In case anyone is wondering how I'm doing, I just want you to know that I am still very much enjoying my year. Just yesterday I was at Friendship House and one of the ladies from the seniors group taught me how to crochet. It was a really special experience for me because my Grandma used to sew, and crochet and it was a nice way to remember her. Also its a great way for me to bond more with the ladies and I actually do enjoy it! It's therapeutic in a sense, doing the same repetitive steps over and over again. Plus it gives you a sense of achievement seeing the finished project. Next week I'm going to learn how to do a corner and then from there how to make a blanket.
Once I do start making blankets I will probably send them to the same place that these women in the seniors group do. They make blankets and send them to children all over the world. I think its a great ministry. One, because it gives blankets to children in need, and two, because it gives these women another reason to knit and crochet. And this way they don't end up with a bunch of blankets that no one ever uses.
I love working with these women because every week they inspire me. I was talking to another one of the ladies who was a doctor and spent a few years living in India. She helped start a charity that gave children of lepers an education. She told me about her experiences and that even if they had been cured people with leprosy were outcasts. So, those who had been cured were given the opportunity to teach the children of lepers and then those children went on to get real jobs and better futures. These women inspire me to stay strong and dream big. "Age may slow you down but it cannot diminish the purpose and meaning of your life." (Michael L.A.)
They all are a great bunch and I am fortunate to get the opportunity to work with them and get to know them this year. It's funny because I thought I would have difficulty working with seniors but it has been a pleasant experience, one that I know I will always cherish.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Passover Remembered
Here is a poem by Alla Bozarth-Campbell that was read a lot during YAV orientation. It has been on my mind lately and in the season of Easter, I thought I might share it with you. Its an amazing poem that I find applies to my year.
Passover Remembered
Pack nothing.
Bring only your determination to serve
and your willingness to be free.
Don't wait for the bread to rise.
Take nourishment for the journey, but eat standing,
be ready to move at a moment's notice.
Do not hesitate to leave your old ways behind–
fear, silence, submission.
Only surrender to the need of the time–to love tenderly, act justly and walk humbly with your God.
Do not take time to explain to the neighbors.
Tell only a few trusted friends and family members.
Then begin quickly, before you have time to sink
back into old slavery.
Set out in the dark.
I will send fire to warm and encourage you.
I will be with you in the fire and I will be with you in the cloud.
You will learn to eat new food and find refuge in new places.
I will give you dreams in the desert to guide you safely home
to that place you have not yet seen.
The stories you tell one another around the fires in the dark will make you strong and wise.
Outsiders will attack you, and some will follow you,
and at times you will get weary and turn on each other
from fear and fatigue and blind forgetfulness.
You have been preparing for this for hundreds of years.
I am sending you into the wilderness to make a new way
and to learn my ways more deeply.
Some of you will be so changed by weathers and wanderings
that even your closest friends will have to learn your features
as though for the first time.
Some of you will not change at all.
Some will be abandoned by your dearest love
and misunderstood by those who have known you since birth
and feel abandoned by you.
Some will find new friendships and unlikely faces,
and old friends as faithful and true as a pillar of God's flame.
Sing songs as you go, and hold close together.
You may at times grow confused and lose your way.
Continue to call each other by the names I've given you,
to help remember who you are.
Touch each other and keep telling stories.
Make maps as you go,
remembering the way back from before you were born.
So you will be only the first of many waves of deliverance
on the desert seas.
It is the first of many beginnings–your Paschaltide.
Remain true to this mystery.
Pass on the whole story. Do not go back.
I am with you now and I am waiting for you.
–Alla Bozarth-Campbell
Passover Remembered
Pack nothing.
Bring only your determination to serve
and your willingness to be free.
Don't wait for the bread to rise.
Take nourishment for the journey, but eat standing,
be ready to move at a moment's notice.
Do not hesitate to leave your old ways behind–
fear, silence, submission.
Only surrender to the need of the time–to love tenderly, act justly and walk humbly with your God.
Do not take time to explain to the neighbors.
Tell only a few trusted friends and family members.
Then begin quickly, before you have time to sink
back into old slavery.
Set out in the dark.
I will send fire to warm and encourage you.
I will be with you in the fire and I will be with you in the cloud.
You will learn to eat new food and find refuge in new places.
I will give you dreams in the desert to guide you safely home
to that place you have not yet seen.
The stories you tell one another around the fires in the dark will make you strong and wise.
Outsiders will attack you, and some will follow you,
and at times you will get weary and turn on each other
from fear and fatigue and blind forgetfulness.
You have been preparing for this for hundreds of years.
I am sending you into the wilderness to make a new way
and to learn my ways more deeply.
Some of you will be so changed by weathers and wanderings
that even your closest friends will have to learn your features
as though for the first time.
Some of you will not change at all.
Some will be abandoned by your dearest love
and misunderstood by those who have known you since birth
and feel abandoned by you.
Some will find new friendships and unlikely faces,
and old friends as faithful and true as a pillar of God's flame.
Sing songs as you go, and hold close together.
You may at times grow confused and lose your way.
Continue to call each other by the names I've given you,
to help remember who you are.
Touch each other and keep telling stories.
Make maps as you go,
remembering the way back from before you were born.
So you will be only the first of many waves of deliverance
on the desert seas.
It is the first of many beginnings–your Paschaltide.
Remain true to this mystery.
Pass on the whole story. Do not go back.
I am with you now and I am waiting for you.
–Alla Bozarth-Campbell
Thursday, March 14, 2013
St. Patrick
With St. Patrick's Day coming up on Sunday I thought I would post about him and my trip to Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.
Yesterday I went with a group from Friendship House to Downpatrick where we visited the Saint Patrick Centre and the Down Cathedral where St. Patrick is buried. While I was there I learned a lot about his life. So I am going to tell you about what I learned.
Patrick was born somewhere in Great Britain, so he was British not Irish. At age 16 he was captured by pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland. He was enslaved for 6 years then he escaped. Later in his life he became a priest and then a bishop. After that he decided to become a missionary and return to Ireland. While he didn't bring Christianity to Ireland, as a missionary he played a major part in converting the Irish into Christians. He is the patron saint of Ireland. He also didn't drive the snakes out of Ireland, that's just a myth. He supposedly died on the 17th of March, which is the day we celebrate his life. What we know about his life comes mostly from his writings; however, much of his life is still unknown. (Saint Patrick Centre) (BBC website)
Yesterday I went with a group from Friendship House to Downpatrick where we visited the Saint Patrick Centre and the Down Cathedral where St. Patrick is buried. While I was there I learned a lot about his life. So I am going to tell you about what I learned.
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| Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick |
Patrick was born somewhere in Great Britain, so he was British not Irish. At age 16 he was captured by pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland. He was enslaved for 6 years then he escaped. Later in his life he became a priest and then a bishop. After that he decided to become a missionary and return to Ireland. While he didn't bring Christianity to Ireland, as a missionary he played a major part in converting the Irish into Christians. He is the patron saint of Ireland. He also didn't drive the snakes out of Ireland, that's just a myth. He supposedly died on the 17th of March, which is the day we celebrate his life. What we know about his life comes mostly from his writings; however, much of his life is still unknown. (Saint Patrick Centre) (BBC website)
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| Me at St. Patrick's Grave |
My trip was brilliant! It was a lovely town and I learned so much. It's really cool to think about Patrick and his life. I can't even imagine being captured, put into slavery and then escape just to have God call you back to save the very people who enslaved you. That takes a great deal of forgiveness and compassion. To have to trust God and follow his call no matter where it leads is a task that many people, including myself, still struggle with today. But when we follow God's call He can lead us to do great things. If Patrick hadn't listened to God history would be completely different. We probably wouldn't celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Reflections
I wanted to say thank you to everyone that has been supporting me thought this year. It really means a lot! I'm just a little over have way finished. Its so hard to believe that at this time last year I didn't know much about Northern Ireland or the YAV program. It just goes to show you how much time changes things even in just a few short months.
I remember thinking this time last year about what I wanted to do with my life after I graduated, I had no idea (and I still have no idea) what would come next for me. I just remember praying about it and giving it to God, letting him handle it and then one day I an opportunity came knocking. After a few weeks later, on March 17th, 2012, I received a letter saying that I had been accepted into the PC(USA) YAV program in Northern Ireland and my life changed.
I thank God that I am able to be here in this place and to be given such an amazing opportunity that wouldn't be possible without all of you. I am truly grateful for all the many blessings God has given me but especially this chance to grow and serve. "A year of service for a lifetime of change." (YAV slogan) I couldn't agree more.
If anyone is thinking about becoming a YAV or about to undergo any other big life changing decisions, I encourage you to not be afraid. If God is calling you to something, don't run away from it like Jonah. We all know how that ended, inside a giant whale. It takes a lot of courage but, as cheesy as it sounds, anything is possible with God. Remember, God wouldn't be calling you if he didn't think you weren't right for the job. He doesn't make mistakes. If I can do it so can you.
A little update on me, I have currently raised over $6,000! I still have a ways to go but I'm getting really close. I'm also thinking about my options for when I go back home. So I appreciate the continuing support.
I thought I would include some pictures of my site to update, inspire and thank you.
I remember thinking this time last year about what I wanted to do with my life after I graduated, I had no idea (and I still have no idea) what would come next for me. I just remember praying about it and giving it to God, letting him handle it and then one day I an opportunity came knocking. After a few weeks later, on March 17th, 2012, I received a letter saying that I had been accepted into the PC(USA) YAV program in Northern Ireland and my life changed.
I thank God that I am able to be here in this place and to be given such an amazing opportunity that wouldn't be possible without all of you. I am truly grateful for all the many blessings God has given me but especially this chance to grow and serve. "A year of service for a lifetime of change." (YAV slogan) I couldn't agree more.
If anyone is thinking about becoming a YAV or about to undergo any other big life changing decisions, I encourage you to not be afraid. If God is calling you to something, don't run away from it like Jonah. We all know how that ended, inside a giant whale. It takes a lot of courage but, as cheesy as it sounds, anything is possible with God. Remember, God wouldn't be calling you if he didn't think you weren't right for the job. He doesn't make mistakes. If I can do it so can you.
A little update on me, I have currently raised over $6,000! I still have a ways to go but I'm getting really close. I'm also thinking about my options for when I go back home. So I appreciate the continuing support.
I thought I would include some pictures of my site to update, inspire and thank you.
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| Art project I made with my Beaver boys! |
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| Senior group at Friendship House |
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| Crafting with the after-schools club at Friendship House |
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Mountain top experiences
I just got back from my second YAV retreat. We went to Donegal and Derry~Londonderry. I really enjoyed it! I got to hike the highest sea cliffs in all of Europe, Slieve League! It was really tough but totally worth it. I will admit there were times when I thought I wouldn't make it but I did.
When we got to the top it was just so beautiful and amazing! In moments like that I just think of how amazing our God truly is to create this beautiful world. Up there looking out onto the ocean was so breathtaking.
Sometimes we need to stop and listen for God. He may be easier to hear in the quiet but that doesn't mean he isn't always there. We just need to learn to silence the world around us so we can hear Him.
When we got to the top it was just so beautiful and amazing! In moments like that I just think of how amazing our God truly is to create this beautiful world. Up there looking out onto the ocean was so breathtaking.
It's so easy to feel God's presence when I am in these kind of places. Looking out into the ocean it looks like the earth meets heaven, which makes me feel closer to God. So shortly after this photo was taken we had a wee devotion on top of the mountain. It was a great time to share with my fellow YAVs . I realized that I am truly blessed to be with a group of friends who share my love of God, and while hiking on a mountain, I could just turn to them and say we should pray, and we did. The whole time I was up there I kept thinking of this bible verse.
11-12 Then he was told, “Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.”
A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper. (1 Kings 19:11-12. The Message)
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Amazing Grace
Time sure flies when your having fun! I can't believe that I am halfway through my YAV year already! So far this year I have learned a lot about myself, and the world around me. It’s made for an exciting year. I'm only halfway through my year but I already know that I have changed for the better. I really feel like I fit here and that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Currently, we have some Canadians visiting at Friendship House who are here for a few weeks as part of their mission trip. They are a really nice group and they work well with the kids. It’s been really interesting to get to know them and see Belfast through their eyes. It makes me think of how I might have been when I first came here.
Today when I was at the Friendship House we were getting ready to sing Amazing Grace and I was thinking “finally a song I know”. But it was then that I realized how often I take songs like Amazing Grace that are really powerful and just sing them just like it was any other song on the radio, not worship. I forget about the message behind the beautiful tune.
I was opening the hymnbook to sing Amazing Grace and a piece of paper fell out that said:
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secured
He will my shied and portion be
As long as life endures
Those words really hit me. It just felt like a reminder that God is ever present in my life and is constantly speaking to me all the time, I just have to listen. Those few lines reminded me that God is looking out for me now and always. It’s nice to have wee reminders like that now and again of how amazing God’s love can be. Sometimes as Christians I think we forget. We are so used to talking about God’s love that sometimes we over look it. It almost becomes just a part of our routine instead of actual worship.
I would encourage you to look at some old hymns from your childhood and just read the words. Really concentrate on the message. You may discover a new connection to these lyrics that you have sang hundreds of times.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Then when we've first begun
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
New Year, New Placement!
So I know its been a while since my last blog post but with the Christmas/New Year season, DFCI ending, rioting and my family visiting; I have been really busy. Here is a little recap of the past few weeks.
On Christmas Eve my family arrived and we had a lovely Christmas together! It was truly amazing thanks to the families at Dundonald Methodist that welcomed us in and made us feel at home! I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas! Having my family there to share it with me meant a lot!
After Christmas, we saw some of Belfast, went up to the North Coast with the McKees to see the Giants Causeway, and then celebrated the New Year in Dublin. While in Dublin, Allie (my little sister) had her 21st birthday! We also went to the Book of Kells, the Chester Beatty Library, and the Jameson distillery. It was brilliant!
More exciting news, I start at my new placement on Monday! I will now be working at South Belfast Friendship House in addition to working at Dundonald Methodist Church. I will be helping out 3 days a week where I will be working with their after-school program, Friendship group (senior citizens), and toddler group. I am really excited to start working there! I will keep you updated on my role there but if you are looking for more information feel free to check out their website!
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
On Christmas Eve my family arrived and we had a lovely Christmas together! It was truly amazing thanks to the families at Dundonald Methodist that welcomed us in and made us feel at home! I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas! Having my family there to share it with me meant a lot!
After Christmas, we saw some of Belfast, went up to the North Coast with the McKees to see the Giants Causeway, and then celebrated the New Year in Dublin. While in Dublin, Allie (my little sister) had her 21st birthday! We also went to the Book of Kells, the Chester Beatty Library, and the Jameson distillery. It was brilliant!
More exciting news, I start at my new placement on Monday! I will now be working at South Belfast Friendship House in addition to working at Dundonald Methodist Church. I will be helping out 3 days a week where I will be working with their after-school program, Friendship group (senior citizens), and toddler group. I am really excited to start working there! I will keep you updated on my role there but if you are looking for more information feel free to check out their website!
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
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