A parade!

Yesterday, The Orangemen who represent the Orange Order, a protestant fraternal organization had a band parade through city centre. One of the guys who volunteers with the youth club and is an officer for the Boys Brigade is a member of the Tigers Bay Brigade and told me about it. It was very interesting to watch and kind of exciting as parades always are. The reactions of the people on the street were interesting, as city centre is neither a protestant or catholic area.

I apologize for the two posts in one day, trying to upload the pictures with this program is complicated to cross albums!

A trip Down...

Saturday Alison and I went to Downpatrick for a day trip. This town was th Home of Saint Patrick and a lot of its heritage is based around him. We took the bus through the beautiful countryside and then arrived in what looked like a busy little town with all kinds of shoppers on a Saturday morning.

We first went to the Down Cathedral, also called St. Patrick's Chapel. It is a super old church on the top of a hill and it was beautiful! St. Patrick was sold into slavery into Ireland, then once later released he returned to Ireland as a missionary. There is a huge graveyard on the hillside outside of the cathedral, St. Patrick's grave is near the center. There is a big stone with a celtic cross and the reminents of Patrick carved into it. I never really knew the story of St. Patrick, only that he is the reason we wear green on the 17th of March or get pinched. It was really cool to see something so dedicated to him and to hear the real story of St. Patrick.


Our next stop was the Mound of Down, a fort very close to Down Hill where the cathedral sits. The path to the mound was soggy grass and our shoes got soaked. We had to go through the kissing gate to get to them, among the best part of the walk : ) The mound was 3 small hills surrounded by a moat and then a ring of thick trees and bushes. Alison and I climbed to the top and the view was georgous. The Cathedral at the top of the hill, the Mourne Mountains in the distance (well what we think we saw through the clouds...).

We then went into town to have our picnic lunch and to see a dress exhibit at the Down Arts center. The designer is famous for her gowns, modern and vintage styles. The dresses were beautiful, I found my future bridesmaids dresses, check my webshots picture to see them!, HAHA.
Our next stop was by far our best of the day, The Down County Museum. This is one of the best museums I have ever been in. There was so much interative stuff and dress up! It was fabulous! Alison and I had a great time dressing like Vikings, as you can see below

We got to see a lot about the county through the years, and the old gaol of Down (jail) that was opened in 1796. Many prisioners were banished to Austrailia during this time, thus most people in Austrailia of Irish decent are decendents of criminals. I got to play archeologist and put a prehistoric pot back together, pretty sweet. I got put in the stocks by Alison and saw the cries for peace on a mosaic wall made to celebrate the millenium. overall, the museum was class and I am very glad we went.
It is nice to be able to take day trips but be able to come home. There are many more pictures on Webshots when you have a minute!

BB Halloween pictures

I didnt get to take many, it was a little crazy last night, but I got a few right at the end, though I am beginning to question my photography skills!
Thats an Irish Power Ranger in case you couldnt tell...
 

Fall is here!

The past few days have been busy and good. Yesterday I worked a 9-5 like the real world, and I gotta tell ya, it was miserable! I have a new appreciation for the 'real world' and the people who do it every day, or those who work even more than that. I also learned that I never want to have a job of that nature! haha.

Sunday was the Harvest Service at church. The church was decorated with fruits and vegetables and fall colored flowers. It made me think of Thanksgiving, only a month early. The children's sermon was the best part of the service, we compiled a list of things we were thankful for as a congregation, being led by the children of course. It was fun to hear different things the kids as well as the congregation shared. The funniest was the group of adults in the back that banded together to offer grandparents to the list. I enjoyed having a church service centered around thanksgiving.

I spent Sunday afternoon with the McGrath family. I went home with them to Ballyclare, not too far outside of Belfast. We went to tack their horse, and to ride. Megan always tells me about her horse, Flick, so it was great to see her ride. I also got a chance to ride Flick, although I learned that I am not quite a natural. Michelle (Mrs. McGrath) walked with me as we walked and laughed when I tried to trot! In the end of the day, I was a bouncing mess trying to trot. I guess horsemanship is not something I inherited from mom. I had dinner with them before the point, and it was great to just be with a family. The first time I met the McGrath family they were sneaking into church late, much like the Hunter family at UPC. I always joke with them about how similar they are to my family. It was great to be in a family's home and to feel so welcomed and included.

The rest of the week has been a week of first... The first time the photography club actually met, as well as the swimming class went swimming! I was grateful to be a part of them both, and having them take place gave me a lot more to do this week! The photography club will be a great way to interact with a cross-community project, with the boys from St. Patrick's and mainly girls from Castle High. In swimming, I got to watch a very different teaching style of swim lessons, and while at times it was frustrating to watch, it was good to see how it is done over here. In the coming weeks, I will be working with the stronger swimmers in the class at the deep end of the pool. In the past I have been sick of always being around the pool/lake and swimming, but now I am welcoming the chance to be so involved. Many of the kids in Ms. Rock's class go to the Saturday night Youth Club, and many of the Castle students in the photography club are in my year 10 PE class. It will be great to see some kids twice a week now, instead of just once.

Halloween is quickly approaching and I am anxiously awaiting fireworks! I am still working on the costume idea... The boys will dress up tonight for BB and should be adorable. I will have to take some pictures. I think I will wear devil horns that we found in the house to get a little in the spirit tonight! Fall is here, it is considerably colder, the leaves are fallen, and it is now getting dark about 6:30 or so. Bring on the 3:30 sunset, I brought my flashlight!

Save the Drama for your, Mum?

Sometimes I think I write for the sake of having somewhere to write, even if no one is reading. Then I remember I do have a real journal, that I fail to write in with any regularity. I am working on it though. The end of the week went well, I have been very lazy and tired, I think that I am fighting the little illness that has worked its way through the office. Luckily all I've suffered is a sore throat and lots of afternoon naps after sleeping in til noon anyway. Sounds like a waste, I know. But we all have our days. Plus I'd rather sleep a few days then hate my life sick for 5.

Last week at Castle High School I got a little special assignment from Julie the PE coach. There are two girls in our Netball class that had a huge falling out about a month ago or so and they can't even be on the same team for netball, they refuse to pass the ball to each other or really even acknowledge that the other exists. Julie asked me if I could try to talk to them about it, maybe see what's going on. One of the has turned the rest of the year 10 girls against the other and the one who is being rejected by all her peers has become really mouth and catty rather than depressed. WOW, girls will be girls, regardless of culture. It's my junior year ALL over. Needless to say, I sympathize with the one who has been shunned and while I don't condone catty mouthy behavior, I think it might be a healthier choice than the one I made so many years ago. (wow, that really is a long time ago....) I am excited to have this challenge, of trying to talk with both of them and to help in any way I can. Oh the psychology of it all. I will keep you posted! Oh, and when I am stressed about Graduate School interviews for counseling programs, remind me of this situation... if it goes well that is...

The same afternoon, four of our drama students got chased on their walk home. They came running back up to the school, where the teachers immediately reacted. I was standing, very very lost, only to later find out that a girl has gotten chased on her way to school that morning. The students were hysterical, and Colin, the principle, phoned the police and got the girls to write a description of the man. The teachers then drove the students home and gave me a ride home because they didn't want me to walk on Fortwilliam Park Road. It was an interesting experience. I never really felt unsafe, and I wouldn't have thought twice about walking home. But, I was thankful to have people looking after me. There are many old folks home and a mental hospital in the Fortwilliam area. Also alcohol abuse is big here, as drinking is a big part of the culture and can easily be overdone. I am not sure what happened with the man or if they found him, but as its said, you're not in Kansas anymore. Or in this case, sleepy Boone.

I just looked out the window, blue skies and big puffy clouds. Sunset from the 3rd floor should be glorious tonight. It is getting early too, I feel the 3pm sunsets coming. UGH.

I will leave you with a funny story to make you laugh about good ole Ireland. We have been going to a pub fairly regularly, I think I mentioned about it before. The Duke of York, where the bouncer remembers us every time we go, regardless of how long it has been between trips, up to 5 weeks. Pretty funny. Well, Alison's friend Dave is up from Dublin and we headed out last night for a pint, Krisie came out to, so it was good craic, the biggest group we've had out yet. Nice to have friends! Well, the bouncer was there and was not working, so needless to say, he was drinking. He was pretty chatty and it was fun to talk to him. He said he is 35, but we are all bettin he was fibbing just a tad. We decided he is good to know because if anyone messes with us, he is the bouncerman. The funny part of the story, he tried to get my number, the whole 35-22 math must have slipped his memory, and Krisie and I had a good laugh about how old men still try to pick up 20 somethings. Oh and side note... Jason Mraz's twin was out last night. I swear it. I almost took a picture because I knew some of you would want proof.

I hope that you all are well, any fun Halloween suggestions? My Morton Salt Girl dream costume won't work over here, they don't have Morton's. I have an idea or two but don't want to give them away... I LOVE Halloween! Oh, and I am saving my pennies for the trick-or-treaters, this could be rough on the wallet!

PC(USA) Newsletter

Hello from Belfast!

As I sit and reflect on the past two months, I am at a loss for what to share with you. I remember reading through so many of these newsletters as I tried to decide where I would like to serve and where God was calling me. Now that I am here, it is hard to be on the other end, providing you with an idea of what this program in Belfast is like. There are so many things that I have already become accustomed to. I have to stop and look around every once in a while and remember to enjoy the little differences. I understood the accent quite easily and often times, I don’t even hear it anymore. When I see people driving in American films, it looks odd, as driving on the left side of the road is what I have come to expect. The city is dirty and busy, but I mustn’t forget that the countryside and Cave Hill linger right on the city’s edge, lush and green.

There have been ups and downs, bumps and smooth paths along the way. There have been days of homesickness and nights where Belfast feels like home. My work here connects me with a great variety of people, location, and political opinion. I am working with Fortwilliam and Macrory Presbyterian Church, and the Partnership in Community Transformation (PCT), the churches community outreach ministry. Through the PCT, I work in many different community placements, both Protestant and Catholic. My time is spent at three schools, with a joint Catholic/Protestant photography club, learning to play and help teach Net Ball in PE, rehearsing for the school drama of Oliver, and swimming class at a Primary school. Other days take me to an old folks home, a community youth club, and a mothers and toddlers group. Within the church, I lead bible class on Sunday mornings and youth group on Sunday nights. I work with the Boys Brigade one evening a week, doing art and singing with precious 4-7 year olds.

As I prepared to come to Belfast, I read a huge packet provided by our Site Coordinator on The Troubles, the conflict I was about to live within. While the history of the Catholics and the Protestants was hard to follow and really comprehend, living here has given me more of a picture of what The Troubles look like. When we arrived, I noticed the segregation immediately. The streets are marked with flags, the republic of Ireland flag for Catholic areas and the British and Northern Ireland flags for Protestant areas. The curbs are still painted in some of the worst areas. The football team one supports as well as the sports they play are representative of one side or the other. Even the way they say the letter H places them among the divide. After spending two months here, the sectarianism has been given many voices. A 10 year old Protestant boy refused to partner with a Catholic boy at a PCT event. He told me he would rather not participate than partner with him. I went to see traditional Irish music at a pub and heard a Nationalist community cry for freedom in the song “Four Green Fields.” My youth group told me that they don’t really think about the troubles, as it is just how life is in Northern Ireland. I want them to know that it doesn’t have to be. The more experiences I have here, the more I learn about the troubles, yet I cannot even begin to understand.

When I used to think of Northern Ireland, part of the UK, I didn’t immediately feel a sense of need there. It is not a third world country where there are images of starving children drinking from dirty rivers. They have running water, internet, and never failing electricity. But there is a need here. The need is not blatant; visitors come to Belfast every day and would not ever think about it. IT is a need that goes unseen and untouched. It is the need for peace within, for reconciliation, for alternative entertainment to keep youth out of trouble. I think it is this kind of need that is the most dangerous. My question for you is this: When is a social need great enough to warrant global attention?

Peace,

Libby

A Mood Adjuster

It was a long weekend, and it is still not over, with guests still here! A friend from high school and Appalachian is studying abroad this term in Copenhagen Denmark and is doing a little europe tour on his fall break. He and a Brazilian friend got in Saturday night and will be here til tomorrow morning. It has been good to be able to show off Belfast and share my favorite places and what little knowledge of the troubles I have with someone. (Don't worry, I didn't forget about the political post that I promised, I'm working on it...)

I just read a blog of a good YAV friend in Guatamala. She had a rough day, missing home and shared about it on her blog. It made me tear up a bit, as I know very much how she feels at times. Her blog is really gettin to me, I hate to hear that she is unhappy, even if its only fleeting moments of homesickness. So, in order to cheer myself up, I thought I would blog and focus my thoughts on some great things here in Belfast and good experiences.

On Saturday night after youth club, Robert, another youth leader, asked if instead of my normal ride home if I would like to ride out with him to Funderland to pick up two of his daughters. Yes, Funderland, think thunder with fun, or NC state fairish. Having no real plans, and not knowing when to expect Seth, I thought it would be a cool idea. When we got there, Barbara, his 9 year old who goes to youth club and is super fun, begged him to let her and I go on a ride or two. Being a cool dad, he

TIME OUT- I just got a phone call from Tanzania... hows that for something to make me smile!

So Robert took us in, we met his other daughters and went on some rides. Michelle, who is 14 convinved me to go on some crazy rides that her other sisters wouldn't go on. Now, I don't know how many of you know what the Zipper is at US fairs, but its a big stick with two sets of seats on the end and it spins, like clock hands. The seats spin and the whole thing spins. It was intense. The one in the states you are in little cage things, this one was hangin free. It was crazy. The other intense ride I went on was the rainbow. Now, think fair again, goes up to one side, then the other then all the way around. I was expecting state fair. I got wiplash! It was so fast, all I could think was it will end soon and I'm too old for this! haha. It was a great place to see kids having good ol fashion fun, no alcohol or fighting. They need more of this in Nireland.

Yesterday Alison and I took Seth and Fernando up to Cave Hill and the Belfast Castle. We hiked all the way to the top this time, and it was breathtaking.... georgeous and cold!
The road up... Fernando and Seth Alison upside down
Alison, Seth, and I

I will try to get the rest of the pictures on my webshots soon. We spent this morning around city center and the boys are still there now. I am sure I will have some good pictures to share.

Last night at The Point, we talked about conflict. My youth did an amazing job participating and listening. It was wonderful! We talked about conflict in their lives, conflict in the bible, and the situation in Nireland. Their opinions were very interesting, most of them said that they don't really think about it. It is interesting that I often think about it and they don't when they face it and are more apart of it every day. I suppose coming here with the Troubles in mind also plays a role in it. When I asked them to share what they would tell someone there age from another country about the Troubles, many of them said they wouldn't really know what to say. It made me wonder if they really know what all the conflict is about. I came away feeling like I know more than a few of them, though I think that is probably incorrect. We also had an interesting conversation about the phrase "thats gay" as it was said too many times last night. Their opinions on homosexuality were interesting and whether the phrase is offensive or not. I left it at trying not to use it at The Point, not getting to preachy or opinionated knowing that the general opinion is more conservative than my own. Overall, it was a very successful night and good conversation!

I feel much better now. How can you look at those pictures and not smile. Plus, my roomie is home, yet I still have no idea where the boys are.... hmmm. 

just me and my thoughts...

I don't have anything too substantial to write about, although its been about a week since I last posted. In the past week, I have been to a reggae night at a city center pub and a Brazilian percussion concert. It is interesting that not only am I discovering Nireland's culture, but also others along the way. In that respect, I am thankful to be in this society, where I still encounter a variety of cultures.

I am beginning to work on my PC(USA) newsletter to be posted on the PC(USA) YAV page. I found these newsletters to be pretty helpful in deciding where I wanted to go, comparing peoples experiences across the world. It is hard to put the past 6 weeks or so into a newsletter, but I am sure I can work something out. Using past blogs, I can tweak something into a decent update.... It will all sound familiar if you are an avid blog reader! Here is the site for other YAVs and my future newsletters: http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/yav.htm

Last Friday I took my first day trip alone! I figured out the bus system, and took a little trip down to Newcastle. It was a great day out of the city and Newcastle was a pretty little town where the Mourne Mountains crash into the Irish Sea. I walked around the waterfront, saw five rainbows, had a personal picnic of my packed lunch from home, and stopped in the wee shops along Main Street. I spent the day half under an umbrella and half wishing I'd brought my sunglasses.
The beach was rocky, but easy to walk on. I hope to get back and hike some of the Mournes at some point, maybe in the spring and once I've gotten use to all the rain. The bus ride down traveled through lovely countryside, the color green here really is green. Think crayola crayon, none of the dingy grass we have. It was amazing. The bus ride alone was worth the bus fare. I hope to take day trips like this every other Friday or so. More pictures can be found on Webshots!


I am ready for Halloween! The frequency of fireworks is increasing around our neighborhood in preparation for Halloween. While I will miss fireworks on the 4th of July, other holidays will make up for my firework obsession. I am trying to think of a good Halloween costume, though our plans for Halloween aren't yet set. But, regardless, dressing up is a requirement. Anne sent cute Halloween potholders and dish towels to decorate the house! We heart them. I found out in talking with my point (youth group) kids that really little kids here are the only ones who trick-or-treat and that they are given money, not candy! So, a dime here and there and a quarter... or in reality a 20p coin and a 10p coin. I was so surprised to hear this, as I had never considered receiving anything else at a front door on Halloween, except the occasional apple or toothbrush from the neighborhood dentist. These kids have a made, although generally they only walk away with a quid or two at the end of the night. I am sure we will have many Halloween stories and pictures to share!

Fortwilliam and Macrory was vandalized last Saturday night. Many of the rocks from the front wall were knocked out, then thrown at the stained glass windows on the front of the church. It really made a mess and the windows will be hard to replace, or even repair. In talking with my youth about the damage, I got a better understanding of the way of life for teens in Belfast. A typical Saturday night consists of drinking in a car park somewhere or just on a street, then typically fighting, damage of property if there is no one to fight, and teens shacking up...thus teenage pregnancy. Many of my youth took the stance that this was lame and that there was actually a lot to do in Belfast, in contrast to the general youth opinion that there is nothing to do but the activities listed above. After witnessing my first fight at the Saturday night community youth club, I asked more about the fighting. My youth told me that it is boredom. They don't typically fight because they really dislike each other, but to have something to do and hurting each other is entertainment. While this was not the reason for the fight at youth club, I could see their point. It was also a full moon on Saturday night, my explanation for the church destruction and the wildness of the youth club. It was interesting to get my youths opinions on their peers extracurricular activities, reassuring to know that this is not how they spend their free time, and motivating to change the reality for those who do engage in said activities.

This week I went to see a photography exhibition that was a collaborations of three projects in North Belfast. Because I work with the Castle/St. Pats photo club, it was interesting to see what others had done, including beating us to our idea of making post cards of kids pictures.... Though there's were not actual postcards, just prints.... The exhibitions main project was on teen suicide and the events that lead up to it. Suicide is a big problem here, and the students in one of the groups had lost a friend about a year ago to suicide. The set of pictures was great, the images capturing what is plaguing their peers every day, from teen pregnancy to drugs, alcohol, violence, vandalism, and promiscuous behavior. I wonder if the portrayal of their culture made them realize how bad the problems really are.

On my walk home today I was thinking how great the need here really is. The need for discipline, for responsibility, for accountability. The need for alternatives to drinking and hooking up on the weekends.... although this is needed just as badly in the states, even on college campuses. I wonder where God is in these teens lives, where religious titles devide the society so drastically. I guess that is what I am here to find out....

Four Green Fields....

Last night was one of my best in Belfast. I met up with a friend Krisie, another American in Belfast. We had never met before last night, but had emailed a bit. We were connected by Anne's boyfriend's roomate's girlfriend. Sounds like a bad gossip story I know, but her family is from Nireland and she is here for a year or two avoiding the real world after graduating (sound familiar?) She invited me to go with her to see her friends play some traditional Irish music as she does every Tuesday. We met in city center at 10 and took a black taxi out to West Belfast. We ended up at a tiny pub (I would say hole in the wall but here a hole in the wall is an ATM) that used to be a house. The smoke poured out the door as we went in.

Her friends were not as I expected, ranging in age from probably 25 to 60. They were in a small circle in the back end of the pub. There were a plethora of guitars, a few banjos, and a selection of tin whistles and flutes. There was also a bodhran, an Irish drum that is awesome. Krisie introduced me to a few people and we sat getting to know each other with great music to entertain us. We laughed a lot and it was great to be out with someone new, don't get me wrong Alison and Lauren, I love you guys too. Everyone was so friendly and chatty, it was great.

The area we were in was a very Catholic, Nationalist neighborhood. West Belfast is where many of the big interfaces are and where out car tour mainly took us. The Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods are very separated and very clearly marked. During just a few short hours in this bar, I noticed how clear it was that I was in a Nationalist community. From the songs to the conversation, it was evident. One of the most interesting conversation I have had since being in Belfast was last night with one of Krisie's friends who is Swiss. She was commenting to me how unfriendly and pushy the Protestants she has met have been, trying to convince her that she should side with them and that their view of the conflict is the correct perspective. While she has clearly chosen to surround herself with a Nationalist crew, I was not too surprised to hear her unspoken side with them. While I have not had a similar experience with the Protestant community at all, as an outsider, I feel like there is no taking sides. I have no real understanding with either side, though I can empathize with both over the struggle and violence of the past 3 decades. Maybe its the nature of my work here, maybe its a calling for reconciliation not further separation, but I could no more side with the Catholics or the Protestants.

One song they sang that everyone in the pub knew and sang along to was a song about the troubles and the Nationalist opinion of what has taken place. The song was beautiful and while I shouldn't publicly support downloading, I recommend it. (shhh, don't tell!) It is called Four Green Fields, and most any Irish singer has a rendition. Here are the lyrics:

"What did I have?" said the fine old woman
"What did I have?" this proud old woman did say
"I had four green fields, each one was a jewel
But strangers came and tried to take them from me
I had fine strong sons, they fought to save my jewels
They fought and died, and that was my grief" said she

"Long time ago" said the fine old woman
"Long time ago" this proud old woman did say
"There was war and death, plundering and pillage
My children starved by mountain valley and sea
And their wailing cries, they shook the very heavens
My four green fields ran red with their blood" said she

"What have I now?" said the fine old woman
"What have I now?" this proud old woman did say
"I have four green fields, one of them's in bondage
In stranger's hands, that tried to take it from me
But my sons have sons, as brave as were their fathers
My fourth green field will bloom once again" said she


The four fields refers to the four provinces of Ireland: Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster. Ulster probably sounds familiar to you, maybe from the Rugby team or the murals posted on webshots. The province of Ulster contains 9 counties, 6 of which make up Northern Ireland (consider this part of the history lesson I promised!) 'Ulster' is used to talk about Northern Ireland, even though 3 of its counties are within the Republic. The song talks about the British colonization of Ireland, the strangers who tried to take it. When it says one of them's in bondage if refers to Ulster which today as Northern Ireland remains under British control. The song ends with the hope and dream of one day Ulster joining Ireland. As I listened to this song last night and looked around the pub, I could tell the Nationalist population of the pub all strongly identify with this song. It was a great experience.

Now, I feel like I am in Ireland.

A jumble of thoughts...

This is the longest I have gone between posts, a sure sign that I am getting busier. Have no fear, there is still much to share. The past few days have been great, lots of things going on and general good mood. Lets see, what highlights to share.

Thursday night I attended my first Boys Brigade meeting. Now, while I have been assured that BB is ever present in the States, I compare it to Boy Scouts knowing nothing of a BB anywhere else I have been. The boys are community kids, while some are Fortwilliam and Macrory kids. The BB is a private organization, though each company must be connected with a church. Basically it is a community outreach, fairly evangelical for community kids. The boys range from 4-18. I work with the 4-7 year olds and they are ADORABLE! They do craft projects, play games, and gain a basic foundation of the Gospel. For them, the evangelism is more just in the root of the organization, no bible class or anything. As they get older, they complete tasks for badges and eventually become an officer, much like an Eagle Scout. One traditional BB activity is running and mounting off a spring trampoline, think gymnastics. The older boys have a horse (a barrel, think illahee vaulting!) that they mount onto. The four year olds are too cute, running to the trampoline, stopping to step up, taking a big bounce and jumping off. I might have to take a digital camera video, it is class. I think that Thursday nights are going to be one of my favorite activities I do! (I have yet to read the book I was given on the BB organization, so this is all based on my limited experience and welcome conversations to the company, I will correct myself later if need be!)

On Friday we took our first trip outta the city! A mere 13 miles down the motorway, we came to a small little town called Hillsborough. We had a good time walking around Main Street and took a wee dander around the fort and the lake there. It was wonderful. A nice way to see another place, but not be overwhelmed with trying to see a ton in an afternoon. There are pictures on Webshots if you are interested.

This weekend Lauren's dad came into town. It was fun to have our first visitor. We went on another car tour with Doug, so he could see the sights of Belfast, mainly the Catholic and Protestant districts and the issues that surround them. I will try to get my pictures on webshots soon, and I am hoping to get a blog out at some point about the history and the troubles, to give you all a better idea of what the people here are facing. I am still working on getting my outsider understanding down well enough to share correctly with you. I will work on that this week, I know Mom and Anne have been wondering and trying to work it out, especially after my blog about the Partnership event and Curtis' stubbornness.

There have been lots of wee things on my mind, fleeting thoughts and those that have kept me up at night. While this will be scattered, I'd like to share some with you now so you may know more than just the experiences I am having but the thoughts that are going with them. I feel I have been bad about including those, mainly focusing on the day to day happenings. I will work on this. So lets see... Where to begin.

I have been struggling with the limited time I have with the people I work with. While my roommates work at one community organization, they see the same kids about each day. I see so many different groups of people, that minimally overlap if at all, and generally see most of them only once a week. While I know in the end, this will mean I know many more people, it makes the getting to know them process slow. I have only seen my F&M (Fortwilliam) kids 4 times since I have been here. I enjoy the time I spend with them, and wish I saw them more. It is hard to think about adding outside time with them when there are so many other groups on top of them. I wish I could meet them for lunch at school, but they all go to different schools and I am at other placements during lunch each day. I guess, I am being impatient and wanting to feel like I really know them already. I know ultimately it will be a blessing to have worked with so many different people here.

With the free time I sit at home, I think about all the other things I wish I were doing. Mainly, just experiencing the culture here. This is a year of service, meaning 365 days, 8760 hours. And by service, I don't mean solely getting your hands dirty... Just being (which I will come back to!) There are many hours, not including sleeping, that I spend in my wee house. Now, don't get me wrong, I adore my house. But there is nothing, other than the amazing view, the tiny oven, and lack of a dryer that makes this house unlike my parents house or my previous apt in Boone (and Boone even had the view!). I think of my friends in various places living with families, who are continually experiencing cultural immersion. While I know there are times they long for a place to get away, a place of there own, or someone who fully understands English, there is such an element of opportunity in having that constant experience right in front of you. I am struggling with the act of service, while I sit and watch Friends or read the next book on my list. While I would not like to be 'at work' or in a community placement constantly, I would love the opportunity to see the culture whenever I so choose. I can spend the afternoons out shopping or walking the streets of Belfast, but I feel like that is minimally representative of the Irish way of life, Although I have decided that part of this may be that Irish life may not actually be all that different than American life.

There is part of me that wishes I could fully observe the small differences, like maybe they wear footed pajamas no matter how old they are because its cold here, or they eat poptarts in the morning too because the family morning is rushed. While I don't think they have poptarts here, and I would LOVE some footed PJs, there are things I feel like I am missin out on experiencing. We talked a lot at orientation about just being, and how that is a big part of our year, of our service. That through just being, we can learn a lot and bring what we learn back to change the lives and actions of people, churches, politics at home. In my little house, I just be, but I just be American. I guess this means I just continue to search for something more, more opportunity, more depth, more immersion.

I know there were more wee topics on my mind, like Jonny and Robert (the two other leaders at F&M)'s fascination with the wax paper idea to make stained glass windows as they have never heard of wax paper, but I feel as though I have given you enough to read for today. I will leave you with one more thing, and this is a big task for you.

A YAV in the Philippines wrote an amazing blog a while ago, well her whole blog in general is great, but one in particular that I have been meaning to share. PLEASE take the time to read this entry http://philippinesrachel.blogspot.com/2006/09/theres-blood-in-your-coffee.html
Cheers