525,600 minutes, how do you measure a year?

news that had to be shared

2007-08-14T17:15:00.000Z

i know, i know, i said i was done posting from this side of the pond, but i tell a lie.
two super fun things to share!

1. I will be in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky for the lot of September doing YAVIT, recruiting people and sharing about my experience here. Not that I have anything against NC, but I am stoked about being in a different part of the country! AND on top of that, my partner in crime is my Chicago orientation roommate from last august, Kori, who was serving in Peru this past year. She has the most amazing and contagious laugh ever, and I am very much so looking forward to it all.

2. My friend Lynn got engaged!!! Needless to say, I am coming back to Belfast in May for an amazing wedding! Im already saving my pennys.... literally- I packed a bag of them I found around the house!

Last post from Belfast...eeeeeek

2007-08-13T14:10:00.000Z

wow. what an amazing trip. my love for traveling was defiantly confirmed. Anne and Mack were both ready to head home, to their own bed and their pets, while I could have continued to travel forever. oh the joys of no attachments. Plus, I knew leaving Italy would mean coming back to Belfast, to face my last three days and lots of goodbyes. Needless to say, I am pushing emotional wreck right now. It is so weird to leave, to go back to the states, and not know when I will return, though I know I will. I packed last night, trying to get life together. This morning I went into town one last time, to my favorite coffee shop (Roast!) for the usual tea and amazing raspberry muffin. I rain a few errands, then got one last taste of super cheap shopping at Primark. Why I decided to buy anything when I am having enough trouble fitting everything is beyond me, although it doesn't really surprise me.
I have spent the rest of my afternoon packing, doing my last load of air dried laundry for a while, and getting ready for my open house tonight! YAY open house! I have always wanted to have all my friends from all different parts of my life together, so what better time to do it than now? It will be a final chance to see everyone and just have a bit of craic. Tomorrow, my last day in Belfast, I will go into Newington Day Centre in the morning to see the members and the staff one last time. We are having a lunch there and then Joan and Teresa and I will spend the afternoon doing what we do best together, having a great laugh over a bottle of wine. I leave Wednesday morning at 8.55 and arrive home at 9.10 or so in Raleigh. Truly mixed emotions.
I could tell you about my trip, but that just doesn't seem right at this time. There are tons of pictures and stories to tell, from Europe and this year and I look forward to telling them in person with you soon. Thank you for reading this during the year and taking an interest in what I am doing. I am still debating whether I will continue posting from NC, but check back soon and I will have made up my mind!
I don't really know exactly what else to say, but I want to share with you my last newsletter I sent home. It is the beginnings of a reflection on my year here, and I used the bulk of it for my final Sunday at church, only tearing up when reading the paragraph about friends and making eye contact with Pamela McCormick who has been my dear friend, my surrogate mum, and my rock when things were hard.

Hello one last time from Belfast! It is crazy to think that a whole year has gone past and I will soon be returning to North Carolina! I don’t know if I have shared this with you yet, but prior to this year, I have never been out of North Carolina for longer than two weeks! And yet, how shockingly fast this year has gone! It is hard to reflect on the past month when my heart is trying to really process this whole year! I have been busy with new activities, which seems to be the trend over the year. I have been working with a summer camp at a community centre which usually has a PC(USA) volunteer. It has been fun to meet a new group of kids and work with two new women. But it truly is hard to think about when my mind is so focused on leaving.

This year has been a truly amazing year. I have learned to use the word craic properly, spell the word colour with a u, and to play cricket, kinda. I have learned a great deal about the troubles in Northern Ireland and have learned how very complex the issues are. I have taught a child to tie his shoes, become accustomed to sitting among the front pews in church, given blood for the first time, and mastered washing a sink load of dishes by hand. I have seen a stunningly beautiful part of the world, learned about true hospitality, pronounced some of the hardest names in the Bible during readings in church, and cooked tacos for a family who had never even seen them before. I learned how to clean the tea stain out of a cup from Heather, discovered that I am not a natural on horseback, and witnessed some brilliant badminton players on Wednesday nights. I answered more questions about American culture than I can count, proved the notion that all Americans love George Bush to be false, and saw more rainbows than I have and probably will ever see for the rest of my life. I adapted and never leave the house without an umbrella, crave tea come mid afternoon, and know what it feels like to run out of oil in January. I have seen stones fly, learned to convert degrees F to C, taught the youth that suicide is never a joke, and found a new love for chocolate. I have fallen in love with walking everywhere and even choreographed scenes from Oliver. I have learned different lessons than I ever expected and can’t quite even grasp what my original expectations were.

One of the most important things I have learned, the one I am most grateful for, is the nature of friendship. Prior to this year, most of my friends were from my generation. My parent’s friends, while hysterical and fun, are not my friends. My campers at camp are a blast, but are not my friends. My grandparents are wonderful for advice and take a great interest in my life. For that I am so very thankful, but they as well, are not my friends. This year, my best friends have been women older than I am, some the age of my grandmother, the others of my mother. I have learned amazing things from them, had too many laughs with them, and shared my life with them in a way you only share with friends. I was constantly amazed at the amount of things we had in common, our shared sense of humour, and fears and questions. I will miss them greatly, but am so thankful for the experience of really branching out of my social norm. I have been blessed in return and hope to continue to keep my friendships cross generational as I think there is such a value in life experience and the ability to find a bit of ourselves in others.

I have found great truth in the saying ‘if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.’ I have grown in many ways- having to answer some of the tough questions in life and lead my youth through the big issue questions when they brought them up. I have learned to keep my mouth shut when my opinion isn’t needed and to work and live with people different from me. I have learned to stop expecting to see results and to just trust that God is working through me. In that way, it is hard to say what I have actually accomplished here in Belfast, although I know that my impact has been widespread. I have seen what it means to hate, to love, to destroy and to rebuild.

Overall, I am still very much processing this year. The stories are easy to tell. Some of the things I have learned as easy to pinpoint. The big picture, however, is still a bit hazy. I recently heard someone congratulate Northern Ireland for its progress towards peace, praising them for giving still war-torn parts of the world hope for a peaceful future. While Northern Ireland still has a ways to go, I got a glimpse of the big picture: this world is changing, one country at a time and I have been blessed to have been a part of it.

I wish you all the best in the end of your summers and look forward to returning home to see you all. Thank you for all your prayers for and interest in my time here in Belfast. I happily await sharing more with you in person!

As the famous Irish Blessing says, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Peace,

Libby Hunter

you plan, God laughs...

2007-07-30T04:44:00.000Z

Just a quick post to update you on our travel plans! Anne and Mack didn't make it on their flight yesterday- they canceled the flight from NC to Newark. They will be arriving in Dublin Tuesday morning, rather than in a few hours. There was a lot of question of how they would come, if they would pay the obscene price for another flight to Amsterdam, etc - all taking place after 1.30am my time last night. Needless to say I haven't slept a wink since Saturday night. But, I will head on to Amsterdam today to check out the city and be prepared to be tour guide for their one afternoon in Amsterdam tomorrow. This will be only the second city I have explored alone and the first night of hosteling EVER- usually I travel in style haha- or with friends at least in crazy Egyptian hotels.
Prayers for safe travel and successful meeting up!

Here is our itinerary for our trip- not updated of course because it is still within the hour of 5am. and I'm too tired to take out the trains and all- so you get the full shebang! Much love and happy solo traveling!

July 30- Arrive 9.35 (M&A) Dublin, Fly to Amsterdam RyanAir L 11.20 A 13.55
Sleep in Amsterdam- Shelter City

July 31- Explore Amsterdam
Sleep in Amsterdam- Shelter City

Aug 1- Travel Amsterdam to Berlin
Freedom, 2nd class; 3 youth
10:57 AM-05:12 PM 8/1/07, train 143
Amsterdam CS to Berlin Hbf,

Sleep Berlin Meininger City Hostel templehofer

Aug 2- Explore Berlin
Sleep Berlin
Meininger City Hostel templehofer

Aug 3- Travel Berlin to Prague
Freedom, 2nd class; 3 adults
10:46 AM-03:21 PM 8/3/07, train 175
Berlin Hbf to Praha Holesovice

Sleep Prague Alfa tourist service

Aug 4- Explore Prague
Sleep Prague Alfa tourist service

Aug 5- Travel Prague to Vienna
Freedom, 2nd class; 3 adults
10:26 AM-02:28 PM 8/5/07, train 75
Praha Holesovice to Wien Suedbahnhof

Sleep Vienna hostel ruthensteiner

Aug 6- Explore Vienna
Sleep Vienna Wombats City Hostel Vienna The Base

Aug 7- Travel Vienna to Venice (9 hours)
Economy, 2nd class; 3 youth
12:57 PM-09:20 PM 8/7/07, train 33
Wien Suedbahnhof to Venezia S Lucia

Sleep Venice Hotel Caneva

Aug 8- Explore Venice
Sleep Venice Hotel Caneva

Aug 9- Travel Venice to Florence
Comfort Flexi, 1st class; 3 youth
11:23 AM-02:10 PM 8/9/07, train 9469
Venezia S Lucia to Firenze S M N, Seat

Sleep Florence relais Florence guest house

Aug 10- Travel Florence to Rome
Freedom, 2nd class; 3 youth
09:53 AM-11:30 AM] 8/10/07, train 9427
Firenze S M N to Roma Termini, Seat

Sleep Rome- Hostel Des Arteis

Aug 11- Explore Rome
Sleep Rome- Hostel Des Arties

Aug 12- Travel Rome to Dublin RyanAir L 9.55 A 12.10
Sleep Dublin (M&A)

last weeks in belfast....

2007-07-28T18:08:00.000Z

just a quick note to apologize for my severe lack of blogging. Trying to cram everything in before leaving Belfast- plus packing for my two week Hunters do Europe Trek has been wild. While I will be back in Belfast for a mere three days in August, this week truly feels like my last. Naturally, I am swamped with doing all the things I love one last time and seeing people. Oh and packing to go home and to travel all at the same time! love it. So, trust that once I am home in NC I will back blog all the events I have left out...

take care of you

live to be social...

2007-07-15T17:37:00.000Z

Friday, Muriel and I had a fun outing. We stopped at a beautiful golf club for our lunch. I had scampi which was amazing and the most beautiful Pavlova I have ever seen. It is always so nice to have a good meal and to have the time to just chat with Muriel and others whom I have met here. This week I have two dinner invitations to look forward to doing the same thing with others from Fortwilliam and Macrory. After our lunch we braved the awful day and headed out to a butterfly farm, not all that far from Belfast. The greenhouse type room was a nice change from the cold of Belfast. We saw a decent amount of butterflies, and spent a while trying to get them to land on the oranges they had for you to use. We wandered through the bird room and laughed at the noise a tiny animal can make! The pictures, unfortunately didn't come out as clear as I had hoped, I guess I took them too close and since my screen is broken I can't check them until I upload them. It was a great thing to see, and not something I would have been to go to on my own because of the location. We got a cuppa afterwards in the tea room and chatted. Again, I am reminded that friendship crosses the generations.

Sadly, yesterday I failed to motivate myself in time to get down to St. Georges Market to find the new Texan who has a stall featuring proper BBQ, ya know, pulled pork to all those whom call grilling barbecuing, and Corn Muffins! I am even hoping for some sweet tea! I will be there next Saturday and will be sure to inform you if one of my very favorite Americanisms is being properly represented! Instead I spent the day doing some cleaning and organizing. The volunteers don't know how good they will have it! This house is immaculate! (WHAT happened to the messy Libby we used to know, you might ask... no explanation can be given, cleanliness is next to godliness! haha)

Last night, Michelle invited me out to dinner with her and her sister as kinda my birthday and my goodbye dinner from her parents. I was sad they didn't join us, but it was so thankful to them. They have been a wonderful family to know during my time here. I am sure to call down to their house for a cup of tea and to say thank you in person. We went to the Chester, up the Antrim Road, where I had one of the most beautiful meals I have had in Belfast! Duck spring rolls have got to be my most favorite starter in the whole world, with a close second at calamari. My main course was the surf and turf, which I have never before ordered in my life! I had a perfectly cooked medium rare steak, and Michelle, Clare, and Orla were both disgusted at the way I have it cooked. Over here, medium well to well done are the norm- AWFUL! For dessert- yes I know, I can't believe I ate dessert, it was painful- I had a wonderful strawberry cheesecake and I will let the presentation speak for itself:

We headed to the bar afterwards and had a great time. I met Michelle's new boyfriend, who is lovely, and a few more of her friends whom I have met before came to meet us. It was a great night, complete with second hand birthday balloons from a girl who was leaving and fun dance music. After church today I spent a long time trying to pump of the tires of our bikes, gave up, and settled for a walk with Alison. It is the first warm and perfectly sunny day we have seen in over 3 weeks! To walk in running shorts and a T-shirt was so nice! Sadly, I don't think its sticking around for too long : (

Tomorrow morning I start my two weeks with the summer scheme at the Vine Community Centre. I am looking forward to it and am sure to keep you posted on how it is going! Have a good week! Enjoy the heat for me!

23... just like Michael Jordan

2007-07-12T21:17:00.000Z

Really, it takes a few days to have a full post, so bear with me while I catch you up on my thoughts/experiences of the past week. I recently attended a retirement party for the only man on staff at Newington Day Centre where I volunteer on Tuesdays. The party was a blast, and I really realized how brilliant the women there are (not that I didn't already know...) For his going away book, they took pictures of all the staff and volunteers cleavage, and he was to guess who was who. I almost died laughing. They are a rowdy bunch and I will surely miss them when I go. One day this week Alison and I went to help out at the end of the street at the summer scheme. We played football with the kids and I taught a few how to do cartwheels. My body is still punishing me for those! It was a good time to be outta the house and see some of the kids I had met a time or two before when I had gone with Lauren to afterschools.

Now, to the more recently, and more eventful events: My birthday, combined with the 11th night, and then the holiday today. Now, I will start with what you should, hopefully, know already: yesterday I turned the big 2-3. And I am stoked to be reminded of Michael Jordan and that he played for Carolina. I still might forget to say I'm 23 when asked. I bought my fav sausage rolls for breakfast for a birthday treat and came down to find a cake and card waiting from Alison. She is too good to me. I had a relaxed morning, my friend Michelle stopped by, and then I went to have lunch with Rachel and Pamela McCormick. Love them and it was great to see them on my birthday and before they are away on holiday for two weeks! Came home and went absolutely mad trying to find Alison: her keys were there so I knew she had to be in the house, I even looked under beds. About to panic, she walked in the door. The goober had taken her house key off her Keychain. Shortly after, we headed out to dinner at Teresa's house with Joan.

We kicked off the night with champagne, they are so funny! We had a great dinner, I learned a magic trick that will get me lots of free drinks in the future, and Teresa had made her famous lemon cheesecake (more like custard) for dessert. Plus, Joan brought a traditional Irish birthday cake, which now I can't remember the name of. Simple, but so good. Leif, Joan's 11 year old son put the candles in for me!

Then Joan's brother came to take us around to see the bonfires pre lighting.

Bonfires? you may ask. YES, just for my birthday. haha. Okay, so not really- but wouldn't that be cool? So. The 11th of July also happens to be the 11th Night, or the start to the huge holiday in the Protestant culture. I am not perfect on the history, but my UK produced planner says "The Battle of the Boyne (N. Ireland)" on the 12th of July. Based on my understanding, William of Orange defeated Catholic King James. (look it up on wikipedia if you want more details) The Protestant community celebrated because originally they were celebrating the survival and triumph of their community in the face of the Irish Rebellion (stolen from wikipedia- not the best source, so take as you will) and today they celebrate it as part of their history. **Doug I am sure could give me a better idea and might be laughing as he reads this! So my apology on my ignorance** My best guess as to why they celebrate today is it was a defeat of the Catholics and something they can hold on to, which is pretty sad- but I am getting ahead of myself. Also, I think it is just something they have always done... and so it continues. To stop this tradition would be giving up too much in the compromise of peace.

So, on the 11th they have bonfires in most of the Protestant areas. John, Joan's brother took us around to see them before they were lit. We drove all over the city and out to Antrim to see one that was renowned for being huge. It was amazing to see, I seriously had no idea. And even each street in areas had smaller ones for their own group. We are talking like 2 and 3 story tall, clearly planned out and stacked piles of pylons and tires. The tires are awful, and give off a nasty black smoke. The tops of the structures ranged from the Irish tricolour, to the union jack British Flag, and we even saw an European Union flag. It was interesting that they differed, but the tricolour was the most popular by far. Other things included in the structures were couches, mattresses, refrigerators, Sinn Fein political party signs, on one in particular a sign denouncing a neighboring Protestant area that had been known for its huge 11th night celebration that had decided to not have a bonfire this year. So you can get an idea, here are some of the pictures... look at the people for a reference of how massive they are...

Now. This wouldn't be my blog nor my personality if I didn't give you my opinion on these bonfires. Please note I have already admitted my true ignorance to the history behind this holiday, so the following thoughts are based on what I have heard and now experienced. So, I will try to be sensitive, politically correct, and all that, but I also want you to know my true opinion if you are taking the time to read this. However, I know there are people that I don't know well, or maybe even at all, that read this, so if I must say my intention is not to offend or belittle or anything negative at all. So, with that said: here goes.

While I didn't partake in any of the lit fires, I am still amazed by the size of them and would have liked to see one lit. To stand by a fire of that size is unimaginable to me, and a bit freighting. But, at the same time, I think the bonfires are pretty insane, and a basic symbol of the hatred that still burns in this city and thus the reason I didn't want to stand at one. I seriously doubt that all the thousands of people who stood at these fires really were there to promote the messages given by the burning of the tricolour and the flags reading kill all catholics (KAT). Maybe it is just my hope, but I think it is more of a party, a chance to see friends, and only the select few really are there to support the message that is given from its appearance. However, I felt to stand there, I would be supporting it all. I think the 11th and 12th are both super intimidating for the Catholic community and I do feel for them. I don't know a solution, but I think there is a way forward without losing out on either side or having to give up too much. My suggestion: cut out the bonfires- they are wrecking the environment, remove the tricolours and all that, and have a big block party. Get drunk as they do, see friends, dance, and be merry. But cut the sectarianism out of it. BIG dream, Lib. It is all really conflicting, and I am really not too sure how I feel about it all....

Alison and I enjoyed the fireworks from our 3rd floor window before going to bed. I love fireworks, and having missed them the week before on the 4th, having them on my birthday was brilliant, their origin irrelevant that is.

The following morning on the 12th, Alison and I headed to town to see the Orangemen March. Now this is a huge parade of bands from all over, including Scotland and the Orangemen who are members of a political society named after, who else, William of Orange. As Alison and I stepped out of the house, the air was overwhelming with the smell of bonfire and an even worse smell of burning rubber. Imagine the smell when you slam on the brakes, times 1,000. We got in to town to see hoards of people leaving, wrapped in flags and with anything you can image with the union jack on it and red, white, and blue. Unlike the 4th of July, the colours were only in accessories, while Northern Ireland football tops, Rangers football gear, and a full on fashion show for the females were the typical outfits. All the shops were closed. Weird to see in the middle of the day. We had missed the march through town, but decided to wander and just take in the spectacle of people. I have never seen so much drinking on the street, nor as much rubbish. Yes, it is illegal to drink on the street, but my guess is with so many people doing it, there is only so much enforcement of the law that can take place. There were stalls set up with all kinds of British paraphernalia and food.

We wandered for a bit, then headed home, deciding we would catch the parade on their way back through town later in the afternoon. We headed back in to town and watched the parade as they came through. The bands were really good, and I felt a little better about supporting bands than just a bonfire. There were no burning tricolours or anything anti-catholic during the parade. As we walked home, the parade just happened to follow our exact route up to Carlisle Circus. As we walked up towards the roundabout, we passed about 3 side streets leading into Catholic neighborhoods. Each road was blocked with two rows of police trucks, and covered with armed police who looked unlike any police I have ever seen in their protective gear all the way up to helmets with full faskmasks. At one of the police lines, there was a group of people, shouting and waving the tricolour in protest. While this was relatively peaceful, it is the first time I have seen the two sides face off, for lack of a better word. We got to the roundabout, the parade continued straight up the Crumlin Road, and we turned right onto the Antrim Road into the Catholic area we call home.

**The last two pictures above of the Orangemen are from a parade I saw last fall- I felt too awkward to take them at the 12th parade. But the first two are from the 12th.

One of the saddest things to me was a pair of girls, inching their way towards the roundabout along the Antrim Road. One turned back, while the other gave off to her about being scared. I felt horrible for the girl who was being pressured to go see the parades, as I wouldn't want to go if I were her either. Overall, it was a really interesting experience to be here for the 12th and I am still trying to work through exactly what I think about it all. As I wrote this, I really struggled with how to share and express what all I was thinking during this. I apologize if this leaves you going 'huh?' but I hope you have some sense of the past few days here in Belfast.

proof-reading is for university, so don't judge

2007-07-05T12:13:00.000Z

I always struggle with getting really thoughtful and deep on my blogs OR catching all my avid readers up on the day to day life that is Belfast. As you probably noticed, I tend towards the day to day catching up. Sometimes I find the two don't mesh well within the same post. But today, I hope to mix them well, because when I think about it, the day to day leads to the deep and quiet thoughts I have. Profound, I know. About two weeks ago, Marlene Taylor, who has been our guest minister this year more times that I can count, took the service while Lesley is on holiday. She preached about time, how we use it and how we waste it using Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. As I sat, thinking about my two months left in Belfast, I pondered how I would truly spend my time and how I would like to spend my time- two very different things. I thought back to the time about two months before I graduated from university and the list I made titled 'Things to do before I graduate.' While I didn't accomplish them all, it gave my time direction and concrete goals, from one last jump off trashcan falls, to stopping by Dr. Pratt's office just for a chat. Naturally, that Sunday, I went home and made a list of things to do before I leave Belfast. I was amazed and grateful that many of the items on my list involved spending time, sometimes doing specific things, with the people I have met here.

Recently, I started another list. Yes, this is how I control my ADHD and manage to get anything done! This list was of things I would miss and things I am looking forward to. I am trying to keep them balanced as to make leaving and arriving home seem okay, although I feel I am merely trying to fooling myself. Funny enough, yet probably not all that surprising, the first things that came to mind were food. The lack of sausage rolls, yet endless trips to Outback Steakhouse ahead of me top the charts. I decided to keep people off the list, as to avoid pages and pages of words. I will miss daylight until 10.30. I will miss being able to walk anywhere I need to go, yet can't wait to drive. I will miss the people and the Carolina blue sanctuary at Fortwilliam and Macrory, yet am looking forward to hearing Bob preach, meeting the new associate pastor at UPC, seeing people who have watched me grow up and thanking those first hand who made this year possible. I will miss sausage rolls as I said before, but can't wait to get a sausage biscuit at Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen. The list goes on and on, and thats not even the people.

As I said in my last post, my flatmate Lauren left last Sunday. Her last night in Belfast, I couldn't sleep, imagining how I will feel when I know I am going home for good. Terrifying. Now, don't get ill with me- it will be great to see everyone, but its almost like graduating all over, leaving what I know as home and the norm and not knowing when I will return, and return at that, just for a visit, not to the life I now know as my own. WOAH. Since she has gone, it is weird to think about the her getting to do the things I miss, like the BIG one- seeing the fireworks last night on the 4th of July. We had a good day yesterday, I had lunch with Joyce and Rosemary and Rosemary even worse her American Flag shirt in honor of the holiday. We had a brilliant dinner with our house guest, Jackie, who is up from Limerick to help Alison with her camping trip. And we headed to the Duke of York for a few pints and came home to sparklers (don't worry- we really were safe with only one or two pints in us...)! BUT, with the 4th being one of my favorite holidays, and fireworks near the top of my favorite things in the world, it was a sad day to be in another country.

Jackie, is a volunteer with the Presbyterian Church of Ireland in Limerick, and is from Argentina. I have had a great time getting to know her, talking about Argentina, her experience, and the world in general. I still struggle a lot with the impact of this year, if I am really making any kind of difference or am just a fun organized person for people to get to know. Over dinner last night, we talked about poverty in Argentina, and the need that lies in every country and how we are here in Ireland, leaving our own. Is it the selfish part of me that wants to travel that means I cross an ocean to serve? I spent all day Tuesday with the McGrath family. We had taco night since they had never had, much less even seen, tacos. (shocking, I know!) It also happened to be Lauren's 16th Birthday. It was too fun to be able to spend the day with them. Chris (17) and I talked a lot about life, love, and university.

We talked about traveling and Arabs and the prejudices we have. He told me that before American volunteers came to Fortwilliam (as it was at the time...) he thought ALL Americans loved George Bush, were ultra conservative and fundamental, and were so proud of our invasion of Iraq (which, I say not to comment on politics, but the generalization that lies within the unknown) Through his experience with PC(USA) volunteers, he has learned that we are not all the same. Not an hour before, Chris and I had talked about the war and the whole culture and location that is the middle east. He commented that all Arabs are all the same. Now, I wouldn't be a good friend, or youth leader, if I didn't force him to look at his two statements back to back. With experience, comes understanding. And I won't even get started on the connection with Catholic and Protestant that I could make and did briefly to him as he drove me home at my direction up the New Lodge Road, a highly Catholic area.

Taco night with the McGraths was on my list of things to do before leaving. Having more deliberate, serious conversations with my youth is as well. One down, one started, and many more left to go. All in 6 weeks, but really 4 since I am away for 2, time. (Don't worry McCormicks, your chicken pot pie night is coming!)

I could continue on rambling about the peace line just behind our house that is to be extended two meters higher due to an increase in violence or the hysterical trolls on youtube.com that talk about coming up north (a video I will one day share...) But, I will, rather, leave you with a simple sentence. I am excited to see what my remaining days in Belfast hold.

and PS On one last and very unrelated note, my life long friend, Will Perreault, is spending three months in Uganda. His blog (http://willinuganda.wordpress.com/) today had a great shout out to me, reading 'The task of bathing, though, is typically preceded by getting greeted (aka peed/pooped on) by my two-year old bro Jason with a "Heeeaaaaayyy" that's a perfect mix between Libby Hunter and the Fonz from Happy Days.' I knew a piece of me was already in Uganda, I just didn't know it was in the form of a two year old boy!

lazy weekend

2007-07-01T14:31:00.000Z

The end of the week passed quickly, with time in the office and other random things to pass the time. Lauren left this morning to go home for good, it was pretty crazy to think about it. Last night I couldn't sleep thinking of how it is going to be. I am glad the only thing I missed out on was sleep, not experiences in Belfast. Packing up her stuff, I began to really question how I am going to get all my things, namely shoes, home. It is amazing what you acquire in not even a full year! We shall see. Alison is away at Summer Maddness, a youth conference, until Tuesday. While I have the house to myself, I am trying to clean up a wee bit and start to get ready to leave it for the next group, meaning a lot of organizing (my fav!)

Doug preached at church this morning, using the good Samaritan to talk about loving your neighbor. It was a subtle message on the Troubles and how the two sides are now interacting in Belfast and Nireland as a whole. It was a really good message and one that I think Fortwilliam needed to hear. Its not about your neighbor, its about compassion to everyone.

This afternoon I went bowling with some of my youth. I have bowled twice before today in the past 2 weeks, so I've had some practice, but I did really well (for me that is) my first two bowls were strikes. HAHA. My kids thought I was cheating. It was good fun, watching Sam throw the ball harder than I have ever seen anyone bowl and Megan use her bounce tactic on the bumpers! Chris was trying to beat me but I won by 20 points, we will have to have a rematch. I hadn't seen my youth for a wee while, so it was good to hang out with them now that it is officially their summer holiday!

This week should be alright, cleaning and getting in touch with the 174 trust so i can help them with their summer scheme. Something to keep me busy! Our plans for our trip in August around Europe are coming more and more together with trains booked between all our destinations! Should be a good trip. Now I am on to working on getting from train stations to hostels, so we don't kill each other in the process!

playing Ketchup

2007-06-27T17:20:00.001Z

This past week I have been fairly busy- an improvement! We met with Doug on Monday and headed up the North Coast, Tuesday I spent the morning at Newington Day Centre, then headed up to The Vine Centre for afterschools. I really have enjoyed my few days at the Vine, the kids are pretty funny and the set up they have is great- the kids from the community are allowed to come for one hour one day a week, so the group of kids each afternoon changes twice. So basically by the time the kids have had enough of an activity, it is time for them to go. It works well. I will be working with them for two weeks for their summer scheme from 10-2, beginning 16 July. I am looking forward to it! Today Michelle took me out to Jordanstown to see where she goes to Uni. It was pretty crazy, one HUGE building, including shops, restaurants, the book store, library, and tons of computer labs and lecture halls. I mean huge. Think of a whole university in one building. Pretty cool to see how it can be done- especially somewhere that it rains all the time and is cold!

Two big events have passed with any mention on my blog, so I thought I would fill you in as they were pretty fun for me. The first fell about a week ago, our end of the year BBQ for the point. We cooked up some burgers and sausages (which I am awful at cooking) and had junk food to eat along with it. We took a walk down on the beach and just hung out. I gave each of my youth an award for the year- silly paper plate ones, like the what are we doing next week award and the best impersonation of libby award. Overall it was a good time. We will no longer have youth group on sunday nights but I am already planning up some stuff for them each week, so they stay connected and I still get to see them between their holidays!

On Saturday past, the Anchor boys of the Boys Brigade that I work with had their outting! It was great to see them again because I hadn't known the last time I saw them would be the last. Plus, to see how much some of them have grown and changed in just three months was amazing! taller, more grown up, slimmed down. We went to the Arc Open Farm in Newtonabbey. It was a great trip. We started by feeding some of the animals, the chickens and the cows and horses. Pamela was terrified of the chickens and hid behind me squealing the whole time, which was highly humourous! The kids were pretty good with the animals, a few a wee bit nervous to feed them, while others were sticking their hands in their mouths! On our tour of the farm, we saw and got to hold a chick, a puppy, a kid, and a bunny. We also saw piglets that were only a few weeks old, goats, horses, sheep, and cows! The kids were so cute with their different reactions to things. Some of the pictures are classic. We had our lunch at the farm, then called in for ince cream on the drive home! Overall, a great day. OH and I'm 100% obsessed with this first picture of me and my boys! Who says I didn't meet a great boy in Belfast and fall in love.... I've met 10....

Tomorrow I have real work to do- office work, and then tea with Rosemary and family to get a wee bit more done with some postcards. There is a festival in town this weekend, so that should be good fun! And woah, next week is the 4th! we gots to get goin on some plans! At least I have sparklers! YESSSSSS

A week of Travels

2007-06-22T11:29:00.000Z

I spent the past week and a half traveling down south and through England and Scotland with my family. It was a brilliant trip, testing at times, as I had never really traveled with my parents. I don't think grandma's house or the beach really count, especially since in the past 6 years I have always driven myself. But overall, we had a great time, saw amazing sites- including the queen!- and enjoyed each others company.

We started down in Bunratty, Ireland near Shannon. Mom, Dad, Drew, and cousin Debbie flew in to Shannon, rented a car, and had an eventful morning while I flew to Galway from Belfast, paid 38 Euros for a taxi because I got to the bus station and realized my luggage was still at the airport, and took a long bus to Shannon. When I arrived at the BB, I woke Debbie up to hear about their morning of flat tires and dad's crazy driving. I should have warned them about the stone wall lined streets, where the stone is all covered in grass. Two flat tires, a super nice man whose driveway they landed in, and a trip out from the rental company later, they rested in the BB and I arrived. After such an eventful morning, we decided to stay close to home and only explore a little bit of Bunratty. We went, of course, shopping, then got an early pub dinner.

The next morning, we headed out to explore County Clare. Our first stop was the Cliffs of Moher. Dad was driving much better, but I got shotgun as I am used to the view of the left side of the road. We headed out to the country roads, and the views were brilliant. We opted to not climb up to the top of the cliffs as we would be soon on a boat to see them from the water. We stopped at castle ruins and for photo opps, and the freedom of having a car was amazing. In Doolin, we got on a boat which took us out into the Atlantic to see the amazing cliffs that line the west coast of Ireland. We then continued along the coastal road, circling the Burren and stopped for lunch at a famous pub that turned out to not be so good. A few thatched roof cottages later, we turned into the Burren. Now if you're like me, you're probably thinking at this point, okay cool, The Burren of Co. Clare- whatever that is... So basically its a huge rocky area with lots of ancient stone structures and ruins. The drive itself was really cool and we stopped to see a few of the sights, skipping the highly crowded tourist ones (unfortunately).

That night for dinner we headed to the tiny town of Six Mile Bridge. Mom, Dad, and Deb ate at a wee french cafe, with a cheese platter, meat platter, and quiche. Drew and I opted for more foreign food, kebabs. Yes, neither local, we are lame- but you can only eat fish and chips so man nights in a row! The next morning, after packing up, we headed for a quick stop at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. We toured through the massive castle and enjoyed the thatched roof cottages and smell of peat fires. Pushing our time, we headed to the Shannon Airport for our flight to London.

We arrived in London, early afternoon, hungry and a bit tired. We stopped in at my fav M&S simply food and got sandwiches for the train. We settled onto the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station, ate our lunch, and relaxed. The trip from Victoria Station to the hotel was a disaster- complete with lots of frustration, lack of reading maps, sweat, zero patience, and bad words. Remember how I said I'd never traveled with my parents... yep, its an interesting experience. And having a big group (5) doesn't make the stress level any better. BUT, we finally did make it to our hotel and settled in to chill for a bit, and leave the bad feelings and stress of the afternoon behind us so we could enjoy our time in London. We took a London by night bus tour, which was really good because it gave a good feel for the city and we saw things we wouldn't ever make it back to since London is so massive! We got a super late dinner (11.00) at a cute family Italian place. The atmosphere was brilliant and just what we needed to end a not so easy day.

The next morning, we got up and headed to the Tower of London, thankfully we had worked out the tube before hand to avoid another day of stressful traveling. We started our tour at the Tower with a Yeoman tour. It was brilliant, they are very funny and tell you a lot. We saw where Anne Berlin was beheaded and all those that preceded her on Henry the 8th's list. After the tour, we explored the white, central tower with its armoury and artillery. We stopped for lunch, fish and chips of course, then headed back in to see the crown jewels, the dungeon, and the torture chamber. The jewels were amazing! We took the moving sidewalk twice so we could get the best look! We spent basically all day there, and had a wee bit of a rest before heading to dinner at a Chinese. I made my family try prawn crackers- my favorite thing about Chinese here. They hated them, haha. More for me! We booked our tour for the next day before heading out to dinner- Warwick Castle, Stratford upon Avon, The Cotswold's, and Oxford.

We woke up SUPER early the next morning, to get our breakfast and get to Paddington Station to catch our tour bus for our full day. After a decent bus ride, we arrived at Warwick Castle. The castle was wonderful, with a great wax exhibit about getting ready for war, and famous beds and tables. Queen Anne's Bed and Chest were the sites to see, since she sent them for her trip then she herself never arrived. One of the best parts was being able to try on the armour! Talk about some funny pictures!

One of the highlights of Warwick is to see the catapult used, but unfortunately the area was flooded and so we didn't get to see it. But overall the castle was worth the trip.

The bus headed next to Stratford Upon Avon, where we toured Shakespeare's house and explored the town a wee bit. The house was cool, still set up and the same as when he would have lived there. The town itself also is home to Anne Hathaway's home and the church where Shakespeare is buried. We stopped for lunch in a pretty classy pub, then toured through the Cotswold's. The thatched roof cottages weren't quite as exciting as those in Ireland because they all had chicken wire over the top, changing the look. But, it was still a beautiful area.

Our next stop was Oxford, to see Christ Church. This was pretty exciting, even though I am not the biggest of Harry Potter fans. We climbed the stairs used in the first movie, and entered the hall that was rebuilt for the filming. It was really funny how everything was copied in the movie, the pictures on the walls and all. We took a wee tour around, and heard the story of how Alice in Wonderland was written by a student at Oxford and was based on the dean's daughter Alice and other members of staff at Christ Church. I always thought it was just some trippy movie based on some drug induced idea. Pretty funny to see where it really came from. The layout at Oxford is really interesting, there are 39 colleges within the university which all have their own private quad with dorms, chapels, meeting rooms, and a dining hall. Pretty interesting.

The next day, Saturday 16 June, we were just so lucky to be in London. This is the Queen's unofficial birthday, celebrating her years on the throne, which passes with the trooping of the colour. Mom came down with the flu or something, so she and dad took the morning to rest, while Deb, Drewski, and I headed to Westminster Abbey. The Abbey was massive and beautiful. My favorite parts were the knights chairs with the family crests from each past knight in them and the flags hanging over the current knights seats and the graves. It is amazing who all is buried in there, though I can't claim to really know all that much about them- minus The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer- which I need to read again...

After Westminster Abbey, we headed down to the mall, to catch the Queen on her way back to Buckingham Palace. We scored some second/third row places to stand and waiting, enjoying the royal guard. Then it started and we were maybe 20 feet from the Queen and Prince William! I am partial to Prince Harry... But it was still cool! The horses and bands were very cool and over all it was just a really fun thing we happened to be in town for! I mean, how many people, Americans at that, can say they've seen the Queen of England? Me! After the parade we mosied a wee bit then headed back towards the eye to meet mom and dad. The fly over started along with the ran on our walk up the mall. The fly over was brilliant, especially the last set, leaving streams of red, white, and blue. It almost felt like it was the 4th of July (which is coming up?!? WOAH). Overall, super experience.

We met mom and dad at the eye, after a wee dander down street act city! Now, you have to understand, I am a sucker for these people- although I kept a handful of 10p coins (.20cents) to keep my wallet safe. If you don't know this then you should forever remember it: Where there are street acts, there are pickpockets- they work together, they distract the other picks and they split it. BUT, it was brilliant. There is a full range of pictures on my Webshots, have no fear, but I will spare you here on the blog! The queue for the eye was massive, mom still wasn't feeling too hot, so we opted for Quiznos (AMAZING- we don't have that in Belfast!) and getting out of the rain. That night I also got to meet up with my friend Phil who had been working on a vineyard in France. It was great to catch up with him- especially since he is going to move to France before I come home.

That afternoon Dad, Deb, Drew, and I raced to the National Museum to see the Egypt exhibit briefly before it closed. I found it boring, having been in Egypt, and headed to the Africa exhibit. I did however, make a point to see the Rosetta stone since I couldn't see it in Egypt since, clearly, it is in London. In the Africa Exhibit, I saw some cool stuff to feed my obsession. Namely, The Christian Aid tree, made from recycled weapons. People who turned in weapons were given food, money, etc. in exchange for their weapon of choice. The tree was pretty cool, especially since my youth led the Christian Aid service this year at church, which was all themed around growing a tree.

Sunday we got the train to Edinburgh, which was a pretty interesting experience since apparently it was the perfect weekend for hen and stag parties (bachelor and bachelorette). We shared our train with many, including a groom dressed in a drink tutu and hot pink jump suit. Pretty dang funny. Edinburgh was nice, especially because I knew my way around. We stayed in a nice flat out near the university and right near a park. The family went to the castle, while I walked up to see my friend Mark. We went to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was pretty cool to see. We were all amazed at how tiny the queen's bed was, a simple twin and fascinated with the 53 person dining table that is set using rulers to measure out the cutlery placement! What a way to take a holiday! The best part though were the pictures of the royal family and the places the yacht had been. Another highlight of Edinburgh was going to both the 3 sisters pub and elephants and bagels- two places I loved on my last trip over during university to visit a friend studying abroad! I must say it was weird to be there without my Mols, but seeing mark at 3 sisters- after waiting alone for 45 min (I have always wanted to go to a bar alone... but I will say it wasn't as great as I hoped it would be... at least I had Beckhams last game with Madrid to watch...) was almost as good as being there with Molly herself!

We came home to Belfast on Tuesday, hung out for a bit, got lunch at my fav coffee shop and put Deb and Dad on the Belfast Bus Tour so they could get a feel for Belfast in the short time they spent here. Mom, Drewski, and I headed up to the Botanic Gardens and Queens University- the one part of town mom hadn't seen on her previous two trips over. We then piddled in town for a bit, did some Primark shopping (naturally...) and then met Dad and Deb. We came home to drop things and regroup, then headed up to Teresa's house to have wine and cheese with her and Joan, two of my favorite people in Belfast. If you are confused who they are, they work in the Day Centre with me on Tuesdays. Seeing as they are my parents peers, we collectively decided it would be fun for them to meet- and it was! We were intending just a stop in, predinner glass of wine and ended up there until 10.30, laughing and finishing numerable bottles of red and white. Brilliant! We got home, and that was us for the night. They left the next morning, and for the remainder of the week I have not known what to do with myself with out tons to fit into my day. Yet, I still haven't managed to get this post up until now. Funny how that works out.

So, Brilliant to see them and should be interesting to get home in August! I have 7 more weeks, which I prefer to say about 2 months.. because in reality it is 4 days shy of 8 weeks... CRAZY!

Every foot of this world needs an inch of Belfast -Elton John

2007-06-02T15:52:00.000Z

So, I really am getting bad at this! Promise, I will try harder.
I had a pretty busy week by my standards, which was great. Last weekend, Mark, a volunteer in Edinburgh, came to visit. He arrived early Saturday morning, so Lauren got up and met him at Roast, our fav coffee shop in town. We caught up and decided we would fill our day in town, waiting for the noon parade. It was the Lord Mayor's Parade, basically just because the Lord Mayor wants one. From Roast we headed down to city hall to browse around the continental market that was back in town for the weekend. We then cruised down and did some window shopping and on around to the Albert Clock, the Fish, and the ring of thanksgiving- the usual city centre tour. From the ring, we made the loop around to St. George's Market and wandered around there a wee bit. We busied ourselves with some more window shopping then claimed our spot to watch the parade.

Now, I love parades, festivals, anything like that, so I am fairly easily impressed. However, this parade was amazing and the best I have ever seen! (okay, seen in real life- which consists of Chapel Hill Christmas Parades, Boone homecoming/Christmas Parades, and St. Paddy's in Belfast) This parade made St. Patrick's day look like a huge laugh, which is pretty sad for Ireland. The theme was love, and it was so so good. We had a great time watching everything and took some class pictures. Here are some of my favorite floats/groups!

After the parade we headed home to have a chill afternoon. Having Mark around is good craic because he is pretty dang funny. We had amazing fish and chips for dinner, rented Miss Potter and John Tucker Must Die, and I finally found my staple wine from college: Sutter Home White Zin. YUM. In total, it was a perfect night. Plus John Tucker is pretty hysterical.

Sunday Morning, Mark came with me to church for our youth service. I was a terrible friend and ran around like a chicken with my head cut off getting the kids set and everything ready, but he forgave me. The service was ok, a wee bit shaky at times- and they tell me they don't need to practice pssh.. : ) But good none the less. We weren't going to have youth group that night because I was sleepy, we had Guysmere the weekend before, and gosh, the youth service was enough stress for me! But they all complained (a good sign, I suppose) and so we planned to go bowling. After church Mark and I set off to the castle. It was a pretty day, so that was good. We walked around a wee bit, then took a bus into town for our much awaited Kangaroo Burgers at the Continental Market. Yes, sad and crazy, I know, I ate kangaroo. It was similar to lamb in case you were wondering!

From there we walked up to the university area to see Queens and the Botanic gardens. On the walk up we passed a building with a sign in Brail. HAHA. or so Mark thought. Yes, a picture is truly necessary!

We walked around Queens and spent a lot of time in the Greenhouse and the Rose Garden in the Botanic Gardens. The roses are so massive, and smell so good! We were lucky to have sunshine the whole time, making it much more enjoyable! We walked back into town and saw the smallest house in Northern Ireland which is the manse for Great Victoria Street Baptist. Pretty funny. We also cruised by the Crown Bar, a famous pub that is described as follows: with its swing doors, wooden floors and private booths, the Crown's more Wild West saloon than old Brit pub. The only light is from ancient ceiling gas lamps and rays of sun through Victorian etched-windows. Then back home to be lazy!

Sunday night we headed to The Point, intending to go bowling. Due to my lack of planning and reserving lanes, we ended up at Soda Joe's American Diner, haha. We got milkshakes, made with nesquick strawberry syrup (eww) and onion rings. Mark and I were ashamed that this place is called an American Diner yet does not serve grilled cheese. I mean, seriously. And the rep it is giving milkshakes is pretty sad as well. We had a good time joking around with my youth, answering tons of American questions, and laughing at things from home we each had forgotten about but reminded each other of. Good to have some more fellowship time with my youth too, they really make me smile.

Sunday night we headed out to Kelly's Cellars for a night out with Marty and Krisie. We had a great time laughing and just being dumb, as a typical night out is. Krisie decided to tell us that her birthday had been the past Wednesday and she had failed to tell us, intentionally, so we made plans to celebrate during the week.

Monday, we work up early to meet with Doug and go on an outing! We headed to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum after our usual breakfast of Tesco Donuts with Doug. The folk and transport museum is a collection of really old buildings from all over Nireland put into a village layout, kinda like Colonial Williamsburg, complete with people in costume, making wheaten bread in the crazy old ovens. We walked around the village part then out to the rural setting as well. The old mills, old woodworking shops, and farmers were really cool.

Interestingly enough, one of the row of houses in the village was home to a family whom Doug knew when he first came to Belfast 27 years ago. He did youth work in a part of town called Sandy Row, and Tea Lane was home to 12 of the youth he worked with. How cool that these kids he knew can now bring their grandchildren to a Museum Village to see the house they grew up in! Man, I wish I could say that! (okay, I do really like 317 Brandywine, so M&D don't uproot the house to a museum of uh houses...) One of the other very exciting things to me within this place was the thatched roof cottages. I just think it is so cool that they made roofs out of stalks of some plant. There is a thatched roof cottage on the way to Guysmere and Jonny McCormick and I had a good laugh at my comment during the rain. Apparently they don't leak like I would have thought, nor do they mildew- which that i just can't believe since I am sure they stay wet. Overall, super interesting place. The picture above, second row in the left is one of my favorites. It is of the biscuit box, the old fashioned way to sell some bickys! Very cool.

After a busy weekend, the week followed suit. Tuesday I left my house at 10.15 for Newington Day Centre and didn't get home until 11.30. I felt like I was back in college where that was my typical routine. It was refreshing and exhausting to be that busy. I spent the afternoon at the office, then called in with Rosemary and her family for dinner before meet up with some other ladies from church to count the money raised in the Christian Aid door to door collection. Honestly, I have never seen so much money! And it was to sit and chat while we counted.

The rest of the week, I busied myself with window shopping and meeting Rachel for tea in town and another busy day in the office Friday. Doug called as well, after speaking with the Vine Centre where I will hopefully start working this coming week. Thursday I spent about an hour on the phone with my friend Molly who was on her way to my former summer home, Camp Illahee. Really, it is strange to not be there (or going there). I am going to miss it, but am hoping to take my youth here camping to make up for my lack of Brevard time. Mol did make my day when she told me that camp closes on the 18th of August, the final day of baby camp (the one week Jr. session we have so lovingly renamed) SO, I am super hoping to get up there- uh the morning after I fly in. All of course depending on the speed with which I can get my license reissued and learn to drive again! And convincing my mom that she can part with me! But the prospect is what is getting me through the summer.

Today I have had a very lazy day, reading, making lists, writing letters, and catching up on things. It is rainy and windy, so what else would I really do with my day?

Guysmere Youth Weekend

2007-05-23T11:55:00.000Z

This past weekend was our youth retreat with The Point. We headed up to Castle Rock on the north coast about 6.30 Friday night for a weekend of craziness. I am just now catching up on sleep and finding the energy to blog about it. Friday night we had dinner, got settled and did our opening devotion introducing our theme for the weekend. The verses came from Matthew 7, Where God calls us to build our houses on the rock not on the sand. Because Guysmere, the Presbyterian Church of Ireland conference centre, is located just off the beach and close to a castle, I decided this verse would be a good choice. Friday night we hung out and tried to start the weekend off with enough sleep.

Saturday morning we had devotions on the beach, freezing in the wind. We talked about the sand and why we shouldn't 'build our house' on sand and how we go about doing that. Then we had a sand castle building competition. They were pretty impressive- one even had dinosaur. We continued with the Guysmere Olympics. The blue and red teams faced off in a series of events, winning points with each relay. I stole most of the ideas from my time at Camp Illahee, but it was really fun. Our events included:

The Ice Lolli (Popsicle) Eating Relay- you can not eat yours until the person ahead of you in the line does. First team to all finish wins. This was actually really humorous to watch because the Popsicles were super hard!

The Straw Javelin Throw- Which team can throw the straw the farthest

Blow Ball- which team can blow the ball off the table. Second round, each member had to eat a cracker before they could defend their side of the table.

Spongefull Relay- Each member had one turn to fill the sponge and empty it into the pitcher at the other end. The team with the most deposited water won.

Bobsled Plastic Race- Teams formed partners, had to push/slide on plastic sheet. (didn't quite work out as well as I thought it would, but it was funny)

Chubby Bunny- which team volunteer can put the most marshmallows into their mouth and still articulate the words 'chubby bunny?' The most marshmallows wins!

Chubby Chihuahua- Same idea as above, cept with jalapeno peppers and the phrase 'chubby Chihuahua.' Chris was struggling big time, turning red and drooling. Sam sat cool, calm, and collected. It was hysterical!

Overall it was a great morning. The games were hysterical and the teams ended up tying, which was good and they all got the extra Popsicles for their prize. We had a wonderful lunch prepared by our great cooks, Michelle McGrath and Siobhan Caldwell, whom I couldn't have survived without. Then we had a bit of chill time after lunch and set up the water slide. This water slide is a Guysmere tradition, a huge sheet of plastic and fairy dish soap. Much like we do at Illahee : )
It was super windy, but we made it work. I have never been so cold in my life, honestly. But it was brilliant! The smiles and screams were worth the loss of feeling in my feet and fingers.

In true Guysmere fashion, we all ran to the sea to rinse off after the water slide. Man, I thought the slide was cold... the sea felt like thousands of knives stabbing into you. The waves were intense and the undertow awful. The stormy weather didn't help. The youth went so far out where the waves were crashing and were making me super nervous, so I only got about thigh deep and watched. My cold shower was the end of the road of my tolerance. It took me about 2 hours to warm up, 2 cups of hot chocolate didn't even do it. We had a BBQ for dinner, cooked inside because of the wind and rain. After dinner, we bundled up and headed to get ice cream and to explore the castle.

The castle was really cool. And the Mussenden Temple was part of the castle. I have been wanting to see the Temple, so that was pretty sweet. The kids were funny running around and taking pictures. It was great to spend the time with them exploring the castle and spooking the sheep.

That night once we had returned to Guysmere we had a great time playing silly games like never have I ever, where each person says something they have never done and if the others playing have done it they put a finger up- the first person to have done 10 things loses. We watched the new TV show Joseph, much like American idol, but the winner will be cast in the fall London production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dream Coat. Pretty fun. We then played word games, like telephone and writing a story with each person giving one word. The result was really very funny and kept everyone entertained for over an hour! We ended the night with a new game for my youth and an old classic for my youth group days at UPC: Baby, if you love me. The point of the game is to make someone else smile, while the target is trying not to and trying to say 'baby, i love you but i just cant smile.' The target must respond to all questions and do anything they are asked. It is a pretty funny game and we really had a good time with it haha. I think it will be a new Guysmere tradition- at least I hope so!

Sunday morning we all sleepily woke up, had a short worship service where we talked again about sand and stone, with Jonny reading a story about writing the bad things people do to you in the sand and the good things in stone. We attempted to sing a few songs which was not too successful without words. And we closed with affirmation sheets for the members of the point. We had our final lunch and took a walk on the beach. After one last group picture we headed home to sleep- or in my case to stay up til 1am unable to fall asleep despite how exhausted I felt.

It was a brilliant weekend, probably one of my best in Belfast. I had a great time just chattin with my youth, joking with the girls late at night when we should have been sleeping and tucking them in like my campers. I have been a wee bit camp sick recently with everyone getting ready to head up to Brevard. So it was good to be in a retreat type setting with some of my favorite youth!

This week has been slow, planning a wee bit for the Christian Aid youth service to come on Sunday, and trying to catch up on sleep. Our friend Mark, a Lutheran volunteer (who had orientation with all the PC(USA) YAVs) is coming to visit this weekend from Edinburgh which should be fun.

Until later, hope you are well. Send some warm to Belfast, puhlease, it is May- seriously.

At the Car Wash...

2007-05-16T17:13:00.000Z

Last weekend my youth had a car wash to raise money for our retreat this coming weekend. We had a brilliant time and made over 100 pounds! BRILL. Here are some pictures:

A Swiss Fantasy...

2007-05-11T14:46:00.000Z

I am writing this post while trying to stay awake. If I fail to be coherent, I apologize! I just returned home from Lucerne, Switzerland and have been awake and traveling for 10 hours. Sadly, it is only 4 in the afternoon and not a suitable bed time! My trip to Lucerne was amazing. I think it now ranks as the #1 city I have ever visited (Sorry to Molly I know you wont like this... and to Edinburgh, you are a close second...). My gram and Ralph were/are traveling around southern Europe and asked me to join them along their trip. I chose to meet them in Switzerland partly because it was the dates that worked out for me and also it is the one country they were traveling to that I will not be going to in August on the Hunter's Do Europe Tour. Now, after being there, I am sad that I won't be going back in August. Lucerne was a beautiful city, on the lake and the river, with its horizon decorated by the Swiss Alps. What more could you want in a city?

I flew into Zurich on Tuesday afternoon and hopped the train to Lucern. The train was about an hour, and fairly uneventful- minus the scenery. The houses all look so Swiss, which I know is very lacking in description, but that's OK. The shutters are actually used, they close them, and the houses are all fun colours with good coloured shutters. Here is a picture to help your imagination:

I arrived in Lucerne about 10 to 7. Gram and Ralph met me at the station and it was great to see them. It has been about a year since I had seen them last at our graduation party. We headed back to the hotel and had a before dinner drink. We headed out in the rain to The Old Swiss House, my first ever meal in a 5-star restaurant! The restaurant was so typical Switzerland on the outside, I loved it. I had an Iceberg shrimp salad for my starter, veal with a creamy mushroom sauce (shock- i like mushrooms!), and lemon sherbet in champagne for dessert. We had an amazing Swiss white wine with our meal, and it was the best wine I have ever had. I have the label, so one day when I am rich or am up for a huge splurge I can try to find a bottle. It was one of the most amazing meals I have ever had. So a Big thank you to Gram and Ralph!

The next morning we had a nice breakfast of fresh bread, cheeses, dried fruit which Gram and I identified as peaches and apricots, and tea, and then got our sight seeing started. Our first stop was the Chapel Bridge, built in the early 14th century. We had walked across it on our way home from dinner the night before, but it was cool to see it in daylight. The river and the lake were both so blue/green it was amazing. I felt like I should not be in the middle of the Alps but in the Caribbean somewhere! The water was the coldest water I have ever dipped my hand into, rightfully so since it is all melting snow from the Alps.

After taking pictures of the bridge, we headed up through old town towards the classic Luzern Lion. The monument is called 'The Dying Lion of Lucerne' and it stands carved into a rock wall in memory of the Swiss mercenaries who died at the Tuileries in 1792. Mark Twain called this monument the 'saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.' While we were there the pool that sits at the base of the lion was being cleaned, so we didn't get the full effect, but it was still pretty neat.

From the Lion we continued around the outside of old town, along the Musegg Wall. The wall was built in 1386 and is still pretty much fully intact today. The wall includes 7 towers, 3 of which you can climb up. The views from along the wall over the city were beautiful! The oldest clock in on one of the towers. We were in the neighboring tower when it rang. This clock is set to ring one minute early, before all the other bells go off around the city. Switzerland is known for their bells, and every hour, it was very obvious why no matter where you were in the city. Part of the walls are up for restoration currently, with a wee path leading behind them. This detour was much welcomed as we walked past a group of highland cows! A momma and baby were so close to the fence and another was close enough I could have petted it if I wanted to. Pretty sweet! The shagginess is so cool! The electric fence that wasn't marked as being electric wasn't quite as cool, although I have a sweet scar from my shock.

We came back into the middle of the city and walked down the River. We stopped and had a wee drink at a cute little sidewalk cafe. Gram ordered a Campari with soda and not knowing what anything else on the menu said, I said I'd have one as well. Gram explained that it was an Italian aperitif that was kinda bitter but good. When it came, bright red and with an orange, I thought it would be good. My first sip was much to my dismay and Gram laughed hysterically at my face, professing her wish to have had a camera! Campari looks much better than it is. But, I drank it, and it got a wee bit better with each sip, though I still don't know that I will ever order it again. An experience none the less.

Next we checked out Korn-Market square where city hall and lots of fresco painted buildings form a quad. City hall's tower was visible from most of the city and was one of my favorite peaks. The building has a farmhouse type roof for weather protection, which is just cool.

Just outside of Kornmarket square was a wee little tourist shop. Gram got a Swiss flag for her safari vest and I took a picture with a silly statue outside. (see Webshots). Our last stop of the day was down on the lakes edge to see the boats. We ended up getting a different view, as the Swiss Air Force gave a bit of an airshow. The red planes were easy to spot, and they did all kinds of swoops and drops around Lucerne. It was fun to keep watching for them and see where they would go and what formation they would make next. Very cool and my first 'air show' if you can count it, which I do! We had dinner that night at a cute little restaurant near our hotel. I had a wonderful pasta dish with broccoli and parma ham. yum.

The next morning, we headed on a day long adventure up the top of Pilatus Mountain, the one visible in all my pictures from the Musegg Wall. We first took a boat ride through Lake Lucerne to end up at the base of the mountain and take a cogwheel railway up the 7,000 feet to the top. The railway was amazingly steep, with our grade of accent ranging from 35-47! And the views were brilliant. Once at the top, we saw the Alps at eye level! It was amazing! We also heard and saw a man play the alphorn, which was so cool. As we headed down after a brilliant lunch outside overlooking the Alps, Gram yodelled for me in the cableway and gondolas. Now that I had seen aplhorn blowing, the Swiss Alps, and heard some yodeling, my trip to Switzerland was complete! Haha.

We had dinner at the same place we had the night before, I got a super huge pizza with bacon and peperoni. It was wonderful. And I drank my first full glass of red wine, Chianti is okay while the rest are just so bitter and musky. Friday morning I left Lucerne on the 7.10 train with Gram and Ralph. Overall it was a wonderful trip and I really do like that place. I would love to go back and I could even live there, minus my lack of German speaking ability. And by lack I mean that I speak more Arabic than German haha.

A huge thank you to my Grandparents (since I know you are avid readers!) It was so wonderful to see you both, to learn about the Hardgrove family history, your travels this trip and all the many before, and to talk through Peace Corp and my future with you. I look forward to spending more time with you both in Charlotte after I am home! LOVE YOU -Lilabit

Now I am back in Belfast and done with my traveling until my family comes in June. I am looking forward to being back here and starting a new placement at The Vine Centre afterschools this week and looking forward to my youth residential next weekend!

what do you call a French man in sandals? Phillipe Flop HAHA

2007-05-06T15:48:00.000Z

As you can see, I have been yet again awful at posting. So to my avid readers, I apologize. Since my adventures to Egypt and Scotland I have had a bit of a hard time readjusting to Belfast. My program, The Partnership in Community Transformation, ended during my travels in Egypt. My friends and officemates are no longer officemates, and my boss is no longer my boss. It has been great to keep up with them, but the church is a wee bit lonely. So I have been doing my work from home and working on getting some additional placements. I will be starting to work at another community centre on the Crumlin Road called the Vine Centre in a week or so with the afterschool program. This centre has a lot of things going on and I am excited to be a part of the work it is doing and to add a new set of kids to my plate, yet still miss the craic of the office.

One of my main bits of work right now is planning our youth residential which will take place in Castlerock on 18-20 May. I am so looking forward to the weekend with some of my most fun youth. We are staying at a retreat centre that is on a beautiful beach. I am working on the activities but will be using a lot of Camp Illahee ideas! It will take me back to my summer home. We are having a car wash next Saturday to help raise money for the retreat, which should be good fun at least and hopefully very lucrative! haha. And hopefully we will get nice weather. Today is the first day of bad weather I have seen in the past fortnight. It has been beautiful; clear, dry, and WARM!

Last Wednesday Lindsey Mitchell, one of my dearest college friends and her friend Elizabeth arrived. They had been traveling the UK with their graduate program studying student development in the UK. It was so wonderful to have Lindsey here and to get to know Elizabeth. We spent Thursday hiking up cave hill to have a picnic and see the view. We had perfect weather! It was fun to just catch up with Lindz and chat about old friends. She was able to update me on lots of people, stilling being in Boone- she knows whats going on with lots of people. After our hike, we called into the McCormick house to see two of my youth head off to their formal! Rachel and Chris are two of my youth from Fortwilliam and Macrory and they were going to Rachel's schools spring formal. It was fun to see them all dressed up, Rachel looked beautiful! Chris, well he just makes me laugh. I still haven't heard all the details but I know they had a wonderful time. Takes me back to my prom days haha.

On our way home we called into the church for a bit, so I could do some work and they could see where I work. The church still freaks me out a wee bit in that late afternoon light. Friday we just hung out and enjoyed being lazy and catching up. Lindsey and I joke that this is what we do best together. They helped me plan my children's sermon for Sunday and work it all out. This week was the story of Naaman the Leper. Not the easiest story to make entertaining. This morning only one child was there, so I called the whole bible class down with him. haha. Good times. Friday afternoon we took the city bus tour, which I have surprisingly never done. It was pretty good, a good overview of lots of things Belfast. Although, if you really had no clue of what the troubles were, it would be a wee bit confusing. Plus, it was fun because I could point out all the things he didn't say- like the old red light district. haha.

Saturday we got up early to go to the bank to recover Elizabeth's bank card that had been withheld by the ATM because she took too long to tell it how much money she wanted. The bank told her it was automatically destroyed. Pretty ridiculous. I can see why it would suck it up and hold it, in case you get like beaten up at the ATM then they clear you out. BUT to destroy it, come on. We walked on to St. Georges Market to cheer her up, and had Nutella and banana crepes. That afternoon we headed up the North Coast on an adventure with Jonny McCormick. Jonny and I had planned to go up to Guysmere so I could see it before we went with the youth, and so it worked out that we made lots of stops on the way. We drove up the coastal road, stopped at some waterfalls I had never seen before, then made our way to the Giant's Causeway and Guysmere. We had a great time in the car, laughing and making fun of each other. For all of your information, Jonny, in his wee little car, can not make a 3 point turn. haha. Nor can he follow road signs unless someone else is telling him where to go. It made for a fun drive! The falls were really nice, and we laughed that he was taking three Boone girls who are very used to mountains and waterfalls, to see a waterfall that was minute compared to Elk River Falls, 45 minutes from Boone. BUT they were very pretty and I hadn't seen a waterfall yet during my time in Ireland.

Here are some pictures from Lindsey and Elizabeth's trip:

I can't come out, I've got Staffa....

2007-04-24T14:53:00.000Z

I was fortunate to spend this past week on the island of Iona off the north west coast of Scotland. The Iona Community is a widespread Christian Community committed to peace and justice. The Island is home to the Iona Abbey and The Macleod Centre, two centres who hold conferences and guests each week.

We weren't too sure what we were in for, all I really remembered was Doug saying it was a young adult week. Turns out, our topic was dreams, visions, and the Prophets. or something like that. Everything was really flexible, really chill, really optional. There were services twice a day at the abbey. The group staying and programming at The Mac was about 12 or so of us, ranging in age. John Bell and Jenny Baker lead us in some discussion and some reflection.

We went on a pilgrimage around the island and saw amazing views. We had beautiful weather the first two days, even if a wee bit cold, then got some clouds and rain the last few. We took a boat ride out to another island called staffa, which is said to be the other end of the Giants Causeway on Nireland's north coast. Pretty Cool. Staffa had a big cave called Fingal's Cave, and this island inspired Mendelssohn's overture was inspired by Fingals cave, and I guess is often called Fingals cave. Pretty cool, even though I couldn't pick Mendelssohn out of a playlist. haha. The boat ride back from Staffa was rough, and I officially decided I am not a big boat girl.

One of my favorite things about Iona: The Lambs! They were everywhere and SO SO cute! (as you can clearly see above) Also, the old Nunnery had amazing flowers and I took some amazing pictures lying in the grass one afternoon. The sea, the boats, the green of the water- The Atlantic has a brilliant range of colour, from North Carolina, to Key West, to Iona Scotland- so pretty. I am super stoked about the pictures I got, they are posted. **My Egypt ones are half up.. don't look yet though because they are guaranteed to be better when they are all up in their glory!**

I met some really great people, had a lot of good conversations, and good craic at the bar. When you see me next, ask me about the new jokes I learned at Iona. Most you have to tell face to face. I also found something in the Iona gift shop that I have been searching for for a long time. WCF, my campus ministry at APP, had a plaque that sat on our mantel that I loved and have always wanted one. I was not surprised to find one at Iona. The plaque reads 'Bidden or not Bidden God is present' Those prayers like 'God please be in this place; Be with us tonight; we ask you to come here' yeah, they always drive me mad. And this plaque says why.

On our way home there was a chemical spill and our bus to Glasgow had to turn around, thus we missed our bus and ferry home. We stayed in Glasgow that night, only to have a fire alarm at 8am to awaken us. Needless to say, I was very ready to get home.

Even on the tiny island of Iona, news travels fast. I was shocked to hear about VA Tech. I know the media has killed it in the states and everyone is sick of hearing about it. Mom and I had a good conversation about it the other night. My heart goes out to all those at VA Tech and the families. I heard a girl interviewed say that being a senior right now is really hard, as her big last memory of the school is such a tragedy. The freshman have three more years to move on, make new memories of VT. While I think every student is effected, I do agree with her it super sucks for the seniors. I hope they have just enough time before graduation to make some extra special memories.

On another exciting note, Lindsey Mitchell will be arriving Wednesday week! I can not wait to see her! Looking forward to her visit is such a blessing right now! Then the following week I will be headed to Switzerland to meet my grandparents in Lucerne! Although I feel my daily role and job in Belfast is kind of up in the air, there is plenty to look forward to- including our youth residential that I am in full swing planning! YAY!

SO there we go. Please check out my Iona pictures, I am in love with them. And I will get Egypt as soon as my friend gets them to me : )

I know I'm long winded... but its EGYPT, so deal.

2007-04-11T10:07:00.000Z

Egypt. I had a constant desire to pick my nose. I learned the value of drinking water the hard way. I had a nagging desire to go South. I acquired new Kiwi parents. I learned a few Arabic words, including Thanks to God.I got 24 bug bites on my forehead in one night. I washed my hair in the Nile. A man tried to buy Bryce for 5 million camels. I learned to breath out of a tank. I went from sea level to 3,000 feet above sea level in two hours, walking. A guy to travel with is a new necessity in my life.

Now that I have some of the highlights and random thoughts out of the way, I will share with you more details from my trip, expanding of course on the thoughts above because, clearly there is more to share on each. And pictures of course.

Before I get super into Egypt however, there was another sweet part of the trip to share. My flight through Paris on the way down got changed, leaving me 9 hours or so in the Paris aeroport. So I decided to be a bit ballsy and try to get into Paris. I have never been to a city alone, much less where I can only say hello, no, yes, my name is Libby (thanks to Carrie's trip in Sex and the City), please, and thank you. So I managed to change some cash at a horrible rate, get on the B line into the city, and explore. I went and walked about the Notre Dame Cathedral which was pretty cool. I loved all the wee stalls selling paintings and sketches. But most of all, I was determined to see the Eiffel Tower -who wouldn't be on their first time in Paris?- and so I booked it about 2 miles or so down the Seine til I saw it. I think I gasped when it came into view. The thing is HUGE. I had no idea! But needless to say, amazing. Just walking around was wonderful. It was warm and sunny -a perfect Paris day. I would have loved to have found a wee crepe stand, but no such luck. In the end it was a blessing that my flight had been changed- even if it meant I got into Cairo later.

When I got into Cairo I was met by a guy from our tour company, who helped me get my sweet visa complete with cool stamps in the passport and get me to the hotel. Cairo is massive, dirty, and pure chaos. Driving is a free for all, no lanes, no stop lights, no real speed limit, no crosswalks. If you are a nervous car rider, some hard drugs might be helpful before you jump in a car in Cairo. Over the course of my combined 3 days in Cairo, I saw two people get hit by cars. There are people everywhere in the streets, including highways, selling things, crossing, or simply mucking about. I arrived in at 11.20pm and was amazed by the constant traffic. Cairo is a city of 22 million by day, 19 by night. This is the true city that never sleeps as everything is 24 hour. Everything.

We stayed in the Bostan Hotel in downtown Cairo, Bryce was already asleep/hanging out when I arrived. She had arrived about 3 that afternoon. The hotel was basic, nothing fabulous nothing awful. I slept like a baby that night, after leaving Belfast at 1am the night before and not sleeping in over 24 hours. The next day we went to see the Sakkara and Memphis, also called the step pyramid. It was awesome. Such a weird feeling to have heard and seen these places in pictures but to stand in front of them was such a cool experience. We then went to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. The largest of the Giza Pyramids was unimaginable. It was so big you have to drive away to get the whole thing in a picture. The three together make a really cool set. The biggest pyramid was built first, followed by the son and grandson who built smaller to show respect for their fathers. Pretty cool. I would have assumed they would have wanted to top the one before them. So that was neat.

During the day we also stopped at a Carpet School, where children learn to make carpets. We were in a poor part of town, with donkeys and carts passing and houses made of palms. Carpet schools were one of the only things around, forget regular school. It was amazing how fast these kids could pull a string and make a row of carpet. Bryce bought a really cool camel hair weave, like a wall hanging. This is where I learned how amazing Bryce is at bargaining. She got the price from 1050LE to 150! So about $30. Pretty sweet. We also stopped at a papyrus shop, where we were shown how they use to make paper out of palm stalks. It was pretty sweet. I kept up my goal of getting a piece of art in every country I go to when I bought a sweet city scene painting on papyrus. It was a wee bit expensive, but worth it I think. We also stopped at a perfume place, where we were served Koshery, a typical Egyptian dish with macaroni, rice, lentils, chick peas, and lots of spices. It was pretty good, yet some what awkward because neither Bryce nor I really wanted to buy any perfume. There was one that smelled really nice, but I do not need anymore perfume, nor did I want to spend the money. But a very good day in Cairo.

A constant desire to pick my nose. Cairo is dusty. It is surrounded by desert. After being in Cairo not even a day, I learned that my nose hairs are there for a reason. Mine got their work out this trip. It was a very awkward feeling. Funny stuff. -Take tissues on your trip!

After a great day at the Pyramids, we took the overnight train to Aswan. The train was decent, minus the fact that it was freezing. I had every towel I had wrapped around me. I also learned the value of the free little eye mask that AirFrance gave me on my flight since they didn't ever turn the lights out. I slept alright, but was glad to get to Aswan. Aswan is a smaller city than Cairo, though similar. The driving is a bit more structured and stop lights are actually used. It is hotter than Cairo. A lot hotter. Our hotel was the Nile Hotel, a wee bit nicer than our previous one, but still basic. After some time to nap, we went to the Aswan High Dam. It was basically just a dam. The exciting part was that the lake that it formed was shared with Egypt and Sudan. So, I could see Sudan (or I pretended at least). Also, when they made the dam much of the land was flooded to make Lake Nasser. The area that was lost was Nubia and most of the Nubian people in Southern Egypt lost their land. Later in our trip we would visit a Nubian village where these people relocated.
When the dam was created many temples in the area were lost under Lake Nasser. One of the temples that was saved was the Temple of Philae, which we went to see. You have to take a boat out to it, which was pretty cool. Our guide told us all about the history. This temple was built for Isis. Each temple has a similar order, two big towers or pylons, which are decorated with pictures of the king killing people, then the large hall, two more big pylons, a small hall, then the holy of holy or sanctuary.

The Value of Drinking water. Our Guide was not 15 minutes into his intro when I knew something wasn't okay. I felt a wee bit dizzy and sat down. I asked him about getting water somewhere soon -Dumb of me not to have it!- and as soon as I asked I knew I needed it then. Everything went black and Bryce walked me towards the cafe part while our guide ran to get me drinks. We finally stopped half way there in the shade and I just waited. The cutest Asian woman started freaking out about me. She started fanning me, and went running to get some smelling salts stuff. I was really appreciative but Bryce said she was funny. After two fruit drinks and a big bottle of water I felt better. I learned my lesson that afternoon. As I sit here writing I have already had two glasses of water!

Once I felt better, we explored the temple. I was really glad we had a good guide that afternoon, since I blacked out and all. The temple was really cool and I am glad I felt good enough to still see it. We went back to the hotel and headed out to try to find some Kebabs for dinner. We walked all over the city, constantly getting harassed to buy things, stared at, asked about carriage rides, and marriage proposals. Eventually we settled on a wee stand near our hotel with shawarma type kebabs. We were both a bit iffy about road side stands and getting sick, but we took the chance because we were so hungry. Luckily neither of us got sick and they were pretty good. We also stocked up on water for the next day!

The next morning at 4am we left with a tour bus to Abul Simbel, one of the most famous temples in Egypt. It is Ramesses II's temple and his favorite wife Nefertari. The ride was about 3.5 hours south. The two temples were amazing! The entrances alone were so classic Egypt that I couldn't believe I was seeing them for real. You can't take pictures inside the temples, so the colours are still really good on the walls. I can't even imagine what they looked like when they were fully coloured.

Desire to go South. The edge of Abu Simbel is on Lake Nassar, with the water overlooking Sudan. The road itself is only 20km from the Sudanese boarder. The whole time we were there, I kept looking across the water, wanting to go to Sudan, down to Kenya, Tanzania. I learned to specify that my Africa obsession is with Sub-Saharan Africa and that being in Egypt was only a tease because I was at least on the continent. If I had been wild and crazy (and had my credit card with me- yep, all left in Ireland, Bryce was my sugar momma) I would have jumped a plane down since I was so close. Soon. Oh Soon.

After Abu Simbel, we returned to Aswan where we got on a felluca to sail up the Nile River for the next two days. Bryce and I had both been really anxious about who we would be sharing the felluca with, hoping not to get really odd or really boring people with us. I was ready for some new people and some good company. We met Donna and Ross, the cutest couple from New Zealand as we boarded. They are both mid 40's, and too fun. Ross works in Lebanon with the NZ army as a peace keeper, Donna a nurse who is moving to Afghanistan soon. They live on their yacht and travel extensively. Basically, I want to be them when I grow up.

Kiwi Parents. Along our trip, we stopped on the shore to pee and chill. On our first stop we met a man who was fishing in the Nile. He didn't speak much English, and thought Ross and Donna were our parents. The accent must not have been that obvious haha. So from then on, they were our parents. Donna would wake up and in her class Kiwi accent say 'Good morning daughters.' It was great.
The Fulluca was brilliant so it was. We just lied around on basically a huge mattress while we sailed. We stopped at two Nubian Villages, including the home village of our felluca guide. The villages were really cool. We learned a lot about forced hospitality- meaning they bring you a drink you don't ask for then you have to pay for it. I didn't mind so much, I know they need the money more than I do. The simplicity of life in these villages was amazing. It made me realize how little we do really need for basic survival. The Nile is the source of life for these people and they respect it so much. One of the great things about the felluca and everything it included was we got to ask lots of questions. We learned Humd Allah, pronounced like hum de Allah, which is God is good or thanks to God. You say it like after a good meal and something good, like we say. We learned about the Galibela (no idea if that's spelled correctly) which is the big dress that men wear. It looks like a button down shirt that just keeps going. The men basically wear it if they want to, most in the village do but put on western clothes when they go into the cities. It was cool to learn more about the culture, instead of just seeing the classic Egypt sites. The women served everything, their role very obvious at our time in the two Nubian Villages. Before we had very little contact with women as they are generally at home. Even if a man could reach his tea, if it was too far for comfort he would call the woman to move the table closer. I don't think I could live like that, although I bet these women don't know better. Interesting experience.

24 Big Bites. The first night we slept on the Felluca, anchored on the edge of the Nile, I got attacked with bugs. After two applications of bug spray -Donna got a kick outta using the word bug rather than insect for the repellent- I gave up and stuck my head under my covers. I woke up with a blazing red forehead and tons of bites. pretty funny- minus the itch!
Nile swim and wash. Against the guidebooks advice, we swam in the Nile our second day. Donna shared her baby shampoo and we washed our hair and our clothes. Pretty sweet. It was freezing. And I felt bad making their water source taste like soap. Although I doubt it really did. I loved it, I felt like such a local doing laundry and all in the Nile. Live like the people, that's the real experience.

After our second night on the Felluca we took a van to Edfu Temple. We arrived early and so Bryce and I decided we would go ahead without our guide, that way we didn't have to tip them and we figured all temples are similar so whatever. On our way through our guide came and met us. This temple was really cool because it had a lot of special rooms and passage ways. You could get all the way around the temple without going to the Holy of Holy, which was intentional. Only the high Priests were allowed there, so others had to avoid it unless making an offering. Pretty cool. This picture is of the first pylons, where the God Horus is fighting. Edfu temple is said to be the best preserved temple in Egypt.

5 Million camels for Bryce. We left Edfu to Luxor. We shared a van with our Kiwi parents and 2 Aussie guys. The two guys were pretty funny. On a stop along the way a man offered Steven one of the Aussies 5 million camels trade for Bryce who he assumed was Steven's wife. There are only about 4 million camels total in all of Egypt, so his offer was pretty amusing. Steven accepted and the whole thing was pretty funny. Bryce and I decided we would never marry Aussies because they will sell us off.

We arrived in Luxor at our fabulously swanky hotel, which was such perfect timing for a nice place. Our previous hotels hadn't been awful, the felluca was brilliant, but it was a good time for some pampering. We had a bath tub in our room, room service, and a pool to hang out at on the edge of the Nile. That afternoon we toured the East Bank of Luxor, including the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple. The Karnak temple is pretty dang sweet, with the grand hall housing 134 HUGE columns. The Scarab Beetle is symbolic of the Sun God and is considered to give luck and life. There was a statue of a beetle that our guide told us you go around 7 times to make a wish. His suggestions of wishes included getting married or pregnaunt- cool, not. After going around, he was really really dodge to me about me marrying him and he grabbed my hand. Super Awkward. Oh Egyptian men. Bryce gave him a look of death, I shook his hand off, and we told him we would finish seeing the temple alone. Bryce was pissed because part of the reason you pay guides is so you don't have to deal with the whole sketch factor. We decided to see Luxor temple from the outside walls, as it was in the middle of the city and very open. The guide then invited us to meet him later than night for drinks and was so persistent when we flat out said no we didn't want to. So much for comfortable. It was nice to go back to the sweet hotel, sit by the pool, and get dinner at the hotel resturant where the staff were so nice and not dodgy!

The next day we went to the West Bank with another guide. We knew he was friends with our previous guide so we were ready for more dodginess. Our first stop was The Valley of the Kings. Out in the middle of no where, we entered and were surrounded by tombs. We went into three, climbing crazy steps down. The tombs were amazing. There was so much colour left on the walls, and then the huge mummy case things were awesome. The walls were covered with all kinds of food and the likes since they believe in taking everything you need with you for the next life. I have never been as hot as I was inside the tombs, but it was worth it. Bryce snapped some illegal pictures in a few of them when we were away from the bedouin gaurds. Check my webshots for more, clearly.

After the valley of the kings we went to a temple, which we were taught to call hot chicken soup. If you say it fast enough it sounds like the correct way to say the name of the Queen who has a pretty banging temple built into the side of the mountain. This temple had a lot of really colourful areas too which was pretty cool, plus the view out over the city of Luxor was really nice. The path up to it is really cool with a big staircase to the top. This temple was a nice change as its layout was much different than all the others we had been to. Plus as you can see the sky was a brilliant blue. So Queen Hatshepsut, your temple is class.
Our next stop was a little known temple where there was maybe only two or three other tour groups, Hobu Temple. This was much like the others we had visited. It was here that our guide turned sketchy- we knew it was coming. He kept asking me to hug him and I told him I was married and that my husband wouldn't like it. He still proceeded to bring it up about every 10 minutes however. On the way back to the hotel he invited us to lunch and when we turned him down he was just as persistent as his friend the night before. Rediculously enough he even told us that if the travel agent was at the hotel when we arrived he would wait for us outside so he wouldn't been seen. Creep. We ended up sitting chatting with him for two hours in the hotel lobby, trying to get him to leave. He finally got hungry enough that he was going to leave. He told me he was angry with me for not going, to which I simply said that I didn't care. I hate to be rude, but it was a bit over the top. Then he tried to get Bryce to go alone with him since I was the one saying I was tired. Honestly, I thought American guys struggled to take a hint sometimes at bars... not anymore!

That night we took the overnight train back to Cairo. We saw our Kiwi parents outside the train station so that was fun! They are super cool people, I gotta somehow go to NZ to see them in all my spare time and with all my money to travel on -right! Back in Cairo we checked back into the Bostan Hotel which was nice because it was familiar and we knew exactly where to get our croissants and pizza type things for dinner. That day we went to the Egyptian Museum, where we saw King Tut's tomb and mummy mask and all that crazy stuff that I know you have seen pictures of, the gold and blue. It was so crazy to see it all in person! That was on of the things I was most looking forward to seeing. Very Cool.

Then we went to the Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali there which was pretty neat. His grave is in the Mosque as well. We constantly heard the prayers from the mosques around the towns we were in. They have loud speakers that send the prayers out to those who can't make it to the mosque 5 times a day for prayer. The Mosque was huge, with all Egyptian carpets everywhere. Bryce had to put a big sheet type thing over her clothes. haha.

From the Citadel we went to the Coptic or Christian Area of Cairo. The most interesting was the hanging church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. The Hanging Church is build on the old babylon fortress gate. So under the church is just a bunch of columns supporting it. It was pretty neat. Holy week meant that the church was surrounded with black banners displaying the crucifiction. In order to go into the Synagogue Americans must have private police guards, so our guide told the guards we were Spanish haha. Basically, its safe but there have been some issues and the US gov. has some deal with the tourism police to protect its visitors. Ah, we couldn't be bothered and I am alive so no worries. It is said that the prophet Ezra wrote directly on this synagogue's copy of the old testament - cool. Also it is said that the box of baby Moses was found at this site. hmm who knows, but pretty amazing if so.

The next morning, we were to be picked up and taken to the bus station for our trip out to the Baharia Oasis and our Desert campout. The driver never came, so the tour company asked our hotel to put us into a cab out to the bus station. Our taxi driver spoke no english and we ended up at some tourist trap called Pharaonic Village. He told us there was a bus there and to get out. We made him go check with the guards but he came back and said to go, the bus would come. Very skeptical we got out, only to find the guards spoke little english but that there was no bus there. Sweet. Luckily they were super helpful and even though the village was closed they took us in to a guide who spoke brilliant english, who rang out tour company and told them to come get us. We had already missed our original bus, so we were then given the option to wait for a bus two hours later or to take a collective bus with the locals. Very cool, we were the only foreigners in the minibus crammed in with the shopping of these people from the big city. Think 15 passenger van, only smaller. I had no leg room, but the trip was really enjoyable. There were two wee boys two seats up from us who were having one heck of a time waving with us and playing peek a boo. They also loved to yell things to us in Arabic and point to things, and I don't think they really got that we had no idea what they were saying. Good times. Needless to say, we did it the authentic way on this trip.

We arrived in Baharia Oasis, to find not much. I expected tropical paradise, thats what Oasis means right? nah. We climbed into the highest lifted SUV I have ever been in and headed out to the Black, White, and Western Deserts. Our first stop was a sand bar in the Black Desert. It was really obvious what sand was blowing and what sand wasn't because of the colour. The Black sand was couse and heavy and didn't blow. The orangey sand was the drift sand. We did doughnuts and fishtailed all over the desert, it was brilliant. Our next stop was Panorama Mountain, which we climbed up. The view was brilliant, though cilmbing sand in rainbows was not too fun. We got to stop and see a huge pack of camels and I was so stoked when they stopped so we could take some pictures! We then headed into the White Desert, the contrast was rediculous. The white desert was insane with crazy limestone formations everywhere. It was pretty chill and sleeping under the stars was really cool.

The next morning we went to see the Western Desert, which is in between the Black and White Desert and we found the coolest rocks. They are all spikey, like those cool lightbulbs you can buy... only they are rocks. Apparently, the desert use to be underwater- pretty hard to imagine and the rocks are left from that time. Then we went to Crystal mountain, where it looks like the inside of one huge geode. Although I must admit, it sounds cooler than it is. We returned to the Minimar Hotel on the Baharia Oasis, which was pretty sweet because it was like a huge lake in the middle of the desert, thus the name. The hotel was pretty sweet and we hung out there until our private car came to take us back to Cairo. The owner of th tour company took us to dinner along with sending the private car because of the confusion we had in the process of getting out to the Oasis the previous day. Pretty sweet.

After dinner we headed to the bus station to catch our overnight bus to Dahab on the Sinai penensula. The bus ride was crammed, but it got us where we needed to go eventually, minus a crazy stop in Sharm El Sheik where a guy tried to get Bryce to marry him so he wouldn't have to join the military. Then he asked her if he could give her his number in case she met any other tourists who might be interested. HAHA. wow. We checked into Penguin Village in Dahab on Good Friday, and boy was it a good friday! I fell in love with that place and never wanted to leave. We met some great people and had great craic with the staff. It was cool to be able to joke around with the staff and not have it taken completely the wrong way or have anything dodgy or awkward said. Finally, some Egyptian men we could just be friendly to, rather than the rudeness I found myself always having to portray just so I could stand life.

Bryce was completing her advanced open water diving course, so I went with her shortly after we arrived and while she dove I snorkeled. It was freezing, but so awesome. The fish were wild colours, and I saw many Nemos! We hung out a the sweetest little cabana at Penguin and met some super fun guys, Eric and Tom. The next day Bryce had 3 dives and so I hung out with Eric all day and he even decided to go with me and do an introduction dive.

Breathing out of a tank. Diving was amazing! Once I figured out how to not blow out of my nose, even though I felt like I wasn't, Life was good. We went to 12 meters, and the reef was georgous!! We saw the coolest fish and Eric and I had a great time trying to communicate underwater! He and Bryce both took underwater pictures, so hopefully they will have some good ones for me to later share! I am now determined to get my open water certification, so we shall see. Overall Dahab was brilliant and I was super sad to leave. It was definitely a different side of Egypt but one that I would really love to see again. And of course I would go to Penguin Village! If you fancy a trip, seriously... GO THERE.

Easter night we climbed Mount Sinai, leaving the hotel at 11pm. We climbed from about 1.30am and got to the top about 4am. Bryce was feeling super sick the whole time. We kept trying to leave our tour group, partly because of the dodgy Lebanese guys who were walking with us and asking the oddest question -what is it with guys, seriously... But the group kept waiting for us. I told them over and over to just go ahead that we were cool just taking our time, no need to rush and sit freezing at the top, but whatever. The hike was pretty rediculous, since you start at sea level and go up to 3,000 something feet above it. The final stretch is 750 stairs up. Pretty cool. The path wasn't too steep, but long especially when your body is intended to be sleeping. The top was absolutely freezing, even with the borrowed jumper and hat from Tom. The sunset honestly wasn't all that impressive, but the view was brilliant. And it was just pretty cool to hike by moonlight. Having koshery for dinner was probably not the best idea. Nor was the milkshake for Bryce, although my mango shake was banging!

We climbed down in the morning, took a bus back to Penguin; had the amazing American Breakfast complete with scrambled eggs, cheese toast, and banana pancakes; the took the minibus back to the Cairo airport. The driver was super dodgy, asking us to come back to his house instead of waiting at the airport for Bryce's late night, my early morning flight. When we said no he got pissed and refused to take us farther than the bus station on the edge of the city. Luckily we had to Canadians who are teaching in Cairo with us who were use to crazy Egyptians and they called their hotel guy to talk to him and his company. We finally made it to the airport, and I attempted to sleep from about 10 til my flight check in at 4am. I was super ready to get on the flights and super ready to be home.

But, over all the trip was Brilliant. I would love to go back to Dahab, and maybe to see the Pyramids but overall I think Egypt was a one time deal. Maybe in like 30 years I will want to see it all again. And if so, I will hopefully have a boy to travel with. No more Arab countries without one, I can't handle that harrassment, its just completely uncalled for and in my book not acceptable.

So there we go. Now I am off to Scotland in two days, GAH. I apologize to those of you who read this as I revised it, it has taken me forever to write it all out and to figure it all out. I am sure there is more I can say but I know you already feel like you've spent ages reading this! haha. So ask if you want to know more about something! I will try to get my pictures up soon, but I can't promise anything.

For now, Take Care and for gosh sake, take a trip to Egypt: its such a must do location!

your moms a shamrock....

2007-03-19T15:28:00.000Z

Hello again from the Emerald Isle! The past weekend has been a pretty dang exciting one, with Red Nose Day, St. Paddy's Day, snow, and a fun unexpected house guest. I spend Red Nose Day (Friday) working on counting and organizing the money we raised with the Point. There was a ton of change to be sorted and counted. Today, I finished it up and we have a grand total of 346.55 from our dance marathon and spare change collection. The church took up a Red Nose Day offering and I will be given that total next Sunday and the Fortwilliam shops will also be donating to our cause. Pretty stinkin awesome. I will get the final total we have raised eventually.

Everyone told me leading up to St. Patrick's Day that the celebration was bigger in the states and not to expect too much. My response was simply- oh we will make it BIG over here! And we did. In the morning I went to meet up with Krisie with Lauren and her mom for the parade. Wearing green is really hard when its freezing and none of your outerwear is green and you sent all but one set of scarves and gloves and hats home. So, I wore green knickers to make up for my lack of really visible green, a green shirt and a new green belt from Primark. We watched the parade, which was good. Alison was in it with her kids from Mornington Community Project. haha. It was really funny to see her in it. But really good because being American I felt decently like a tourist as I heard other American voices around and so having a big connection to the parade was nice. Most of the people in the parade were dressed with some kinda of snake thing since St. Patrick is known for driving all the snakes out of Ireland (one of my favorite things about this place- snake free!) Here are some pictures so you get a feel : )

My flag with a shamrock on it!

A snake man

We couldn't really tell if that was St. Paddy or Jesus. haha

A kinda scary St. Patrick....

An Irish band playing bagpipes.

After the parade, Krisie and I headed to what else, get a celebratory drink at Kelly's Cellars. It was packed out mad, and it was 1.15. People were covered in crazy tri-colour wigs, as seen below

Me and Mighty, the mascot at Kelly's Cellars

and all kinds of crazy costume Irish things. It was great. We had a round and somewhere in the middle of enjoying our cider and the turf fire, decided it would be a good idea to do a pub crawl and see how many different pubs we could have a St. Paddy's drink in. GRAND. We moved from Kelly's to Maddens where we met Miriam, a California girl who has been traveling the world since 4 December. We chatted, enjoyed our second pint, loved on some FREE Irish stew, and were joined by Lauren and her mom, Alison and her two friends Kate and Annie. Annie became the only non-American on our pub crawl, she is German. We then headed to the cathedral Quarter for another row of bars, The John Hewitt where they finally had shamrocks in their Guinness

It might not be green beer, but it works for me! We then hit the Duke of York, The Spaniard, and The Northern Whig. After retrieving Miriam's luggage and decided she would not continue her travels but stay in Belfast with us, we had a dinner break back here at Thorndale, then met back at Kelly's to keep going. We went to White's Tavern where we randomly found one of Alison's co-workers and friends. So we ended up there for the night. It was a brilliant day, great craic, and tied with Key West for my best St. Patrick's Day!

Decked out, even the socks!

A pub Crawl Stop!

Now. For those of you who think I am a complete heathen and as a YAV should be learning more than just the best pubs in Belfast on St. Patrick's Day, let me share with you this. On Sunday, I gave a children's address about St. Patrick's and after living here I can proudly and confidently say I know more about St. Patrick than I ever would have or ever cared to. And while St. Patrick's Day might mean an obscene amount of drinking for the Irish, it also is religious too. The oh so famous shamrock is a symbol for the trinity originating from St. Patrick. When he returned to Ireland to convert them to Christianity and the people couldn't understand the whole concept of father, spirit, son 3 in 1, he looked down, found a shamrock and used it to show what he meant (the three leaves but all in one leaf). Pretty sweet huh. Betcha didn't know that's why the shamrock is so cool. And forget four leaf clovers... they aren't the real deal. Its all about the trinity. (The Americans are the ones who created the whole 4 leaf clover luck thing... silly us...) So there ya go.

Sunday we had the wildest weather I have ever seen in my life, even topping the shenanigan Boone can hit ya with. We had snow! ( FINALLY) and sun, in about 30 minute intervals. The bluest skies I have ever seen in Belfast then swirling insane snow you could barely see through. And this cycle went on ALLLL day. The sun naturally melted all the snow, but not enough that I still got pelted with three wee snowballs on my run from the car to my front door by Daniel and Christopher. Crazy boys. But all in good fun. Miriam and I ate cheesecake (which was more like fudge with a cookie crust) and hung out all day. It was great. Having a random house guest was good fun. I got to hear about her travels all over South East Asia, India, and Europe and ask some advice for the Hunters Do Europe trip in August. (If you haven't heard Anne and Mackie -my sisters...if you don't know that you shouldn't be reading this...- and I will be traveling from Amsterdam down to Rome for a fortnight in August...the big time!) Very good!

Overall life is good. This time next week I will be hot and loving life in Egypt with my childhood, high school, and current friend Bryce! OH how I can't wait! So prayers for safe travel to come!

over and out. lib

live for March Madness

2007-03-15T16:54:00.000Z

it is 4:54. 3 NCAA games are underway. I am currently listening to the Davidson Maryland game and watching small glimpses when the video actually decides to work. This is better than nothing. Davidson is doing much better than I expected, its always a bad sign when the first game to start already sets your bracket wrong. We shall see.

I spent the morning cleaning out and organizing the youth club art and craft cupboard with Maura down at the Macrory site. If there is anything I have truly learned about myself this year, it is that I adore order, plans, and organization. The cupboard was a disaster, but taking everything out fed my love for cleaning and organizing. There is still more to be done, but I know that now that the actual supplies we have are somewhat orderly, the crafts the kids can go on Saturday nights will be better. So that is a plus.

I also helped my photography club students enter their photographs into a local competition today. It was pretty stressful as the computers were not good to us and we lacked the skills with photoshops to really do what we needed. I was very frustrated, but the boys have given up too much time and been annoyed enough of their own with club getting cancelled that I wasn't leaving until I'd submitted all their entries. We will see how they do, but I hope at least one of them wins something or gets an honourable mention. Some of the pictures were really good.

Tomorrow is Red Nose Day! woo hoo!! The local shops at Fortwilliam will be giving The Point a percentage of their profits from tomorrow, with the leading man Stanley the Butcher. I admit I have not been as good at followingthroughing with this initiative as I could have. But we will see how it goes. Even if they give us .50p that is okay with me.

So, fun enough, I got an email from the denominational curriculum coordinator for the PCUSA. One of the pieces she is working on is all-church summer which is a multi-generational curriculum of 13 sessions geared for summer use in 2008.

In this summer curriculum each session includes a mission connection, and they have decided that this year all mission connections will be YAV's. And I have been chosen as one of the YAV's to be featured! Fun huh? I have spent some time reflecting and thinking about why I became a YAV and why in Belfast to send Judy, and I guess I should share that with you, in case you do not know.

I decided to be a YAV for many reasons. first, I wanted to travel. But I didn't just want to go here and there for two weeks at a time. I wanted to live somewhere for a decent period of time, where I really got to know and be a part of the culture. I wanted to serve, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, and change the lives of others. I wanted to see the bigger Church, to see what PC(USA) was doing around the world. I wanted to prolong graduate school, to gain experience working with different people and in different roles, and to boost up my resume. I wanted an adventure.

I don't know if I really chose Northern Ireland or it chose me. I say this because I entered into the program determined to go to Africa, either Kenya or Ghana. I had thought about Belfast as a back up, but was pretty set. My interview with Doug Baker for Northern Ireland went fabulously. I liked the questions he asked and the conversational tone of it all. My interest was peaked by what I heard, namely I was attracted to the program because of the nature of the work: youth work and church work. But I will still stuck on Africa. I left the decision up to the Site Coordinators to decided and here I am. I guess Doug that my interview went well too : ) I have worked at a summer camp for 3 summers and adore middle and high schoolers. I wanted to continue to work in that age group. I loved my youth group days growing up and have always had an interest in working as an advisor for a youth group. Here, I am not just an advisor, I am the youth director. Northern Ireland was also of interest to me because of the Troubles and the situation here. I knew nothing of the Troubles before I interviewed for this placement. Now, I have learned so much and still can't confidently say that I understand it all.

So I am pretty stoked to be part of a curriculum. haha. Summer 2008, you should all take part in this summer program! Not just to hear about me, but to hear about all the other YAV's experiences across the world and US. What a good way to get the word about YAV out and to wee kids at that. Very good idea PC(USA).

Alright, BC and Texas Tech are intense! and poor Stanford, how did they get into the tourney??
Enjoy your comfy couch access to CBS this March for me!
xoxo

A love/hate relationship with life....

2007-03-12T00:01:00.000Z

1. Love: HECK YA for a UNC ACC championship! State did you really think you'd get em twice in a season and in a ACC tourney game at that. NAH.
2. Love: Laughing at Dooks #6 seed, although they are in an easy bracket. Loving UNC #1 even though they are in the hardest. They will pull it out.
3. Hate: Missing March Madness like woah. Do I really wanna miss two more years of this?
4. Mixed: Speaking of two more years, I officially have my Peace Corp interview on Tuesday 13 March. Woah Nelly.
5. Hate: Catching up with old friends is super, yet makes me a wee bit sad. Oh how different our paths have been. and how massive my phone bill will be : )

xoxo

the past two weeks, all at once.....

2007-03-10T16:26:00.000Z

I was told recently that my blog has been lacking. And I know if Anne were not in Haiti she would be complaining too. And looking back over February, I have not shared much with you. So, prepare yourself for a massive update now. so make your tea, grab a biscuit, and cozy in for a good read.

For youth group, just before Ash Wednesday we talked about Lent and Pancake Tuesday and of course Mardi Gras. I thought it would be fun to make king cake cupcakes and let the kids ice them with green, yellow, and purple icing in pure Mardi Gras fashion. Our oven was on the Fritz, so I went up to bake with Rachel McCormick. I didn't know that the idea of measuring things in cups and thus the silver common kitchen measuring cups. So we converted my recipe to grams- or tried- and made a disaster of a pan of cupcakes. Rachel made so much fun of them, this is her with my failed recipe that tasted like granola bars! haha.

We had a great time trying many recipes to finally get good buns. I put a button in one instead of a plastic baby and didn't tell the kids the tradition of the king cake until Michael found the button. Good times.

On Fat Tuesday, Shroud Tuesday, or Pancake Tuesday as it is called here, I made pancakes for Lauren and I for dinner. And they didn't have pancake mix so I had to make them from scratch. I was pretty dang proud that they turned out amazingly tasty!

On the 1st of March I went to Dunmurry, a small town just outside of Belfast, to celebrate my friend Lynn's Birthday. Lynn is a fellow Boys Brigade officer who has become a very dear friend of mine. This was her 31st Birthday, and the first time she had EVER been out to celebrate her birthday. Needless to say, we had to make it a good one. I have never seen someone cry with joy so many times in one night, it was a great sight. The DJ was a cross dresser named Tina likes Tantric (sorry for my failure to censure). He was absolutely hysterical dancing and singing. We had a wonderful night dancing to silly 80's songs and avoiding the dodgy soldiers who were out at the bar looking to pull. It was a brilliant night out, with about 20 of us out to celebrate with Lynn. And I even went Eurostyle in my leggings! Shocking- I know! Of course, I have pictures!

Mom, Drew and Nana, Troy, and Kaitlin Morelli were just here this past week for a visit. We had a great time seeing Belfast and a few other places in Nireland including my favorite the North Coast. One of the Highlights of the North Coast trip was the Carrick-a-reed rope bridge. In November when Anne and Mom and I went, the bridge was down for the winter. I was excited this trip to get to cross it. As well, Nana, who is not afraid of anything, almost wet herself while crossing it. Her face was priceless but I am not cruel enough to have taken a picture. Once she was safely across Troy and I had a grand time jumping on it to see just how much it would bounce. Somewhere in the background I heard mom yelling at me to stop haha. We crammed into my room and living room, but had a good time with great meals and fun bus trips. Drew is now taller than me, and it was a shock when I opened my door to find him struggling with jet lag, yet a good 4 inches above me. We had two wonderful pub dinners, one at the Posh Potthouse and another at Whites Tavern which has been in operation since 1630 and had a turf fire. Pretty good view of Belfast. Nana took lots of pictures with signs to send to her hubby so he would know she was thinking of him. I will only post the somewhat appropriate ones. haha. I also took Kaitlin out to Kelly's and the Duke one night to meet friends and see some traditional music played by friends of mine. I completely forgot that at home she was underage and had never ordered from a bar before, so I got her to make the orders. She tried a variety of Irish beers, including Guinness, Harp, Tennets, Magners Irish Cider, Strongbow Scottish Cider, and Bushmills Whiskey since we had visted the town that afternoon. Pretty successful night out! (Don't worry, she had half pints!) Here are some pictures from their visit, and I will hopefully post more on Webshots soon!

Drew with his nasty dessert at the Potthouse, looked like pate

Nana and one of her crazy pictures!!

Mom and Drew at the Causeway

Drew and I on the Carrick-a-Reed Rope Bridge

On the walk to the Tesco on the day they arrived

Drew pretending to fall over the edge

Mom and Nana messing around on the beach
HUNTERS!
The Coast

MORELLI'S at Nana's in Derry! haha.

Last Night we had a Red Nose Day Dance Marathon. We were intending to dance or at least remain standing from 8pm-8am. It ended up that most of my youth had sport today so they couldn't stay all night. After about 1, when there were only 4 youth left, it was really hard to stay motivated. Then one got sick and we all decided it would be better for us to just go home at 3.30am. While the dance marathon part wasn't as successful as it could have been, we did raise a lot more money than we were shooting for, with at least £260 already counted and more to go. It was a fun evening while it lasted, and I am still waiting to see what all will unfold for our group for next Friday on the actual Red Nose Day and the whole total amount of money we raise!

Tonight, one of our long lost boys on the street came over to tell us that some kids had drawn with permanent marker all over our front wall around our garden. We cleaned most of it off with nail polish remover, but the black parts just smeared a lot and now look awful. Looks like we have some painting in our future, although part of me feels that painting it is just asking them to do it again. Oh the delinquency of Belfast.

On a more day-to-day note, the photography club that I work with between St. Patrick's college and Castle High School has been better. Club is often cancelled at Castle, and so I have been going up to St. Pats and just meeting with that half of the club instead. The students will be submitting their photos into an energy saving competition at our next meeting on Monday and then we will start a transformation project. My youth at The Point have been doing a movie series, using clips of films to talk about big issues, like death and heaven, which has led to lots of theological topics and big discussion. It has been really great. Mom came while she was over and said that they have come a long way since November. I think they are very much adjusted to having a program each night and something very structured planned for them, unlike when I first arrived and they were used to just anything. Very good.

I have also been taking the children's sermon for the past 5 Sundays or so and will continue indefinitely. It has been pretty funny, ranging from 2 kids to 10. My favorite so far was my Johan story, which I will do part two tomorrow. I made a big whale out of poster board and the kids had to throw their paper dolls on straws into the whales mouth. It went over pretty well, I was pretty proud of it.

**Other cool fun fact! Daylight savings time is tonight in the US but not until the 25th here. So for two weeks or so I will only be 4 hours ahead, Crazy huh?!?

Alright, I hope that has caught you up and fulfilled your need for updates from Belfast. And that should have been enough reading to keep you off my case for a while : ) I will try to be better in the next two weeks before Egypt. And I am sure when I return from that trip I will have LOTS to tell!
Take care of you!
OH and GOOOOOOOOOO HEELS! I live for March Madness!!

Random thoughts...

2007-02-24T11:56:00.000Z

*Dog poo is all over the place, and you are almost guaranteed to step in it with some frequency. Old toothbrushes (you are suppose to get a new toothbrush every 6 weeks) are good for cleaning the poo off your trainers.

*Being in the church alone is freaky, and I am convinced there is a ghost (even though I don't know that I really believe in them).

*I finally took a train here, just a wee trip from Dunmurry to Lisburn, but it was pretty exciting. The trains are new and pretty dang swanky!

*Belfast smells like old cheddar cheese. It is Thomson Feed Plant that stinks so much. The wind makes the smell go away- the only advantage to the wind. I walk extra fast on smelly days.

*The metric system means you must convert recipes to grams. The McCormick family does not own measuring cups, meaning my peach cake recipe or wanna be King Cake was a total disaster and now they think I can not cook for anything (there is some truth to their opinion, but I am not as completely hopeless as they think)

*The bum of old jeans will rip massively when attempting flips on a trampoline : )

*Butchers here hook you up if they know you... like 5 free sausages and 3 big stuffed pork chops for 2.20!

*I am the proud owner of leggings. And funny enough they are little girls (well 13 years size..haha) Yes, they are bringing back the early 90s over here! I even saw some with stir ups!

*We often chat more in the office than work. It is great.

*I can't ever do the peace corp if my recruiter doesn't ever email me back to set up an interview. How many emails a week is appropriate for me to send?

*I am crap at badminton. They love it here- um and they are good, especially the ladies at church. But I like to play.

*Dad sent me a picture of my car this week. He is a cruel cruel man.

*Chess is a great way to get youth talking. Especially when they have never before had anything to say to you other than to tell you how much you suck.

*St. Patrick's day is celebrate more in the states than in Ireland. Don't worry, we will change that this year...

*My kids make fun of me for being so American. But when I talk like them they laugh too. Its a lose-lose situation.

*There are 20 days until Red Nose Day! and 31 until I go to Egypt!

amazing views and fresh air...

2007-02-16T12:38:00.000Z

The early part of the week, I went with my housemates and Doug on our second retreat of the year to County Donegal in the Republic. We spent a relaxing three days out in the middle of no where, in a cute little cottage on Roy Island. (I think it was named for the amazing Roy Williams... and was happy to stay there!) We stopped at a few spots on the way including the round tower of Antrim, where they would climb and be safe from attack and a holy well. The rags in the tree are from the well, where legend has it if you dip a cloth in the well and wash an infected area, then tie the rag in the trees over the well, as the rag disintegrates, so will the sickness. I was super surprised to see so many rags still hanging. It was a pretty cool site. We hiked up to amazing views and walked along sandy beaches. And we froze a little. But, we had pretty sunny weather or at least decently dry weather which was lovely.

We learned that Doug is a master of words when we played lingo and he kicked our butts. Well, actually, I won the first round : ) But it was a good just chill time to fully get over being sick! On our way home Wednesday we stopped in Derry for a nice Valentines lunch at a pretty posh restaurant. Minus the tons of couples around it, the day could have easily passed with little notice of the holiday- which was nice. I got home to find a tape of the Carolina dook game and a valentine from mom. What more could a girl want on valentines? A huge rivalry game where you already know that your team comes out on top!

Actually, watching the game was pretty painful and made me realize I am glad I didn't see it live, Carolina played AWFULLY until the last 5 minutes or so. Thankfully for my roommates sake, I already knew the ending, so they didn't get to experience what its really like to be in the same house as me during a game. I kept my exasperation in my head because I knew, in the end, we would pull it out. But wow, there would have been much to shout about.

Yesterday, we celebrated Joyce's last day working with PCT. She has a new job that she will start Monday and while I will miss her terribly, I am glad she has found something else to move on to. She was always the one to chat with me in the office about anything and everything and was always so helpful if I needed anything. It will be different without her around! But, mom, you would be proud, I tried both smoked salmon and scrambles eggs - I haven't eaten them since I was little. And surprisingly they both weren't terrible. I don't know that I would crave them, but they were nice.

I have my interview next week for the Peace Corp... should be good. It is hard to think about that when I am still here. As well, my flights are booked home, although I still have to mail my paper tickets back to get them officially changed. I will be home at 9pm 15 August. What a crazy feeling that is. And I leave Belfast at 9am, and it will feel like 2am when I arrive. WORST! But I still wanna drive home from the airport... hopefully in my love, Plumy, who I have missed terribly! Mom and dad are treating her well though : ) Oh to drive.... gahhhh.

Alright, I'm not terribly feeling this post, so I am going to end here.
xoxo

Put on a Happy Face...

2007-02-11T21:47:00.000Z

and a RED NOSE!
This week I learned about what I am thinking has and will continue to become my favorite biennial holiday (that means it happens every other year....) Red Nose Day is a UK-wide fundraising event organised by Comic Relief which culminates in a night of extraordinary comedy and moving documentary films. Comic Relief is a charity set up by comedians that uses comedy and laughter to get a serious messages across, while making sure that everyone who gets involved can have fun at the same time. Over the years, more than 2 thousand celebrities have given their time and talent to Comic Relief, and Red Nose Day is the biggest TV fundraising event in the UK calendar. On Red Nose Day everyone in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is encouraged to cast inhibitions aside, put on a red nose, and do something a little bit silly to raise money. It is an event that unites the entire nation in trying to make a difference to the lives of thousands of individuals facing terrible injustice or living in abject poverty.

I learned about Red Nose Day through two TV adverts, one for toilet paper and the other for red noses at a grocery store. So I checked it out. Since Red Nose Day's launch in 1985 Comic Relief has raised over £425 million. That cash is helping to change countless lives for the better, both in the UK and internationally. 60% of the money raised helps to give people living in grinding poverty across Africa a better chance in life. 40% helps disadvantaged people and communities across the UK turn their lives around. Money in Africa goes to projects in aid of street children, HIV & AIDS care, urban slums, women and girls empowerment, trade, and areas affected by conflict. Money in the UK is spent on youth work, pensioners clubs, mental health, refugees, domestic violence, and disadvantaged communities. For more information, including which organizations have received grants and the details (pretty informative!) see www.rednoseday.com. Seems like they are doing some pretty great work!

This year Red Nose Day is on 16 March and I am stoked! The whole idea is pretty crazy, just do something wild, anything to raise money and complete it with a red nose! Pretty SWEET! So I decided to get involved and to get my youth at church involved as well. I still have to get the churches approval.. but there are big plans in the works! We are going to be doing a spare change drive and provide members of the congregation with cool cups to pile their coins into. We are also planning a dance marathon for 9 March, where we will remain on our feet from 8pm to 8am with sponsors supporting us. And for the big goal/dream, I am even hoping to get a local restaurant to donate 10% of its profits for the day on Red Nose Day to Comic Relief! But we will see if that works out!!

AND if you want to donate money there is a very easy way! I have started a fundraising page for my youth, it can be access at www.myrednoseday.com/thepoint and you can easily donate a few bucks- which will be turned into a few quid! I am excited to take on this challenge with my youth and to encourage them to make a difference and show them we can have fun doing it. This Sunday they will each get a foam red nose of their own to be worn during our time of fundraising! I am sure there will be fun pictures to share soon. I can't wait to see how much money our wee group can raise!

Your prayers for the success of our fundraising as well of the whole event are much appreciated. I am sure I will keep you posted, as I was up til 3am last night too excited about all this to fall asleep! (maybe it was the Sudafed? I am still not feeling 100%)

sniff, cough, HI

2007-02-07T13:22:00.000Z

I apologize for the gap in Blogs. Generally this means I have been busy or travelling. Sadly, this gap is due only to one nasty flu virus that has settled into my life. Today is day 5 of the illness and I am beginning to go SUPER stir crazy as I haven't left the house, or even my PJs, since Saturday. On a brighter note, I am feeling better and am hoping that today is my gift day (meaning my gift to myself) on last day to relax so that flu doesn't come back again in a day or two. I am desperate to get life going again and to remember what it feels like to breath outta my nose!

Before I knew that I would be cooped up in bed for a few days, I went to see a pretty good film. I love the cinema, the big screen, the smell (and lets be honest, the greasy buttery taste) of theater popcorn that no matter what, you can't achieve at home. After the walk down, the burning in my chest finally wore off by the end of the previews, and I felt like I would fall asleep. Determined to get my £3.50 worth, I struggled to stay awake. We went to see 'The Pursuit of Happiness' with Will Smith. I think it has come and gone in cinemas there, probably with little praise. My roommate said she was disappointed in it, and while there were times where it was slow, overall I am grateful that I saw it. The film is based on the true story of a man who is faced with poverty. It shows the struggles and small triumphs as he goes from his own home to a line around the block each night for a bed at a shelter. As I watched, I thought of my friend Emma in Tanzania telling me that her friends there don't believe that there are poor people in America. This film gives one a face, a name, and a story. And I liked that.

Alison just told me there is talk of a blizzard. Now, I am sure a blizzard these days in Belfast means an inch or two, but it has been the coldest week since we have been here (Luckily, I haven't been outside since Saturday...) But it would be nice to see some snow!

As for being sick, I have had so many offers to bring me anything I could ever need, from tons of people including a woman I was to meet with about a new volunteer placement whom I have never met. I have been so grateful and so wonderfully surprised by how nice everyone has been. So momma, don't worry I am in good hands...

Now, for some more sad news. Today, is one of my most favorite days in the world. One of two each winter. A day that I am very sad to say that I no longer live in North Carolina. Today is Carolina Dook match-up #1 of the season. I am still filled with that nervous/excited feeling, despite being forever miles away and the game doesn't come on til 2am here. (Maybe its just flu symptoms?!?) Even though it doesn't need to be said... GOOO HEELS.

alright, really I don't have much to say after hangin out sick for the past few days. so I will leave you be.

My Heart is in another place...

2007-02-03T00:17:00.000Z

It has been a while and yet I still can't satisfy your longing for a big update on my life just now. However, I wanted to pass on this article from allafrica.com. Look for the parts about the US. I am still working out my opinion on it all, but my first instinct was to be mad. The US needs to do whatever it takes to continue the peace talks, not continue stalling them.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200702020955.html

more soon, i promise!

Not quite wedding crashing....

2007-01-24T21:25:00.000Z

Recently I have had a lot of contact and rekindling of old friendships-over email of course. It has been so so wonderful to keep up with friends and to reconnect with those I have regretfully lost contact with since graduation. I have laughed my bum off at funny memories and even gotten a bit teary eyed missing it all. Don't worry no big time homesickness! Funny how a new year can make you think...

Life in Belfast is going well. Alison and I just got home from crashing the arrival dinner for the new international study abroad students at Queens! haha. A man from her church who is Argentine told her about it, but not exactly what it was. So we showed up to get some free food, only to find that all the other students had just arrived in Belfast today. We laughed as they greeted us with welcome to Belfast, and felt super sketchy when we had to admit that 1. We aren't even students at queens and 2. We have been here for 5 and a half months! But, it went over well at least. haha.

I am working on getting placements set, possibly picking up an afternoon at a place called The Vine Centre, which is a community centre run by The Presbyterian Church of Ireland, like PC(USA). The partnership, who all my schools work and community work is for, will be ending as a program at the end of March. I will take a fortnight of holiday (EGYPT!) then come back to an empty office. In order to prepare for this, we are looking at my schedule, making sure it is full and getting me involved in some new things. Tomorrow morning I will start work with a mothers and toddlers group that is going to be using our church hall. I am excited to be around some wee ones. It should be fun.

I am showing my youth Invisible Children on Sunday at The Point. I am so excited. You know I love the film and the movement and it feeds my passion for all things Africa. I am excited to share this with them, to see their reactions, and to be able to discuss the hard realities of life with them. At our lock-in I sat with some of my youth, going through a wee tin of random question cards I have. One of the questions is 'if you could switch bodies with someone for a day and them with you, would you do it and who would you swap with?' One of my youth blew be away with her answer. She said she would like to swap with a poor person, or someone in a 3rd world country so she could see how hard it was on them and could really understand what she could do to help and the impact she could have. WOW. The questions range in depth, but she took that one deeper than I have ever heard. Most people say a person of the opposite sex, just so they could experience it (also a valid answer!) I was baffled and super impressed. So, I am excited to see where this film takes us discussion wise and the depth that my youth can reach.

Speaking of IC and Uganda, things aren't going well over there. The peace talks are falling apart and the LRA are again threatening attacks on the north. Please keep all these people, the children, and the peace talk on your heart and in your prayers. For updates, check allafrica.com (the link is on the sidebar...)

On a happier note, I made a new website for my youth!! check it out: http://thepointfm.wetpaint.com

alright, enough for tonight! xoxo

Lock-in love

2007-01-20T15:52:00.000Z

Good morning! Yes, at 3:30 I am saying good morning! Last night was the Lock-in with The Point, so after coming home and sleeping for 5 hours, I finally feel like it should be morning! We had a great night, out at Balleylinny Presbyterian Church, about 20 miles outside of Belfast. It was great fellowship time, with a few fun activities and a little discussion about church. The insight I gained about my youths opinions of church and its importance were very interesting. The fact that they go to church to see friends and because they are made to go reminded me of my past at UPC. When I asked if they often thought about God or faith or anything religious while at church they said only during the hymns and when I ask them questions in bible class (Sunday school). As I thought about it, I was very much like them when I was their age. It wasn't until much later that I really began to claim my faith. The honesty and openness to talk about it was wonderful. One of my youth told me that in the past he would have always said what the volunteer wanted to hear (I am the 7th PC(USA) volunteer at Fortwilliam) but the he could be honest with me, which was pretty sweet.

We made stained glass windows using shredded crayons and wax paper. They didn't turn out quite how I remembered them from my kindergarten days, but it was still fun.

We also had a biscuit castle building contest, where each team was given a pack of custard cremes (my favorite biscuits) and 4 toothpicks to build a creation. The results were judged and the winning team was awarded a gallon of milk to drink with their biscuits. The flag was the winning factor...

The highlight of the night for me was our flossing party. The previous week at the point we had talked about flossing and how none of my youth do, so I made sure to bring mine with me last night. We all headed to the toilet to brush our teeth and floss our teeth. As I handed each person a string of floss, they looked at me unsure of what to do with it. All but one of them had never flossed before, NEVER. I was so shocked! I taught them how to wind it around their fingers and how to use their thumbs and pointer fingers to get it between their teethies. It was hysterical and definitely a bonding experience! And maybe, just maybe, they will continue to floss. check out the picture, it was great!

Overall, a great night- minus the zero sleep even though we technically went to bed at 3:15.
On a different note, I am officially going to Egypt on 27 March! I am so so excited! The getting there will be fun, I'll take a bus at 1am to Dublin to get my 6.30 flight to Paris then on to Cairo. Will be an adventure. My friend in Spain, Bryce, will fly in about 20min before me. sweet!

I hope you are well. I know the weather is a little wintery in NC and around there... be glad you're not just getting coldness... and those of you in Africa, Peru, and other tropical places... enjoy the sweating!

Livin the Busy Life...

2007-01-15T19:15:00.000Z

The gaps in my blogging, while apparently annoying to my sister, are always refreshing for me because they mean that I have been busy, a wonderful thing!

The week started well, with office time to get caught up after the new year! On Tuesday at Newington Day Centre I had a rough morning. I am a little bit embarrassed to share this with you, though I am slowly accepting that I didn't do anything wrong. I was asked to walk one of the members to the barber shop at the top of the road. PJ and I have become buddies, so I was okay with the task. He walks with a cane, but its fairly mobile. As we walked up the street we chatted about the weather and our holidays. I lightly held his arm as we crossed the street and warned him of the step up of the curb. My warning came a little too late, as his foot slipped and he began to stumble.

His feet got tangled and he began to fall, unfortunately not towards me. I panicked but had enough sense not to yank his arm out of the socket or bruise him trying to brake his fall. Somehow, with the support of my arm he gracefully lowered himself to the ground and thank goodness was not hurt. My immediate reaction was 'OH GOD what have I done!' A Taxi driver who does lifts for the day centre and new PJ stopped to help along with another woman. I was mortified, blaming myself. I was thankful for their help, as I couldn't lift him alone and he was in the middle of the road. The saint of a taximan drove us across the Antrim Rd (the big road) as to prevent us from having to manage traffic. I was very thankful. Once we got into the Barber shop, I inspected PJ's hands to make sure he hadn't hurt them when he caught himself and asked if he felt okay. He apologized profusely for scaring me, to which I assured him I was just glad he was okay.

The whole experience seemed very foreign to me. I have very little experience working with or even interacting with elderly people. I have enjoyed my time at the day centre very much, but it is still work that I have to admit is not the most comfortable. Not only do I sometimes not know what to say to the members, when things go wrong I feel the very least qualified to help. Rosemary and the Newington staff assured me that I did the perfect thing and had I not helped the fall go more gently it could have been way worse. I am still working to find the value in that experience. I am thinking so far that theres something about 'you can't really control everything' in there somewhere. Or maybe just prep for when M&D get old!

I attended my first F&M Badminton Club meeting last Wednesday night and had a great time learning how to play with some of the ladies of the church and one lonely youth of mine.

Last Friday was the Castle High School production of Oliver that I have been working on since early October. I spent more time at school than I have in a long time, with extra rehearsals and the full cast missing all classes Thursday and Friday. I helped back stage during both performances, getting the stage set, making sure mics were on and off when they needed to be, and helping to wipe away nervous tears and cure the stage fright. The evening performance was attended by 320 friends and family members to the cast, a whole lot more than we expected. It went beautifully. I have a video of 'Consider Yourself' from the dress rehearsal, that I think I can get up on webshots, so check for that! Here are some pictures, I am working on getting more of the ones I took on the school camera...

Afterwards, I was glad it was over. There was high stress all day Friday with extra rehearsals between the shows (the first one didn't go all that well in Act 2) and cranky, cheeky students. Plus, we were all exhausted. No one should ever be at school from 9 to 9.30. I am unsure now what I will pick up at Castle, but I am hoping to keep up my involvement there. I finally feel like I know the kids and they are finally beginning to respond to me well. There is a girls football club (soccer) that I am thinking of working with, partly because the teacher who leads it and I have gotten to know each other. There is also some talk of some one-to-one tutoring. So we shall see.

Saturday night I was invited by my friend Michelle, whom I know through Newington, to celebrate her 21st birthday with her and her friends. Her mom and sister were surprising her with a limo, dinner, and dancing. I have never been in a limo and am excited to be able to say my first limo ride was here in Belfast! Living the simple life, huh? haha. I had never met any of Michelle's friends nor family, so it was a great time getting to meet them. I am so thankful to have a friend like Michelle in Belfast- someone pretty independent from my job(s) here since she no longer volunteers at Newington because she is in Uni. She has been great to me, always checking in on me and inviting me along to things. I told her she will have to take advantage of my house in the States and come over for her first trip to America, so I can repay her kindness.

The Birthday girl!

Some new friends

Gettin into the Limo!

So that's me. I also have one final bit of super exciting news. Although it's not booked, I think I can be safe to say that I will be spending 27 March - 10 April exploring EGYPT with my dear friend Bryce who is teaching in Spain! I am so, so excited! But wondering if I can bring an Easter basket along with me... haha. More details to come soon, I have kept you long enough!
xoxo

Excitement Everywhere

2007-01-05T20:23:00.000Z

I don't know if it was the perfect blue skies today, the laughing with my youth, or talking to the bride-to-be but nothing could get me down right now. I don't even know where to start, but I guess the bride-to-be kinda stumped you so I will gladly start there. My wonderful friends Sam and Chad got engaged last Friday night, at the Biltmore Estate (He did well...). The wedding will be August 25th at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. Thank goodness I will be home, or I would cry my eyes out. So many holidays and random nights have passed that I have asked Sam if he had done it, and we would laugh and complain that he was taking forever. While I am sad to be away during such an exciting time, I am so very excited for them! And I bought a new dress, ironically on the same day that he proposed. I had nothing to wear it for, but now I do... insane how that worked out.

On another super fun note, I spent Wednesday and Thursday of this week in Dublin- as you know if you keep up with my blog : ) The city was great, the weather was eh, but we made the best of it! There are millions of pictures on my webshots, but here are some of my favorite and some highlights of what we did.

The Guinness Storehouse was probably my most favorite thing in Dublin. I am not a huge fan of Guinness, but it is decent. The Storehouse was just really cool. I even took a little stash of Irish Barley for my scrapbook : ) We saw everything I had wanted to see, including the Molly Malone statue who is exposing more than half of her breasts. Pretty risque Dublin, pretty risque. The sites were pretty, the rain was annoying, and the Euro has an amazing exchange rate compared to the pound! We had amazing kebabs in the Temple Bar area and found good craic at the pub with Dave, Alison's friend and his friends. Overall, wonderful trip. I would never want to live in Dublin (too big) but fun holiday spot.

Today, I spent the afternoon with my youth, playing mini-golf and hanging out at McDonald's. We had a great time, and I came in second. We played girls team vs boys and the girls won. Overall it was great, I love hanging out with those kids. We took some pretty funny pictures so I will share some with you, of course.

Well, things are good. No complaints from me, other then I super miss my friends at home. And I have set the date for my return, August 15th. That will be an interesting day! Until then, Miss and love you all. xoxo

A New Year...

2007-01-02T16:24:00.000Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It has been a while since I posted, really my only excuse is pure laziness and enjoying time off. We had an eventful New Years weekend: We ran out of oil Saturday morning. So, it was a cold one to say the least. As I sit writing this I am waiting for the new oil supply that came about two hours ago to work its magic and reheat the water so I can have my first shower since Saturday - yes, nasty I know, but I don't do cold water when its 30 outside and there is no heat. If I were somewhere tropical it would be different. And you thought I was high maintenance and had to shower HA. or maybe its the need for hot water that makes me high maintenance? lol. Church sent me home Sunday with a space heater that has kept our living room sufficiently warm. I also learned the pure joy that a hot water bottle in you bed at night (or for naps) can bring. Really, it wasn't all that bad at all. And I was more than happy to stay in my PJs and not shower : ) YUM! haha.

All the New Years events put on by Belfast City Council were cancelled due to 80-100 mph winds, rain, and overall just nasty weather. So sadly, no fireworks : ( The famous Hogmany in Edinburgh was also cancelled! I was hopin to go, so I am glad I didn't! I spent New Years (an evening that really could pass with no notice in my opinion) with a couple from Lauren's church and their friends. We had amazing chicken curry and more Indian starters, played who wants to be a millionaire, which was fairly British so I was very little help, and watched the new year celebrations in countries across the east. I even saw fireworks in the Philippines where my fellow YAV friends are serving! But it was a fun evening, and nice to be in a warm house! While we didn't practice this tradition, we learned of a Northern Irish new years tradition, of opening the front and back door at the stroke of midnight to let the new year in and to let the old year out the back door. I did this today when the oil man ran the big hose through the house. haha. The best part about their house was this cool clock, seen below! I was so stoked to watch it change! (even if the year didn't....)

On top of no heat or hot water, we have a houseful of people. Lauren's boyfriend and Alison's three friends are in town. Yes, it has been an adventure! We are all heading to Dublin tomorrow for an overnight trip. I am really looking forward to our trip, plus, Alison studied abroad there so she knows her way around like a champ! We have a built in tour-guide! I am sure I will post about our trip this weekend.

Until then, I hope you are all well, and have survived the Holidays!!

It was a Happy Christmas

2006-12-27T16:04:00.000Z

Happy Christmas Everyone!
I hope that Christmas was a day of rest, family, and joy for all of you. My most valued gift this Christmas, with the exception of the invitations from families within my church, was an Invisible Children bracelet and DVD. Hopefully, you know about IC (since you know me, I am assuming that you do but just for the rare few www.invisiblechildren.com). I just finished watching the story of Emmy, which came with my bracelet. Invisible Children has started a bracelet campaign in Northern Uganda to create jobs and bring money back into Uganda. Women are paid fair wages to make the bracelets, then the bracelets are sold in the US for 10 times what they cost to make and then the profit made is used is sent right back to Uganda with the IC schools project. Pretty sweet idea. The DVD was sad, the story of an orphan. If anything, it made me want to go to Uganda even more. If you have spare Christmas money and want to make a big difference, send some to Invisible Children.

Friday night Alison and I got in the Christmas spirit by heading out for a night on the town. She had discovered a bar with outdoor heaters and music. So we went to check it out. Oddly enough the ratio there of men to women was probably 10:1. Made for a bit of an awkward entrance. We ended up going to sit with a guy who was there alone. We felt bad for him, and we didn't know anyone else, so we just did it. He took it at first as pity but we eventually made him realize we also were fairly alone, just in a pair. He was really funny and we had a good time hangin out with him. He convinced us to go in to dance, where they played the beach boys, Christmas songs, and all kinds of music. We had a great time and I was glad he wasn't just sitting there alone all night.
I spent Christmas Eve with the Hughes Family, the minister at Lauren's church. We had an amazing meal, complete with Indian Starters (The dad grew up in India). It was the first Indian food I had ever had and it was pretty amazing. I am jealous of all the YAVs in India now! We hung out after dinner, had wonderful cheese and crackers- my fav- and watched Calender Girls on TV before heading to the 11:30 Christmas Eve service at Whitehouse Presbyterian. The service was lead by the youth, and it was fun to be there. Also, it was just nice to be at church on Christmas Eve, as I would be at home. After church I opened my one present as the tradition stands and went to bed.

I slept better than I ever have on Christmas before. I woke up and opened my presents as I waited on my ride to Church. Rosemary had given me a box of cinnamon scones from our Christmas Brunch out. I saved them for Christmas morning because they taste exactly like Moravian Sugar Cake which Dad always slaves over all day for me on Christmas because I love it so much. It was great to be able to start the day with something familiar, even if called a scone! The church service was good, lots of hymns and a meditation that challenged the men to do the dishes this Christmas. The women in the congregation loved it! It was good to see friends and familiar faces on Christmas morning.

The rest of my Christmas day was spent at the McGrath house, a wonderful family from church. The 3 kids are all in The Point, so I know them well. The cousins were there as well, whom also go to the church. Jessica whom I think is 5, is obsessed with the colour pink, it was fun to see the tons of pink things that she unwrapped. Christmas dinner was amazing and we laughed a lot and I heard fun family stories. It was so wonderful to be with a family for the day. Michelle (the mom) insisted that I call home to say Merry Christmas. It was good to talk to them all. The day continued with Tea and cheese and Crackers- just like the night before and still my favorite. We watched some soaps and had a great time. I stayed the night with them and almost stayed up as long as the girls.

The next morning we headed to Bangor to participate in the Boxing Day Swim, which supports Action Medical Research. The air was cold enough in a coat as we got out of the car. I was nervous, I must admit. We got changed and made our way outside just before we had to be there. There were probably 30-40 participants on the chilly morning. We all slowly made our way down to the waters edge and the countdown began. Lauren, Megan, and I grabbed hands and braced ourselves for the freezing water. The hardest part was wading in. The water itself was no where near as cold as I imagined it would be but it was still freezing. I think playing in mountain water in Boone and Brevard for 4 years was good preparation for the Irish Sea. When we were about knee deep I attempted to dunk Chris. He was a block of ice and didn't budge a bit. Lauren and I then counted to three and went under. By that point, Chris had already gone under and was quickly making his way out. haha. Megan's face as she came up was priceless. We quickly changed into fleece pants and hoodies and were handed hot whiskey and mulled wine. We all went straight for the sausage rolls (my favorite food here....) Overall, it was quite an experience! A great McGrath family tradition, and one that I am so thankful to have been included in! I got a certificate and everything! As I promised some of you, here are pictures- don't judge it was freezing!
I warmed up and then was off again to the McCormick's for Boxing Day. Rachel and I hung out and she showed me around their amazing house. Jonathan told me that their house was the original house in the area and used to belong to the grounds keeper for Belfast Castle. So cool. We had our Christmas dinner and had a good time. There was much laughter over dinner and some interesting conversation. haha. Dinner was lovely and we had Yorkshire pudding which made me think of mom cuz she was determined to have them while she was here. Michael was sick, so that was pretty sad. He did eventually come down and join in the crazy game of charades that had begun. We had a great time just hanging out and doing nothing. Again, it was so wonderful to be with a family and just hang out.

It was a wonderful first Christmas away from home. I couldn't have asked for anything better. I am so thankful to have such wonderful families in the church to support me and take care of me. I don't know what I would have done sitting home alone and I can never say thank you to them enough. Having friends all over the world, I know it wasn't as easy of a day for others. I espcially thought of my roomie in Peru because I love her so much! Again, I hope it was a great day for all of you! Thank you for those who sent cards and gifts, Thank you cards are to be out soon.

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree....

2006-12-22T14:01:00.000Z

This week has been busy and wonderful. I have been surrounded by the Christmas spirit from the start of the week, in more ways than I probably ever have. Working in the schools here, I got to be included in their Christmas celebrations, including concerts and carol services. I have posted many pictures in this blog, to help you get an idea of what I have been up to, but also just because they are fun. The week started with our meeting with Doug where we talked about journeys and how this is a journey for us, and about the different Christmas journeys and the intentions and emotions behind them. We found comparisons with our lives here in Belfast with those of the Shepperd, the wise men, and Mary and Joesph. Tuesday night I went to the Currie Primary Christmas Concert. Almost all of my BB kids and then the P6 class I work with on Wednesday mornings performed. The little ones were too cute. I don't have many pictures, I didn't want to fight parents who really should be the ones to get the good shots, so I only have one of these two precious wee ones.

Wednesday morning I went with Ms. Rock's P6 class that I do swimming with to the Pantomime. Strangely enough it was held in the Pittsburgh Steelers Bar here in Belfast! We had been looking for the place (Alison is from Pittsburgh) and oddly enough I ended up there with school. Pantomimes are a fun Christmas Tradition here, where they change around a fairytale, or make a new one by combining old ones, and act it out. The lead female is always a male, and there are many one liners intended for the adult audience. Audience participation is also very important. The kids had a good time and for my first pantomime, it was pretty good! Here are some pictures of the P6 kids and the panto cast...

Wednesday Afternoon and Thursday afternoon I spent my time at Castle High School where the whole school was involved in getting ready for Thursday afternoon's performances for their annual Grandparent's Day. The cast of Oliver was to perform 4 of their songs, all in full costume, and other Christmas songs and dances were performed. Spending two full afternoons with tons of the kids was so much fun. I got to chat more with the ones I knew, and meet some that I hadn't met yet. The event went very well on Thursday afternoon, the Granny's and Grandas were too cute and the kids did very well. It was good fun, and of course, here are some pictures...

I am very grateful for my role within the schools because it has given me the opportunity to really see what life is like where separation of church and state doesn't exists. Yes, I notice things every day, with the troubles and churches running the schools, but this week has been a very clear example for me. Coming from a place where we use the term winter break rather than Christmas break, and had Holiday parties in school rather than Christmas parties, it was a new experience to be in school and hear Christmas said so often and attend a school carol church service. I have never really been one to be bothered by the lack of religion in schools, I didn't feel like I was missing out or not being a good Christian by celebrating a Holiday party. If anything, looking back, I would say it was more of a Christ-like thing to do, include everyone. But it has been fun to be in schools where you don't have to be careful as a teacher or even volunteer what you say to the kids about this season because the diversity and likelihood of offending are slim to none. It has been a very fun week.

On another note, Belfast has decided to turn into the North Pole. The high this week was about 30 each day and a thick fog covered the city. I first opened my front door and really thought I was back in Boone for a minute. haha. I know this is not all that much colder than Boone, however I never realllllly walked all that far at school My 25-30 minute walk is teaching me just how cold the 20's really feel. I learned that to clear your windshield here, using boiling water from your kettle is customary as I saw this on my street 3 times. Also, the sidewalks here turn into ice skating rinks! I was out before 9 every morning this week and as early as 8:15, where the sidewalks were white sheets of ice. No precipitation had fallen, the water on the footpaths had simply frozen through. I was so surprised by it, I took a picture... (Anne, aren't you proud?) This is my life, early in the morning...

We had a nice dinner the other night and pulled some Christmas Crackers, getting into the spirit. Alison, Lauren, and I will all be with different families from our churches on Christmas day, so it was fun to sit down together.

Three in One (kinda like the Trinity...)

2006-12-18T16:36:00.000Z

I haven't been good about posting, so here are three posts in one. Don't worry I'll try to keep them short!

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT SUNDAY....

While it is not chicken and baked beans or cat napping on the porch swing as Craig Morgan sings, there is a lot I have come to love about Sunday. In fact, I have decided that Sunday is my favorite day of the week here in Belfast. Fortwilliam and Macrory Presbyterian is a place that feels like home. I have gotten use to keeping my coat on through the service, having a new minister each week, and singing hymns without any music- only words. I enjoy seeing my youth in the morning, and the other people in the congregation who I have come to know. Yesterday was the Sunday School Christmas play during the service. The kids were really cute and did a great job. I wish I had taken pictures... Then the guest minister asked for volunteers for her Epilogue. She suggested some of the other young people come up, and I looked over my shoulder at my youth, but none of them moved. So I got up. As soon as I did, I felt like momma duck because up they all came, and I decided I would call them out by name if they didn't. haha, I am so kind huh? We were given mixed up letters and had to order ourselves to spell a word. The word was Emmanuel.

After church, I tend to have the house to myself. I have started a Sunday Afternoon Cleaning that I love. I know, me loving to clean... its a HUGE shock. I guess its a sense of accomplishment, something that isn't always evident in my work here. The house looks better and I feel better. Yesterday I scrubbed the front door (it was covered in dirty and red berry stains from the kids), hoovered, organized the closet and the drawer of travel brochures, and washing my windows- which involved me hanging out of them to wash the outside... a funny site had I been seen...

Last night was the candlelight carol service. The youth lit the candles for people as they arrived. I was very excited to be part of a service where I got to hold my own candle! UPC stopped letting us hold candles when I was probably 13 or so, too many flaming hairs and carpets covered in wax. The lanterns on the ends of pews are nice, but its just not the same. The church was covered in candles, our Christmas tree that we decorated looked wonderful, and the atmosphere of the church was great.The service was full of carols, solos and full congregation renditions, and 4 Christmas readings each from a different nativity characters view point. Joesph, Mary, the Shepherd, and the Innkeeper. It was really good, three of my youth and I read the parts. After I visited with my youth and other members of the congregation. We had traditional Christmas treats: Mince Pies. I am not all that big of a fan, but the shortbread was good! Every time I leave that building, I realize how much I enjoy my time there, how great the youth I work with are, and how fun the families are. Even if they pick on me : )

CHRISTMAS TIME!

The Best way I know to tell you about Christmas thus far, or December in Belfast, is in pictures. Here we go: Our wee little 3 ft. fake Christmas tree that I love, My first selection box- a box with all different kids of chocolate packaged especially for Christmas, Our inner door with the fake snow I decorated with, a Christmas Cracker-more to come when we crack them, the elf hat we found in the house, again that I love!, an ugly bow decorated Christmas tree- blue and gold too (eww), The wreath on our front door, our three stockings hung with tape on our mantle, presents of course! Needless to say, this house is pretty festive. And I like it. Christmas Morning very early Maura has invited me over to breakfast. Then I will go to a Christmas Day service (that will be something very new!) then home with the McGrath Family for Christmas Day. I am staying with them Monday night, and on boxing day morning will be doing a polar bear type swim for charity. Yes, I am going to jump into the Irish Sea in the middle of December... Once I thaw out, I will be headed to the McCormick's for Boxing Day. Having amazing families include me in their holidays is so wonderful and I am so incredibly grateful. I am truly looking forward to both of these days!

ALL IN THE NAME OF CULTURAL IMMERSION... haha

I noticed shortly after arriving in Nireland that fashion is huge over here. I attribute this to the European location, where fashion happens here first. The clothes, the access of designer perfume in a local drugstore, the high heels always. With this comes the norm of colouring ones hair. I have needed to get my hair cut for so very long, and finally just called and made an appointment. I decided that since it was going to change length, I would just make all the changes at once. I have been debating playing with the colour of my hair for a long time and here seemed like the perfect place to do it. NOT that I fully support conformity, but all are accepted here - purple hair, badly died red, and streaky bleach blondes alike. So, needless to say, you might not recognize me if my plane home were to land tomorrow and you were waiting with insatiable anticipation to see me. My parents, mainly mom, has anxiously awaited these pictures, so I know I am filling a need by posting them. I am not sure how I feel about it still, thus the delay in posting. But it is slowly growing on me.... If you hate it, please don't tell me...

So there ya go. That's whats new around here. I just hung some lights outside today! I will have to take pictures tonight once it gets dark! I hope you are all ready for Christmas, and I am sure those who had exams are glad to be done! That is one thing I very much don't miss about Appalachian! However, App won the national football championship for the second year in a row last Friday! I was very sad to miss that! But GOOO Mountaineers! haha. (and Tarheels of course... #2 in the nation, woo woo.)
xoxo

relationally challenged?

2006-12-12T20:49:00.000Z

On my walks to and from work, I often find comfort in the settled feeling I have here in Belfast. As I walk faster than I ever have before to get warm until I reach the Tesco, where I begin to roast and I slowly take off layers on the second half of the walk, it is familiar. The Antrim Road feels like a long skinny version of the Appalachian State Campus that I knew so well not too long ago. Life has become routine. But I came here for more than a walk back and forth to the church every day. I wonder now, sitting reflecting on this whole experience, if the routine takes away from the experience. While I welcome the settled feeling, knowing how life goes here, no longer even thinking about which way traffic is going, I wonder if I have missed opportunity or not searched for it because of the comfort of routine. I often have to remind myself that I am here as a missionary, and not just working for the year. Yes, I would use that term. Forget the evangelical, proselytizing picture you have in your head. There is more to Mission Work. And yes, I do have a 'job' per say with a boss and set hours, but I have many other 'jobs' or 'goals' for my time here. I want to seek out new things to be involved in and new ways to make a difference. This is my challenge for myself in the new year (a bit early for new years resolutions... haha but it just came to me)

I talked with my friend Emily back at home today briefly, she was distracted at work and through IM I got to aid in that. She asked about work, and I said it was going well. Which, on the surface it is. Week to week, the groups I work with and the events we do are running well. But, I got to thinking, what difference am I really making, especially in the lives of the kids at school and at the youth club. I feel very content with my work with my church kids; I feel like I know most of them, we have formed relationships, and I can genuinely say that I care for each of them. The other kids I see are different. While I see all my kids only once a week, how is it that I've bonded with one group, but not the others? Is it the nature of my work with them or the difference in the kids themselves that changes the general relationship dynamic? Am I not trying as hard with community kids as I have with F&M kids? How can I work on this?

This week marks 4 months in Belfast. With another 7 months ahead of me, I hope I can say I have formed relationships with all my kids, however small they may be. I hope I find no great difference in my relationships within the groups of kids I see, and I hope I feel a greater sense of accomplishment than I do now.

life, as I know it....

2006-12-08T12:41:00.001Z

This year I have learned more about Advent that I ever have in the past. One, the chocolate here in Advent Calendars is way better haha. Two, I made a sweet notice board, complete with a Santa advent calendar, for the church, and planned lessons for the Point. Pretty crazy how we go through the traditions but don't really know what they are representing. I mean, I knew Advent was the weeks leading up to Christmas, and probably could have come up with the significance of the wreath and the colours, but I didn't know it originated in Germany, and other little facts. While churches here would have wreaths, it is not common for families to have their own. Because this was something I liked growing up, I decided that at the point, we would each make our own wreath. We used a rice and glue mixture, food colouring, and birthday candles! They turned out really well, as you can see in the pictures. We lit the first candle, the hope candle Sunday night. This coming week we are doing secret Santa's, talking about giving at Christmas, and will make cards for our adopted grandparents. There are lots of members of the congregation who have little family and support, so with help from Muriel, the Clerk of Session, I have paired my youth up with these members, and we will be sending them holiday cards through out the year and hopefully having a Grandparent tea at the end of the year! We haven't started yet and the kids don't even know we will be doing this, so I am excited for Sunday. Plus, my youth at church have become my saving grace. I look forward all week to spending time with them on Sunday, and they are what get me through the week.

We have started decorating the house, we need an extension cord to get our wee little tree lighted, but it is nice. We have enough stockings for us, the Brady Bunch, and the kids on our street. I found three lights to go in our front windows, just like mom would do at home but they have already burned out. Christmas parties have started, and going out for a Christmas meal is a big tradition here. Almost all office groups and organizations will have a Christmas meal.

Thursday we had the Newington Day Centre party, it was great! I hung out with Teresa and Joan, two volunteers on Tuesday with me and met Marie, another volunteer who is friends with Joan. We had lots of fun and good conversation. At one point Joan pointed out our age range, lower 20s, upper 30s, 50, and mid 60s, and how great it was that we could sit and have a great time. The comment was fleeting, and went by seemingly unnoticed, but it made a big impression on me. It is amazing how I am finding each day that my friends range in age from 13 to 70. And friends, not just people I work with. It is a new experience, and one that I really value. I also got a card from Grandma this week that had girls shopping and talking about spending time with your girlfriends. Grandma wrote in the card 'We can still be girlfriends, even if I am your grandma!' If I have really learned anything specific thus far in Northern Ireland, this is it. Friendship can cross all boundaries, all differences, and all generations. I hope that the people I work with can learn this two, working to mend the hurt and division the Troubles have left.

I spent the day in town with one of my youth. It was great to just hang out with her, to shop some and just get to know her outside of church. We went for tea at Roast, as is the tradition on my trips into town, and she was shocked when I went to talk to a complete stranger who was wearing a Carolina Panthers jersey. Yes, Panthers, in Belfast. I don't see much NFL gear, and if I do its not Panthers, I was excited. Overall, a great way to spend my Saturday. I am hoping to start spending more time with my youth on days other than Sunday, because I enjoy them.

Now, I am sitting listening to Appalachian playing in the semi-final game on their way to another national championship. I can even hear the cheers and the bell ring on 4th downs. Ah love. Yet again, I am out of the country for the whole playoffs. Last year I was in Barcelona, while my friends all traveled to Chattanooga to watch us win. sad. But still, GOOO MOUNTAINEERS!

Become empowe(RED)

2006-12-01T15:02:00.000Z

As hopefully some of you know, today, 1 December, is World AIDS day. Possibly you saw some people wearing Red ribbons, maybe you have even seen the Gap (RED) line or other products, maybe you even wore a red ribbon. I hope so. If not, keep an eye out for them and if you are in the market for a new iPod, mobile phone, or hoodie, you can put some good behind your dollar (or pound!)and buy (RED). I went out to get the Independent, a UK newspaper, that has turned their edition red today for World AIDS Day. Many of the articles are about Africa, AIDS (naturally), Stories of people living with AIDS, and movements within the UK to fight AIDS, and the prejudices that go with it. Pretty sweet. I am hoping to get down to the Gap in city centre tomorrow to see the (RED)line that has come out recently, where half of the proceeds go to The Global Fund. the RED movement has raised over $10million dollars, used to decrease the price of medicines in Rwanda and Swaziland. Antiretrovirals are available at most corner shops in Africa, but at just $1 a day, people are too poor to afford them. RED is changing this. As is the Clinton Foundation.

The Global Fund is an innovative partnership of governments, non-profit organizations, and the private sector, working together to rid the world of AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. Its sole purpose is to raise funds and make grants to countries, organizations, and communities that urgently need financial help to allow them to respond to these epidemics. How sweet. I think one of the coolest things about this movement is they strive to eradicate AIDS not just reduce it or help one or two countries. What a goal and what a movement. To find out more about the products in the (RED) line and to get inspi(RED) -sorry been looking at a lot of (RED) advertising haha- check out www.joinred.com

On a somewhat similar note, atl east the Red thing, I gave blood yesterday for the first time in my life. A fellow volunteer at Newington Day centre has been a long time donor and with the blood supply in Northern Ireland running low, they asked her if she could recruit any new donors. She asked me and without thinking, I said yes. I was a little nervous, that I would faint or get sick, or something else terribly embarrassing, but it went well. I think the doctor liked me because she kept coming to check on me, either that or I gave off the I'm clueless and nervous, baby me vibe. I hope it was the former : )

As I lied with a big needle and blood running into the bag, my view was of a poster that read 94% of people in Northern Ireland don't give blood. Wow. What a huge percent of the population, missing out on an easy way to make a difference. I have been trying to find statistics on American blood donation but I can't. Giving blood, unlike most of my work here was an easy way for me to see that I was actually making a difference, giving something to the community-in this case a red bag. Also, its pretty cool to think that I am leaving a part of me in Northern Ireland. I also learned that down south in the Repub they used to give donors a pint of Guinness after they were done, replaces the iron. Haha. Only Ireland.

So Happy AIDS Day. I think I might watch RENT tonight, to be reminded of the realities of the disease, and of course to sing at the top of my lungs. Maybe you'll get inspired (I'll spare you this time with the (RED)) to make a donation, talk to your kids, buy a (RED) product, or find your own way to make a difference! All for the love of people, and Africa!

Culture Shock, finally!

2006-11-29T09:49:00.000Z

Each day of our orientation in Chicago culture shock was mentioned at least 10 times. While I have experienced minor bits, like our first visit to the chippy and learning that what looks like a dime is 5p and what looks like a nickel is 20p, the effects of culture shock have been minimal on my experience here in Belfast. Yesterday, during our team meeting, Joyce labeled my experiences early this week as culture shock. I would have never come up with that on my own, but as I recall struggling to keep my jaw from dropping, I guess it is the nasty effects, or welcomed effects of culture shock! Finally!

We were discussing the Castle High School kids and their behavior Monday at the Photography club, which Rosemary joined us for. I have now been working in Castle for about 3 months and have yet to see such awful behavior. The kids are the same kids I have been working with, only they seemed like completely different people. The complete lack of respect and amount of talking back was absolutely astounding. I don't even know what a teacher in the States would do in said situation. The 4 kids were mucking around the art room, waiting for the St. Patricks students to arrive. One was chewing gum, which is against school rules. Brian (the teacher) asked him to spit it and the kid flat out said No. Brian told him it was against school rules to which the kid replied 'good thing it is after school.' Brian then explained to all of them that photography club was still considered school time, that all the rules still applied.

The kid walked over to the bin, but left the gum in his mouth. He returned to his seat to continue playing with it. Now, I know we have all defied our teachers at some point, but we would at least try to hide it, ya know, only chewing when he turned around... not blatantly playing with it again right in front of him. Brian told him to spit it out and to just head home if he couldn't follow the rules and clearly didn't want to be him. The kid just said 'No.' Thus the moment my jaw almost hit the floor. The fact that he thought he had the option to refuse to go home, amazing. He ended up spitting out the gum, and staying. I was unsure about Brian backing off, allowing him to say no, that he wouldn't go home. But, I don't want to question how he does his job. He knows the kids way better than I do.

Next came one of the girls, mucking about, being generally disruptive, and having gum as well. Brian asked her if she really even wanted to be in the club, and told her that just like during class he could send her to detention for misbehaving. She said she didn't know if she wanted to be in the club and when Brian told her to spit out her gum, she said she liked chewing gum. Brian then gave her the option of chewing gum at home or staying for club. She chose to leave. Her cheeky behavior and talking back was nothing I would expect from her. She is in the play and I often have conversations with her. I was flabbergasted!

During conversation, I learned that this is very typical of Castle High students, that I guess I just happen to see them in good activities. I knew the school was rough, every time I mention I work there people in the community comment on how it is a nightmare, and how awful it is. I often see glimpses of it near the end of drama practice when they are ready to go home, and congratulate the teachers on their patience and hard work, staying after school to continue to work with disrespectful students, but I was baffled on Monday.

Our conversation led into general teenage culture, including teen pregnancy. I assumed that it was accidental, lack of education and means of protection, and unwanted. Boy was I wrong. Apparently, having a baby at age 13-16 gives a girl status. It gives her something that is her own, and is often seen as a possession. Also, it opens a world of opportunity, in the sense of community services and housing independent from her guardians. I think it was at this point that Joyce deemed me a victim of culture shock. The look on my face must have been pretty telling. Maura described the Nireland teenage culture to be trailer park trash, as she has spent some time in the US and understands the connotation. I laughed, but was saddened to realize that this is very true. What does this mean for me, for the partnership, and organizations like it? It means that the trend is hard to break, more work is needed to break the cycle and the social response to it. An alternative means of status is needed, self-esteem, and other things to take ownership in, not a baby's life.

Born and Bred

2006-11-25T23:41:00.000Z

Just a wee tid bit of LOVE:
Hansbrough finished with 27 points and 9 rebounds in just 29 minutes.
Ah Carolina Basketball, I miss thee....

Live Issues....

2006-11-23T17:34:00.000Z

I have never been a HUGE fan of politics. While I have my opinion on US politics, I've never been one to really research much and often times can be guilty of having an opinion yet not knowing the facts to back it up politically. Hopefully, I generally have the wisdom to say that I don't know enough to have a full out debate. But here, I feel like politics are inescapable.

The past few days have been busy with conferences and rain. Yesterday I went to a meeting at Belfast Exposed, a community organization that works to engage the community in photography projects and training. It began when the community in a Nationalist area of West Belfast became annoyed with the media capturing their lives in the midst of the troubles, while they themselves having no means of documenting their lives. Belfast Exposed was formed and has continued to grow since then. I went to this conference to build some connections in hopes of some guidance with the Castle High School and St. Patricks Academy photography club that I theoretically work with, although we have only met once.

The most interesting part of the meeting came with the presentation by the Belfast Arts Council on a new set of grants that are available to community groups. The Re-imaging programme is to be awarded to communities who wish to change the face of their community using art. The project must make the community more inclusive and inviting, and seeks to remove all paramiliary influence in the country. One man who had made it known that he was from the Shankill, voiced his opinion that the programmes whole goal was to remove all the murals and the cultural identity. The tension and arguments went back and forth and it was interesting to watch. I think that the man representing the Arts Council made it very clear that the goal was not to harm cultural identity but to remove offensive paramilitary murals. While Mom and Anne were here, Doug took us on a car tour, where we saw a mural on the Shankill that had recently been repainted, covering paramilitary propaganda with an Andrew Jackson mural oddly enough. I think this programme is a great idea and will be a positive thing for Nireland.

One of the former projects that Belfast exposed has worked with and shared with us, which I thought was super amazing, was a project called BriX. A group of youth wanted to do an exhibition on youth in Belfast, capturing the variety from the posh to Goth. Instead of trying to capture all of these faces of youth themselves, they created a scheme to have youth send in their own pictures using cameras on mobile phones. They passed out advertisements, with a phone number to text pictures too. The texts automatically were posted to a website where all youth could then go view them, forming the online exhibition. While the pictures are not all that stellar, the idea is very cool in my opinion. Feel free to check out the pictures (www.brix.org.uk)

Today, I spent my Thanksgiving Day at the annual Community Relations Council conference, called Living Issues. Overall, the day was very entertaining. The main speaker was Mari Fitzduff. She has traveled the world working with peace processes in tons of countries. She even mentioned Joseph Kony by name, although she said he was from the DRC not Uganda. But it was still pretty exciting. She talked about moving forward in Nireland, how we need to have construction, not reconstruction, which implies recreating what there was before, which is not what we want.

She talked about changing attitudes by changing behavior, which I thought was particularly interesting and applicable to the Partnership who seeks to get children from both sides together for events. By allowing them and encouraging them to play together and be in community, we can in turn change their attitude towards the other. Mari talked about justice and peace and how often these goals come into conflict. She gave the example of Rwanda, and you know how I feel about Africa. In Rwanda, the prime minister may be charged with causing a plane crash, however, if he is charged, the peace established within Rwanda is in danger of falling apart. There is a hard decision to be made, whether to seek justice or ensure peace.

Another big point that she made which I liked a lot about forming a shared future was about forgiving and forgetting, and how we are better to remember and change. She explained that we can't make ourselves forgive and often cause guilt when we can't forgive and that forgetting can mean letting go of those lost during the troubles. Instead she explained that the people should remember and change, so that no one else would feel as they have and suffer as they have. She used the term ghettoization, which just made me laugh, and oddly enough mistakenly said US for UN, only to quickly correct herself. I watched eye brows around me shoot up. And I was particularly aware of her mistake. She is Irish, and has been living in Boston for a period of time which I am unsure about. Regardless, it was interesting.

For my workshop, I went to the youth crime and anti-social behavior workshop. It was interesting to hear all about resorative justice, which a main practice of the Partnership. Restorative justice, or practice as we like to call it, is a process where all the people involved in a particular offense come together to resolve a situation collectively and how to deal with the aftermath of an offense and its implications for the future. In this workshop I learned about the youth conference service, which Northern Ireland has put into place. Northern Ireland claims to be leading the world in youth restorative justice, integrating this program making a big step. The courts will order youth to participate in a conference, rather then just sending them to prison or giving them community service. The conference is a time for the offender to say sorry and make amends with the victim. It is a chance for them to really see the effects of their offense, and for together, the offender and victim to make steps to keep this person from offending again. An example given was the case of a youth who stole to support his drug habit. He faced the shop owner and the plan consisted of paying for the items he stole as well as drug treatment. I thought the idea was really cool, as I have always been a big fan of the dollar a day punishment so that the offender had to think about what he did every day (if you don't know what I am talking about, ask!) If you want more information, here is the website http://www.youthconferenceserviceni.gov.uk/

I know this is long.... bear with me, this is where it gets even better. The final session consisted of a panel addressing the question "what does a shared future look like?" The panel included a representative of both Sinn Fein and the DUP. The Sinn Fein representative was an IRA bomber in the past and spent 13 years in prison for the Brighton Bombing of 1984. Rosemary told me this, hush hushed and told me that most people would not know for what she was imprisoned. In her first speech, this politician blatantly attached the Community Relations Committee (CRC) who had asked her to speak. She claimed that the CRC excludes the Republicans, forgetting the origins of the conflict, and said that the British need to claim there involvement in the origins. She claimed that the CRC was the chief cheerleader for Britain and never questioned the role of the British in the conflict. By British she meant England, not the Protestant community. Although I know this explanation is kinda frazzled and you might not understand I am trying to go by memory and my chicken scratch notes. Regardless, she set a very bitter tone towards the CRC and made no attempt to talk about a shared future. The DUP speaker came next, with similarly a tunnel vision approach, talking about how Protestants have been forced out of North Belfast, thus resolving the interface problem, in a negative way. He made slight comments towards a shared future, claiming that segregated education is not sustainable. I will still left with a feel that no one had addressed what they were asked.

We then had table discussion, in search of a question for the panel. My table consisted of solely loyalists, who were unhappy with the address given by the Sinn Fein rep. They failed to see the tunnel vision of the DUP representative as well. It was interesting to hear their comments. They began to discuss why she had been in prison, where Rosemary immediately leaned over to me and discreetly said, "don't let on..." I knew immediately that these people would not tolerate her if they knew she had been an IRA bomber. What followed was back and forth attack and defense of each side, from politician to politician. I was very surprised, as I assumed the speakers would have been better at tolerance and come to seek the purpose of discussing a shared future, not detailing eachother negative involvement in education on the Shankill and Jerry Adams spending on Education. I was shocked that the Sinn Fein Rep would agree to come speak at a CRC conference, only to attack them. She is also the current Director of Unionist Engagement for Sinn Fein, meaning her job is to interact with members of the other side, yet she couldn't come to this exploration of shared future and not be vengeful. hmm.

Overall, the whole day was very interesting. My comment was that neither answered the question, even after the question was re-addressed. The attack/defense method of the politicians made it just so obvious how much further these parties have to come. Progress has however been made, as I was assured that 10 years ago people would not have even been able to sit through the afternoon. As well, the CRC is trying to focus on the more diverse society, not just the two sides. By Bringing in the controversial political representatives, they made people question the idea of two sides.

Tomorrow is the deadline for having two elected officials or England and Ireland take control indefinitely, if the deadline stands. Tomorrow will be interesting. The future for Northern Ireland is bright. But it is slow work in getting there.

While there are random other things to share, I will save them and spare you more reading. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I had Grilled cheese. I will make up for it this weekend though.

I'm Somewhere North of Here...

2006-11-19T17:18:00.000Z

Ah, Sunday. The perfect day for a nap. Especially after a week of no naps and lots of seeing Belfast and Nireland. Plus, it was rainy here and offically dark at 4:15. Awesome! Mom and Anne left this morning. Sad to see them go, but nice to be back to normal. I realize more and more how big of a routine person I am. Good thing it works out pretty well here to have one. Having Mom and Anne here to see what life is like was good. Now they will know the faces that go with the stories I tell.

On Friday we went to the North Coast, something I have been wanting to do since I got here. We ended up doing a silly tour, where the driver talks the wholllllllle day. At times annoying, but overall, very good. The Coast is amazing. The Glens of Antrim, all uh dozen or so of them, were lovely. The green and snow capped mountains, where georgous in the distance. We saw the Dunluce Castle and the site of the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge that will re-open in the spring. I can't wait to walk across the bridge, swinging in the wind off the Irish sea. The Giants Causeway was the highlight of the day, as the pictures above suggest. I have decided that no one should come to Nireland and not see it. It was formed by volcanic activity, where the lava settled on the surface and dried and cracked, forming hexagonal rocks. Stacks and Stacks of them. It is hard to really capture in words or picture. There is also a legend that goes along with it about Fin MacCool, a giant who lived there and was fighting with a Giant on Scotland's coast just across the water. He used the stones as stepping stones to cross to fight the Scottish Giant. Thus the name, Giant's Causeway. Amazing.

This morning was our Youth Service at Fortwilliam and Macrory. I was stressed about it, naturally, but it went very well. The kids read well and it was great to have them so involved in the service! Ice did the Chidlren Sermon, which next service will be one of my youth. We used the verse 1 Timothy 4:12, about not letting people look down on you for your youth, but being an example in your way of life, faith, spirit, etc. I think the message was portrayed well. We have another service in the spring. My goal next time is to have it last longer than 40 min! They said they are always short though. But I still felt bad. Overall, though, it was good. And we sang Shine, Jesus, Shine haha. Oh Presbytery retreats!

This week is Thanksgiving week. CRAZY! It was just Halloween! We will be having Thanksgiving dinner with Doug and his family on Saturday, and the point will be having one next Sunday! It will be many of the kids first Thanksgiving meals, which should be funny. Jonny is in charge of the night, so I am excited to see what it holds!

As always, there are lots more pictures on the link. Happy Turkey day! Think of me as the Tryptophan sets in on Thursday!

Lovely houseguests - titled by Anne

2006-11-14T18:35:00.000Z

Mom and Anne got in early Saturday morning and were exhausted. We didn't do much, they took a nap, and we went on a car tour with Doug so that mom and Anne could see the Protestant and Catholic areas and division within Belfast. It was great for Doug to be able to tell them the history, since he knows way more than I do. That night I went to youth club and mom and Anne went to sleep at 8:30. Sunday they went to church with me, and my youth were sooo funny looking at Anne. I had told them we dont look that much alike, but they thought I was crazy.

After church we hiked up to cave hill. Funny enough Anne and I both had on our blue North Face coats, green gloves, blue hats, and our gray trainers. The hike up was good and the view was, as always, wonderful. Mom and Anne loved it. It was great to get to take them there. And according to the picture, I jump higher than Anne! YESSSSSS. (Now you know which one is me and which is Anne haha) They went with me to the point Sunday night and got to see my youth practice for their youth service. Mom and Anne decided that one of my youth is Bobby Mooks twin, for all of you who know him. Pretty funny and so true.

Monday we planned to go to Dublin. Bright and early Monday morning, mom hadn't slept at all the night before, still struggling with kickin the jet-lag in the bum. And I wasn't really feeling too stellar. So we decided not to go. We went to city centre to see the sights, including my favorite places in the city, custom house square. We also shopped and had tea and raspberry muffins at Roast, my favorite coffee shop. We got fish and chips for dinner, mom's favorite. After dinner I got in my new bathrobe and slippers mom got me at Premark (the super cheap store...) and I got to catch up on some of the episodes of Greys anatomy that mom brought over! So nice.

Today I went to Newington and mom and Anne came for my last hour there. It was fun for them to get to see what I do and fun for the memebers to see them. Some of the reactions were priceless. Then we went to lunch at the usual bistro with Joyce and Rosemary from the office and then to the office to finish some youth sunday stuff.

It is only Tuesday and they are here until Sunday morning so there is much more to do! There are day trips ahead, so get ready for more pictures. Anne is sitting trying to telling me what to write, so I am sure she will have much to share with you when she gets home. She also loves to attempt the accent, failing miserably yet successfully speaking with an insanely high, fake British accent. Again, if you ask her, she might do it for you. haha.

A deadline of politics

2006-11-10T20:16:00.000Z

So Mom and Anne's flight to Newark was cancelled on Wednesday due to weather, and thus they did not arrive in Belfast the next morning. They are coming in tomorrow morning, bright and early and because of the flight change will be staying for a whole week! I am very excited, although the initial disappointment of them not coming when originally planned was not fun. Apparently they have had a hard time working it all out and getting here at all, so I am very glad that it has worked out. Plus, its given me a few days to clean so that mom doesn't think I'm a complete slob.

Today was kinda a big day for Northern Ireland and the future of the government here. I will let you read an article that surprisingly I saw on yahoo as I checked my email. In my last PC(USA) newsletter, and blog titled PC(USA) newsletter, I asked when the need was great enough to warrant global attention. While the direct need of the people here is not addressed, the future of the people here is. A step, I suppose. The link to the article is http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061110/ap_on_re_eu/northern_ireland
I hope it will work for you. If not, let me know!

Now, that you have taken time to read the article, like good little blog readers that you are, here is my opinion on it. The crucial paragraph of this article reads: But Democratic Unionist leader Ian Paisley isn't willing to give Sinn Fein wiggle room on the issue. He insists the Democratic Unionists will not take the first, symbolically potent step to form a coalition with their enemies unless Sinn Fein pledges support for the police at the same time.

Here in lies the problem. No one is willing to make the first step. Both see the need for change, the need for compromise, and have the desire to form a government to rule themselves. But neither will yield first. I think we all have made compromises in our days, and we all know that someone must be the first to give in, to make a step towards working things out. So, how, these two parties (the DUP and Sinn Fein) think they can reach the agreement deadline of 24 November without one making the admirable first step to compromise, is beyond me. I am very hopeful that they will, in fact, reach some conclusion and make the appropriate elections by the 24th, but there is a sense of doubt lingering within me.

I know I have not been here long, and I know that I definitely still do not know enough about the politics here to really have an outspoken opinion. But, I think to have some local people, both Catholic and Protestant, in control over the government here would be a positive thing. I also think however, that much like the children in Youth Club who have learned what they can get away with without punishment, the political parties have learned that deadlines are not firm, and they continue to test these. Much like I support a new set of discipline for the kids, where they learn that they can no longer get away with things, I think the political parties need to learn that the British and Irish governments are both calling for change in the way Northern Ireland is run and they mean business. And maybe, just maybe, they will miss the deadline, and learn that compromises must be made if reconciliation is going to happen and be supported here in Northern Ireland, not just by its governing body across the Irish sea.

So, Sinn Fein, support the Police and encourage your Constituents to join the PSNI. DUP, make it clear that you really are ready to share power. And do something positive for your country.

Castles, Sheep, Lakes, Fires, Love

2006-11-08T19:42:00.000Z

I just got home from our first retreat, where we go away from a few days with Doug to get outta the city and retreat from work. Generally when there are the usual 7 YAVs here in Belfast it is a time for them all to spend a few days together. Even though we do live together, it was nice to be away together for a few days. We went to the Crom Estate in County Fermanagh. The Crom Estate is a National Trust property, and is an old estate. There is a castle, the remains of the original castle, stables, and guest cottages where the servants would have lived. We stayed in one of the wee cottages and it was precious! The property is on the Erne lake and the Earl of Erne still lives in the Castle! A real Earl and Castle! All my silly high society London books are coming true. We wanted to go knock on the door and try to get invited in for tea. Hey, he could have a son and I would die to live in that castle! haha.

We stopped in County Tyrone on the way, at a Cairn and a very old graveyard. We saw a pre-Christian grave at the Cairn with a great hike leading up to it. All the oak trees have been removed, so planned forests have been built in many places around Northern Ireland. The rows of trees were really cool to see. The best part of the forests was the ground. Now, you have heard me rant about the greenness of this country. But this, the greenness of the Forest floor was amazing and is worth yet another mention. Mostly woods in the states are floored with dirty, pine straw, and rocks. The whole forest floor was green with grass and moss at all places here in County Tyrone and Fermanagh. It was amazing. Dark, kinda creepy, but green. I don't know how the chlorophyll works in the deep shade of the fir trees, but it was amazing. In the grave yard out in the middle of now where, there were headstones dating back to 1734! Before America even existed! How cool is that.

We saw amazing sites, from pure green countryside to ruins of castles and the many lakes of Fermanagh.We even crossed into the Republic twice, so I can now officially say that I have been to Ireland! It was very interesting to see the border towns, and to hear about to politics of each. The police in most of the towns have moved out, commuting into the towns for work. The PSNI (police service of Northern Ireland) is still pretty unpopular around the edges. I saw tons of sheep, sat by the fire, checked up on elections in the States, and even ate a few smores. They don't have graham crackers here, but you use digestive biscuits and they are just as good! We made a turf fire, burning sod like they would do in rural places where wood is expensive. Turf has a pretty distinct smell, think dirt smell, and burns for a very long time. It was cool to have a different kind of fire. My friend Gary has invited me to some kinda fire later in the year that is some sort of celebration. I still am unclear of exactly what he is talking about, but he mentions it frequently. When Doug asked us if we had heard of turf fires I said I thought I might have been invited to one, thinking of Gary's invitation. He laughed and then when he told us what a turf fire was, we all laughed. I had kind of a blonde retreat, not too common of me, so very entertaining!

Overall it was a wonderful three days! Mom and Anne fly in early tomorrow morning! So there is still much excitement to come this week (and another trip out of Belfast-I promise I do actually spend time in the city....) As always, there are more pictures on the my pictures link.

Lastly, one of the best things that we saw were Yew Trees. The two Yew trees on the Estate property are the oldest in all of Ireland. They were the perfect climbing tree! We had a good time climbing and sitting in their branches, even Doug! I will have one of these trees in my yard when I am old.

Derry town...

2006-11-05T12:49:00.000Z

After reading my blog the past few weeks you are probably wondering if I actually work or just travel and I have taken many day trips recently. It has been great to see the country and to learn about the culture and troubles from a different view than just Belfast.
On Friday Alison, Lauren and I went to Derry for the day. We had a great day and saw a lot of the city. My good friend Julie studied abroad in Derry last fall and it was crazy to walk around the city and think about her walking there too. The coat of arms for Derry is a Northern Irish flag with a castle and a skeleton. Pretty interesting.

As you come into the city, one of the first things you see is this statue. It is called the Hands Across the Divide, and is meant to represent the two sides of the troubles. It overlooks the Craigavon Bridge that crosses the River Foyle and joins Derry's mainly Catholic Cityside with the mainly Protestant Waterside. Pretty sweet.

I also entered free Derry, in a predominatly catholic neighborhood who naturally are calling for Derry to be free from British rule. The area surrounding this has lots of murals, from hunger strikers to bombings to a peace mural.

Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. It was really cool to see the walls, to walk outside of them and then on top of them. There wasn't much inside the actual walls, but at a museum we saw the orignal plan of the city and how everything was within the walls. We also learned that some city in Pennsylvania was modeled after Derry, when William Penn came and took the plans back with him. Alison is from PN, so the museum man was very eager to tell us about it. Funny enough, he kept saying Pennsylvania was formed, rather than a single city. It was pretty funny. I also really liked the cobblestone streets, something Belfast is lacking. From the top of the walls, within one of the cobblestones was this celtic design that I thought was really cool.

This staircase is AMAZING and if I were rich, I would buy it and live there. It was in the Craft Village within the City walls. As I stood in awe, I have always been a huge fan of spiral staircases, Lauren said 'it would suck to move in.' haha.

At tea time, we decided we would check out a cute little cafe we spotted from the top of the wall. Funny enough, Alison suggested that we all walk seperate ways and meet there since it is called meet to eat. It was pretty funny, we waved to eachother and acted like we hadn't just been walking around together all day. Had anyone seen the whole thing they would have laughed and thought we were huge dorks, which, you might, but it was funny.

On a different note, I have decided to postpone my trip to Kenya and Tanzania until another year. Getting visas from Belfast isn't the easiest thing, and the total cost of the trip keeps creeping up and up with little costs. I would rather put the $1,300 towards seeing all Europe and Ireland. I feel like while I am here, I should take advantage of it and see Europe. I know I will get to Africa at some point. But, it is hard, as my heart still longs for that continent.

Hallowe'en is officially my favorite!

2006-11-01T19:13:00.000Z

So, I have been tinkering with the idea for the past month or so that Halloween might in fact be my favorite Holiday. The fireworks all month long might have helped to boost the tally towards Halloween, but last night definitely confirmed it. Halloween, is my most favorite holiday. I don't think a year will pass that I won't wish to be back in Belfast on Halloween... Maybe when I am 80 and the love of fancy dress has passed, but until then...

This week is half-term at all the schools, so all the kids are out, running amuck! The kids on the street have rung our bell more times than I can even count. The week has been better than I anticipated. I was afraid of being bored, not having my schools projects to attend. It has been nice to have the roomies home more, and also Halloween was a good time consumer! Alison and I had a great time making our 'fancy dress' on Monday. Through Fortwilliam and Macrory, I have a membership to the Play Resource Centre here, that goes to get all kinds of scraps from all the industry in Belfast. All kinds of creative craft materials are available for free to members, from silver cardstock to yarn, fabric, etc. Alison and I both made our costumes for free, costing us only the time and energy to walk to Play Resource. How amazing. Most of the fancy dress here is store bought, so it was fun to have an original costume. Lauren was a black eyed pea, an idea from my mum. We had a great Halloween day, I worked at Newington in the morning, then hung out that afternoon getting ready for the evening. I must confess, I saw the clock every hour Monday night, as I couldn't sleep because I was excited about Halloween! Oh, I still have some little kid tendencies! Haha.

We got all dressed, gave out a tiny bit of chocolate to our two sets of trick-or-treaters, all kids from the street whom we know, then headed down to the city centre for the city sponsored events. We were the only people dressed up on the bus to city centre and the crowd kinda laughed as we got on, I am sure we looked pretty funny. As we stood waiting for the bus, we saw fireworks in three different places right above us, and many more in the distance. It was a constant pop of fireworks across the city all night. It was amazing! As I sit writing this, someone in North Belfast must have some left over, I can hear them, but sadly can't see them. The car park where the events took place was packed with people, many not dressed up. It was kinda sad to see so many people not celebrating, especially the kids. You better believe my kids will have amazing costumes until they go to university. haha. The best part about the event was the range of age there. There were adorable babies, high schoolers, families, and old people. I think that you can call your city-wide event a success when all parts of the community are involved and feel welcomed.

We saw crazy fire dancers and jugglers and tons of people on stilts. It was pretty sweet. There was a band playing on a stage, who honestly were not very good. Belfast should have gotten someone more well known or who played popular songs. It would have been more fun for all. The fireworks were amazing, lasting 25 minutes. I was freezing in just my leggings, but it was worth it. There was even a new kinda firework that I have never seen before. It make a huge sparkle in a circle shape, like looking at a chandelier with lots of little lights! They were amazing and needless to say, my favorite.

Alison and I then went on to the Limelight bar to meet up with a friend of hers from her community project. We waited in the que for a long time and had the pleasure of fireworks to entertain us. The costumes at the Limelight were so entertaining, though still most were store bought. We found a Where's Waldo, who here is Where's Willy. And I met a group of superhero's who were all friends from University. We had a good time hanging out with them, dancing, and watching Neil swordfight with his light-saver (he was a Jedi) any time he was challenged or could challenge anyone with a sword (or sword like object). It was good craic and I wish every night could be like Halloween! I hope yours was just as festive, although I know you're jealous that you didn't seem millions of fireworks!

There are more pictures on Webshots, and yes, I am wearing pants outside of my trousers!
xoxo

A parade!

2006-10-30T12:09:00.000Z

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...

2006-10-30T11:35:00.000Z

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

2006-10-27T19:25:00.000Z

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!

2006-10-26T11:14:00.000Z

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?

2006-10-21T16:17:00.000Z

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

2006-10-19T10:43:00.000Z

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

2006-10-16T17:24:00.000Z

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...

2006-10-12T10:38:00.000Z

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....

2006-10-04T17:23:00.000Z

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...

2006-10-02T19:34:00.000Z

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

Celtic children born with stone in hand...

2006-09-27T19:31:00.000Z

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

2006-09-24T16:02:00.000Z

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....

2006-09-22T13:21:00.000Z

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

2006-09-20T13:06:00.000Z

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....

2006-09-16T17:47:00.000Z

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!