happened... 
My Father, a wonderful man, decided that it would not be good for me to get it yet. He asked the unthinkable of me - He asked me to wait until next summer. 
At this point, I'm a 19 year old who is about to live off campus for the school year. I was finally going to drive people around and what not, and now, it was not even a possibility. 
Sophomore year came and sophomore year went, a licenseless man I was. 
Then the summer began, and my goal was to get it before my birthday, which is July 21st. 
I got my permit in May, this time with no failings, and by July, I had set up my test. I was to take my test a few weeks before my birthday. 
Then my Dad said that the original test date wouldn't work... Then he switched it again...
Then I turned 20...
As you can see, this was a long drawn out four years. 
Finally, on July 30th, I took my test and I.....
FAILED!  
Well, technically I got my license on that day, but this is when it gets funny/interesting.
I did receive my license, and I am legally allowed to drive, but if we base it off the score my driving instructor gave me, I failed. In Ohio, if you receive a 26 or higher on deductions, you fail your drivers test. He scored me 27... Well, I think he did. It was hard to read, and I couldn't really find an exact total, but I'm pretty sure I got a 27. 
So yes, after 1,470 days, I am finally a legal driver, even though, based on his score, I shouldn't be. In my defense though, he took off points for things I didn't even do wrong, but whatever. 
So yes, I can drive. Scary, I know. Look out Ohioan's, cause Brendan is coming your way! 
But really, I'm a fine driver. Don't fear, I drive the speed limit. And I'm deathly afraid of getting pulled over, mainly because I would die..
Welp, there's that.
 I hope my little story produced some laughs. I know the last four years have produced a lot for people. 
Thank for reading and God Bless! 

"He died for me, so I must live for him."

Austria Predictions

Austria Predictions

08-12-13

In exactly thirteen days, I will be arriving at the Kartause with all my fellow classmates who have decided to study abroad this fall. There is about 180 of us, and I am most excited for our time there. With that though, I thought it would be fun to try and make a few predictions about our time over there. I'm sure most of them will be wrong, but this is really just for fun. I thank Michael Weber for the inspiration/continual nagging to do this. 

Without further ado:

1.  Most likely to have their passport/wallet stolen or lost:

Need I say more?

The first thing I'd like to predict is something that seems to happen with every group that goes over there – someone losing or having their passport stolen. Who do I expect this to happen to? There are many people I could possibly see this happening to, but I think the odds are good that Sarah “DJ Freaky” Bueche does this. I truly hope it doesn't happen, but if it does, I wouldn't be surprised. Chance this happens? 25%

2.  Most likely to befriend strangers:

While in Europe, everyone we meet will be a stranger. It will be very easy to ignore the people around us, or just kind of act like they aren't there, but I know at least one person who wont do this at all. This person will probably be talking to everyone, and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to find out they made some lifetime friends from their train rides or times at restaurants. This person is one of the most outgoing people I know, at least in this way. I truly love this trait about him. I'm talking about Patrick Manion. I'm sure we have all seen him do this at one point or another. He'll talk to anyone. Great trait. Chance this happens? 100%.

3. Most likely to miss their train or bus:

I think this is one that could easily happen to anyone. Traveling is not easy, and if you aren't careful, you can easily miss stuff. When I was thinking about this one though, one person came to mind. This person will tell you they aren't too good with directions, and I feel like they could easily just miss a bus or train cause they got lost. This person is none other than Cj Irvin. Luckily for him, if this does happen, someone will definitely help him out. Can anyone reject Cj? I know I can't. Chance this happens? 33%

4. Most likely to do something illegal:

This face says it all. Look out Austria...

We are gonna be in countries that we have never been to, and with that, we probably wont know all their rules and whatnot. With that, it would be very easy to break the law, intentional or unintentional. Who could I see doing this? Becca Radzinski. Why Becca? Cause she is all about having fun, and you can't let a little law like “no going beyond this point” get in the way of your trip and having maximum fun. Heck, I hope this happens. If it makes for a good story... #NoRegrets Chance this happens? 75%

5. Most likely to spend a night in the hospital: 

Just a slip away from injury..

"Expect the unexpected." You never know how things are going to play out, and I feel like injuries are one of those things you can never predict, but in this case, I'll try anyways. If I had to guess someone would end up in the hospital, I would guess J-Rad. Why Joseph? Well the way I see it, J-Rad is just someone who will do a bunch of crazy things, like jump off a building or climb a tree. One of these things could come back to haunt him. We shall see. Chance this happens? 23%

6. Most likely to be everyone's best friend at the Bar:

To get this title, the person has to be super social, super generous, and a drinker as well. I also think this has to be a guy, cause I don't think girl's will be buying drink for guys (Girls, please prove me wrong!) It is also tough, because I don't think our friends are really going to be drinking too much, but I think I have someone who will work. The man who inspired this blog, Mike Weber. If Michael is at a bar, he'll super fun to be with, but also, he might buy a few people drinks... Let's hope. Chance this happens? 48% 

At least once, right? 

 

7. Most likely to get searched on a train or plane:

This person has a bit of history. Let's just say a cop or two in Steubenville know his name. Bernardo Gonzalez. Will this happen? Let's hope, because we all love a good Bernardo story. Just imagine him coming in to the room and being like, "Guess what happened to me at the train station?" Followed by the Snaz eye roll. I know I want to hear this story, and right now it is just fictional! Chance this happens? 31%

8. Most likely to spend all there money and need to get more from home:

We are going to be in Europe for almost four months. It will be very easy to go over there and spend a few thousand dollars. The thing is, we all will have a budget and hopefully we can stay within that amount of money. Sometimes though, you spend more then you expected. This is not an easy one to predict, as I had to think about it, but I went with Tim McNamera. This is a long shot, but only because it is hard to gauge how someone will be with there money. Chance this happens? 5%

9. Most likely to find treasure in Europe: 

Yes, I am just throwing this in for you two. I know two men who plan on spending extensive time discussing and maybe even finding buried treasure. The fact that the treasure they probably look to find has been lost for years doesn't mean they wont do it. When Tim Penney and James Sweeney are together, anything is possible... Chance this happens? 99% I like their chances.

10. Most likely to fall in love, marry someone in Europe and not come back with us to the States: 

I decided for the last one, I would pick both a girl and a guy. 

She already is getting to know Ben and Jerry, why not Vladimir?

When it comes to women, I thought this one was an easy one. This girl just wants to do what the Lord's will is, and that means she could end up Marrying Vladimir from that nice bar in that far off country. They will meet, and he'll be instantly charmed by her eyes and caught off guard by her voice, but before long, they'll be in love. Dominique Peters, we will definitely miss you. Enjoy life in Europe! Chance this happens? 50% It's really a coin toss. 

Maybe Rick can come too?

Now we look at guys. This one is difficult as well, but after a little thought, I decided I could see Dan Hass getting married over there. Dan already hates the way Obama is doing things, so if he can move away and start an family over in Europe why not? He'd have to find a good Catholic country, so I'm thinking Vatican City might be best. I heard whoever is in charge over there is Catholic, but I could be wrong. Who knows? Chance this happens? 20%

Well I want to say thank you for anyone who read this. This upcoming semester is going to be unbelievable and I'm just glad I get to share it will all of you! 

#Noregrets

"He died for me, so I must live for him."