When I was a sophomore in College I applied to a study abroad program.  The program was a six week writers workshop in Ireland.  I still have the acceptance letter in my stacks of stuff I can’t quite part with.  It was one of those rare moments where I felt like my potential and ability was being recognized–like maybe I had some! Not only that, I desperately wanted to go to Ireland.  

As is the case for a lot of college students, my bubble was burst on page two…the financial requirements.  Without and extra seven thousand dollars to cover travel, tuition and housing, I was left with the letter as my only Ireland souvenir.  If you haven’t picked up on it yet, I am still not quite over this twelve year old disappointment. 

As we approached the doorways from generic airport out into tropical Singapore, in was excited to finally get an opportunity to see the other side of the world.  It may not be Ireland, but the lush green palm trees and warm tropical air told me that I was in for something different then Iowa, and that was enough for me to feel some redemption.