Hey, it’s Maryann… some of you know me from my hometown of Bozeman, Montana, many of you know me from college at Anderson University or from my former job at Heartland Truly Moving Pictures in Indianapolis, Indiana… some of you may not know me at all! But whoever you are, you are welcome here to read my thoughts and revelations as I continue in this new chapter of my life: The American Girl Moves Overseas!
Let me preface this by saying I’d always dreamed of moving to Europe and often wished I’d studied abroad in high school or college. Then one day, during the 2006 Heartland Film Festival, I met a handsome young Irish filmmaker. His name was Frank Kelly, and you can probably guess the rest of the story. We corresponded, phoned, texted and occasionally visited each other for a year after we met. In October 2007, he proposed, and in January of 2008, I moved to Ireland to begin making a life here with him.
Now, over a year later, we are married (with Child Number 1 on the way!) and I am happily settled in this welcoming country. I’m still finding, though, that there’s a lot to learn about being Irish! I hope you enjoy reading along with me as I find myself more and more at home abroad.
Please feel encouraged to leave comments! You don’t have to be a member to do so. Hope to hear from you soon!
Maryann
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January 21, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Leigh Ann Bussell
Maryann:
I must say just how proud I am that you took this leap of faith and love. I too a similar leap almost 12 years ago…moving from Alabama to Indiana…and well, you see how it turned out for me…a wonderful husband, a beautiful daughter and a job I love.
Its funny how in spite of the futile lectures, warnings and non-support by many when God’s plan is truly in motion it can’t be stopped. I continue to pray for you and Frank and know that if it were not God’s plan you would not be in Ireland.
We miss you at E91 and our hope is to one day see you and Frank moving forward with your life plans. Amy and I still say we will come over and help give you the perfect wedding you have dreamed of having.
Until we meet again remember the love or your friends from church and the support we have for you can only be surpassed by God’s love for you and Frank and his plan is perfect.
Love and God Bless,
Leigh Ann Bussell
January 28, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Lauren Kossack
Hello My Queen!!!
I think about you constantly and pray for you daily! I am so excited that you have made it safely and have created this blog! I have so much fun checking it! I feel as if I made the treacherous journey with you! The pictures are beautiful! I hope that one day I can come for a visit and you can show me all of the places that you speak about.
You know, as I read your blog I begin to think how you should turn it into a book! Seriously, you should make all of your entries into a travel diary or something. As I read it…I feel as though I am reading out of a hard bound journal of one woman’s journey to a new world…a new life! It would be a BIG HIT! I would buy it!
Nonetheless, I look forward to seeing you! Continue to take pictures and journal! Just remember, when you begin to feel discouraged…don’t because you are not alone! May the Lord bless you and keep you and Frank! Until we meet again!
Love you,
Lauren
March 5, 2008 at 12:15 am
bibomedia
March 11, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Leigh Ann Bussell
Maryann:
The puppy is adorable!! Sophie would love to have one just like Georgie, but mom and dad are not ready for the responsibility. More noticeably, your thoughts and the pictures, although not many of you, indicate that this was the right move for you.
I am still so amazed and proud of your courage and determination to not let anything(one) stand in the way of love. God brought Frank into your life and put it on your heart to move to Ireland. His plan is truly perfect.
Any date yet? We still would love to be there to support you and Frank, but will have to start putting away the Starbucks money for the trip!!!
Wishing you continued happiness, support and prayers,
Leigh Ann Bussell
uanlufsu@aol.com