I'll Fly Away

December. How has it arrived so quickly? It feels like only yesterday I arrived - nervous and full of hope - ready to begin my time here in Belfast. But forgive me, it is starting to sound like an old folks home in here.

Life has continued, as it usually does, here in Belfast and the switch from November to December did not go without its moments.

As you know, or as you may not, Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent. Kind of a big deal, I hear. I should preface this story by saying that my time as a tag-along in the Catholic church has been going quite well. We had a rough start, what with me telling pagan jokes and informing the seminary members that I did not take communion because I was, and I quote, "Going to hell in a hand basket". (In my defense, I had no idea that any of those people were in the seminary - it is not as though they wear name tags.) But my time there had settled into a nice pattern; Father Gary jokes about secretly baptizing me and I retort that I will do my best not to get struck by lightning while in the chapel. Anyway, I was sure to do some research on the whole Advent thing before coming to church on Sunday. Here is what I had: coming of Jesus, lighting of candles, swaths of purple fabric invading your life, ect. ect. Well, that is what I had mentally prepared myself for on Sunday evening. So, when I was visually assaulted by a member of the KKK I was, understandably, shocked and frightened. 

Now, I know that at this point you all must be freaking out and expecting this story to take a horrid and dangerous turn that involves the police, me going to the hospital, and some choice swear words. Calm down, it does not end how you may think. 

The man in the white robe with the pointed hood was not, as it turns out, a member of the KKK. It was Father Gary, merely dressed in his Advent outfit (minus the purple swaths, of course), praying before the service, and certainly not expecting a girl to shriek "Jesus Christ!" and wallop him with a hymn book. I cannot explain what came over me as I threw my hymnal down on the priest, I can only tell you that at the time he looked to be a member of the KKK and I, certain that this was not a good thing, thought it my duty to protect ... well, protect someone that is for sure. I apologized profusely to Father Gary, explaining my somewhat broken thought process, and justifying it all by pointing out that his outfit did bear some resemblance to that of the KKK. He laughingly conceded to this point and made a comment about avoiding the south during Advent. I have never felt so ridiculous in my life. But he seems to have forgiven me - although I think I will do my best to look very solemn and focused during his next homily. 

In comparison to Sunday, the rest of the week seems rather dull. But I think a little "dull" could be nice in the life of a girl who walloped a priest. 

I will say one thing though; whoever put that "Yoga Sessions" sign outside our house may want to think of another location to advertise their business. While I personally am all for supporting yoga, the sign is in an inopportune place for our house. It has been only five days since the sign appeared and we have already had two woman in yoga outfits (complete with yoga mats) inquiring about yoga class times and instructors. I have half a mind to clear out the common room, buy myself some plants, and start charging 10 pounds for classes.

Kelsey