"Why are you going to Ireland AGAIN!!!????

I am frequently asked, "Why do you keep going to Ireland?" My response is, "Why do you keep going to Destin?" I go because I love it - the people, the countryside, the history.

My primary reason for going to Ireland is because I have a very dear friend, Roberta, who lives in Northern Ireland. We met through her son, Owen, who stayed with us for a month a part of the Ulster Project. This is a project which has existed for over 25 years in the U.S. It's goal is to aid in the reconciliation of Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. My family became involved when we hosted Owen in 2000 when he and my son, Patrick, were 15 years old. I felt like Owen was a part of the family. He repeatedly said, "You are just like my mum." Now how could that be? I was driven to get to know this woman. When she called Owen and I talked with her, I could not understand anything she said. However, I was still determined to meet her. I am truly blessed that she is one of my closest friends - not in distance but in the heart.

I had the opportunity in 2001 to go to Northern Ireland as an ambassador for the Memphis Ulster Project and speak to the families who sent their children to the U.S. for a month in July. I became further involved in the program by serving on the board for a number of years. Through those years I have hosted counselors from the program and met many wonderful teenagers. I have enjoyed watching these kids grow up into wonderful people.

In 2004 I took a tour group to Ireland. My husband, Bill, was able to go for the first time. He fell in love with the people and places. We have talked about going back and "slow traveling" some of the places we wanted to explore more.

Several years ago my family went on a Mediterranean cruise. My 80 year old mother was with us and kept up with us through 5 countries. In the fall of 2009, she told me she had one more trip in her. When I asked where she wanted to go, she quickly said, "Ireland". So that is how this trip evolved. My husband, mother, brother, and sister-in-law will be traveling in southern Ireland. After that trip I will spend some time with my friends in Northern Ireland.

I always journal during my trips so I will never forget the people I meet or the places I go. I decided to blog this trip to share with you. I am fascinated by people and history, so I hope this will not be too boring for you. I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I do.