Fears

As the time gets closer to departure, my mind is racked with fears. I'm scare I did not leave enough time between two of my flights. I'm scared that I'll get to a new country and all the bravery I mustered in the states will evaporate. I'm scared of the unknown. Please join me in praying for peace in these matters. I keep asking that God takes care of me, but at each little hiccup I grab the control back from him. Please pray that I allow God to take control.

The financial aspect of this trip is also beginning to add up. All the little things; travel sized items, proper footwear, and check in fees are beginning to add up. I'm tempted to just buy with the mindset that this is a lifelong dream, but I want to be wise with my finances. Please pray that I find a balance between need and want.

Thank you so much for your prayers. As the time gets closer to departure, I need them more than ever. In the next couple weeks, those that have responded to pray for me, while on the trip, will be receiving a creative reminder in the mail. If you'd like to join as a prayer partner, drop me a line at Gayle84@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

Some Info:
Ireland has known much suffering

Once the land was handed over to foreign landowners and settlers there developed a large peasant class dependent upon the estate owners for a subsistence existence. Through the 18th and 19th centuries poverty in Ireland was apparent, but not universal. In the north of the country, Belfast was beginning to be industrialized as a centre for the linen trade and the prosperity of the N.E. generally was in contrast to what existed elsewhere.

Landlords owned most of Ireland, but were commonly absent relying on agents to collect rents from tenants in exchange for a small hovel and a patch of ground to grow the staple diet of potatoes. Life became impossible for the Irish peasants in the late 1840s when the potato blight struck for five years in succession. As the peasants lived on little else famine came quickly. Many were forced to leave their homes as they could not afford both food and rent. Many emigrated, dying in what became known as “coffin ships” on the way to America or on the islands in New York harbor. Others died at home. Throughout these years, however, there was food being exported from Ireland. Of the estimated 8.5 million population in 1845 over I million emigrated and a further 1 million died.

The impression was that England had done too little too late. Only home rule would remedy the situation. At the end of the 18^th century the Catholic population had been partially emancipated and could now run schools, join professions and vote, but full emancipation was still to be achieved. The struggle for this was led by Daniel O’Connell who in 1823 formed the Catholic Association. Following Catholic emancipation in 1829 O’Connell served as a member of parliament. His Association had a longer term effect. Based on the parish network it brought together Irish people as never before as a united force.

They were united by their faith as Roman Catholics and to be Irish became synonymous with being Catholic. This was a change as prior to the turn of the century both Presbyterians and Catholics had been oppressed and stood against the English Anglican ascendancy. During the 19th century Presbyterians, fearing that home rule would mean Rome rule, increasingly sided with the Anglicans. The situation that prevailed at the beginning of the 20th century has overshadowed the significant role that Protestant non-conformists played in fighting for Irish freedom.

Application:

All of this has implications today when presenting the gospel, which is often identified with Protestantism and oppression. A trait the Irish have developed from this period is bending without breaking. To exist during these hard centuries the Irish had to appear to go along with the ruling class, while underneath retaining a strong and independent spirit. This characteristic comes out in a number of ways, not least in the unwillingness of most Irish people, despite their evident friendliness, to let you know their true feelings. Partly this reflects their insecurity and it is well to learn not to place too much store by what people promise.