Celtic children born with stone in hand...

The past few days have been a series of happies and crappies as my bible class likes to call them. I had a rough night Sunday, feeling very frustrated with my lack of friends here. In addition, after Cave Hill, my regular life in Belfast was somewhat of a let-down. I've often be called a thrill-seeker, and I do tend to live from big event to big event, anticipation is my drug. Monday afternoon while struggling through C.S. Lewis's 'Mere Christianity,' God spoke. Now, I know many who adore this book, but I have found it mildly captivating and minimally life changing. But, just when I least expected it, the words seemed to have been written just for me. I'd like to share that paragraph with you, C.S. Lewis says this:

'This is, I think, one little part of what Christ meant by saying that a thing will not really live unless it first dies. It is simply no good trying to keep any thrill: that is the very worst thing you can do. Let the thrill go -let it die away- go on through that period of death into the quieter interest and happiness that follow- and you will find you are living in a world of new thrills all the time.'

Since I have been in Belfast I have been living from one big thing to the next, from seeing the city, to our first Irish Pub experience, the Lagan River, and then Cave Hill. I had even begun planning the next big activity to look forward to. I have been caught up in the big stuff, not fully letting myself experience the real Belfast, that is the people and my job. I have been working on letting them go, enjoying the experience, but then looking forward to the small things that God will thrill me with daily. I am working to live this lifestyle here in Belfast and see just where it takes me.

While it was hardly a thrill, Monday night, I learned the value of a carpeted bathroom floor, when I slept half of the night on it, sick. Since then, things have been looking up. I phoned in sick to Newington on Tuesday, needing to still sleep off whatever was making me sick. Then went into the office that afternoon to help with preparations for the Celebration of the Partnership for Community Transformation that was held this afternoon. I was in charge of the treasure hunt, and after many revisions and new ideas, I completed it yesterday. There were times that I felt frustrated, wanting to just settle for what I had, not adding any special tweaks. But, once it was complete, it was great to see a nice finished product.

Today, after a stressful morning of hanging pictures, posting graphs and fliers, and lots of general set up, the event began. I was a little anxious about all the kids, and trying to organize them into teams for the treasure hunt. Our goal was to pair up a child from Currie Primary with a child from Holy Family Primary, in other words a Protestant and a Catholic child together. I guess I have yet to really see the Troubles in action within the people, only on the flags marking the neighborhoods and the murals. Rosemary and Maura spoke of this pairing so casually that I was not fully prepared when one of the Protestant Boys flat out refused to pair with a Catholic boy. He left the room, telling me he would not participate if he had to have a Catholic partner. Caught off guard, it took me a minute to find a solution. While the goal and overall intention of the whole event was to bring the two schools together, I knew that I would rather him participate in some way than not at all. Having met him on Saturday night at the youth club, I told him he could be my partner and then join another pair later if he wanted.

I was inwardly amazed at the stubbornness and close-mindedness of a 10 year old. While we have heard that the hatred and division is ingrained from birth, today was my first experience with it. Part of me wonders if they had not been in school uniform if things would have gone differently. I think there is such a need to emphasize the similarities between the two sides, rather than maintain the separation fully enforced with uniforms. I pray that eventually they get to the point where they can openly look different, in Protestant and Catholic uniforms, yet see no real difference. There is a slight thrill in this experience in that there is such a challenge facing these young people, the thrill of being a part of the progress, how ever so small, is wonderful. My hope is that I will look back on this year, adding up all the small thrills of progress, and walk away with something wonderful. Curtis did end up joining a friend of his, making a group of three, 2 Protestants and 1 Catholic.

The event was a success, though the treasure hunt didn't exactly go as planned. It worked out okay and they had fun doing it. One of the P7 boys (about 11) told me he wished I was his teacher because I was so nice! (a little thrill...) and I met many more people within the church family and the community. I feel much closer with the people I work with and the banter has started in full swing! (We have been told that banter means you're seen as one of them, I don't know how many times I was joking called a 'yank' today, which is a skeezy term for American.) Overall, very much so a success and a thrill.

Thank you for all the email, mail, and the packages which have arrived or are on their way, it is lovely to have a little piece of home (or Africa) arrive through my mail slot each day, and of course, some mac and cheese!

*** I apologize if this blog is awkward, scattered, or random ramblings, it has been a long day!

You cannot look upon it without a quickening of the pulse

Saturday we headed up to explore The Belfast Castle and Cave Hill above it. I have been looking forward to this since we arrived in Belfast! My heart longs for the mountains, and to have them right on the horizon in every direction I look is somewhat of a tease each day. On my walk to work each morning, I enjoy the view of Cave Hill, also called Napolean's nose. There is a sense of familiarity in the view of a man's face lying along the hills. There are mornings where I forget I am in Belfast and that the treeline is not actually Grandfather Mountain. One day, I will have to compare pictures of the two men. I think Napolean has a bigger nose! If you can't see the face, the chin is near the light post, and the nose is just above the tree top.

The Belfast Castle was also high up on my list of things to see. Unlike the one castle I have been to, The Edinburgh Castle, the Belfast Castle is still livable, although no one lives there. Events are frequently held in the great hall and in the gardens. There was an amazing wedding reception taking place while we were there! The Bride arrived right about the time we did, which made it slightly awkward. What an amazing place to celebrate your marriage! Dad, start saving! haha. This is the view on the walk up. The castle is just off of the Antrim road, a quick bus ride and walk up from our house, just past Fortwilliam and Macrory Presbyterian. It sits at the base of Cave Hill, a perfect backdrop for the castle! More pictures can be found on the webshots page, which is linked from this blog.
We made it around to the front of the castle to take in the view just before the bride. The castle overlooks the River Lagan, and its source, though we don't know yet what the bigger body of water is. These were the wonderful back steps. I can just imagine some royalty stepping out in her victorian gown for a wee bit of fresh air. There were the perfect place for a picture, but the bride beat me to them. I figured she had more right to them that I did : )

Our Trek continued through the Estate and up to the Cave Hill trail. As we started the climb, I felt like I was back in Boone. I flew up the trail, leaving the girls behind, feeding the need to be high, to see an amazing a view, to be home. I reached the first clearing, to find an amazing view of North Belfast. Not only were there hills and peaks raising behind me, but there were city and water ahead of me. Now, don't get me wrong, I have seen some wonderful views in my life, but this was like nothing I have seen before. I don't think the pictures really capture it, but any visit you make to Belfast is incomplete without a trip to Cave Hill, regardless of your age or hiking ability.

After taking many a picture (again, see the webshots), we continued on a climb, complete with me running ahead to climb a random peak. At the peak the wind was strong. My worries, my lonliness, and my doubts were all blown away. I turned around and was excited to see much more to explore! From the top of the peak, I could see the whole rock face that awaited us, complete with a huge cave! The farther we went, the better and better this place got!

Our next stop was the cave of Cave Hill, atleast as far as our understanding goes. We climbed up in it and I made Alison a little nervous. I had to remind her that after all, I was a Mountaineer. Climbing shoes would have been awesome though!Overall, it was a wonderful afternoon. I am already planning a trip back to explore further and get to the top. I have a feeling that I have found a new favorite place in Belfast.

Rock down to Botanic Avenue....

Thursday my day was filled, Finally! I say finally because I have found myself bored a lot and sitting home alone a lot, following the latest Irish soap, Hollyoaks. Now don't get me wrong, this is some quality telly, but it is nice to feel like I am doing something. Thursday morning I headed into church, using the other side of the street than normal, hoping to avoid my special friend if he happened to be out, for the homestart mothers and toddlers club. I was stood up as the church must have gotten the start date wrong.

I spent the morning in the office perfecting my treasure hunt for the Partnership event next Wednesday. Around 1, I made the quick 5 minute walk down to Castle High School. I met with the PE teacher there and planned to join up with the year 10 netball class each Thursday afternoon. I am still unsure exactly how old the girls are, I think its comparable to 8th grade there? Maybe. Being in a school with insane bells that ring every 30 minutes for class change was awkward. It has been many years since I have used bells to change classes, and as I sat thinking about it, I couldn't remember the sound of the bell from High School. All I know is that it is not the same as the loud, looooooooooong, fire alarm sound that changes classes at Castle. It made me jump all afternoon.

It is interesting that I am helping with netball when I have no real concept of netball. It is their version of basketball, though only girls play it. There is no dribbling as when you have the ball you can't move. The basket is a single hoop, no backboard. Oddly enough, there is no net in netball either. As I stood at one end of the court during the scrimmage, acting as the goal... My vision was blurred into Carolina Blue uniforms, tall guys, and a yearn for the UNC fight song. With every squeak of the girls shoes on the floor, the reality of missing an amazing Carolina season got more and more painful. Needless to say, Thursday netball might be a little depressing for me this year and I've got to find some way to watch it over here... A YAV in Kenya this year told me that when he studied abroad in Ghana he watched the national championship there, yes, the one Carolina won! If they had it in Ghana, they have to have it here! I've still got hope....

I then went to the afterschool play practice, the first full read-through of the Oliver script. The kids were pretty cool, a couple come straight from netball to rehearsal, so that was nice, they knew me. The read-through was so entertaining. Oliver, as you probably know, is set in London. I never once considered the accent. Hearing the students struggle with the midlands accent was so funny. I never really realized the difference. They asked if I could do it, being an American. While I am not shy, I told them I couldn't, which is accurate. I do however think that it would be easier for Americans. When we think about English accents, we think of the London accent. One of the girls learned the phrase 'alright, alright' in the midlands accent and before each line when she was struggling to get the accent correct she would say 'alright, alright' under her breath. It was hysterical. I think it is going to be a very good group and that I will like Thursdays a lot.

Last night we headed out to the University area to check out the pubs there. We were in search of some younger people! Being Freshers week, like freshman orientation, there were lots of 18 year olds. There were times that we felt old, but also people our age. We were amazed at the craze with American music. There was a live band at The Botanic Inn, or 'The Bot' and they played brown eyed girl and build me up buttercup. Sadly, the Irish do not know how to shag or even dance well to music like that. It was entertaining. At one point I turned to Lauren and said, these people need to spend some time in the Carolinas and learn how to shag! This guy overheard me and gave me the funniest look. It was quite humorous. (I'm sure you know that shag is slang here for sex.... yep, foot in mouth...) We did end up talking to some nice people and our black taxi driver didn't charge us as much as he should have. We hit the chippy of course and made a new friend there too. Now, we just need to get free chips!

This morning I braved city center alone. I am hoping to travel on Fridays and maybe short overnights around the Republic and Northern Ireland. Because the roomies both work, I would be doing these alone. Going to the city center was just the start of my venturing alone, I hope! I took the bus alone for the first time, and found out just how unreliable the buses can be. I waited for 25 minutes for the bus on the way back, slightly unsure that I was actually waiting on the correct one. Then, I just got too impatient and walked. That is what I get for being lazy! In the same way, I learned the true value of the little green man, who tells you when to cross the street. I have been pretty good about waiting for him, all the while with people walking past me and just crossing the street. Today I almost lost my life to a big blue lorry when I decided I'd use my own judgment. opps. Don't worry, I learned my lesson.

Gray's anatomy season premier was last night. I know, some of you might say, you're in Ireland, how can you really be thinking about Gray's! Well, when allll the telly, minus Hollyoaks, here is American, and you spend lots of time alone, you watch the telly and think of all the things you want to watch at home. Only natural. Mom is taping them for me each week and sending me the tapes. I might be a few weeks behind, but I will keep up this season! So don't tell me what happened!

I hope all of you are well! Enjoy some sunshine for me!

Chatting Up and A Life Left Behind

Today I spent the morning at Newington Day Centre, a centre where old people come to hang out, have tea, and give their carers a break a few days a week. This morning I visited with the members and got to know my way around. I must have told one lady that I was going to be here for a year 10 times. She told me just as many times that she was originally from Scotland. Needless to say there is a great deal of patience I must find somewhere to use during these mornings. (I always joke that I save up all my patience during the year for my summers at camp... At this point in the year, the stock is low!) The man who told me on my first visit last week that I couldn't tell him about my love life because it would break his heart was there this morning and I had a good time talking with him. I can't remember his name, as there were many thrown at me this morning. However, he is hysterical! He asked everyone if they had grandchildren or friends who were in their 20s, trying to find me a man. He told me that when I do find a man he is going to put a banner across the street outside the centre announcing it to the community. He is a trip.

I had a guy try to 'chat me up' as I waited to cross the street this morning. I lied and said that I didn't know my mobile number when he asked for it (which is only partially a lie because I only know part of it and I could have looked it up.) Shockingly, he didn't even comment on me being American. He asked what I was doing tonight and the first thing that came to my mind was working. Although I would have preferred to give a lame excuse of washing my hair in hopes that he would get the memo that I was not interested, I wasn't as witty as that. My friend at Newington told me I should have flipped him off, using the American version rather than the Irish version (a peace sign) to demonstrate. I am not opposed to having friends, actually, I'd rather love some friends, and had the guy been under the age of 30 I might have said I would meet him somewhere, taking the roomies of course. However, sketchy 40 year old men who chat up girls crossing streets don't really appeal to my friend base.

The past couple of days have been typical- blustery, lots of time at home alone, time at the office. I have been thinking a lot about home, not homesick persay, and by home, I mainly mean the past. I am beginning to realize that I am not in college anymore, and I never will be again. Ever since the placement weekend the final weekend of April, I have been able to think of nothing but getting to Belfast. Graduation weekend emotions were kept in check as I planned for this year. Even leaving Boone, saying goodbye to friends, and locking my apartment for the last time went unexpectedly smooth.

I had the excitement of this year to carry me through and keep me from really understanding the reality of graduating. Now that I am here, fairly settled, and often have time alone to sit with my thoughts, I am realizing just how awkward this time in my life really is. I have not been out of a classroom this long since I was 5. All I have really known day in and day out for the past 17 years is school, both the social and educational settings. There is a big change, going from being a student to being in the real world, one that regardless of where I lived now, I would have to deal with. Sometimes I wonder why I chose to deal with this change in the midst of even more change in Belfast.

There is a part of me that envies the YAVs who are older, even if we make fun of them and call them old man and grandma. They were settled in the real world, they knew what it was like to have a job, not attend classes, and make friends outside of the inevitable social setting that school provides. They have already successfully made it through this transition. In the same way however, they left established lives to come here. While I have no idea where I would be if I weren't here, they do. They know what they gave up. My life is at an inevitable time of change, they welcomed a time of change. I suppose sometimes, when you take the pessimistic view, its lose-lose.

Now, let me say that I know in truth this experience is win-win. There is no where else I would rather be. But that doesn't make the reality of no more tailgating surrounded by peers, no more surprise McDonald's ice creams brought to the library on late nights of thesis writing, and no more 389 H hobo pie Sunday night TV dates any easier. Have no fear, I am establishing new traditions, like stove top popcorn every evening when Lauren gets home, The Duke of York on Friday nights and a stop at our chippy, and Sunday night skype calls to mom and dad. I guess it will just take some time. And of course, a period of mourning, mourning the loss of the college lifestyle that I adored. They say that college is the best four years of your life; I pray that there are better years and years of equal value ahead of me, beginning with this one.

America, America....

The past few days have been full of laziness, adventure, and fun. We blew off our tenative plans on our day off friday to get the house clean. We braved the closet under that stairs where everything had just been thrown for the past who knows how many years. We organized and cleaned and found we have many decorations for each holiday. As we were walking back from the 174 where we drop our rubbish, we met some more neighborhood girls. The one girl spoke to us because she heard that we were foreign. When we said we were American she got very excited and eager to talk to us. I wondered if she were really interested in us or just in knowing Americans. The kids on our street have gotten used to us and even now come to ring our bell to hang out.

Yesterday they brought over bubbles to play with, as well as their 4 year old cousin who was adorable.

It was also Rachel Levy, my college roommates, birthday. I woke up and teared up a little, missing her. Calling her in Peru was the highlight of my day, it is crazy how easy it is to talk across the globe. (God only knows...) When I got off the phone I was kinda sad, so Alison and Lauren made me go out for ciders so we could toast to Rach's birthday. We went to the Duke of York and the bouncer said "two weeks in a row!?!" as we were walking up. It was crazy to be remembered, in a bar that serves probably 200 people in a friday night. I find out more and more just how much Americans stick out. On the way home, Lauren and I switched shoes because her boots were killing her. Oh the things we do for roommates! We stopped at our Chippy on the way home for chips, chicken nuggets, and Alison got a pita full of lamb (I can't remember what it was called.... decent, though lamb at midnight is not my cup of tea.)

Today we had a chill morning, watched Scooby Doo!, and got ready for a day on the town. We headed down towards city center and hit the Lagan River area. We found our way following the clock tower, while I am not sure of the purpose of this tower, it was lovely (such an Irish word!) The walkway down was a wonderful place! It was a bit touristy, however, there were many Irish families there playing as well or enjoying the benches.

I was fascinated by the wonderful sidewalk water fountains! I was very much the kid of the group. There were children running and playing in them. They all spray at different times and different patterns and are so fun to just sit and watch. I think the probably only run in the spring/summer, but I hope that I am wrong, as I can see this being one of my favorite places in Belfast!


Further down were two little exhibits, a tornado tower and bells in the ground. While those are by no means the formal titles, that is what I am gonna call them. The tornado was a tube of water and you turned a handle and it made a tornado. Pretty exciting. My most favorite was the bell squares.

There were nine squares (3 x3) and each square made a different bell when you stepped on it. It was like the piano in the movie Big! I quickly figured out how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb! It was awesome! Again, I was the kid, as Alison and Lauren sat and watched me play.

We ventured down to the waterfront and the famous fish.

The fish was given to the city as a mural of history and peace in belfast.

The mosaic is of many newspaper articles and pictures from around the city. It was really cool, and a little touristy, something we don't often get to do.

We next walked down to St. Georges Street Market, a big market every Friday and Saturday. It was much like any market here, and being so far from home, not a desireable place to buy grocerys as we would have to carry them home! But it was interesting to see. One booth sold cookies and as I commented on the 'All American Cookie' the lady selling them must have heard me and asked if I was American. She was from Miami and it was interesting to hear another American voice in the city.

The highlight of today came on the way home at our stop at our neighborhood wine store. Now, you might not find the excitement in this, unless your name is Molly Morgan, but we found strongbow (cider) in a two litre plastic bottle! I have yet to find strongbow at a pub and was so glad to buy some and even more entertained that they sell it like soda! haha. It will be a common purchase I'm sure!

In the store, yet again, our Americaness was pointed out. He first asked if we were Austrailian, then when we said American, he said 'oh, even worse.' While I didn't know the appropriate response, I found myself saying, 'sometimes, I'd agree with you.' There was nothing more said, but I have been left reflecting on my response. I am not the most patriotic, and I do disagree with many of the things the US gov, and thus the US in the eyes of the world, have done in the past few years. But regardless, for me to say that I would agree might have been the wrong words. To say that I understand would have been more valid. Being able to see the flaws in American society myself gives me something in common with foreigners who see the flaws. I have learned that rather than get defensive and only further their distaste for people from the States, it is best to either keep your mouth shut or if you feel comfortable enough, agree. While I still feel a sense of home and maybe even some pride in the States, I sympathize (if thats the right word?) with those outside views.

I hope that the more conservative, patriotic, whatever title you might identify with who are reading this are not offended by my thoughts. I just wanted to share some of the thoughts I've had and situations I have encountered.

I have heard from many of you that you are actually reading this! YAY! I am glad it is serving it's purpose. If you feel this blog is impersonal, as Anne says, send me an email and I will respond with a little more insight not suited for a public blog. : )

More pictures can be found using the link on the side bar!

In Ireland the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs -Sir John Pentland Mahaffy

The past few days I have had much contact, through emails and blogs, with fellow YAVs across the world. It is interesting to me that often when I get homesick, it is these people that I miss rather than my friends and family from home (Please don't take that wrong, friends and family from home, I miss you often enough too!) It is amazing to me how quickly I became very close with strangers in a matter of a week of orientation. I suppose that the similar call we are all answering, in one way or another, is a bond that others can not understand. I feel that in the course of my life, I keep finding friendships that blossom faster and faster... I remember saying that college friends become dear friends so quickly your freshman year, then saying that camp friends are made even faster than college friends, and now, I can add that YAV friends, after only a week together, are the fastest made true friends with the most limited contact I have ever made. I miss you all and wish you the best.

Things here are picking up, with more placements for the PCT developing. I visited Castle High School yesterday and will now be officially working with the photography club there on Tuesday afternoons, with the PE classes and possibly some after school sport, and best of all, the drama production this fall, OLIVER! Now, many may not know this, but my little brother was once a HUGE Oliver fan! When he was probably 5 or so he learned all the songs and mastered the accent! It will be fun to work with the play, which I really have never seen, yet I know all the songs because of Drew. I'm sure there will be many stories to share along the way!

I also visited the Newington Day Center where I will be working with older people (it is not PC here to say elderly...). One of the old men already told me that I can't discuss my love life with him or it will break his heart with jealousy. Haha! My job there will be just hanging out and forming relationships. Many of the old people were sad to hear that I was Kirk's replacement, as they hadn't remembered or truely realized that he would be leaving. I am excited to see how these relationships go, in light of the relationships that Kirk left behind. Again, I'm sure there will be stories to share!

Today is our first real rainy day and I now understand the desire for all things truely waterproof. The walk home consisted of my umbrella flipping inside out many times and pushing my way against the wind. It was much like a classic Boone day. I must admit as much as I would stand out as American, I miss my rainboots! My bright colored, polka dot or stripped pairs of wellies. I might just suck it up and get mom to ship them, as apprently it is already clear I am American- this morning three guys probably mid-twenties surrounded me on my walk to work on the sidewalk and starting singing Sweet Home Alabama. While it caught be of guard, it was pretty fun. They asked where I was from, had a good laugh, and went on their way. I in no way felt threatened or uncomfortable, it was merely playful. Banter is big here, but I didn't expect it from strangers!


(g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-gallop momma)

A question of call....

While a large part of my calling to Northern Ireland, which I now will refer to as Nireland by suggestion of a wonderful YAV in the Philippines, was the intentional community established by living with the other YAVs here, ironically, I find myself home alone for atleast 4 hours a day. I have struggled with the idea of being in Kenya; if I can handle this solitude, would being alone in a village in Kenya for the year really have been unbearable? While I know there is purpose for me being here, sometimes my passion for Africa overtakes me and I question the road that lead me here.

Solitude is not something I long for, and if anything, something I seek to avoid. Some days I am alone longer than others. For example, this afternoon and all evening minus a brief dinner with Lauren, have been spent in solitude. Living in dorms and a pretty friendly apartment complex with great roommates, plus hang out time in the solarium has kept me from spending much time alone in the past 4 years. Prior to college, having 6 in the family left very little truely alone time. It is not to say that I am uncomfortable with being alone, I don't find the house to be creepy like Alison and Lauren do..., the time spent outside of work is just not as I anticipated. The idea of living with YAVs left me expecting social support just outside my door and emotional support at all hours of the day. While my schedule has been slow to fill and the girls have been busier than they would like, the opposite has been true. I have spent much time writing letters, cleaning (surprising, I know!), showing repeatedly to fill the time, and wondering if I am really going to be useful here.

In the same way, reading other YAVs blogs (they are amazing, if you're up for some reading just ask...) has left me with a sense of bore when evaluating my life here in Belfast. While there is a need here that is hard to grasp, there is no struggle such as trying to pee between two boards or riding a picnic-table-on-rails kinda transportation. When I first found out I would be going to Belfast, the same emotion overcame me- a lack of adventure, a lack of 3rd world unknown. Nireland is hardly a hardship and I have already come to find that 54 pounds a week is not all that small. I have quickly grown accustomed to looking the correct way when crossing the street or pulling the light string when I walk into the loo. As we waited to board the flight to Chicago, Jamie, Nora, Dave, and I sat thinking about what we had coming to us. The poking fun started about having internet in my house (yes, I'm sitting at my dining room table), a washing machine, and my own laptop. While I learned to counter back that my struggles would be different, that my youth would drain me emotionally and throw rocks at me like they had a previous volunteer, inside I really questioned the experience I was about to have. Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful to have the internet to keep in touch so freely, and the telly to keep up the habit of watching Sex and the City. But I wonder when my challenge will come. While the division of Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods is uncomprehensible, it can't begin to compare to the extreme poverty of India or the traffic on the roof in Peru (accoring to Kori, haha).

Or can it?

Surprise responsibilities and a dreary day...

I have had a busy past couple of days, although I didn't have to work at all! Having Friday and Saturday off is going to be so nice! Friday the three of us went to The Ulster Museum (Ulster is what they call Northern Ireland.) It closes on 4 October for a few years for renovations. We spent a lot of time in the Troubles Exhibit, still trying to grasp exactly what we are working with here. We spent some time walking around the University area as well. It is freshers week (similar to freshman orientation) so there are people and promotions everywhere. Alison will be working in the university area doing a coffee ministry from 11-3am on Thursday nights, the big party night. We have planned to check out the bars in that area then go meet up with her as often as possible. Having Fridays off will be nice if I am up til 3am helping her!

We got pininis for lunch in a cute little coffee shop in the city center then hit the shops. I got a new wallet with a good size change purse at T.K. Maxx, the Irish version of T.J. Maxx. Pretty funny. I also found some 7 Jeans for 20 quid (bucks), about $40. Pretty sweet find none the less. I got an amazingly cute dress that I will never wear here because I would freeze. Lauren said that I must wear it at her wedding (whenever that may be) in order to commemorate our year. The afternoon was a great chance to get out in the city and feel like part of society here. In the same way, we checked out some of the new bars in our area, one that we particlarly liked was The Duke of York. We found others, The Cloth Ear for example, to be very hoity toity and not all that good. We met some gents at the Duke (yeah, boo on the short name....), one of which had run track at Greensboro College of all places for a year. They were a wee bit older than we were though, but nice to have people to talk to.

We have finally finished painting our living room! It took us forever, complete with a crazy adventure on the buses for Lauren and Alison to go get more paint. We really weren't sure how it was going to turn out and even talked about repainting part, but I think it came together nicely, it feels more like our house since we have made it what we like. We are still in the process of trying to find a fabric store for curtains, but generally, it is 10x better... tell me if you agree!

Before:




After:



We like it a lot : )

Today I went to church at Fortwilliam and Macrory for the first time. Everyone was very friendly. Things are kinda crazy right now because Lesley is so sick and is out for another two weeks. We have guest pastors each week and Muriel, the clerk of session, is running the church pretty much. She has a lot on her plate, but handles it all really well. I also didn't know that I would be doing bible class this morning. Much like children's church at home, all of the kids leave after the children's sermon. The younger ones go to sunday school and the youth (11-18 year olds) come with me. While I wasn't prepared at all, I made do with some name games. The youth were pretty receptive to me, something I was kinda worried about. Doug warned us that they tend to get use to a volunteer, Kirk who was there before me, and then are kinda slow to warm up to the new person. I think being the first female in this church with PC(USA) for the past four years will be helpful. Tonight, I also have The Point, the youth group I will be leading Yet again, I had been planning on starting next Sunday but, thats okay... it is nice to have something to do!

I ironed a rediculous amount of clothes today, ironing t-shirts for the first time ever haha. But when everything air dries they are all pretty stiff, so t-shirts and socks were included in the ironing. Maybe when I get back to the states the habit will stick?!?

I spoke with dad briefly on skype this afternoon, it is his birthday (happy birthday daddy...hip hip horray x3 as is the tradition here...) He told me that my Grams husband Ralph is in the hospital and has had gal bladder (maybe?) removed. Keep him in your prayers.

LONG ONE!

I now seem to be pretty familiar with my office and the people within it. I have had many fun conversations and good craic (fun) around the office. We went out Tuesday night for our first ciders at The John Hewitt to celebrate our first day of work as well as Doug's birthday. He and Elaine (his wife) joined us. It was great!


Yesterday I met with my second supervisor, Rosemary, and talked more through my job with PCT (partnership in community transformation). I got a handle on things and heard lots of interesting discussion on the politics and struggles of nonprofits here in Belfast. While the PCT is associated with Fortwilliam and Macrory Pres, it is largely funded by independent grants from the city and other private sponsors. The year progresses with grant writing, worrying about the awarding of the grant, then cramming to deliver everything promised in the grant proposal if the grant is awarded. The cycle begins again during the operation of the organization and cramming, preparing for another grant proposal inorder to remain functioning after the original grant runs up (usually awarded in 6 month grants). PCT got an initial grant for 3 1/2 years to begin the organization and complete three years of programs. This spring that grant ran out. While the PCT will still remain an organization, until future grant money is secured they will become more an organization of relationships rather than of planning events. One of the original staffers who helped to start the organization will be leaving PCT next week due to lack of funding. Unless more funding is secured by the end of September, another staffer will be leaving, meaning Rosemary and I will be the only two remaining. It is a crazy process and leaves a lot of insecurity within the Partnership. It seems so unfortunate that something doing such good in this community should struggle so much.

In the same way, nonprofits struggle with the lack of networking among themselves in the community. It is frustrating when another nonprofit has a similiar goal, yet you find that you can't work together. This is the case due to the competitive nature of funding. Ideas and plans cannot be shared, or more organizations will apply to the same grant programs, seeking funding for similiar programs. It really is upsetting that people seeking the same thing within the same community, same neighborhoods even, must remain such independent organizations.

On a lighter note, I am beginning to have more of an idea of what I will be doing, although nothing really starts the til 21st or so. We have begun planning a PCT fun day to end the 3 1/2 year projects. I have been put in charge of a treasure hunt around the building, where the youth will have to answer questions as they find it around the building (ex. how many rows of pews are in the church?). I will be writing the questions for it, which is highly entertaining since I havent even seen all of the building yet. I went to take a look around, but big old churches can be kinda creepy. I will let ya know how it turns out haha. Here are some pictures of the church, it is really pretty... and Carolina BLUE!






Here are some of my office:





We have had a lot of fun learning the words they use here and even embarrassing ourselves every so often. Lauren asked Doug if it was okay to wear pants to church. Doug's response was that yes, pants are generally suggested and trousers are required or a skirt. Although we had known about this little tricky one, Lauren had slipped and asked. We all laughed pretty hard. (pants are underwear in case you are lost...). Nigel, the young guy in the PCT office who will be leaving next week, has been so great about teaching me Irish slang words each day. Today I learned nick, used as 'I got nicked for nicking.' While I am not sure that I am spelling it properly, I know that I will be neither nicked or nicking (to get nicked is to get arrested and to nick is to steal)

We also took our first trip to the Tesco (grocery store).

It is slightly like a walmart, but not at the same time. Mainly grocerys, but with other things... like cheap books, which is great because I've already finised two!)It was an experience, mainly carrying them home the mile walk or so. Needless to say, I won't be buying that many groceries at one time EVER again!

As I walked home, stepping over crisp bags and candy wrappers, today I was again reminded about how little people here care about their neighborhood and streets. Last week we saw a boy about 13 just throw his half empty soda bottle into the street as he kept walking. There is trash everywhere, though in the city center they try to keep it clean. I wouldn't really say that Belfast is a dirty city, but in reality, it is. In the same way, I am continually struck by the random children playing on the streets, no parents in sight. While I am sure these children have grown up used to being in the city, these are not quite streets we are talking about. And children who look as young as three or four wander around playing together. As I came out of the post office today ( my first trip! I spent 3pounds on mail, gah!) there was a little boy, maybe 18 months sitting in his stroller, no one around. It is odd to me how they do that!

I'll leave you with this, the view from our 3rd floor window each evening!

Paint and an office!

I think I have gotten all the quirks worked out with blogger, so hopefully this will post without a problem.Thanks for all the feedback on how it was working out. As for the emailing feature, it might be best to bookmark it and check occassionally, I haven't yet figured out how to make sure it emails.

I am sitting the youth office at Fortwilliam and Macrory Presbyterian Church on my first day at work. I met this morning with Lesley, the minister here, and we went over my schedule and all that I will be involved in during this year. The week will be full, but not overwhelming. I have Friday and Saturday off each week, minus a youth club on Saturday nights. It should make for fun adventures around Ireland! I am ready for real work, as I am sitting wasting time here. Both Lesley and Joyce (the office manager) have left and I am waiting for the men working on the building to be done, since I have the only key to the key box which they need access to. They told me I could leave and they could work something out, but I felt bad, plus, the internet here is faster and I know my roomies are still at their placements. So a good time to post on the past few days.

I talked to mom and dad with Skype on Sunday night, it worked pretty well, although I think they were getting a bit of an echo. It is nice to be able to call them for free, even though it is only 2p a minute to call on the phone (about 3.5 cents). Needless to say, send me your phone numbers, and I will be able to call. Appalachian Football and UNC started the season with a rough start, Apps loss somewhat expected and UNC sadly to Rutgers... Just keep waiting for Basketball season : )

We started painting our living room last night. We are doing it pale orange and yellow. The orange is looking a little rust like though, and we are thinking it might not look as good as we planned. I suppose it is better than white and dingy. The walls are all covered with a textured wall paper which made painting it difficult. We hadn't realizse how daunting of a task it would be. And we got our cable up yesterday! Now we can watch shows like Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, and maybe even Greys! We have been told by all Irish people that American TV is the way to go, and based on the Irish TV we have seen, we tend to agree!

I got my first letter today! It is so exciting to open the first front door to find mail waiting on the floor! So thank you Emma Jones for the letter, I guess she has an advantage being on this side of the world in Tanzania...I have yet to brave the post office, but am aquiring a stack of letters to be mailed soon!

I hope all is well!

Can you read this?

I am having some trouble with my blog on this end and need some feedback.... is it emailing out to you like it is suppose to? are the posts even showing up on the site if you access hunterlibby.blogspot.com?? Are the pictures i have posted lined up with their captions or are they overlapped and with the wrong caption? I hope it is working better then it appears to be : )

A Craicing fun night...

The past few days have been very busy, but wonderful. I have now seen every part of Belfast, either by foot or on car tour. We went to meet with the Clerk of the Presbyterian Chuch of Ireland (PCI) and the Youth Workers office one day. From there Doug left us on our own in the city center to find our way back to Thorndale. It wasn't as daunting of as task as we assumed. We decided since we'd broken the ice, being out on our own, we would go for our first Fish and Chips! We headed to Mannys, a place the past volunteers had all mentioned. We were startled by the process and the accents we found there. They packaged Lauren and my order together, which we didn't know. We felt stupid when they asked us why were still standing there, and caused a minor scene. On our way out, all faces turned to look at us and for the first time we experienced feeling like stupid lost outsiders. Lauren and I joked that we were never leaving the house again. Needless to say, our long awaited trip to The John Hewitt for ciders was post poned.

We have spent much time in discussion on and learning about The Troubles here in Northern Ireland. We have learned proper language to use with each side, whether to call them British or Irish, to call the place we now call home Northern Ireland or Ireland, and to strike sports conversation with rugby or hurling. I was struck by the amount of murals showing allegance to either side. We toured through West Belfast, a very Catholic side of the city, to see flags on every corner, murals on many many building sides, and huge walls called peace lines seperating rows of houses. It has hard to think that there are places in this world that still need walls to protect their children and themselves. On the same note, we drove down Shankill Road, where Brittish flags zigzag between the buildings on both sides of the street. Today we we couldnt get onto Shankill Road due to a band parade. The few breaks in the peace wall were gated off, in order to prevent disruption of the Protestant festival. I am excited to work with both sides of this conflict, to gain a better understanding of it, and to make some progress in reconciliation if only in one child's life.

Tonight, on a lighter note, we went to a Rugby match with Doug and his family. I had no clue really what rugby consisted of, so it was fun to watch and figure it out. The girls and I decided that it is a cross between American football and wrestling, with a punt from soccer thrown in every so often. We were surrounded by Irish men mainly, yelling ULSTER at the top of their lungs. It was very entertaining. The amount of groaning and complaining was humorous, I felt as though they never wanted the other team to ever even touch the ball... which is reality would make a very boring game. I know most of you are laughing at me, thinking of me during Carolina games. I know, I'm being very hypocritical right now! But its was a night full of craic (great fun).

I am working on getting some kind of picture site up, and will get the link out as soon as I do. YAV kids, Chicago will be on there too, no worries.

I hope things are well on your side of the ocean, which ever it may be!

This is me and my roomies at the match!