Amazing Part 3

Mary and Jean:
The team stayed with two sisters from the church. Both had recently become Christians and had many questions for us. We ofter stayed up into the early hours discussing topics of divorce, alcohol, and forgiveness. The foresight of the pastor in placing us with these ladies was amazing. By the end of the week we were calling them our Irish moms. Truly God brought Mary and Jean to us.

John and Bernadette Moore:
John wondered into the church one day with his daughter Bernadette. Jes jumped up quickly to talk with the pair and soon found herself in deep discussion. The man seemed to be hungering for God and later told the team he felt “compelled” to come there. He showed up later that night and this time we sat down to talk. He had many questions. The team had to move on to our next event, but Ilona, Jeremy, Jes, and I arranged to meet John later. He expressed appreciation to us many times saying, “No one ever comes to visit me,” and “No ones ever just listened to me.” During our visit different member of the team where able to share about God and forgiveness. John seemed to be haunted by his past and desperately wanted to believe in God. We hoped to meet up with him later in the week, but we seemed to always miss each other. Our last Sunday in town the four of us once again walked to John’s house to leave him a Bible. We had written notes of encouragement and had underlined passages that addressed the ares we had discussed. I’m still praying for John and I hope his soul one day finds the forgiveness he has been searching for.

Joy:
Pastor John's daughter was such a blessing to us throughout the week. She provided a clear voice in certain situation and encouraged the team greatly. I got this message from her this morning:

once again, thanks for being a blessing while u wer ova here. i know sometimes it doesnt seem like a lot but i strongly believe u guys have planted a good seed and i can see it growing and u never know what mighty trees will grow from your seeds.
i'm sure ure still doing the good work in ur own community.
(Galatians 6:9)
things have finally settled down here a little nd we're meeting up on saturday to plan the next step for the youth and one of the top things on our list is community service and support! will keep u posted as time goes on.
stay smiling...
Much luv & God bless!

There are so many more that impacted us. Our drivers Ed, Robert, and Janice. The youth at the church with there amazing spirits and soulful voices. Jean's son Luke and his friends. Too many to name.

Next installment will be a few more stories and the prayers God answered.

Amazing-Part 2

The first test:
The struggle started Saturday night at a schueduled prayer service. From 11:30p-1:00a, members of the church gather to pray. This is done commual (everyone at once) and in tougues. As many of our group, myself included, were not accustom to such styles, the service appear caotic and sometimes scary. A sence of uneasiness had settled over the entire team and many looks were exchanged during the service. At one point, a team member felt compelled to step out and we chatted on the steps about the verses on speaking in tougues.

After such an intense experience the team needed time to process, but suddenly we found ourselves being driven downtown. Earlier we had discussed partnering with some Canadian missionares in town to serve coffee and tea to thoes getting out of the pubs and clubs, but nothing had been finalized, until we found ourselves in the midst of it. We were able to start some conversations, but the whole night had made much of the team edgy. As I made conversation with thoes that were around, I was unawear that some members were feeling the imediate need to leave. Jes told me later that she wanted to get out of there and did not like me being so close to the youth that were out. Jeremy had one youth tell him numerous times that we should get his friends out of there. Strangly this echoed what another man said to me. We left with much tension and haste; Riley leading the way and Jeremy protecting the girls.

That night I had Jes fill me in on what everyone else was feeling. I felt comfortable being downtown, but apparently I was the only one. The whole night left us uneasy and we stayed up until 4a talking and praying.

The next morning, as a team we decided to call our leaders and ask for wisdom on the situation. They were able to meet with us and the meeting resolved on a positive note. They listened to our worries and gave us a new perspective. It was during this meeting that I realized how much like the body of Christ we were; so united.

So much for our first few hours in Cavan. Thankfully we had a day off on Monday.

Dublin: Say it to me now!
The team took the bus into Dublin for a day of relaxation and sight seeing. Here are some highlights:

Scene from the film Once

Dublin Castle

Love Wins

Let the work begin: So what did you do?
Our morning were spent doing a kid's club for the local community. The number were not large, but the attention was specialized. We taught a lesson, did a craft and sang songs. Waves of Mercy proved a crowd favorite. My specialties included leading the games, and tag teaming with Riley to teach the lessons. Jeremy played his guitar and Ilona, Erika, and Jes made sure the kids felt comfortable and included.

Lord I Life Your Name on High

Riley speaking on 'Does Jesus Really Care'
We used the story of Jesus sleeping in the midst of the storm.
His disciples might not have thought Jesus cared, but Jesus was always in control.
Jesus cares for you even when you don't think he's listening.

Jes taught the kids to make oragami boats.

Friday, I told the story of the paraletic man and Erika assisted with this visual aid.

Friday=Balloon Day

Two of my favorite children, Rachel and Chelsea.

After the lesson on Friday, Riley asked the kids if they had a Bible. When no said hey had, we were able to make sure every kid got one. They began to run to each of us and asked us to find the stories we had taught them that week. Later on Saturday as we played in a nearby park, one of the kids ran home to grad her new Bible. This is one of my favorite memories.

Friday night our team also hosted the youth group. Now I should preface this by saying the youth at Hosanna House are amazing. We had interacted with them throughout the week and their love of Jesus shines. We talked to them about making missions part of your life and not something you do in another country. We split the group into small groups and had them discuss practical ways they could serve, support, and share their story. I had the privilege of steering the discussion for the night and I truly feel that this is part of what I was created to do. I love to facilitate. Everyone seemed to have a great time. I know I did.

I passed out the stack of Love Wins stickers after the discussion

We also partnered with the Canadian missionaries for an event at the rugby club. We played capture the flag (I had a shining moment of victory!), sang songs, made balloon animals, and painted faces. It gave the kids in the community a chance to get out of the house in the summertime and have something to do.


There's still more to come on the people we met and those that touched our hearts. Also some thoughts on the prayers that were answered. Stay tuned.

Amazing-Part 1

Friends and family, thank you so very much for your prayers and support. I cannot fully express how amazing this experience has been. I felt fully alive, knowing this was what I was meant to be doing at this exact moment. I lived in community with a team, where we balanced each other and truly worked as the body of Christ. I experienced challenges and rewards. Overall, I felt that God had created me to be doing this work and I witnessed the work he is doing in Ireland.

Here's the first of an installment of posts on the trip:

Let's start at the beginning (Lacken House and Training):
OM purchesed this old B&B and this is where we had orientation, Tuesday-Friday. The guys stayed in the main house and the girls stayed in little cabins. They had turned the old stable block into a dining hall and meeting room.

There were about 50 participants and seven staff members. Throughout the week we got to know one another and prepared for the journey ahead. We had worship, teaching and workshops. All were excellent.

The main house and the Chalet.
We had our meetings in the closest door.
The whole gang.
I, Jes, and Anne were connected over Facebook before coming. My Dutch Boys, Leon and Pim. These guys cracked me up!

Here's my Team:
Let me introduce you to the amazing people I worked with. Our amazing guitar player Jeremy (USA). Fearless leader Riley (Canada). Our funny Dutch girl, Ilona (Holland). Kika (Erika, Brazil) our countious. My Jes (USA), the fellow photographer.

I cannot express what a blessing this team was. We became very close and I miss them terribly.
Back: Riley, Jeremy
Front: Jes, Ilona, Me, Erika

Through out the week we were given time to prepare for what we'd be doing with the churches we were partnering with. The other groups were getting detailed outlines and were able to then plan accordingly. Our outline had four items on it and had the words "Sketchy" at the bottom. Since we didn't really know what to plan for, we spent a lot of this time getting to know one another.

Cavan: Hosanna House
Our team was the first to head out on Friday. We partnered with a Nigerian, charismatic church in Cavan. This proved a challenge as many of our group had not grown up with this church background. However, the people were kind and their love for Jesus was evident.

Housanna House was above a convenience store.

Pastor John and his lovly daughter Joy.

African baby dedication our first Sunday.

I love this picture of Joy!

Ballyhaise: Home Away From Home
We stayed in Ballyhaise, 8km from Cavan. Jes and I stayed with Mary. Ilona and Erika stayed with her sister Jean. Riley and Jeremy stayed with Ed, our contact from the church. Mary and Jean had recently become Christians and Pastor John really prayed about who we should stay with. Part of the joy of this trip was talking with these two ladies. We were able to answer some of their questions and their hospitality to us was amazing. Early in our time there, the guys started staying at Mary's too. This made it nice to have everyone so close. The girls could walk to Mary's in the morning, where we would have team time.

Jean

Mary's House. Jes and I stayed in the top/far right room. The guys slept in the living room.

Team time.

Our first Saturday, after having been given no idication that the church planned on feeding us this day, we walked the 8km into Cavan for lunch. The team was all for it and we were able to bond a great deal on the two hour walk.

Riley led the way and Jeremy brought up the rear. This picture is a perfect illustration of the guys leadership on our team.

Team Awesome!

Saturday night was when the week started going, but that's a story for another day. Stay Tuned!

It is Finished

After 24 hours of traveling, I'm back in MI. More updates and pictures later, but for now, my bed is calling.

There's only a few mintues left on the hostel computer I'm using. I'm now in Edinburgh and besides a rather creepy encounter with an over efectionate older gentleman, my time here has been safe and fun.

I'm looking forward to returning to the States on Friday and can't wait to properly fill you in. The trip was awesome. The team of people I worked with were amazing and God did some amazing things. Thank you so much for the prayers. Please keep them coming.

I took tons of pictures and will have some up as soon as I can. I'm off to find some food for tonight and fuel up before a long day of hiking tomorrow. Love!

I'm here!

Hey friends and family. I can feel your prayers and am quite thankful. There may be a bit of an Irish flare to this post, as I think I've aquired an accent.

Ireland is great. I love it. I'm working some very wonderful people: Riley (Canada), Ilona (Holland), Erika (Brazil), Jes and Jeremy (US). We work amazingly well togther and truly are the image of the body of Christ. Today was our day off and we took the bus to Dublin and are currently in an internet cafe.

There have been some struggles here with the church we were placed into. After training in Roscommon, we were set up with a church in Cavan, to the north. The people are wonderful, but there are some questions about the church's doctrine. Some of our leaders were able to meet with us last night and the situtation is improving. Tomorrow, we'll be doing a lot of work with children and also partnering with a Canadian Missions team that is hear as well.

Hopefully I'll be able to add a little more some time soon, but for now I'm out. Please countinue to pray. Thanks!

<--My pack and Mr. Monkey keeping my stuff safe.

Tomorrow's the day. I head out to Lansing around 8:30a to meet up with my sister. She's driving me to Detroit and helping me navigate the airport. Then on to Chicago and then to Dublin.

After 6 months, I can't believe I'm leaving tomorrow! I hope to periodically grab a computer at a cafe or at the hostel. Stay Tuned!

In case of Emergency:
I'll have my phone on me, but it's only for emergencies (since the rate is $1/min). If you don't need me to call you back, please don't leave a message. If you do need a call back or it is an emergency, please contact my mom, Karen, or roommate, Emma. They will be handling all this.

Karen Waldron (989) 268-5963
Emma (616)481-7366

Thanks you so much for the prayers and the warm wishes. Please countinue to pray.

1. Please pray that flights are on time and the journey there and back is a calm one.

2. Please pray for the team; for unity, safety and health.

3. Please pray for the churches that our hosting us.

4. Please pray that I allow God to work through my weakness, that I may show others His strength.

5. Please pray for ears to hear and eye to see. Both for those we minister to and the team.

6. Please pray that our passion shows others the freedom, transformation, and hope of Christ and that God is glorified in all we do.

Whaaaa! I'm excited and nervous. Unlimitedly it is in God's hand and thoes are pretty good hands to be in. :D

A Little More Info

Geographical Division and Size

Ireland is divided into 26 counties which are broken into four provinces: Leinster (east), Munster (south), Connacht (west) and Ulster (north). Three of these provinces plus three of the nine counties of Ulster now comprise the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland comprises the remaining six counties of Ulster and is part of the UK.

The Irish Republic is ‘Eire’ on its stamps, but is usually referred to simply as Ireland. To call it Southern Ireland is to make a political statement, therefore refer to the Republic as “Ireland” and to the North as “Northern Ireland”.

Population

The population of the Republic is around 3.9m while that of the north is 1.5 million. Dublin is the biggest city in the Republic with nearly l.5m. The second city is Cork with 160,000 people, followed by Limerick with 75,000.

Culture

As a country bordering a large neighbor, the Irish are understandably nationalistic. Many aspects of Irish life are unique to Ireland and reflect the distinct racial background, despite the shared language with Britain. The national sports of Irish football and hurling are not played widely outside of Ireland.

The Irish language, Gaelic, is only spoken as a first language by an estimated 55,000, found mostly in the areas known as the Gaeltacht in the West. It is, however, a compulsory subject in the schools and finds a place in national life and government institutions.

Ireland is known for its writers. A long line of distinguished literary giants have been produced including George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce and William Butler Yeats. Musically, Ireland has a strong traditional music scene and a number of festivals of Irish music (fleadh cheoil) take place in various centers during the year.

Much of Irish life and culture is dominated by the Roman Catholic church to which 93% own at least nominal allegiance. Though there is a growing separation of Church and State in national government, on the local stage it is still difficult to separate Irish society from the Irish Catholic Church.

Irish life is dominated by the bar and large consumption of alcohol. Drugs are an increasing problem in the cities.

Politics and Government

The two main political parties in Ireland are a product of the settlement achieved with Britain in 1922. The largest party is Fianna Fail (‘Feena Foyle’) which was the party formed by those who opposed the treaty signed with Britain giving Free State status to Ireland. The party that signed the treaty formed the government and are now known as Fine Gael (‘Feena Gayle’). Recently Fianna Fail has dominated the government with a coalition formed with the Labour Party. The most influential of the other parties are the Progressive Democrats (a break away from Fianna Fail), the Labour Party, and Democratic Left (formerly the Workers Party). Sinn Fein (‘Shin Fain’) also exerts an influence in both the Republic and Northern Ireland. The Irish parliament is known as Dail Eireann (‘Doyle Air-an’) and a member as a Deputy or “T.D.”. The prime-minister is termed the Taoiseach (‘Tee-shuck’).

Geography

Ireland is in the form of a saucer with generally flat land in the centre and hills on the perimeter. About 10% of the land is in the form of peat bog which is drained and cut as fuel for both private use and burning in power stations. Much of the scenery is beautiful and lives up to its designation as the Emerald Isle with its forty shades of green.

Climate

Leon Uris described Ireland as an island swept by Atlantic gales. The average of 266 days of rain in the West may justify that comment! It can certainly be very wet with a steady drizzle producing a “soft day”. Though often damp and cold it seldom falls significantly below freezing. Whatever the weather, it is always a topic of conversation!

Date?

Hey friends. If I sent you something in the mail, could you email me the date on it? I had everything on a spreadsheet, but something happened and I lost the info. Or leave a comment in the comment section. Thanks!

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.

Tonight, I took a dry run with my backpack, meaning I packed up (almost) everything and tried it on. Not too bad at all. I was expecting to be toppling over by the weight, but everything felt very comfortable. I guess the research on packing light, is going to pay off.

There is not much to do in the next couple days. The flight is booked. I have almost everything I'll need. And I have you, my prayer partners. I really want to make it a point to set time aside to really prepare for this trip. It seems the psychical preparations are out weighting the spiritual preparations.

Please pray for:
1. Quite times to meet with God.
2. Fears to be quenched.
3. Solidarity in our team.
4. Ears to hear and eyes to see.


...Ireland is a young country

A succession of home rule bills (to allow Ireland to govern its own affairs rather than the English parliament in London) were attempted to be passed in the late 19th and early 20th century. The final one succeeded but was not enacted due to the outbreak of the 1st World War. In 1916, a small band of Irish men and women staged a rising on Easter Monday. They took over key buildings in Dublin and declared a republic. The main command post was the General Post Office, in what is now O’Connell Street. After heroic fighting, the loss of many lives, and the destruction of much of central Dublin, the rising was overthrown a week later. The leaders were captured and most executed. The Easter Rising had not had widespread support initially, but the brutality of the resulting executions produced a backlash and within six years Ireland was granted Free State status under the British crown. This, however, did not satisfy the more ardent republicans and Ireland was plunged into a civil war. Pro-treaty forces formed the government and fought anti-treaty republicans who had previously fought by their side.

The pro-treaty forces won in 1923, but not until many more lives had been lost. The six counties of the north east, which had exempted themselves from the treaty and remained part of the Union due to their majority Protestant populations, formed the separate state of Northern Ireland. The border between the six counties and the Free State came into existence and remains a bone of contention to this day. Two distinct cultural and ethnic groups, each with their own interpretation of Irish history share the island but will not agree as to the form of government. With these facts in mind one recognizes that Ireland is a young country and proud of its hard won independence. It became a Republic in 1948 and now takes its place among the nations of the world. One of the leaders of the rising, Eamonn DeValera, became its first President and only died in the mid 70s.

Application:

Many are still alive who recall the events surrounding the founding of the nation and so nationalism is a very live issue and has implications for the gospel. To diminish the achievements of this small and culturally rich country is to strengthen the barrier against the gospel. One does not need to be a Roman Catholic to respect this proud and independent race; the more one respects them and their history, the more likely to gain a hearing for the gospel.

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.

May Update

A month from today I'll be standing in the Dublin airport, bewildered that I just flew to another country by myself. Actually by this time, I'll probably be on the road to Co. Roscommon. As the departure day grows nearer, I get more and more excited for this journey to start. Just one more month.

Elle, my OM contact, sent my support summary and guess what?!?!? Everything is in except for $29! It makes me smile in shock every time. I can handle $29.

Some History:

In 1172 Henry II, King of England, invaded Ireland to establish British rule and ensure the security of his western defenses. This was with the permission of the only English Pope there has been. From that time there has been a foreign military presence on Irish soil. English influence was centered on Dublin and extended out from it into what became known as “the pale.” Over the years the strength of this influence varied.

Whilst the Reformation took root in England, it was opposed in Ireland. Despite some initial progress within the pale, reformed religion met the united opposition of the Anglo and Gaelic Irish. The reformed church was established by legislation and became the church of the new English colony and the official class. Various methods were used to subdue the Irish including the plantation of loyal subjects in various regions. These were unsuccessful until the early 17th century when opposition led by the old Irish lords, O’Neill and O’Donnell, was crushed marking the end of the old Irish world. Ulster lay open for settlement and was populated by Scots Presbyterians and English Anglicans. The town of Derry was given to the merchants of London and became known as Londonderry.

The injustice felt by the native population resulted in a brutal uprising in 1641. Claims of the number of Protestants slaughtered at that time are now considered greatly exaggerated, but at the time they gave rise to feeling of outrage. The eventual reprisal for this was the landing of Oliver Cromwell on Irish soil in 1649 at the head of his Puritan army. Cromwell’s infamous activities resulted in many Irish Catholics being dispossessed of their lands. By 1660 Catholics were not allowed to own land east of the River Shannon in the province of Connacht and Co. Clare to which many had been banished. All of this is vital to grasp as it shows the reason for the deep antipathy towards the English and Protestantism. The puritans may be revered as godly Bible expositors by evangelical Christians but they left a terrible legacy in Ireland. The indiscriminate inhumanity with which revenge was enacted by Cromwell’s forces on the towns of Drogheda and Wexford left an indelible impression on the Irish. When in 1688 there was the “Quiet Revolution” in England with the accession to the throne of the Protestant William and Mary in the place of the Catholic James, it was to Ireland that James looked to raise the army to regain his throne. The decisive battle ending his hopes was at the River Boyne, near Drogheda, in 1690 and is celebrated to this day in Ulster on the 12th July. It became known as the day the Protestants beat the Catholics! (The fact that the Pope celebrated High Mass in commemoration of the victory is a little known, but illuminating fact!)

Application:

History is very relevant to the Irish and explains the fierce demarcation between the communities in the North. Preaching the gospel into this context is fraught with difficulties. To be a Protestant can be viewed as being an alien, a supporter of the foreign oppression that was finally thrown off in 1922, and as a justifier of Cromwell! The Protestant community is tolerated in the Republic, but to expect an Irishman to become a Protestant is to ask him to reject not only his faith, but his culture and his national identity. This was not always so, but the 150 years has done much to produce within the Irish people a view that to be Irish is to be Catholic.

Hey friends and family,

The trip is fast approaching and I've been slowly collecting the items I'll need. The following is a list of items on my "To Buy" list, but I'm hoping to borrow as many as possible. Please let me know if you can help me out?

Travel Alarm Clock

TSA approved locks

European Adapter

Converter

Inflatable neck pillow

Fast Drying Travel Towel

Raincoat (S or M)
Travel Sleeping Bag

Also, it turns out I'm not going to be in the southern part of Ireland (Co. Kilkenny), but central Ireland (Co. Roscommon). Elle, from OM, emailed the Impact Ireland Preparation Pack the other day. It's full of great tidbits, some recommendations, and history. In the next six weeks (!!!), I'd like to share what I'm learning about this country.

The following is from the Preparation Pack in regards to "understanding something of the complex history of Ireland in order to present the Gospel in a meaningful way and avoid the pitfalls.

1. Ireland has a long and noble history
The point for us is that Christianity is not of recent origin for the Irish. Ireland was evangelized relatively early and since then has been active in spreading the Christan faith. It is known as "the land of saints and scholars" and produced such wonderful masterpieces as the Book of Kells. For the Irish to have people coming to share the gospel with them can be viewed as an insult, especially when those young people come from the USA, the home of all the new "funny religions." The Irish may feel insecure in many areas, but in religion they believe they have the one true Church and have had it for a long time, in fact a lot longer than most nations have been around.

The big excitement of last week was when American Airlines changed my departure time, without telling me, leaving only an hour between flying into Chicago (from Detroit) and flying out to Dublin. Not enough time. Everything is fixed and the only snafoo of the whole thing might be not getting a window seat on the flight over. We'll see.

Some other exciting news...Last week I received an email from my contact at OM saying there were two other girls going on this trip by themselves (from the US). One of the girls wanted to exchange email addresses and we've been chatting on Facebook. It's an answer to prayer to be able to know someone before I get over there.

Two Day Sponsorships are still available and funds can still be received in my OM account after the due date.

It's the home stretch!