For I-Squad’s debrief this past month we were fortunate enough to go to Galway, Ireland. While most of the squad camped at Salthill, Team Azariah was able to spend the five days at the Poth’s house. Kaleb’s parents are missionaries in Ireland, in the Galway area, and they opened up their home to Team Azariah. The best night sleep I have experienced on the race thus far was that first night in Ireland- I slept for 12 hours and it was amazing. Mr. and Mrs. Poth were a true blessing for our team. We definitely benefited from being away from the rest of the squad and being able to get to know Kaleb’s parents. One of my favorite memories of Ireland was Sunday. We all went to the Poth’s church in the morning and then they invited us all back to their for lunch and dinner. It was such a fun time for the whole squad to relax. We watched movies, used the internet, some took naps, ate delicious food, and even had birthday celebrations. Mrs. Poth wanted to make sure every person on the squad had a chance to have a birthday cake and blow out candles; she baked a cake and some brownies and sang Happy Birthday for each month we are on the World Race. Let’s give a special shout out right now to the Poths: Thank you so much for opening your home to us!!!!
Our squad coaches, Tom and Cindy Sipling, were able to meet us in Galway. Tom and Cindy have a way of challenging and encouraging me that keeps pushing me towards God and who I am in Him. This was something I have been learning about the past 2.5 months and being in Ireland just confirmed that God will continue to teach me about identity in Him. I have spent almost all of my life finding my identity in those around me and not in who God says I am. I need to continually be releasing the lies about who I am and replacing them the truth of who I am in Christ.
Another fun thing about Ireland was that I was able to go see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince!!!
I definitely hope to return to Ireland someday! It is a beautiful country, with much to explore. I kinda wish we were in Ireland for a month doing ministry, but I did get a green stamp in my passport so I can’t really complain!
