Entries by Green, Catherine

This weekend the Great 08ers will return to Belfast for our graduation ceremony, almost six months since 26 unknowing individuals shook those first tentative handshakes at Orientation weekend. We will be gathering this time, without the nerves of the unfamiliar but rather as a Team- for I think we can say we have achieved that- to share with our ‘real’ families and give them a proper insight into all that we have been doing throughout the summer and beyond. A recollection that comes to mind from the summer, as I try now to relate the WIP experience, is the analogy of a person’s life comforts and experiences to a circle. Yeah, at the time too, I was quite dismissive of yet more clichéd, team-building psycho-babble but please persevere!

Anyway, there we were huddled after completing a zip-wire exercise in a rural Virginian forest contending with the bugs and 100 degree heat ( Note: expect the unexpected of your summer!), and our leader asked us to imagine our lives as the small circle she etched on the soil below. Inside that circle is the life you find most comfortable, there resides your family, friends and a daily routine with goals within easy reach. All sounds good to me I thought, now lets get lunch and reapply the bug spray…however, she continued… remaining there too long can see a life become stagnant. At this point the leader drew a wider circle outside the first one. If we choose to take that leap of faith by stepping outside the smaller circle boundary we can be swamped initially by feelings of disorientation and insecurity. However, if we can tolerate this vast area of the unknown we can develop those skills and knowledge needed to survive such a period of transition. You may ask yourself, as I did that day, why indeed you would want to put in such extra effort at the possible cause of much anxiety to yourself, in order to widen your comfort zone, or what even does that mean? To me, as I hope I have begun to learn in the past six months, it means redefining or stretching your original goals, believing that what you deemed impossible actually could be realised, feeling comfortable with new and different people and learning from them. It is these lessons that I will try to bring with me now and hopefully in taking those initial risks, whether it be in applying for WIP or in anything else we strive for, each of us can reap the rewards of a life more fulfilled.

So to any prospective WIP applicant reading this, I will tell you that the risk is worth taking. You will risk, as with many decisions in your life, the chance of disappointment, the fear of failure, of anxiety suffered or of uncovering weaknesses in yourself. Certainly, taking those initial steps the Washington-Ireland Program will test your strength of character, stretch every skill you possess and require that you forge new ones. You will have to find the time to contribute to public service in, I’m sure an already hectic life, you will have to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, organisation and timeliness in a high-profile internship, you will have to embrace a new culture and respect a different family way of life. However, believe me, you do not have to be superhuman to test your goals or succeed in these tasks. You may study politics or pharmacy, you may have built orphanages in Romania or helped in your local youth club, you may have pursued independent travel in Outer Mongolia or been no further than a family holiday in Spain, you may be an extrovert or a quieter introvert, or you may be none of the above for there are few recurring characteristics in a WIP team.

So today if you encounter uncertainty in direction or with a decision, or perhaps grapple with that WIP application form, remember this sentiment;

"To laugh is to risk appearing a fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams before the crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing... does nothing... has nothing... is nothing.
You may avoid suffering and sorrow, but you simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love.....live
Chained by your certitudes, you are a slave; you have forfeited freedom.
Only a person who risks is free." (Author unknown).

Before a mood of reflection descends upon me, I feel that the grand finale of the last week spent in D.C. cannot go unreported, even if in times to come this journal entry is simply used as a recollection of our escapades.

The twin, and what before embarking on this grand adventure, I would have called divergent goals of the Program of, “Leadership and Service,” were present in abundance throughout this last week. In my mind “leadership,” was once characterised by the pursuit of prestige, the power of the position and the pomp in the surroundings. Certainly, our team-"The Great 08ers"-have witnessed this throughout our time in D.C. We engaged with Senators on marble staircases, chatted with Congressmen in gold adorned rooms, resided with host families in superb white picket-fenced neighbourhoods. The traditional ideal of service, to make a selfless contribution to enrich the lives of those less fortunate, has also been an integral part of our experience. Evident in the completion of thirty hours voluntary service in our home communities before departure, the all singing-all dancing Irish troop that brightened the day for the children from J.O. Wilson Elementary School and our two days spent this week aiding the Habitat for Humanity organisation.

Wednesday of this past week dawned an awakening for me. In the morning we adorned our dust stained clothes and brandished our power tools in the blistering heat to add a few hands to the task of building a home. In the evening we dressed in our finest to attend the annual WIP event held in the lavish Irish Embassy building, where John, Chris, Maria, Mary and Heather excelled in their leadership moments. Through Heather’s words that night I came to realise that “leadership and service” are not divergent but are rather convergent goals, with each aiding the realisation of the other.

Our pursuits in the earlier part of the day would not have occurred without the drive, determination and ability to convert aspirations into actions of a true leader. Perhaps this was the person who founded the charity, perhaps this was one of the members of staff who turned an unskilled, into a slightly less unskilled, bunch of builders, or perhaps even it was one of us, a volunteer, novices to the art of dry-walling but who nevertheless give up our last remaining few days in D.C. to make a contribution to alleviate the prevalence of homelessness in the City. At the Irish Embassy, I remembered the words of Ambassador Collins, I recalled the words of Congressman Lewis and I revisited my time in Congressman Crowley’s office. By definition they are all leaders, exhibiting both power and prestige. However, they also serve, in many ways selflessly, the people of their country and beyond.

To pass the litmus test for leadership is not to yield power over others, to shout the loudest or to be clad in the finest attire. It is indeed as the challenge Heather put to us, as we once again find ourselves at home, to lead through service, for one cannot exist without the other. My interviewee in Washington, Greta Perry, a leader of a successful business, who cites charity support as a fundamental part of her life, related this sentiment;
“It is up to us to live up to the legacy
that was left for us,
and to leave a legacy that is worthy
of our children
and of future generations.” Christine Gregoir

Perhaps, I have bowed to that mood of reflection as I find myself with some quiet time on my hands in a rather rainy County Down.

To fulfil my promise then to relive those last few days, if I can even call them that? Such was the inhumane lack of sleep I inflicted upon myself to savour each remaining moment, that those days should really be called a collective 48-62 hours of hazy and melancholic exhilaration. Friday evening at the Jefferson Monument captured so many moments to behold. Despite Peter and Sarah’s constant warnings of recriminations if any smushiness entered the proceedings, in everyone’s defence, the appropriateness of the time and setting allowed for such sweet sentiments. If any consolation to Peter, we will not repeat them, just hold in our memories. After a fraught trip on what up to that point had been a flawless metro experience for me, we once again entered a blissful state of singing, at the home of Susie Hoffman and Clare, impeccable hosts who suffered our warbling to the wee small hours of the morning.

With little to no sleep, I entered Saturday, the Day of the Farewell Gala. That evening captured virtually every element of the WIP experience. Dedicated to the incredible hospitality of our Host Families, those last speakers, Judi, Alan, Clare and Neal balanced the fine art of entertaining with showing appreciation to our adopted families impeccably. Not a group famed for our collective singing abilities, we managed the rendition of “Goodbye for Now,” and let the soloists shine in the singing department. After some dedicated dancing, momentary indecision and plenty of strolling, a collection of WIPpers in our ball gowns and tuxedos set out for the Lincoln Monument to capture our last dawn in D.C. As we arrived in the darkness, and sat on the steps of the Lincoln Monument the only thing keeping me awake was a stash of chocolate brought by the savvy Sarah. However, as the sun rose and light encroached upon the view before us, I was assured that the decision to forgo any sleep was the right one. As with so many moments throughout my time in D.C I don’t feel qualified to convert those sights and feelings into words.

This past week heralded the first endings for the WIP Class of 2008. After becoming accustomed to the frenetic series of events that encompass a day on Capitol Hill, I bid farewell to all who worked in Congressman Crowley's office. It was a privilege to have been given the opportunity to work in such a diverse, challenging and exciting environment. Walking the corridors and meandering the tunnels of the Rayburn House Office Building for the last time as an intern, I remembered my first day; How surreal it had seemed, as a student from Northern Ireland, to be trawling past the American flag adorned Congressional offices and to be contributing to the legislative process in the United States Congress. During my internship, I hope that I have aided the staff to the best of my ability and I know that I have gained much from the the experience.

Besides learning to adapt my pronunciations on telephone calls, I have gained an invaluable insight into life in a professional culture. After an introduction, in typical intern style, I carried out administrative tasks essential to maintaining the highest possible level of efficiency in the office, as well as greeting visitors. I then discovered the potential to learn more about a diverse range of issues that lay in attending hearings and briefings on the Hill. I embraced the chance to be educated on matters that were unfamiliar to me, such as the political situation in Turkey and to develop my understanding of other issues, such as the US involvement in Iraq, the rights' of detainees at Guantanamo Bay and the costs of combatting global warming. Even from this sample of hearings I attended it is clear that, after summarising and doing further research on each topic to produce a summary report for the staffers, that the opportunity to improve your awareness on global issues was enormous. Another frequent intern task to be undertaken was the guided tour of the Capitol. Despite intial skepticism about my ability to relate events in American history to eager audiences of mainly American visitors, each tour always turned out to be an enjoyable way to spend an hour or two, depending on the queues. I cannot claim that every date I recited was accurate but conversing with some of the Congressman's constituents and other visitors from different parts of the world was a real learning experience, as well as testing my coordination and organisational skills. Memorable groups were schoolkids from the Bronx, a young boy with aspirations to be President, and a cross-community hurling team from four schools in Belfast, led by among others, another WIP alum Ryan Feeney. Congressman Crowley took some time to show this last group from Northern Ireland around his office and spoke to them about the Irish history he shares with them.

This genuine interest and commitment to foreign matters that I have witnessed not just in Congressman Crowley's office but also each time another member of Congress has addressed us, reminds us, depsite recent bad press regarding controversial military campaigns, of the great contribution of the American nation globally. It was perhaps most evident this week at the South African Washington Internship Congressional Forum. As each member of Congress addressed the audience they spoke of their pleasure of hosting the SAWIP interns, representing a country that has come so far in the past fifteen years. Congressman Payne along with his SAWIP intern Thami, hosted the event and although he didn't highlight the extent of his work for the African continent, the tributes paid to him by each of the other eleven Congressmen and women, referring to him as "Mr. Africa," is testament to his commitment to the continent. Congressman Lewis also gave an insightful speech into his experience during the civil rights movement and the abuses he faced as an adolescent. Although others within his family accepted the segregation, most prevalent in the Deep South, and urged him to avoid any confrontation, his feelings were so strong after hearing about Rosa Parks' moment of defiance that this instilled in him a commitment to strive for equality for African-Americans.

The speeches of each of the SAWIPers were equally as moving. As they have done throughout their time here, they each spoke with a level of eloquence, passion for their country and faith in their future roles, representing different backgrounds, in South Africa. SAWIP was an innovation of WIP alums and evolved from the idea that the countries have endured a similar transition process as post-conflict societies and undoubtedly there is much that we have learned from each of the seven SAWIPers. From the moment they arrived the dynamic of the group changed, perhaps it was the rhythm they brought to the dance floor, but each time we had separate events and since they departed on Thursday, it is clear that the Team that we have fashioned over the past six weeks is incomplete without them. I have every confidence that even if I don't make it to South Africa in the near future, a trip they have encouraged me to make with their descriptions of the beauty and dynamism of the country, then I will at least hear of each of them as they endeavour to emulate their national icon, Nelson Mandela who inspired public optimism and strived for social solidarity.

Crooning Sinatra on the earphones and exiting the highway, we turned a corner. . . before us stood the spectacle of New York City!

A city born through generations of nations making their pioneering journeys towards the land of the free. I wondered if the millions of immigrants from all corners of the earth, including many of our Irish forefathers as they endured the perilous sail across the Atlantic, experienced the same sense of wonderment and awe. Clearly the buildings dominating the skyline would not have stood tall, but I believe that that universal potential for achievement that is synonymous with the city itself, transcends all notions of time, race and creed.

As the bus weaved its way through the myriad of streets, this feeling did not dissipitate. Depositing our belongings, we set out to embrace the sights, sounds and shopping of the City that never sleeps. I ventured onto the streets with a trusty team of more streetwise girls, to embrace the craziness of Chinatown, bargaining rather successfully with the vendors, before moving on to gaze through the shop windows on Fifth Avenue. Yes I know we could have been embracing the cultural aspects of the City, but what else is a girl to do with a couple of free hours on a Saturday afternoon? Avenues stretching as far as the eye could see swarmed with yellow cabs and sidewalks thronged with people going about their business, we retreated to the sancutary of the hotel to get ready for a spot of dining in the Empire State Building. The relaxed mood of the evening was a welcome contrast from the craziness of the day and ended with a visit to the apartment of former WIPer Paddy, who we could say is one of the many alums of the Program fulfilling their potential! Any words I use to describe the rooftop views from Paddy's apartment simply couldn't do it justice, so if you would like to experience panoramic night time views of the city skyline all that remains to be said is; either catch a WIPper with some decent photographs, make friends with Paddy or get a job with a successful company willing to pay for a prime location apartment!

Despite some weariness in adjusting to a faster pace of life, we rose early on Sunday morning to pack as much as possible into our only full day in the City. What better way to begin than with a breakfast of bagels and OJ at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Some of us chose to enjoy the relative tranquility of the Park a little longer and took a paddle boat ride on the lake, enjoying the surrounding views of treetops with the buildings beyond.

Again a trip of contrasts, the afternoon was somewhat less tranquil aboard "The Beast." I'm not sure what I was expecting, with this less than enticing name, but if you are of a nervous disposition then you should probably opt for the two hour Boat Trip out to the Statute of Liberty and Ellis Island. Aboard the speed boat trip on "The Beast," we endured about 30 minutes of spray from the Hudson, a continuous mouthful of salty water and I'm sure also some wonderful sights, if only I could have kept my eyes open long enough to see them! And I was one of the lucky ones; I didn't experience the water gun or freezing buckets of water that some chosen few had the pleasure of being drenched with. When it ended(phew!), and we disembarked, the next line of eejits looked at our soaked and sorry state and asked where they should sit to avoid the wetness. Despite muttering, "perhaps the front," little did they know, there was no escape from "The Beast." In hindsight, it was quite exhilarating and I did get a few well positioned snaps of the Statute of Liberty, not forgetting a souvenir New York T-shirt and Hoodie as we chilled at dinner on the Pier in the aftermath!

On Monday, we had the privilege to visit the United Nations' Headquarters and converse with representatives of various organisations. Firstly we met Ireland's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Paul Kavanagh, who gave us an insight into Ireland's burgeoning role within the UN and their contributory power on not only a financial level but also as a nation, despite its small size, with an ever strengthening voice on the international stage. We also heard from a staff member of the Secretary General, who explained the role and the priorities of the UN as a forum to set international standards and reach agreement on contentious issues. We learned about the renewed commitment of the UN to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and strive to protect the needs of the world's poorest. In the afternoon, we were especially privileged to engage in discussions in smaller groups with offices within the UN. I attended the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), where we learnt more about the processes in place to alleviate the suffering of people in the face of natural disasters and other emergency situations.

I believe that this was an appropriate ending to a trip on which I bore witness to excesses of wealth and commercialisation, at times bordering on craziness! Throughout the day at the UN Headquarters we remembered that it is necessary to appreciate and act to help those who do not have their most basic human needs satisfied.




`

Good Evening, Congressmen, Ladies and Gentlemen, my esteemed teammates,

I am Catherine Green. In September I will enter my final year at Queen’s University, Belfast, studying for a degree in Law and Accounting. This summer I am honored to be a member of the Washington-Ireland Program Team of 2008 and am privileged to be interning in Congressman Joseph Crowley’s office. An ardent supporter of the Washington-Ireland Program, Congressman Crowley has been instrumental in securing funding in the amount of $250,000 for the Program. Congressman Crowley is not just a friend of the Program but a friend to the people of Ireland.

Today I will share with you words from our Irish Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney’s poem, “A Cure at Troy.” Through Heaney’s words, I will relate a personal message of my experience of life in Northern Ireland and of our collective optimism for our future. Seamus Heaney wrote: “Once in a lifetime the longed for tidal wave of justice can rise up and hope and history rhyme.”

Can hope and history rhyme? Hope is a longing for a future manifestation of one's desires; history is about what has gone before. Throughout our island's history and our own lives we have witnessed many days that will be recorded in infamy. Human beings have suffered, got hurt and got hardened.

The violence that ravaged our land came to my own Community, one virtually untouched until that fateful summer's evening in June 1994. My Great Uncle, Barney Green at eighty seven years, the oldest victim of "the Troubles," together with five other innocent men was killed. It is on days like these that history tells us there is no hope on this side of the grave. Amidst a grief-stricken Community, the immediate consequence for me as a seven year old child was that my school Sports Day was cancelled. An annual event celebrated not only by those within my own Community but that welcomed those from beyond. From this tender age, I was aware that the only product of violence is to instill fear, thereby creating suspicion and ultimately division.

Fortunately, we journeyed on. In the months following this atrocity a state of ceasefire was declared by those opposing forces using violence as a means to obtain their divergent ends. This marked the beginning of our path, albeit a tentative journey, towards cooperation and renewal. It is a day like 10th April 1998, on that Good Friday when the peace accords were signed that hope and history converge, as our Irish Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, wrote, " Once in a lifetime the longed for tidal wave of justice can rise up, and hope and history rhyme."

What we have witnessed in the ensuing ten years has been a generational change, what some may call a great seismic shift, what others may deem a volte-face by key political figures. The culmination of these negotiations resulted in last year's restoration of our devolved power-sharing government at Stormont. I was fortunate enough to be part of that unabridged and lasting hope in action, working for a member and Minister in the new assembly. I witnessed a faith amongst the people of my own constituency, but also a resounding need for our political representatives to address the issues that the population toil with day-to-day.

It is through the promotion of tolerance, the celebration of our cultural and linguistic diversity and the resolution of those issues blocking progress, issues such as, education, the devolution of policing and justice powers and alleviation of social ills, that progress and prosperity will be furthered. When I look around at my teammates and engage in discussions with them I am confident that our lofty goals are reachable from here. Individually, we possess the skills to succeed in our chosen fields but together yield an almighty force that will contribute to lasting peace in our country, the truest memorial to those victims of violence and to all who have shared in our history.

As we are welcomed in the ultimate melting pot of the United States of America we can learn from a people whose ideals of democracy have been built through diversity. So again let hope and history rhyme, let history be a continuum of events that succeed from the past to the present and even into the future with hope a binding force. I will leave you with the words of Abraham Lincoln, whose wise objectives uttered almost one hundred and fifty years ago, we seek to emulate, "Let us strive to finish the work we are in, to bind up the wounds of our divided community; to do all which may achieve a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves and with all nations."

Thank You.

Apologies for my neglectful lack of journal entries but you may forgive me when I relate a snapshot of my whirlwind adventure over the past 14 days.

Where to begin?

There are numerous demands on your time here in D.C.; the professional internship, program events, meeting legendary figures recognized and renowned the world over (more of which to follow!), celebrating momentous days such as July 4th with your host family, to name but a few. Sleep is often sacrificed as a consciousness descends amongst the group that our time here is waning. We strive to surface every last joule of energy we possess to enjoy those precious moments that will be gone all too quickly.

An extra demand in the life of a WIPper comes in the form of the legendary “leadership moment.” A moment we all know is fast approaching but nevertheless, as your name is called to speak at the next Program event, there is a momentary flutter of the heart, as you are faced with the reality of writing a speech worthy of your predecessors. Each and every one of whom I commend for delivering such eloquent insights into their personal experiences and the debaters for putting on an amazing show. Despite fervent reassurances from teammates the prospect of conveying your feelings on a subject dear to you, in little over 500 words and before an ardent audience, is slightly daunting. I believe that my co-speakers Lauren, Luke, Laura, Fiona and I, who had the privilege of speaking at WIP’s Annual Congressional Forum, related our personal testimonies with sentiment. Our theme for the evening was “Future Voices: Ten years on from the Good Friday Agreement.” Each speaker addressed challenges that we as a society face and how as young people we may seek to address and make continued progress towards finding solutions. The event attracted a record-breaking 10 Congressmen this year, a testament to the esteem in which our Program is held. As many of them took the time to engage with us, I felt a genuine and heartfelt sense of interest in their words regarding the progress our small island has made in the past ten years. The success of the evening is also attributed to the Management Team and Megan, who not only organized the event but who were constant sources of encouragement and support to each speaker. Thanks guys!

You will find my speech posted at the beginning of this entry.

Honoring my promise to share about those famous folks I alluded to earlier, I have quite a line up for you! Senator Patrick Leahy, Irish Ambassador Michael Collins, Political analysts Mark Shields and Harold Ickes, Senator Hilary Clinton, 10 Congressmen in one evening!

Amazed yet?

Most people, including myself before I embarked on this journey, could never contemplate meeting such individuals, who have inspired generations and aroused emotions in people through their words and actions, the world over. I am still amazed that such figures take the time to allow twenty six university students from Ireland to be given an insight into their worlds. I witnessed different leadership styles, with the soft-spoken words of Irish Ambassador Michael Collins, as he related stories of his time in the Middle East and his hopes for the strong continuation of the deep historical ties between the U.S. and Ireland that have been so fruitful. Senator Hillary Clinton, as she appeared before an eager contingent waiting on a stairway in the Russell Senate Building, was a charismatic presence. She welcomed us with charm and wished us every success in our remaining time in the city and in our futures. Mark Shields kept us entertained with anecdotes from a remarkable life. He spoke about the American people being ready for change, but in order to be successful the next President must deliver change that the people feel comfortable with. He also delivered a sentiment that I believe holds a lot of truth; that we are all products of our backgrounds and perhaps even hold on to the prejudices that that entails, but transcending these beliefs we owe an obligation to be fair to all those we come into contact with. To treat each person we meet in our daily lives with the respect and dignity that they as fellow human beings deserve is a simple message, but one that perhaps would heal much division.

Life in D.C; it’s not so strange anymore…

The array of sights and sounds that were alien, yet mesmerizing at the beginning of our journey are slowly becoming commonplace; the sound of the 6.30 a.m. alarm, the humid heat of a Washington day, the sights of historic monuments on the journey to work... I had even begun to take for granted my intern “access all areas” pass. It was during an evening reception on a balcony overlooking the Capitol and nibbling on some unidentifiable delicacy that I appreciated the significance of the setting and truly realized the wealth of opportunity afforded to us while in D.C. Attending hearings and meetings on the Hill, where witnesses, global experts in their field give testimonies, and listening to the divergence of views from US Congressmen, is truly insightful.

Life in Ireland, perhaps a little strange…

Stepping in from a street in Old Town Alexandria to Murphy’s Bar for those quintessential of Irish institutions, a hearty supper of mash and peas, pint, pub quiz and traditional singing was strangely disconcerting initially. However, our comperes for the evening Lauren and Alan, ushered along proceedings in style and despite a narrow second place defeat, “Buggy’s Battlers” and the other teams on the night had some relaxed fun after a hard-working few days in the office. The lilting tones of ‘Sweet Caroline” offered somewhat of a contrast from the music of Pearl Jam I experienced earlier in the week- courtesy of some complementary private suite tickets from my host family I may add! With weary eyes and drones of home I could almost have settled in for a night of traditional Irish revelry, but with a promised weekend of exertion, those sensible souls amongst us decided an early night was necessary and re-entered…

…Life back in D.C, truly TEAMTASTIC…

Departing from the WIP office Saturday morning on an American Yellow School Bus, we journeyed along the highway into rural Virginia to embrace the legendary Hemlock experience. Armed with bottles of bug spray and sunscreen we were eager to test the strength of our team spirit and strived for success in each challenge set before us with our usual sense of enthusiasm. I can say that undoubtedly this is likely to be one of the most insightful days of the summer in terms of getting to know each other. At our most scruffy (the T-shirts and sweatpants a welcome change from Dress code 1!) and sweaty we supported each other in every sense, as we grappled with people pyramids, zip lines, tree hugging and cable-walks! There was at times frustration, at times deliberation and at times elation but most importantly a whole lot of laughter and a sense of accomplishment were felt by all!

A memorable day was ended with the once again revered and incredible hospitality of the O’Hara family, as they bravely welcomed over 40 rather decrepit looking and mud sodden individuals into their home. After a wash and wonderful food, some cooled off in the pool, others relaxed and chatted while those with unlimited energy reserves played football or Frisbee. Sad to leave the beautiful surroundings we headed back to the city and quite literally rocked the bus with our singing!

Sunday heralded the dawn of an especially unique day. Unsure of what to expect whilst making my way to Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, the only thing I could be certain of was that what I was about to experience would be a little different from the traditional Catholic Service I have been accustomed to throughout my life. I was not to be disappointed! The Gospel Choristers uplifted the spirits of even the most wearisome amongst us and encouraged even the most rhythmically challenged to join in their rejoicing. The words of the Pastor and the response of the congregation were a manifestation of a level of faith, although I believe may have existed in people I have known throughout my life, to have it vocalized and publicly displayed was very moving. Thami’s words at the service and the beautiful singing from the talented WIP (Elaine's lovely rendition of Mary Black's "Katie" deserves a special mention) and SAWIP crews was a fitting way to thank the Church members for welcoming us so wholeheartedly.

As each of us embarked on our individual journey into professional culture Washingtonian style, slightly tentatively perhaps in the beginning without the reassurance of trusted teammates by our side, we were steadfast in our determination to make a contribution in our individual internships. It is hard to know where to begin to chronicle the events of this past week as the newest intern in Congressman Joseph Crowley's office. You are exposed to such a diverse range of issues of both a global and local nature to Congressman Crowley's constituents that it is hard not to be overwhelmed by your lack of knowledge on Bill numbers and abbreviated titles of organisations. However, with some forward planning, reading of the key political publications and assistance from colleagues it becomes manageable. Or if all else fails, you can use that Irish charm and all will be momentarily forgiven.

Meeting the towering figure of the Congressman himself was certainly a highlight of the week as he put you at ease with his affable nature and respect for all who work in his office. In such sitautions sometimes you can become lost for words but as he talked about his mother's birthplace in a town in my native County Down we could share an apprecation of our Irish heritage. As I met him throughout the remainder of this first week I gained respect for a man who is clearly dedicated to the people of his New York district.

Sharing such small quarters with at least seven other interns could certainly bring out the competitive streak in the most easy going of individuals. However, I think that this is all part of the challenge as you learn to cooperate with colleagues and show some sensitivity to their needs as you yourself would hope to receive in return. Also it would have been easy to treat these young Americans as merely colleagues, as we have gained so many new acquaintances since coming to Washington, but I feel I have learned a lot this week, as they come from such different homes and family circumstances. There really is no such thing as the typical "All-American" guy or gal, as I gained insights into Jewish, Muslim and Armenian backgrounds. The ultimate melting-pot of the USA can surely be an example to us that we can all accept our differences and even embrace an interest in divergent views and characteristics.

Speaking of accepting those who are perhaps a little different from a perceived notion of normality, I could not forget to mention our trip to Glen Echo Park on Friday evening, a former Fairground, for some Contra Dancing. For all those WIPperS and SAWIPers who gave the waltzes a whirl I don't think anyone could say that we weren't stepping out of our comfort zones in this quite unforgettable mix of dedicated dancers. The startling acceptance of people who you might normally give a quick sideways glance at in the street, given the electic array of ages and dress senses, was strangely upifting as the evening went on. A night not to be forgotten!

I ended of the week with a visit to my Host Mom Kathie's glass art studio in Rockville and even put my artistic talents to use. Although somewhat skeptical about my abilities with the glass cutters and blow torches and somewhat unfortunate record with accidents thus far, I can say that my little jewelled momento that emerged from the kiln would be something that I would be prepared to spend a dollar or two on, if I hadn't shaped it with my own hands. Perhaps, I have found a new niche in life, or if not, then in the spirit of WIP I am certainly embracing new challenges!

We have finally arrived and what an eventful week it has been! Firstly I'd like to address my stay in Suburban Hospital. Yeah, it was pretty traumatic and for future souls embarking on this journey definitley take heed of the advice to "ALWAYS wear comfortable shoes," or else you too could find yourself spending your first weekend in this buzzing city in a hospital bed! With numerous "Oh my Gawds!" as doctors and nurses stared at my foot there was a brief moment when I worried amputation could occur but no, I have survived! Now moving swiftly on to discuss more pleasant things! The places we have vistied this week are among the most visited or sought to be visited sights in the world and certainly lived up to my expectations. Despite the delirium, with unimaginable temperatures for us feeble Irish folks, I still marvelled as we visited Arlington Cemetry, the Lincoln and Roosevelt Memorials, the Newseum, the Library of Congress, the Capitol. Undoubtedly, with numerous photographs these places will always be remembered but I think what I have been touched by most this week are the people. Those who I have met or become reaquainted with for little over a week who have shown such kindness! I mean, if there are any positives to be gleaned from being unwell, it is discovering the willingness of people to help in whatever way they can, from my host family (especially Kathie who endured the long wait with me in the ER, not as exciting as it sounds!), dedicated management team and Jonathan, and last but not least my fellow WIPPERs cheering me up with their words and gifts! The children in J.O Wilson Elementary School also provided us with an opportunity to experience not just the grand surroundings but also to see real life in D.C. I hope the children had as much fun as us with an array of literature (ahem!), singing and dancing and I hope their receptive little ears will remember, if not the things we taught them then at least our visit, because we all certainly will.