You Want To Do What?
A Ferryman’s Farewell.
A Taxi Cab Driver’s Gift of Gratitude
I know—it’s bold to ask for help, especially in these uncertain times. Yet, educational support is more than generosity; it’s a commitment to language, heritage, and connection. After decades of guiding others across cities and crossroads, I reach a new threshold—one that invites me to take the next step in my journey: learning to read, write, and speak Irish while honoring the voices of my ancestors and carrying them forward.
My Goal, My Purpose:
To finance a two-year Irish language program and related expenses at the University of Galway in Ireland—supporting my effort to translate Our Lady Gaia, our self-published bilingual children’s book in Spanish and English into Irish. My book, is co-created with illustrator Carolyn Flint who shares my goal to enhance children's relationship with nature and each other. This translation not only honors Edward Walsh Conmy, my great-grandfather’s language but contributes to Ireland’s rich linguistic heritage, expanding its reach, bridging past and future through storytelling, and positioning my work for presentation to publishers.
Your support will help make this journey possible. You will ensure this project advances to its next phase culminating in full immersion in Ireland by fostering cultural preservation and education. The translation of Our Lady Gaia will become a calling card for my other works.
Background and Motivation:
I am a semi-retired taxi cab owner-operator (20 years) and current rideshare driver (9 years). Beyond the road, I’m a writer, poet, and community activist, whose passion led me to volunteer as a Project Director and later leading to my role as Program Director for the Earth and Spirit Council’s Natural Way Program, Speaker and Documentary Series (4 years total). I also devoted 3 years of service as a volunteer with Oregon State Penitentiary Lakota Club and Native American Religious Services, enriching lives and fostering connections through cultural and spiritual engagement.
Alongside Our Lady Gaia, I have two more books ready for publication—a collection of my poems and writings, that will be beautifully illustrated by world-renowned Ukrainian fine artist Vasyl Woodland, and a new children’s book, Coyote Hawk and Grandmother Bear crafted for older children of all ages. These works, like Our Lady Gaia, reflect my passion for storytelling, culture, and language, and translating them will further enrich this journey.
Every contribution is not just a donation—it is a shared investment in heritage, language, and storytelling, helping bring these works to life in a new and meaningful way.
Language Program Details:
The Diploma in Irish/Gaeilge (Level A2) is a two-year program beginning April 1, 2025, at the University of Galway. Designed for beginners, it adheres to the A2 level standards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), providing foundational skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. As part of the University’s broader commitment to inclusive education, the program also fosters accessibility for learners with disabilities and senior citizens, ensuring that language revitalization remains open to a diverse community of students.
This course is central to my goal of translating Our Lady Gaia into Irish and deepening my connection to my great-grandfather’s heritage. Through structured learning, I will gain the tools to accurately and respectfully bring my literary work into the Irish language while immersing myself in its cultural depth.
Book Translation Process:
Ireland has a deep, ancient connection to nature, and that fits perfectly with Our Lady Gaia, a book rooted in respect for the land. My goal is not just to translate words but to immerse myself in the language and the people who speak it. Learning Irish isn't just about classes—it’s about spending time in Ireland, listening, speaking, and absorbing the culture of my family alongside my studies.
Here’s how I plan to translate Our Lady Gaia into Irish:
• Learn the Language First
- I’ll study at the University of Galway for two years, building my skills in reading, writing, and speaking Irish. I’ll connect with fluent speakers, engage with Irish storytelling, and learn by living the language.
• Start the First Translation Draft
- I’ll work through the text carefully, making sure the meaning comes across naturally in Irish—not just word-for-word.
- Some ideas and phrases might need cultural adaptation, so I’ll compare translations of similar works.
• Get Help from Native Speakers
- I’ll talk with Irish speakers, teachers, and translators to refine the flow.
- It’s important that the translated version feels like a real Irish-language story, not just an English book with Irish words.
• Edit and Polish the Story
- Once the draft is solid, I’ll go back through it with native speakers to fine-tune the phrasing.
- The goal is a book that feels authentic in Irish, just as it does in English and Spanish.
• Prepare the Final Version for Publication
- With the translation complete, I’ll format it for potential publishers.
- Bringing Our Lady Gaia to Irish readers is part of a bigger dream: making sure my stories reflect the languages and cultures they belong to.
This isn’t just a project—it’s a journey. I’m stepping into the world of the Irish, not as an expert, but as a learner, ready to bring my book into a new language with care and respect.
Timeline
Pre-Departure (Now – August 2025)
Immigration & Finances:
• Research immigration laws and requirements.
- Secure a health insurance plan and prepare to prove that my Social Security income meets the minimum, while planning for additional work (20 hours/week during school, full-time in summer).
- Continue looking into educational grant foundations and arrange funds while keeping my borrowed resources manageable.
- Begin setting up a bank account in Galway to facilitate fund transfers.
• Language & Personal Branding:
- Use tools like Duolingo, YouTube, and AI for basic Irish language skills (learn essential phrases for ordering food, shopping, etc.)
- Finalize my website (StrongHeartClan.com), posting current and past writings already linked to book purchasing sites (Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, etc.).
- Promote my literary work and prepare updates about my journey online through my website and the GoFundMe format for updates.
Arrival & Transition (August 2025 – September 2025)
• Relocation:
- Aim to secure a studio or one-bedroom apartment by August 1, 2025, preferably near a bus route and basic shopping.
- Arrive in Galway about a month before classes begin to acclimate to the city and local lifestyle.
• Orientation & Setup:
- Familiarize myself with the campus and facilities at the University of Galway when I receive my course curriculum.
- Enroll in a local driving course to adapt to Irish road regulations, aligning with my professional driving experience.
- Organize my essential documents—Catholic identification papers and any other credentials—as Ireland is predominantly Catholic.
- Continue using online support groups (like Zoom AA meetings) as my safety net while building my new routine.
Program & Cultural Immersion (September 2025 – August 2027)
• Academic & Language Training:
- Start the Diploma in Irish/Gaeilge (Level A2) on September 1, 2025.
- Work the prescribed hours and practice daily to build a solid foundation in reading, writing, and speaking Irish.
- Use this immersive experience to connect with native speakers and truly absorb Irish culture.
• Book Translation & Career Growth:
- Begin translating Our Lady Gaia (my self-published bilingual Spanish-English children’s book with illustrator Carolyn Flint) into Irish as you progress in your language studies.
- Update StrongHeartClan.com with my journey, creating a narrative around your language learning and translation process.
- Network with local professionals, explore part-time work opportunities (driving or within cultural sectors), and prepare to have my translated work reviewed by native speakers.
Post-Program & Further Immersion (After August 2027)
• Advance Language Proficiency:
- Enroll in the Diploma in Irish/Gaeilge (Level B1), the next stage of Irish language learning, building upon my foundation from the A2 program.
- Strengthen fluency in reading, writing, and speaking Irish, deepening my ability to translate and create in the language.
• Deep Cultural Engagement:
- Immerse myself fully by exploring Ireland’s rich history, landmarks, and local communities.
- Undertake in-depth research in Sligo County, reconnecting with the roots of my great-grandfather, Edward Walsh Conmy, and linking that history with my personal narrative.
• Expanding my Portfolio:
- Use my newly honed language skills and cultural insights to translate my other works (the poetry and writing collection illustrated by Vasyl Woodland, and the children’s book Coyote Hawk and Grandmother Bear, positioning myself for further literary opportunities.
- Continue to seek local employment as a professional driver, blending my practical skills with my academic and cultural growth.
In support of my friend Vasyl Woodland from Ukraine—who has generously allowed me to use his artwork in my upcoming book of poetry—PBS’s Firing Line interviewed Liev Schreiber, a celebrated actor and proud descendant of Ukraine. They vetted the nonprofit organization BlueCheck and confirmed that 100% of donations go directly to non-military humanitarian aid behind the front lines, with no middlemen. Please click here to make a donation and support Ukraine through BlueCheck.
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Gratefully,
Lawrence F Hawk