Dublin and John's Lane Church

John's Lane Church: Big, Grand, and Old School
Courtesy: lonelyplanet.com

David, Anna, and I went to Dublin a few weeks back. I have to get used to the fact that a big city in Europe doesn't mean big skyscrapers and disgruntled New Yorkers walking briskly with their Starbucks in their hands. No, Dublin seemed pretty chill, especially after living in Chicago for four years. It has a big city vibe, but I felt less tension there than in Belfast. Maybe it was because we went to touristy areas in Dublin? I don't know. I plan on going back again though, so hopefully time will tell. Anyway, we did a couple of awesome things while we were in Dublin...

• We saw where Oscar Wilde had lived and his cool statue. I always forget how much I admire that guy and enjoy his work. I have to read more of his stuff.
• We went inside the art museum.
• Visited the Dublin Castle.
• Went to the Guinness Storehouse. Duh.
• Saw some live music at The Temple Bar.

But what really stuck out for me was John's Lane Church, which we stopped at after the Guinness Storehouse. Really, really cool. It was opened to the public in 1874, so it's not that old, yet it has an old school vibe to it that I really like.

NOTE: Before I gush over Catholic churches, let it be known that I love being a Presbyterian. Sometimes our churches aren't as cool, though. As sad as this may be, I have come to terms with this reality and have embraced it. But fear not. Even if Catholics often times have cooler churches, they don't have cool committees like we Presbyterians do. Am I right? Yes, I am right. Back to the blog.

Catholic churches really have a way of putting things into perspective for me. They are one of the few places I can go that make me just want to stay, pray, and spend some one on one time with God. When you enter, they have a sense of awe to them. I instantly feel the need to be quiet, open, and to listen for God. I feel so small in them, but in a good way. It reminds me that God is bigger than everything, as corny as that sounds. That the world doesn't revolve around me. God created so much more than me. John's Lane Church even has nice padded areas for your knees. Take note, Protestant churches. Not nearly enough of you have those.

While I was at John's Lane Church, I gave a silent prayer of praise. I thanked God for such a supportive church back home, for loving family and friends, for the opportunity to travel and to see more of the world, that I had other YAV's with me, and that I had a really great day. It was a humbling experience.

Stay tuned for the next blog! Thanks for reading!

Banana Boat!

Ring, ring, ring...Banana Boat!

A Quick Definition

Football Club: a cross-community project that brings Protestant and Catholic boys together to play football. Brought to you by the 174 Trust.

Okay, on to the blog.

As my team briefly sat out during a rotation game at football club, one of the boys leaned over to me and asked "Are you going on the Banana Boat?"

I was positive that I had misinterpreted his Irish accent, but I hadn't. He was talking about a Banana Boat, an inflatable banana-shaped transportation/fun device that up to 10 people can ride on at a time as it is pulled by a motorboat. If my definition was too rambly for you, it's pictured above.

My response to the kid was something to the degree of "Uh...what?" I didn't hear anything about this trip because I was elsewhere when the club had discussed it, so I was unprepared. I didn't know anything about banana boats. When I did learn what a banana boat was I realized that it was cold outside and we'd be getting into freezing water. So no, initially I did not think I was going to go on the Banana Boat.

The kids had other ideas and wanted me to go. I was grateful for that and felt flattered, so I went along. I didn't have a swimsuit with me, though. Or old shoes. Or a towel. Like I said, I had no idea I was going banana boating so I was completely unprepared. It didn't matter, though. The boys helped me out with all of that. I felt very blessed. The kids I work with are truly something.

The Banana Boat was a blast. Lots of whooping and hollering and banana boats being airborne. But once I got home after all the fun, I took a step back and realized how far Belfast had come. From the 70's all the way to the early 90's, this probably would not have happened. Catholics and Protestant kids would not have associated together over football or a banana boat. Parents wouldn't have let them and the kids wouldn't have felt safe doing it. But now Belfast communities are taking steps forward, and though they have a ways to go (just like every country ever), I think its important to honor the progress that has been made.

Placement Sites

Me and the Irish Sea

So now that jet lag has ended and the Northern Ireland/Belfast orientation has come to a close, I have started working at my placement sites, which has been awesome so far. Both places have been extremely friendly, supportive, and professional.

The 174 Trust is an organization with a diverse range of community projects in North Belfast. While I'm there I will be working with the after-school program, the special needs club, 174 Trust football, and hopefully a theater collective.

When I'm not at 174, I'll be at Woodvale Methodist Church. At Woodvale, I will speak at school assemblies, help out at the community cafe, attend the midweek prayer program, work with 0-3 year-olds in a program called Little Steps, study with the men's fellowship group, lead a young adult Bible study, and will be present at both services every Sunday.

This year just keeps getting better and better! Thank you all for your support and prayers!

Orientation

My Small Group

So here I am at orientation in Stony Point. I don't even know where to start.

This week has been full. My belly is full with delicious garden fresh food. My head is full of information about housing, cultural competency, global economics, self-care, and culture shock. My heart is full of appreciation for the people I met this week, excitement to get on the plane tomorrow, and sadness to part ways with the other Young Adult Volunteers that are going to do great work this year (particularly my small group).

Thanks again for all the support! See you soon!