Recap.

Well this week has been full of studying. We leave in the morning for  Liverpool, England, and we had several assignments to get done before we leave! But, no worries...Life has still been wonderful despite the work load. 

Saturday was C.S. Lewis day. Amazing, inventive, life-impacting writer. We visited his home, his place of birth, a statue erected in his name, and his honeymoon site, a wonderful little beach on the coast that had some great ice cream cones! We learned of his life, his impact, his love, his struggles. We concluded this day full of inspiring learning with a trip to one of the highest points of Northern Ireland, a place that provided Lewis with inspiration and calm. We stood at this memorial for a fallen soldier of the Great War and could see for miles. All of Belfast was before me, fields upon fields, houses and cathedrals, sites of history and sites of worship. Just when I thought I had seen it all, I'm placed on top of the world once again. A nice fog brushed the town, and a light mist cleansed my soul. The air was so pure and freeing. 

Sunday was a day of rest. Due to a van break-down, we had church in the humble library. We worshiped together, prayed together, and were silent before the Lord as a body. We are a family, a beautiful, diverse family. 

Monday was class, class, class! Literally all day. But, it was rather enjoyable. We learned about the Sermon on the Mount in great depth. Christ's impact on our life is so powerful, I hope to never take that fact for granted again. 

Tuesday was Dublin day! We went to the library and an art gallery with exhibits on the ever-so talented brothers, William Butler Yeats and Jack Butler Yeats. These men made a real name for Ireland in their paintings and poems. After we did a little learning, we were allowed the day to explore the city. Walking down the streets, we heard various music and singing. A local park proved to me a great place of relaxation and peace. Hundreds of people filled this place with smiles and laughter with a few mischievous characters mixed in of course. Simply pleasant. Near the end of our adventure, we came across a homeless man who had written out a great poem of his misfortune that displayed not only his need but his heart and passion. He made me look at those who are homeless in a completely new light. He saw himself as a man who messed up, a man who lost everything when he lost his job, a very good job at that. He was shaken but not broken. Pride filled his eyes like no other person I had ever seen in his situation. Whether or not he made enough money that day, whether or not he found a job today, he has made a real and powerful impact on people. God can use anyone, absolutely anyone. Though the impact may not be seen, by no means does it mean that it isn't there. 

I thought I would give a little recap of my adventure so far since it has been so long since I've updated:

Ireland...AMAZING. It's so much more than I was expecting. I've seen places that have taken my breath away, I've learned things about myself and God that I've needed to learn for so long, I've developed relationships with wonderful people that I probably would have never been able to know if it werent for this trip. I've made one friend in particular that might just last a lifetime, no lie, she is incredible and we've both gained so much from each others challenges...so good. I've never felt more relaxed, more free. I love not having a phone. I love exploring. I love experiencing life as the minority. The food is incredible and so pure and fresh. Classes have been very challenging but so good at the same time. They've really taught me to think outside the box and have a passion for what I am learning. The Christian life class I'm taking is a life-changer...I'm not sure if I'll ever be the same.

On fire for life? Check.