Dear A&J
I’ve given an overview about some of the ministries that we were able to join this month in Northern Ireland… but here’s more about life there.
Every day looks a little different as to what ministry I’ll help out with for at least half of the day. but you can bet that I wake up each morning and pull on a hoodie. The weather in September is chilly. The day can start out with a beautiful crisp blue sky and then change to a downpour within a matter of minutes. So always carry your rain jacket. Umbrellas are silly, anywhere in the world, so always go with the jacket.
[greener grass is a result of more rain… if you like green, get used to the rain].
I talked about the soccer (or football) fields near our home for the month. They were glorious. And yes, the grass is truly greener in Ireland. When you see the local teens outside kicking the ball around, GO and JOIN! The youth are a bit rough around the edges, but they mean well. They are decent at footy, and if I could keep up and occasionally school them – you’ll be great J Also… practice your left foot, they can’t mark it. But really, football was probably my favorite thing about the month. My squad mates Guille, Rene and I played a few times with a ragtag group of young men. It was great to play and also to simply chat with them.
[Pray for Adam – he’s a newer believer that we met while playing and wants very badly to be discipled. We think an intern from the church will be hanging out with him, but I’m not sure.]
The church in Northern Ireland is a mix of protestant and catholic and deals heavily with prejudice and fighting between the people. It’s heavily related to the political standings of being a part of the UK versus a republic. When a youth professes to be a Christian, they are often made fun of in their schools. The Vineyard church does not make a big deal of being a church with a protestant viewpoint because of the background of fighting between faiths.
Trips to Belfast, Derry-Londonderry are musts if you can. You can learn much more about the Troubles and the conflict between the faiths and political stances in the island of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We were able to see some of the propaganda that still goes around today when we visited these cities.
The Giant’s causeway and nearby sites are also really special. The cliffs are gorgeous and I recommend the nearby port towns for wandering around.
There is a pool within walking distance from the scout hall where we lived. The men on our squad went one night for some Men Only time. They seemed to enjoy it. I can’t share the details, but I do believe the time the women had that night was much better and far more entertaining.
This is the first country we’ve visited where I didn’t see stray dogs everywhere. Pets are on leashes in N. Ireland, just like in the U.S.
The stores all close by 5 or 6 pm. But I can buy books in English and relax at a plethora [shout out to your dad on that word choice] of coffeeshops. Except… the UK uses the pound. And one pound equals roughly $1.60. So a coffee runs like a Starbucks drink which is not exactly on a missionary budget.
Also, it’s lovely having a month in an English speaking country. There is definitely a struggle at times to still understand what is being said because the accents are so different and there are some obvious differences in definitions. Pants in Northern Ireland means underwear. So when walking along, loudly talking in English, because you continue to forget that everyone around you can understand you this month, don’t talk about your pants being wet from all the rain.
[Jesus Loves You is the same here. No need for a translation unless the accent is misunderstood.]
[Also, my personal favorite is : Praise de Lerd]
That’s pretty much it – oh and do go to Ground Espresso if you decide to make a visit. The people are lovely and there are plug-ins to charge your electronics while you hog their free wifi. (Just remember they close at 5 and you should probably bring your rain jacket).
Hope you had a great October filled with yummy pumpkin goodies. Enjoy Halloween! We’ll be having a costume party on a rooftop in Nepal. And yes, I’ll update you two on India soon. It is quite different from Northern Ireland. And very different from Bedford too.
– Miss Amanda
