Finding my way...

This is a park that is just up the road from our house. We go there for picnics sometimes!



Some green Irish hills. Beautiful right?


Hello everyone. It has been a while since I last blogged and I feel like I have so much to say. Since I last wrote I have been very busy trying to find my feet in this new place. I have been meeting new people, starting to build new relationships, and learning my way around Belfast.

My co-workers and congregation members are all very wonderful and have indeed made me feel very welcome. I attended my first Sunday at my church and spoke twice in the service. It was a good way to get to know people and let them get to know me. I felt very much at home with their kind smiles and greetings. I also got to meet some of my youth group members, one of which has just come home from going to the U.S. I look forward to hearing more about her impression.

This week I have been trying to get used to the bus system here in Belfast. I got to work this morning with no trouble at all, that in itself is a blessing. I had a little time before my first meeting so I took the time to sit in a nearby park to reflect and write a little in my journal. It was a beautiful day today in Belfast, the sun was out (a rare occurrence). People here that I meet are convinced that I brought that sunshine with me from Texas, they are very grateful for that! They say I can stay!

I find myself getting more into a routine. I had my first interactive chat with my University for my Internship on Friday. It went very well and made me smile to think that everyone cares enough about me in Canyon Texas to get online and chat with me. I miss the people in Canyon. I miss my professors and my fellow classmates. I however am in awe of the power of their prayers and well wishes for me. I can feel it you know, I can feel that power of prayer!

I realize more than ever now that I am here for a reason. Today I went to Bangor with my pastor, the trip was beautiful, through the hills above Belfast. Bangor is on the sea, it is truly beautiful. As we were driving through the green and lush hills of Ireland today I realized how very lucky I am. I am truly blessed.

My relationships that I make here are going to shape me for the rest of my life.

I keep thinking about this question. What is peace? That is something that I ask myself every day. Much like grace, I look for peace here. This week peace has been shown to me in many forms. Peace was the lunch that was prepared for me by some new friends and fellow co-workers from my church on Sunday. Peace was in the faces of the little kids that I sit and listen to as they read in an after school program. Peace is all around. God is all around.