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"