Greetings from Emerald Isle There is so much that has happened since arriving in Ireland… all once again proving God’s provision for our team. About a week before leaving Ukraine 2 weeks ago, we got word that our ministry contact in Ireland had completely fallen through. Essentially what that meant was no place to stay and no ministry or work set up for us among other things. As one of the squad’s logistics leaders, I was in a position where I was utterly powerless to do anything to help this situation (besides pray) as I was at a sandy kids camp where my cell phone didn’t work and internet was pricey and scarce. Things didn’t look promising going to Ireland…the country I’d most been looking forward to on my 11 month itinerary. But as I alluded to earlier, God provided. Our logistics team state-side had found a brand new contact in Ireland for us to stay at FOR THE FIRST 8 DAYS. A first step, but still had 3 more weeks to figure out. The contact we got set up with was another amazing couple who live in an old orphanage home (which is a 2 story mini-mansion), they have 3 foster kids, and allow travelers and missionaries to stay at their home for any donation. Part of our ministry was to help them remodel a back house for future guests and missions teams to stay in. When I was initially told what had to be done, it seemed like I was listening to another language, not only only because I’m seriously unfamiliar with construction/carpentry lingo but also the thick Irish accent didn’t help either! Of course though after a few days, I was put in charge of this project of insulating the ceilings and walls of the guest house. Though I can say with confidence that my team of guys and I have been doing a pretty stinkin good job! The reason why we could only stay with this contact for a week was that they were leaving to France for a 10 day conference that they attend annually. But since our team was so wonderful and helpful (and desperate), the couple offered that we could remain there for the duration of our stay in Ireland!!! So we are kind of house sitting, but have a huge amazing house (with one shower) for 15 people to use as home base. Plus, we get to continue to work on the guest house when we’re not out doing other ministry work…. a win-win!
A little about where we’re staying, its a small harbor town called Greystones which is about 40 miles south of Dublin on the coast of the Irish Sea. Its about a 10 min walk to the beach and jagged rocks that jetty in to the freezing cold sea which some of my teammates have made a habit of swimming in first thing in the morning. The town is famously known for being voted as offering the highest quality of life. I love it…feels like Sierra Madre (the town I grew up in) placed on the sea side! We even have access to a $3 tram ride into Dublin city center.
Fish and chips are everywhere, & we eat tons of irish potatoes (as they’re cheap and filling).
The weather has been beautiful and not just by Irish standards! In a country where cloudy cold rainy days are the prevailing forecast, we’ve seen blue skies and 75 degree sunny days at least 70% of the time. Though even cooler days are a nice change from the sweltering heat we got in both Romania and Ukraine. It really is true that the greens are greener and brighter than just about anywhere I’ve ever been. Sheep really do cover many of the hillsides and Guinness truly is something of a national… pastime shall we say. The people here are generally very friendly and are happy to strike up a conversation with us, especially after hearing our weird American accents. Its a magical little island. And even though I haven’t seen any leprechauns or pots of gold, I’ve been more than mesmerized by its natural beauty! The following blog will be mores on various ministries we’ve taken part in and what I’ve been learning here.
