There's less then a week until I leave and I must have some prayers coming my way, because the fears about the airports have almost disappeared. Thanks!

I sent out prayer card this week to those that offered to sponsor a day, but made a little mistake. You see the spreadsheet that contained who had which day did not get saved. Oops. I've figure out a majority of the days, but you might be getting a call from me. ;D

This one doesn't need an application, I guess.

Ireland is an independent country (again this came from the Preperation Packet, I received)

Following the formation of the Free State, the Irish have maintained neutrality, remaining out of the World War II despite the fact that many thousands of Irishmen fought in the British forces. Even today a number of Irishmen join the British armed forces. This fact reflects the often paradoxical relationship between the Irish and English. Thousands happily live in England yet would fight to maintain Ireland’s sovereignty. At one level there is great affinity with the English and at another a deep resentment. It is said in the Republic they like the English but hate the British state; in the North they love the British State but dislike the English. There is an element of truth in this.

Ireland is a great land which has produced more than its share of great figures who have exerted a world-wide influence, but insecurity resulting from centuries of misrule and abuse has taken its toll. Quite innocently, foreigners visiting Ireland may trigger this insecurity without realizing it and be surprised at the reaction they receive. It is always a factor to be born in mind, especially if one is of an over-bearing or self-assured manner.

How do the Irish relate to Americans? Due to emigration there is a close connection between Ireland and the U.S.A. American tourists are common and most families have relations in the US. You would think this would mean a very warm relationship, but it is observed that Americans visiting Ireland are not as warmly welcomed as Irish visiting the US. The large numbers of Americans visiting who claim Irish descent can be a little trying for the native population. The key to surmounting barriers is to recognize the Irish tendency towards insecurity.

In 1972 Ireland’s entry into the European Common Market has done much to change its attitude to Europe. It has served on the United Nations Security Council. It is not a member of N.A.T.O., nor the British Common-wealth. In the 1980s it entered into the Anglo-Irish Agreement with the British government in an attempt to solve some of the problems of Northern Ireland. The Agreement grants Dublin a say in Northern Irish affairs as a spokesman for the nationalist community in the North. These relationships and the independent nature of the country are areas of great sensitivity and an unwise comment can close a door which would otherwise be open.