Good Afternoon!
Well I made it all safe and sound to Dublin, and even got some sleep on the plane ride (which ended up only being 5 hours and 25 minutes...plus a free upgrade to business class!) I didn't gather up my bags; for they left Boston after I did, evidently. Oh well. I took the bus through the country side to Newry, great ride. I got off (about 8:30 am Monday morning here). I needed to get a hold of my team (I feel lost with out a cell I tell ya!) and as only God would have it, I got off with two other people about my age, we got to chatting and somehow mentioned that they were just getting back from Hatie, doing medical missions and I mentioned I was here to do a vacation Bible school in Kilkeel. And we were from Bethlehem Bapt...I didn't even get the word out and she was say NO WAY, John Piper's church?!?! I'm reading his book... and I said yeah, and we're helping our friend Samuel Chestnutt... I no more said that and she through her head back laughing and we discovered we have a friend in common, she handed me her phone and we got in contact. It was such a great start to the trip. Total God thing.
Next I stepped into a fairy tail. (I'm really suffering for the cause here...) ;-) We pulled into my host family's house and it's litterally on the mountain side overlooking the Irish Sea and a Castle off in the distance, with horses in the yard and cows on the other hill. Sandra the lady of the house is completely a darling and so friendly. It's taking me a while to pick up on the STRONG NI accent. Her husband is the town dentist/surgeon. And they have three boys left at home. She showed me my room (which over looks all this scenery) and I rested for an hour.
On Monday we had a work day out at Kitty's Road (the neighborhood we're working in). And got to start talking to some of the adults and children while we were out painting the community center and picking up the yard. We started building friendships with these precious people.
Monday-Wednesday: We've been doing a Bible club with the younger kids in the morning and during that to the time also have coffe with moms and other ladies in the area. The after noon and evening are spent haging out playing games with the older and younger kids. The evening is more for the older kids/teens. We're working hand in hand with the local church, so that when we leavee they will continue these friendships and outreaches. (we're kind of the kick-off helpers). It's been so special to be in on the beginning of a new out reach project, and to be able to see key leaders in the community welcome us so warmly and to beging building relationships of trust, so we can share Jesus with them, and how he can be real in their life. "Christian" doesn't have to be boring, stuffy, or look one way. The children are already asking great questions. Be in prayer for them.
Our BBC team and the Mourne team have united in an awesome way and it's really "crack" to serve with them for a wee bit 'o time.
Well I have to head out at half-two. (2:30pm) We had biscuts and chips (cookies and french fries) and other yummy stuff for lunch. potatoe stew last night (all great home cooking)...
I hope to be able to update again. Thank you for praying. Please pray today for adults who have interest in what we are saying. -God has allowed the whole town to hear of what's going on down at Kitty's road and that there are American's. Pray that they won't see us but a living God and only one way to be in fellowship with him.
Hugs, manda
