Lodging: We stayed in a scout hall with a full kitchen, hot water showers, and sleeping in community rooms of 10-20 on our sleeping pads. We were able to walk to local coffee shops in order to get wifi.
Food: Each team rotated cooking each night with two sweet ladies in charge of getting groceries and planning meals for us all. Since we did the cooking, it looked very American. In Ireland we had access to just about everything we have in the States. The store we shopped at was even part of the Wal-Mart family. Since our budget was low, however, many meals were donated to us by the church. One member took it upon himself to make sure we were well fed and made us what were quite possibly the best ribs, burgers, and hot dogs I have or will ever taste in my life. They were that good. We were all very grateful for that man.
People: The people in the city of Coleraine were seriously the nicest people in the world- well at least in the 28 countries I have been to in my life. The people in the stores or coffee shops would ask where we were from, what we were doing, tell us what we needed to see, and welcome us to their city. And it wasn’t just one or two of them, it was 99%. They were just so warm and friendly. It was refreshing compared to the coldness of most of the people we encountered in Eastern Europe and made our last month- full of its own challenges due to the fact that it is your last month on this amazing journey- a little more pleasant.
VBS with the kids at Causeway Coast Vineyard. Where they taught us how to love the hurting.
Ministry: We partnered with Causeway Coast Vineyard for the month working with almost all of their ministries. From Children’s ministry, to women’s ministry, to healing on the streets, to food bank. This was the most scheduled and busy of our months, which was restful for the souls of those of us that crave structure.
Prayer Requests
-Next steps. What do I do now? That is the big question looming over mine and 50+ other racers heads as we leave the race. Prayer for direction and even more for a passion or vision/dream for our lives would be appreciated by all.
My beautiful family for these last 8 months:
