This week—March 17th—marks our 14th anniversary of living in Ireland. No, we didn’t plan to move on St. Patrick’s Day. I just wondered why the flights were so expensive… and why they threw so many parades in our honor.
Ireland is stunning. The people are equally amazing. But while Ireland is an easy place to visit, it can be a tough place to live.
Over the years we’ve built some beautiful friendships here. We’ve also had moments where we thought relationships were deeper than they were. When you’re far from family in another country, loneliness only needs a tiny nudge to start whispering lies.
Much of this comes down to cultural differences.
We’ve heard it explained like this: Americans tend to have weak outer walls but strong inner walls—we become “close” quickly, but vulnerability can take longer. The Irish often have strong outer walls but weaker inner walls. They are incredibly kind and welcoming, but real trust can take years to build. Once you’re in, though, the loyalty runs deep.
When Americans don’t understand this, it can be discouraging. Irish hospitality is genuine—but hospitality isn’t friendship, even if it feels that way at first.
That said, after 14 years of cultural walls, lonely moments, and learning curves—we would absolutely do it all again.
For every struggle, we’ve experienced equal or greater joy in relationships. We’ve built friendships where we can laugh, cry, argue, and heal. Our boys were born here, which makes Ireland even more special.
Most of all, we would do it again because God called us here.
And you have been part of that calling. Through your prayers and generosity, you’ve helped make everything we’ve seen here possible—and we believe there is still so much more ahead for this beautiful nation.