'Tis the Season

Its that time of year again! The few weeks before Christmas when everything is crazy busy!! 

Everything is wrapping up here with DFCI next week. It’s still hard to believe. I have been, and will be very busy this month. I feel like I won't be able to slow down really until Christmas. 

You might be wondering what the Christmas season is like here. Well, its very similar to back home, however, there is one thing that Belfast has that Winchester doesn't, the Continental Market. For those of you who have been to the Apple Blossom's arts and crafts fair picture that, only make it with vendors worldwide and Christmas themed! It's probably my new favorite thing! It’s a market open all day everyday till Christmas, with vendors from all over the world! 

Some of the vendors include burgers from all different types of animals, including wild boar, kangaroo, ostrich, alligator, and more. There are brats from Germany, baguettes and crepes from France, jumpers and scarves from Finland, just to name a few. The market sells everything from noodles to jewelry! It has all kinds of handcrafted items! I just love it! It gets really crowed at night but it’s totally worth it! It has been a great cultural experience and its fun! It’s been open for a little over 2 weeks now and I have already been quite a few times. 

The Continental Market in front of City Hall

I hope that during this lead up to Christmas you take the time to stop and enjoy some of the Christmas spirit that is all around you and truly appreciate it for what its worth. Maybe that means going to see Christmas lights in your neighborhood or going to pick out a tree or just spending time with your family. Whatever you do, just remember the reason for which we celebrate this time of year. 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11 ESV)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

With Thanksgiving fast approaching I just wanted to say be thankful for the little things too. We take for granted the American holiday that comes every November. I know that I always did. Now being in a country, that doesn't have Thanksgiving, I realize how important it is to take time to be with loved ones and give thanks for all the wonderful things in our lives! With everything going on here, I was so focused on the negative. And how it feels like the end of everything, but it's just the beginning of something else.

I was looking through some stuff from Orientation and stumbled across a prayer, by Sr. Joyce Rupp, that my small group leader, Maggie gave me. I find it very fitting for this time of year.

It made me count my blessings, only to realize I still have so much to be thankful for. So I hope it speaks to you as well.

A Prayer For Those Who Have Too Much

To my brothers and sisters in developing countries:

While I was deciding which oat bran cereal to eat this morning,
You were searching the ground for leftover grains from the passing wheat truck.

While I was jogging at the health center,
You were working in the wealthy landowner's fields under a scorching sun.

While I was choosing between diet and regular soda,
Your parched lips were yearning for the touch of water.

While I complained about the poor service in the gourmet restaurant,
You were gratefully receiving a bowl of rice.

While I poured my "Fresh and Better" detergent in the washing machine,
You stood in the riverbank with your bundle of clothes.

While I watched the evening news on my wide screen television set,
You were being terrorized and taunted by a dictatorship government.

While I read the newspaper and drank my cup of steaming coffee,
You walked the dusty, hot mules to the tiny, crowded schoolroom to try and learn how to read.

While I scanned the ads for a bargain on an extra piece of clothing,
You woke up and put on the same shirt and pants that you have worn for many months.

While I built a 14 room house for the three of us,
Your family of 10 found shelter in a one room hut.

While I went to church last Sunday and felt more than slightly bored,
You looked out upon the earth and those around you
And felt gratitude to God for being alive for one more day.

My brothers and sisters, forgive me for my arrogance and my indifference. Forgive me for my greed of always wanting newer, bigger, and better things. Forgive me for not doing my part to change the unjust systems that keep you suffering and impoverished. I offer to you my promise to become more aware of your situation and to change my lifestyle as I work for transformation of our world.

-Sr. Joyce Rupp

No matter what happens…trust God!

Its truly amazing how I remember things from VBS this summer that apply to my life. Every thing from the "watch for God" bracelet I wear everyday, to the bible points and bible verses. It reminds me that no matter how I feel, where I am, or what happens, I need to trust God.

I have been working here at Dundonald Methodist Church and at Dundonald Family and Community Initiative (DFCI) for almost 3 months now. I am sure that you are all interested as to what's new in my life. Well these past few weeks we have been dealing with some discouraging news.

The following is an agreed statement, which was read to the congregation on Sunday 7^th October. Due to the current adverse funding environment, the Executive Committee of Dundonald Family and Community Initiative have reluctantly taken the decision that, as of the end of year 2012, DFCI cannot continue as an independent charitable association, or carry the responsibility for the employment of staff.

For that reason the current staff of DFCI have been given the appropriate notice, participants, members, partners and funders are being informed, and the association will be wound up according to the stipulations in its constitution.

The executive committee and staff of DFCI are currently seeking to ensure the continuity of programmes and projects under the auspices of Dundonald Methodist Church and/or other agencies.

We appreciate your continued practical support and prayer at this difficult time.

The hope is that some of the programs will continue on in some form. I will try to keep you all updated on what this means for me. But for now prayers are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions. Please feel free to email me.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

YAV Retreat

I can't believe its been over two months since I arrived!! So much has happened in what feels like such a short time! Most recently I went on a retreat with the YAV to the Mourne Mountains. It was amazing! I really enjoyed getting to spend time with the other YAVs when we could all just relax and have fun. For those who haven't been to the Mourne Mountains, if you get the chance you need to go. It's so beautiful there!

While we were there I got to visit both the Anglican St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Catholic St. Patrick's Cathedral. Both were very beautiful! I mean just walking around and seeing all the details in the artwork and the building itself were amazing! Art History would have been way more interesting had I been able to actually see the original artwork, like in these Cathedrals. Art really comes to life in person.

Some other fun things on this trip include feeding a horse, sitting by the fire, playing card games, cooking, and just relaxing in general. My favorite thing was probably going to the beach on the last day. Courtney, Grace, Kathryn and I got to put together a devotion on the beach.

As some of you may or may not know, I love the water! Any chance to go swimming or just be near the water and I'll take it! So getting to experience a time of worship on the beach was truly incredible! A part of our devotion/worship was to go off on our own for a little while, pray and pick up a rock.

Needless to say, I now have my own little rock collection in my room. All are from different parts of Northern Ireland. I like having them there because they serve as a reminder of a time and place where I felt God's presence.

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV) 

In the secret, in the quiet place
In the stillness You are there.
In the secret, in the quiet hour I wait,
Only for You,'cause I want to know You more... 

Chris Tomlin "In the Secret"

Corrymeela

Group photo

This past weekend I went to Corrymeela with the Sticky Fingers and the Women Moving Forward mums and their kids. The Sticky Fingers group is a mums and tots program and Women Moving Forward is a women's group, both are sponsored by DFCI. I realize that most of you reading this don't know anything about Corrymeela, so I will tell you about it.

http://www.corrymeela.org/

We went to the Corrrymeela Community for a retreat weekend. It was so beautiful! I could have stayed there forever! Before I went, I thought that it was just a retreat center but soon after arrival I realized that it is much more. The volunteers there work year round with different visiting groups. They do everything from childcare to cooking.

Corrymeela's mission is: embracing difference, healing division and enabling reconciliation. Our vision is of a peaceful and sustainable society based on social justice, positive relationships and respect for diversity. The Corrymeela Community strives to embody these values in every aspect of our lives. (From the website)

The building where we stayed

view from Corrymeela

I found out that Doug, the YAV site coordinator for Belfast, used to work there. 











I made some new friends and began to build some relationships with some of the mums and kids. We all had a great time! We did some pampering, relaxing, and some fun stuff too! It was nice to see the mums kick back and unwind a bit. I got to see a little bit of the town, Ballycastle, and the beach! It was a very successful trip! I would love to go back and  maybe even volunteer there one day.

While I was there I came across a beautiful garden, where I sat down and prayed for a long time about the future, my life, etc. And I realized that when it comes to my future and my life I have no idea what comes next. I feel like I am driving down a dark road and can only see a few feet in front of me. I know that I am going the right way and I'm on the right road but I can't see where it leads or what's up ahead. I know there will be bumps and forks in the road, maybe even a few wrong turns. I might even get lost. All I know for sure is that God will be with me the entire way. I hope to one day to look back on the road I have traveled and understand. But for now I'm just driving along enjoying and wondering where the road might lead me. 

"Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT)

Beavers!!!! :)

So every Thursday night I work with the Beavers (like boy scouts). They are a group of boys ages 6-7. We have anywhere from 20-25 boys that come every week! And boy are they a lively bunch! But even though they are wild and crazy, they are becoming the highlight of my week! They are so full of energy and are typical boys! They may sometimes get into a wee bit of trouble but they are still good boys! Today I went with them on a hiking trip to a waterfall. It was beautiful! The boys loved it!

Later, the boys had to do a challenge. They had to all climb up this steep bank and then walk through this patch of woods then climb back down the steep bank on the other side of this giant tree. So I went up with the boys to help them and make sure they went down one at a time and didn't run into each other or push each other. They were pretty good, and all of them made it up and down several times. However, it was very muddy so there was a lot of slipping and sliding, which the boys loved! All of them ended up very muddy! Including me. After I made sure all the boys made it down safely, I had to go down and by that point all the sliding the boys had done made it like a slide. I was very successful at getting down without falling, just using my hands and feet and kinda crab walking down. But then when I got close to the bottom, my foot slid and I just kinda sat down in the mud. We all had a great laugh! :)
 
 While I am learning a lot this year, I remember that its always important to take some time to have fun! And what's more fun then playing in the mud?! Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!!! (Ms. Frizzle). For when you make mistakes that's how you learn.

Ulster Covenant Parade

This is a video I took while watching the parade on Saturday that was to commemorate 100 years since the signing of the Ulster Covenant. In order to explain what the Ulster Covenant is you have to understand some history.  Ulster is one of 4 provinces in all of Ireland. Within Ulster there are 9 counties, 6 of those counties are in Northern Ireland. The other 3 counties are in the Republic of Ireland.

Pink is Northern Ireland; Green+Pink=Ulster Provence

At one time all of Ireland was under British rule. In the early 1900's Ireland wanted its independence from the United Kingdom. However, the province of Ulster wanted to remain British. In 1912 the  Ulster Covenant was created and nearly half a million people signed. This covenant stated that those who signed pledged to use "all means that may be found necessary". Shortly after Ulster Day and the signing of the covenant, the Ulster Volunteer Force was formed. In response to that the Irish Volunteers were formed in Dublin. So King George V invites both sides to Buckingham Palace for "all-party talks". This talk fails and the united Kingdom finds itself on the brink of Civil War.

 Finally in 1921, the split of Ireland became official. The southern part of Ireland became independent and are now called the Republic of Ireland. And the 6 counties in Ulster where the majority of the Unionist were became Northern Ireland. And it remains that way to this day. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is a country in the United Kingdom. Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is a free country. To clarify, The Republic of Ireland is Irish and Northern Ireland is British. (Click for more info BBC-Ulster Covenant).

While technically Northern Ireland is British, its not that simple. While the majority living in Northern Ireland wanted to remain British, some wish to see Ireland unite as a whole. Thus there are two big political parties, the Unionists and the Nationalist. The Unionists wish to remain with the United Kingdom. The Nationalists wish to reunite all of Ireland.

For questions or more information (including videos) about Ulster Covenant or the Troubles or Northern Ireland in general feel free to email me anytime! :)

God works in mysterious ways

God is at work whether I can see it or not.

That's pretty amazing if you think about it. God is always there you just don't always see him. Maybe its because you aren't looking or maybe you just can't make the connections yet. God has always been present in my life and its fun to look back on things that have happened over the course of my life that don't make sense in the moment but looking back you can see the connection.

John Bell

This past weekend I went to see John Bell for the second time in my life. For those of you who don't know who he is he is an amazing hymn writer, a speaker, a Presbyterian and a preacher among many other things. He is from Scotland but he came to one of the local churches here in Belfast this past weekend so me and some of the YAV went to go see him. He is just as inspiring as I remember from when I saw him the first time in Virginia.

During this past weekend, I was trying to remember what I could about the first time I saw him and I discovered that the music we sang stuck out most in my memory. And the one hymn that came to mind was The Summons, which he wrote and we sing in church back home a lot. Its funny that I blogged about that particular song just a few months ago and then here I get to see him again! Its pretty crazy to think that in some small way a part of the reason why I am here this year is because of John Bell and that hymn.

The Summons has always been in my top 5 favorite hymns of all time along with Here I am Lord and I'm starting to wonder if that is a sign or the beginning of something. Its almost as if I'm beginning to see the connection between these different points in my life, but I still don't know where they lead. I hope that by the end of this year I will have a better understanding of where that might be...

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT). 

 

Some Photos!

Photo taken by fellow YAV Courtney T

Saturday I climbed Cavehill in Belfast and saw this view of the city! It's about 370 meters above sea level, it was a long way up! For those of you who don't know much about Belfast here is a little information about Cavehill. 

"Cavehill is a basaltic hill overlooking the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. It forms part of the southeastern border of the Antrim Plateau. It is distinguished by its famous 'Napoleon's Nose', a basaltic outcrop which resembles the profile of the famous emperor Napoleon. Cavehill is also the name of an electoral ward in Belfast. All of Belfast can be seen from its peak, as can the Isle of Man and Scotland on clear days." (Wikipedia).

Here are some more photos from around Belfast!

View of the estate from my church

The church where I work!

Coast near Bangor

On the Bus in Belfast

On the Bus

Stormont Castle

 P.S. These photos I took! 

Being vs. Doing

So I'm sure most of you are wondering what kind of work I am doing over here in Belfast. That seems to be the number one question that I have been getting. What are you doing?

The obvious answer is I will be involved in several programs including PAKT(Parents And Kids Together), Sticky Fingers, Messy Church, Beavers, Youth Fellowship, KidzOwn and a few others. However, that's not really what I'm "doing".  By planning, helping and participating in these events I am able to make connections and relationships with the people, which is really what my year is about. I am "doing" so much more just by being.

As YAV we talked a lot about being vs. doing. Something that really struck me was on one of the handouts we got, it said, "In any type of mission experience, there is a healthy tension between being and doing. Embracing both aspects of ministry is a key part of a successful YAV experience. In our culture, much value is placed upon what we do and achieve. If we cannot show that we are “usefully” occupied or point to the evidence of our work, we can feel a sense of failure or a lack of purpose because our culture values doing. We often see the act of just being present as wasted time or leisure... Allow God to use you whether you are being or doing. Often times one leads richly to the other."

For me, this is a hard lesson to learn. I'm so used to just doing whatever job needs done in an effort to be helpful. However, sometimes just being there is way more important than anything you could possibly do. I need to remember to really be present in the moment. As I attempt to conquer this concept, I will be reminded by these words...

"In the secret, in the quiet place
In the stillness You are there.
In the secret, in the quiet hour I wait,
Only for You, 'cause I want to know You more" In the Secret, Chris Tomlin

So I challenge you to not worry so much about what you are doing, but instead just be and listen and watch for God in the stillness. Take time to just be and you might be surprised at what you've been missing. "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions." Psalm 119:18 (NLT)

What is community?

This is a question that has been floating around in my head for the past few days. Throughout orientation and moving into a new city my definition of community has definitely changed. I used to just see community as a place where you live. Now I have come to understand that it is so much more. Community is a way of life, its how you live and who you share your life with. I have come to discover that UNITY is a big part of COMMUNITY.
During my time here in Belfast I have noticed some of the differences between the communities in U.S. and here. Everything from language and food, to buses and history. But the most important difference I have seen is how the people here are aware of their struggles, but they are finding a way to make a difference.

In an effort to build up their society and neighborhood into a better place, they have created programs like the WAVE Trama Center, which helps with victims and survivors of the Troubles here in Northern Ireland. Or the LINK Center, which provides a safe space for kids to come and hangout after school. And even the churches have programs like kids club and boys brigade. Through these programs and many more all over the city they are slowly making these areas stronger in faith but also integrating peace.

I'M HERE!!!!!!!!!!!

I finally arrived in Belfast today!!!!! And what a beautiful day it was!!!!! I mean sun shining, fresh air and a million shades of green!!! After our 6ish hour flight we went to see our new apartments!!! Then we went exploring a little around the city and saw the botanic gardens. They were incredibly gorgeous!!!  

I am living with my three wonderful roommates, Kathryn, Grace and Courtney!!!! Its going to be a great year!!!! We each have our own room which is good!! I made pizza and we all watched a movie!!!

This week we all will be traveling around to visit the 8 sites at which we will be placed. I am so excited to get started!!! I can't wait to visit my site!!!!

This has been a great start for a great year!!!! :) I will leave you with this verse:
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6

Peace

Many thanks!

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you that have been supporting me so far! I am truly blessed to have such wonderful support from everyone! So far I have raised $4,200!!! That's over half! I can't believe it! Thank you all so much!!! I can't express my gratitude enough!!! Once I'm in Belfast I will try to blog as much as possible so you all can stay updated with my year of service! Keep checking my blog for my adventure begins soon!! :)

The summons

Today in church we sang this hymn called the summons and while I was singing the lyrics really spoke to me. Especially the last verse. It really made me think of why I want to go to Northern Ireland and serve. The verse goes: "Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name. Let me turn and follow you and never be the same. In your company I'll go, where your love and footsteps show. This I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me." What is God summoning you to do? Are you listening and ready to answer the call?

Explanation of Northern Ireland, and the U.K. and more

Some of you may be wondering about the difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland and the U.K. Here is a video I found that explains it all very well, better than I can. So if you ever had any confusion about the U.K. or Great Britain or anything like that, this video explains it. Hope you find it helpful!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNu8XDBSn10

My first post!

Welcome to my blog!

As you probably already know I am serving a year in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am so excited to begin this journey/path that God has laid before me! I am really feeling called to Ireland and I hope that during my year of service that I will be able to love and serve the Lord however he may see fit. I am looking forward to a fun and challenging, but still exciting, year! :)

So some of you may be wondering how you can support me. Here's how. 

1. Through prayers. Please pray for me and the people that I will live and serve with this year. 
2. Keep up with my Blog! :) 
3. Or make a donation. Either online or send a check to: 

PC(USA)
 P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700