welcome to ireland

i have arrived in Belfast, Northern Ireland...more specifically, to Ballynure, Northern Ireland, where my host family, Neil and Joanne, live with their twin girls, Lauren and Caitlin.

my flights were fine...although quite long! it was 7 hours 15 minutes to get to London, and i managed to sleep for 1 or 2 hours, which was quite an accomplishment! By the time i got through customs and claimed my bags, it was time to check with in for my flight to Belfast. that flight was only an hour long, but by then i was very ready to get there! joanne met me at the airport, and we did know each other, so there was something i didn't have to worry about! it was about a 25 minute drive from the airport to their house, and we talked easily together, another blessing. the Irish countryside is lush and green, basically like everything you've ever imagined!

their house is quite spacious, so i am confident we will not get in each others way. my room is a good size, with its own bathroom, which is also a good size (see the pictures).

today i slept until noon and then unpacked my things. it feels good to have my own stuff around. there is a dresser and also a wardrobe in my room, so i think i will have enough storage space. tonight will be my first driving lesson. i am excited, but also a bit nervous! i hope i don't hit anything!

i am feeling pretty good about being here...of course it is a bit overwhelming and new, which aren't always the best feelings to have. but i have great expectations for my year here, so that will keep me pushing forward. i am eager to get into the routine of daily life, which will also help me feel more at home. i haven't met the twins yet, but will tonight. i am both nervous and excited about this. good thing i have brought presents!!