When Time Stands Still.

Yesterday we toured the Castle of Carrickferfergus. We explored dungeons. We played dress up with the medieval war clothes and pretended to fiercely attack each other. We learned of the men, women, and children who dwelled in this immense but dirty place.

To conclude our trip we all huddled up in the van to stay warm and dry and ate some “chips” from a dinner across the street. The weather was miserable. We hadn’t seen sunshine in days, and it wasn’t looking like we would anytime soon. As the rain poured down, our leaders asked us whether we would like to go to the Whitehead lighthouse. It would be a three-mile walk, and the weather was still fighting against us. Reluctantly, we ventured on.
Though the walk was by the sea, it was actually warmer outside due to the massive shield that lay at our side—a brilliant cliff that stood as high as you could see. The rain stopped, and jackets were slowly becoming a furnace. Walking alone the coastline, each breath was enriched with vitamins. The pure air with a slight hint of ocean breathe could heal any soul. Only a stone’s throw away was the spot, and then IT happened. Yes, the sun came out. We reached our beautiful lookout and sat in awe while being battered by the sun. This spot was breathtaking. The ocean stole my view for as far as I could see.  

Time stopped.

Indescribable beauty surrounded me. I wish I could have that feeling every moment of my life, feeling as if God was only an arm’s length away. Time was gracious. Creation was flaunting. Air was rich. Life was pure. Unfortunately, we had to leave this magnificent spot, but its brilliance will never be forgotten or taken for granted.

The next day we attended a Catholic church. As it was my first time to attend such a service, I was guilty in a constant curiosity. Incense surrounding me, bells going off, various people walking with hands folded. All so new.
I never thought I could really hear and feel God in such an atmosphere as I have always been a skeptic of all these practices. But then, a heard a song that will ring through my soul forever. A boys choir (ages 8-17) sang behind us to the sounds of the powerful organ. It was as if angels were present. Never in my life have I heard man sound so lovely. I could have listened to these young boys sing forever. Absolutely astounding.
After the service, one of our leaders explained all the symbolism in the church, and I couldn’t have been more impressed by the humility of the people and their practices. They had a respect for Christ and His death that I had never witnessed before. Tradition was used to be truly reverent to the One who gave His life for us. Christ gave His life for us, have you given Him your life in return? He is indescribably, undeniably good. He is so good.

Warmth Within.

Blustery. Cold. Rainy.
All such words could be used to describe what seems like forever on this island. I feel wet constantly and the cold just enhances the coarse feeling. I ask myself how anyone could feel warm in this place.

We were told that the saints were filled with warmth, but how? The saints were warmed by the Spirit within them—the Holy Spirit. Day and night, harsh cold and wet air, every moment, they were warm.

We visited the first church of Ireland’s history, a church began by Saint Patrick himself in the fifth century. Sitting in this old, small chapel constructed by aged, gray stones, I felt warm. The air was desperately cold, but warmth seeped through the hearts of the people and the history poured out through each stone. The winds outside the building sounded like thunder beating the sides of the building without mercy, but upon passing through the doors into this place of great significance, stillness was ever-present. We learned of the life of Saint Patrick, a man whose life is one of true sacrifice and strength. Songs of praise echoed through the chapel, as we sang two beautiful hymns (Be Thou My Vision and Amazing Grace) in admiration of the grace that Christ has given to us by His death on the cross.
We also visited the Inch Abbey, a place for women of faith to live out their lives devoted to Christ. This building remained in ruins, but ruins are nothing shy of magnificent. As I stood in the middle of this once beautiful structure, I couldn’t help but think of the large quantities of people, especially women of faith, who have stood on the same ground. I serve the same God that they committed their lives to. The gap between us is insignificant.
To finish the day we ventured back to the playground in the Rose Garden. In the pouring rain, we again played on all the wonderful equipment the playground had to offer. I love being 5 again. Nothing better.

Today we had the day off. In the morning, my housemates and I relaxed and worked on homework for our upcoming week. We concluded the day with a trip to the city of Belfast where we had a dinner and did a little shopping. I had the tastiest Irish dish—boiled ham and cabbage. Sounds gross at first, but my taste buds were definitely pleased.  Just by looking at the contents, I believe I could concoct such a dish when I get home, so watch out mom and dad! 

Folklore at its Finest.

Yesterday was wonderful. Woke up late, had some tea, had my first day of classes, and spent the evening having fun with the group. The class I attended was on Christian formation. I can tell this class is going to be extremely impactful to my life. We will be doing a deep study on the book The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I've been reading this book all year with a Bible study, and it's already changed my life. I can't wait to go deeper into it and gain new insights. We completed the night with a competitive Spades tournament in which my partner and I did our best (we are trying to stay positive despite losing...we struggle with our competitive natures). To further encourage our competitive natures, we proceeded to play several rounds of Wii Mario Kart and Wii bowling, and ended the day with watching Beauty and the Geek.

Today was an awe-inspiring day. We spent the day in Armagh, a place full of history and beauty. The first stop we made was at the Navan Fort. Here we stood on top of a drumlin (a natural hill) and gazed across the beautiful countryside of Ireland. Strong winds employed a feeling of being truly on top of the world. As we walked across this gorgeous landscape, our guide spoke of legends and Irish tales that were full of triumph, endurance, and darkness. We learned of this history of the ancient years of Ireland while participating in a role play scenario. Needless to say, this was an entertaining experience. We left this locale and viewed the two Cathedrals, both dedicated to Saint Patrick: St. Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The St. Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral was a charming work of art with history covering every wall and floor tile. Flags from the Great War, statues and busts, ancient pieces of art, memory plaques, family crests, stained glass. Gorgeous. The most beautiful building I have ever seen is definitely the St. Patrick's Cathedral. The details were astonishing. This sacred space alluded to Christ in more ways than I could ever conceive. No words could truly describe this place. God felt so close and alive.

Ah, the Weekend.

I wasn't able to update the other day due to team facials and watching Britain's Got Talent, but now on this beautiful morning I have a wee bit of time.

Saturday, we were taught some street smarts of Belfast by two local sisters. Walking in the cold, pouring ran all day was not the greatest of times, but yet there is just something wonderful about rain. For a moment the rain took a break to relax, and in that time, hood down, I was able to truly take in the smells, sounds, and sights of the town. Noise never seised. The buildings and streets never felt familiar. But the most wonderful was the smell. I love the smell  of fresh rain on the blacktop. Clean, fresh, smooth. It smells like that almost everyday here, one thing I could definitely get use to.
We went to stores, the mall, and the elaborate but aged City Hall. The hustle and bustle of the town was overwhelming at times, because for the first time I was in the minority.

Sunday was a wonderful day. We went to a church that honestly made me feel like I was home. The message and worship were both a familiar experience. How wonderful it was to see that despite where we are in this world, there is still only ONE God. The strangest thing about the service was a guy who spoke on mission teams who were traveling to Africa, Canada, and AMERICA. I never realized that other countries send mission teams to the U.S. It was odd to think that we need God's word spread here just as much as anywhere else.
That afternoon we rode down to the rose gardens yet again, but this time with the intent to explore. We did a little off-roading on those street bikes, but luckily no injuries :) We came upon a playground that was full of wonder and excitement. Children swarmed the place, and I quickly found out why. American playgrounds are leagues behind Ireland's thrilling, magnificent children's utopia. The teeter-totter not only went up and down, but in circles as well...an experience everyone must have. Zip-lines sent children flying, the swings were of something I've never seen. This place was magical. We were tired of waiting to play on all these wonderful creations, when a nice rain welcomed the crazy Americans while shooing off the little Irish children to a dry place. We played in the rain like we were in the South on a warm, wet day with a smile as wide as the ocean blue.
We completed the day by watching our own school's Cathedral Choir perform a concert that could been mistaken as coming from angels. Absolutely breathtaking.

To end this post, I must take the time to brag on my developing Irish gatch. I was mistaken not once, but TWICE as being a local this weekend.
The first time I was in the mall when a women walked up to me and asked for directions to City Hall as she was "not from here." With a huge grin, I informed her with my American accent that I had no idea.
The second time was last night at the concert. A woman about my age asked me where the bathroom was. I told her I had no idea, and she responded with, "Oh sorry, I thought you went to church here."
Yes, I did remember her exact words...it was that exciting :)

History is Alive.

Today was filled with exposure to the culture and history of recent Ireland. We took a trip down to the city of Belfast, but not the part of Belfast most tourists would visit. One of our leaders was raised in the terrorist area of Belfast. This area was divided between the Catholics and the Protestants, with a peace wall built between the two divisions to minimize the attacks on one another. Elaborate murals covered several buildings, each holding a story or remembering a fallen terrorist who posed as heros to their many followers. People walked around carrying baggage of their past, brokenness for their futures, and strength for their present to just survive this war that continues today even though the height of the movement was over thirty years ago.

Walking down these alleys and seeing these murals first hand sent chills down my spine. History has never felt more alive than it did in those moments. We walked by two large churches that have been disregarded as mere pigeon homes and graffiti canvases within the past ten years. Upon this horrid site, our leader asked us to consider Christianity in America today...would our churches someday soon become nothing but empty buildings holding nothing but fading memories?

We remained on this side of town for awhile, soaking in the culture of the Protestant side, namely Shankill Road. Located on this road was a tiny dinner where I had my first fish and chips experience. For a pound of grease and a little cod and taters, not too shabby.

Later that afternoon, a few of us went on another bike ride to a rose garden that holds several world titles for their extravagance. Though the roses are yet to be in bloom, the view was indescribable. Flowing fields were embellished with magnificent flowers, trees, and bushes alike. Life could never be more at peace and rest than in a place like this. Standing in the middle of one of the fields stretched as far as one can see is like being on top of the world with time standing as still as mouse. Rain accompanied by bright sunshine illuminated each flower to perfection. True, beautiful calm in the storm.

An Irish Gatch.

Today was a beautiful day. In the early morning the sun was beaming across the backyard as if to smile at God's wonderful creation. We took a trip south to view some spectacular sceneries and the visit a small, but lively town of Newcastle.

A picnic by the Dundrum Castle began this delightful adventure. Upon exploring this ancient architecture, I discovered that ruins of a structure might actually be more beautiful than its most lively state. History seeped through each brick, and the forestry surrounding only enhanced its magnificence. After venturing away, we spoke with an old Irish man who spoke with an interesting sort of wisdom and elegance. He spoke of the King...aka Elvis Presley...and his fondness of the beauteous Dolly Parton. Also, apparently "American country and western" is a hit over here. Oh, and eighties music.

The next stop was trip to Newcastle. This quick strip of shops and cafes was accompanied by an ocean view to the east side. We gazed across the ocean while standing in the sand with the cold wind dashing by. We continued down the boardwalk and then ventured back on the strip where we drank a pot of tea in a small cafe. As of right now the cups of hot tea count is at 5. I've been working for months now on liking the dirty water {sorry} and I must say I officially now enjoy it.

The last, and most magnificent, stop was at the Tulleymore forest. I could have sat in the grace of these lands forever. The stern trees were embellished with the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. Streams of trickling water accompanied the paths, and stone structures hid throughout the forestry. No words could fully describe the beauty of this place, and I desperately hope for another opportunity to return.

A little Irish slang.
A gatch is the way someone walks. I'm hoping to develop an Irish form of a gatch before I leave, this American one just isn't as cool over here ;)

Travel Day/First Day Combo.

My travel day and first day were literally a combo. After a mere 18 hours traveling, we landed in Ireland with nightfall somehow slipping through the cracks of time zones and vanishing completely. Days without night are not quite as appealing as when accompanied by this dark visitor. When arriving in the bright early morn on this beautiful island, we were forced to dismiss sleep's temptations in order that the presence of jet-lag might be sent away trembling. In order to keep this exhausted body functioning without "resting my eyes," a little play and adventure were undoubtedly necessary.

Upon arrival, we were treated to some homemade scones and tea. My first real tea party :) Following, we went on a walk down beautiful trails that stroked the edge of a flowing creek. We continued to defeat the enemy of sleep by tossing the football and frisbee too and fro until a new idea struck us. We proceeded to go on a 2 hour bike ride, seeing the town and trails in a rapid, but new light.

It is now 9 o'clock. The sun continues to shine its brightest through our trying curtains. But despite the elements, it is time to finally lay this head to rest :)

Pre-Travel Jitters.

Well TOMORROW I leave the country. Ireland bound and couldn't be more excited!

I'm hoping to find myself and gain all wisdom while away, though I realize my expectations are a little high.
But for real, I hope to learn more about God each day and grow in my relationship with Him (as well as have countless adventures!). This past year I have learned to wholeheartedly put my trust in Him, and needless to say, He has provided above and beyond. Now, it's time to learn more about WHO God is.

Though the flight leaves tomorrow, the sojourn has already begun. We were told to read Faith on the Edge and discuss the challenges we faced while reading. The book's focus is to encourage believers to live a daring life for Christ...to put an undoubted trust in Him...to show His light in you every step in life...to let your heart break for what breaks His...to forgive because He forgave us...to love because He first loved us...to uncomfortably follow Christ everyday.

This is only the beginning of one crazy journey.