We spent August in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. It has a reputation for being one of the friendliest and most hospitable areas in the world, and I can confirm it. We had an amazing time, falling in love with the tea breaks, the accents, the scenery, and especially the community.
There is something special happening at the Vineyard Church in Coleraine. Even though it is a large church, the community is strong and outward-focused and beautiful.
I could tell a million little stories from the month, but here are just a few of them.
Once a week, the B-Squad team leaders had the afternoon off to meet with each other and fill out the weekly documents we send into the office.
It’s been such a gift to be together (unfortunately minus Kristin, whose team worked in Belfast this month). Team Leading is not easy, and it definitely gives you a whole different Race. It made a world of difference to have the support system of the other TLs around us, and a space to struggle and learn with them.
Team Leaders: Shelby, me, Lyndsay, Harris, Anthea, Kristin
One week at the café, as we were meeting together, I was accidentally brought an extra order of delicious mocha. Shelby, Lyndsay &I jumped at the chance to give it away to a local on the street and make their day.
“Hello, Ma’am! How are you! They accidentally gave us an extra coffee, and we’d like to give it away to someone.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet of you girls… but I don’t like coffee.”
We got that same reaction 4 MORE TIMES.
(5 people in a row who don’t like coffee?! The Northern Irish are STRANGE)
Finally Shelby opened with:
“Hello, Ma’am! …do you like coffee?”
“Yes I do!”
Jackpot.
I’ve got five little kids calling my name and desperately beckoning me over. I’m stalling – where is everyone else? Isn’t there another leader who can be in the relay? Shoot. There are 200 children in this church auditorium, 3 guests from the Ulster rugby team, and 1 relay team that needs a leader to join in.
It’s been a long, physically exhausting week running the kids’ summer camp at the Vineyard church, but I jog over to the end of the line and try to understand the rugby captain’s thick accent as he explains the rules. And when he finally blows the whistle, chaos ensues.
On my turn, I’m supposed to lunge and pass the rugby ball under my knee with every step. I eventually make it halfway, where the rugby captain happens to be standing, and he gives me a thumbs up and says, “Hey, you’ve really got the hang of that.” Of course, that’s the moment when I fumble the ball… but whatever. I got a compliment from an Irish Rugby star.
I told you about Hutch last time. He’s always full of stories like this one:
“A while back, I fell off a 28-foot-ladder.”
“No way!! Really?”
“Yea. But I didn’t get hurt.”
“Seriously? What happened?”
“Well you see, I fell off the bottom rung.”
…Ok, Hutch.
Before the premiere (photo credit – Laura Moody)
It had been the longest day yet. We arrived at the church at 6:30am to set up for the church’s “Car Boot Sale” – a monthly event that attracts hundreds of people from the surrounding communities. We manned stalls, the parking lots, the tea & coffee stations, and carried boxes upon boxes of goods for sale.
Once the crowds cleared and we emptied the final rubbish bin, we had a couple hours of rest until it was time to prepare the church for the Holy Ghost premiere. One of the Vineyard’s very own, Mark Marx makes a major appearance in the movie. The premiere was a huge event as Darren Wilson, the director himself had travelled to Northern Ireland for the film’s first showing there.
Once the popcorn was made, the DVD table prepared, and about 950 chairs placed in the auditorium, Amanda White and I were asked to help with seating as the audience arrived.
Surprisingly, those 15 minutes of welcoming people were moving to me.
After just 3 weeks, I’d been so accepted into this community that I felt completely at home. I’d wave across the auditorium at familiar faces, or people would want to introduce me to their parents or friends. I was amazed at how completely and quickly I had been welcomed into the Vineyard community, and had now myself been entrusted with welcoming newcomers, too.
When the lights dimmed, Amanda and I grabbed a seat on the floor in front of the sound booth, with a perfect center view of the screen. We high-fived to congratulate each other on a long day’s work almost over, and shared a bag of sour Haribo gummies.
There was no place we’d rather be than in that haven of a building.
Some of B Squad at the church, surprising our host on his birthday
(Photo credit – Sarah Motes)
