Night Hikes, Notre Dame, and Newness

Today I was asked by one of my students how I felt about change and where I ranked on the risk-taker scale. I sat there right after cooking a brunch for 30 people (yes, I'm learning to cook for 30 people...very quickly learning...and also being humbled) and realized how much I like my job. Part of the reason I am enjoying it so much is that these students are challenging me. I am amazed at the ways these students are engaging in a new situation, a new culture, a new bedroom, new friends, new classes. Newness surrounds them.

And, I realize that newness surrounds me as well. But, their response to a new life is challenging the way I approach this new phase of life for me. I haven't reflected as much as I'd like, but I am realizing that each day I am being challenged in my leadership and in my character. I am being forced to be about others above myself. I am learning to juggle many responsibilities and realize that I will disappoint people. I have made mistakes. I have been humbled by the lack of "productivity" my life might produce.

So many exciting things have happened that I'll only share a couple. I got to go on a night hike last night from Greystones to Brey. This trail follows the coastline of the Irish Sea where you are on the edge of a cliff most of the way. On a night with a full moon it was a breathtaking sight and a great chance to have a blast with 6 students. We sprinted to catch the last train back home and we made a chipper run and we ate the chips along the sea. I just kept saying, "Guys, where are we right now?"

Then, one of the students spent much of the day today helping me get the Notre Dame game online television. I got to watch the whole game and I was quite excited. That was my first chance to watch the Fighting Irish in Ireland.

So, as I reflect on the change and risk question I was asked earlier today, I realize that I am blessed to be able to experience the kind of risk and change this job has afforded. It hasn't felt like that much of a risk because I have felt an extreme sense of peace about where I am at right now. And, I have tried my best to embrace the change of life that is inevitable these days.