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!