Ok, so here I am. On the world race. And I have no idea what happened. I guess it really snuck up on me because I was just hanging out like normal and then all of a sudden I was gone. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really loving it here, it’s just still a bit surreal that I won’t be back for a year. Ok, so here’s what’s happened so far.
The first few days in Ireland consisted of training with the other team leaders. I’ve been learning the ins and outs of international bank transactions, how to buy phone minutes, find cheap food, etc. This time was good just to get comfortable with being over seas, but the best part was growing closer to the other team leaders. For whatever reason, I already feel very safe and comfortable in that group and I love being a part of it. Our squad leaders, Aaron and Caroline are AMAZING and I would not have made it this far without them.
The third day here, we were joined by the rest of the squad and it was soo great to see everybody again. We took over the campground with like 85 tents and it was sweet. Throughout the rest of the week we received teaching from Michael Hindes and enjoyed some great worship times. My team is gelling and slowly but surely I think we’re coming together. There are going to be issues, I’m sure, but I think we have made a good start. One interesting thing that I have already discovered about myself is that I absolutely need to get some alone time. I kind of had a meltdown one morning this week because I felt all this pressure and I realized that I hadn’t really been alone since I had arrived in Ireland. It was a great lesson to learn and my team has been very gracious in understanding and granting me time alone now and then.
We’re now doing ministry in Galway working with a church called Discovery Church. We’re doing community development work, cleaning up the city and having conversations with people. Here in Ireland, most people consider themselves post-Christian and don’t think God or the church have any relevance in modern living. Additionally, many have been hurt by mistakes made by Protestant and Catholic churches in the past, so there is a real cynicism regarding Christianity here. As a result, much of the ministry we are doing here is to legitimize the church in Galway as an institution that cares about the community and about its people. We’re just trying to let the people know that Christians are full of love, not judgment and hate.
On a personal level, I am doing well overall. I haven’t really been overcome by homesickness yet, but it’s early ;). I’m not hearing God clearly right now, which I have been asking for for some time. I’m really trying not to rely on my own strength, but lean on Him, but it’s difficult when I can’t hear what He wants me to do. I realize now that this is going to be HUGELY more difficult personally than I had even imagined. I really would have come home already if it weren’t for a calling. I honestly can’t remember anything difficult in my life compared to this. I can say with absolute certainty that if He doesn’t help me, I will fail. I CANNOT do this on my own, not even for a little while. I’m just trying to press in as close as I can. It is utterly beautiful here, and as soon as I can get on the internet on my computer (this isn’t mine), I’ll post some pictures, so check back in a couple of days. Thanks for reading, I’ll blog again as soon as I can. I love you all.
Trying to let go, so He can take hold
Adam
P.S. If you have time, please pray Psalm 91 over me. Thanks 🙂
