Knackered?

You will have to read to the end to find out about "knackered?" But back to the beginning. Forty of us met at Upper Deer Creek Church to get on a bus to Chicago. There was some repacking as some bags were over 50 lbs. There was also a big box of books to be distributed in bags that were not overweight so we wouldn't have to take another bag. There were 18 large plastic trunk/totes with supplies for the weekend. Those who can pack lightly gave up their free checked bag so that we could bring decorations and supplies for the weekends, Castlewellan Great Banquets, #1 and #2.

The day was beautiful but a bit windy. We were able to get everything packed and boarded the bus. After about 40 minutes, we pulled over. There was an oil pressure problem. We prayed; we posted the request on Facebook and we proceeded. A couple of calls were made and there was a backup plan. Amazingly...the pressure held and we made it to Chicago in the original bus! Praise God!

Just before we were called to begin boarding, Ted and Jean went around to tell all of us that the plan had been to have a devotion time. There didn't seem to be a place to do that so they suggested that we gather in groups of 2 or 3 to pray for our flight, the weekends and each other. That was a beautiful sight in the Chicago airport as there were ten or twelve clusters in the waiting area huddled in prayer!

On the plane!

More Great Banquet team...

It was a 7 or 8 hour flight...tiring. We arrived in Dublin at 7:40 a.m. It may have been 2 am or 3 am in Kokomo or Chicago. At that point we just knew it was time to be alert as we had to collect all that baggage and get onto another bus which was en route. We only had to wait a few minutes and then we saw four of our Irish friends' faces waving at us from the other side of the airport road. We walked down to the crosswalk lugging those bags...probably over a hundred total...each of us with a carry-on and a personal bag plus some who had a checked bag plus those totes. 

Collecting baggage

A great welcome from Alan Dumigan!

Adrian became our tour guide. The driver took us for a "look see" in Dublin. We passed Trinity College, the Guinness factory and other impressive buildings as Adrian gave us an abbreviated history. Then we stopped at Christ Church which is over 1000 years old....one thousand years!! Time was limited to 90 minutes but we were duly impressed with the structure, the relics, the icons and the history.

Christ Church, built before 1170

Sharon mentioned that we would need to gather for the Moment of Remembrance. I didn't know what she meant. Today is November 11...known in Europe as Remembrance Day rather than Veteran's Day. People gather to pray at 11 am on 11/11. So we joined that tradition. Our group met in the crypt area of Christ Church for prayer. Yes, wars have touched every nation. 

A stop at a historical cemetery was cancelled as we had rain. There was a late lunch at a small food court on the motorway. The terrain seemed to change as we headed north. We saw sheep, stone fences and quaint towns. We were in Northern Ireland! 

It was about 3 pm when we arrived at Castlewellan. Andrew boarded the bus and inquired about how we were feeling using a term we weren't familiar with (and I don't remember). He tried to define it by saying, "are you knackered?" We were, we just didn't know it....worn out!!! 

So those 100 bags and totes were moved again. We were assigned rooms and given 2 hours until "tea time". Tea is supper. We had a lovely sweet and sour chicken over rice followed by apple crisp with warm custard sauce. And of course, coffee and tea.

Team enjoying supper in one of the dining rooms. 

Some local pastors came in to chat with our leadership and most of us kind of "hung out" in front of the cozy fire blazing in the sitting room. All in all....a wonderful full day. We ARE knackered but in a good way. 

T-1

Tomorrow at this time, 43 folks from various places will have come together to begin the journey to Castlewellan! I think I can speak for everyone when I say we are very excited for this opportunity! We will be visiting Northern Ireland, renewing friendships with those that some of us have known for a few years and others only met in the Spring and Summer. We will experience some of the beautiful sights and sites in County Down and up to the North Coast. We will walk along the Irish Sea and learn to have a cuppa' at anytime for any reason.

While all of that will be wonderful, our purpose in this trip is not to vacation but to serve. The Kokomo Great Banquet is sponsoring the first Castlewellan Great Banquet in Castlewellan, County Down, Northern Ireland! This has been prayed over for well over a year. God planted the seed for this as different ones have developed connections. Then last year a team of six went to Dundrum to share this vision with nearly forty Irish folks. A core group agreed that this was "of God" and plans began to bring some to Kokomo and Logansport to experience the weekend. Dates were set, a team was called, Skype meetings were held and now....we are on our way!!

I have packed and repacked and still have a few things to tuck in.
And it looks like a few things to take out...oh my, decisions, decisions!  I don't really pack THAT much. Friends in NI have asked me to bring a couple of items and then I put in a few things I knew they would like.

This all needs to fit into my computer bag...I'm in trouble!!

We do covet your prayers as we travel. This is the first international trip for some of our team. Some are traveling with spouses and some are not. We are taking decorations and supplies that we will need for the Great Banquet weekends....trunks and trunks! Pray that we all arrive safely and that the trunks make it with us!

Just one more outfit to get in here....

This is the bag with "stuff"...requests, decorations, and oh, yes, a warm hat for the fierce Irish winds!

I had a glitch with uploading photos and have found a way around it.I am trusting that we will be able to share some of the beauty of North Ireland with you all in the next two weeks. (You are welcome to read and invite others. Please do not tag anyone! Thanks!)

The theme song for both the men's and women's weekends is "Lord, I Need You".  As you listen, think of us....43 tomorrow and another 20 over the next 7 days...who are serving at Castlewellan Great Banquets, #1 and #2. (There are several Irish on team also!!)

Castlewellan, Here We Come!

Castlewellan Christian Center, site of Castlewellan Great Banquets, 1 and 2, November, 2014

It's been about a year since I last posted to the blog. My own life has been kind of routine with the exception of a great trip to Cuba last April! I was invited to speak to a women's conference in Holguin. That trip was a delight! After the conference, I with 3 travel mates, visited another eight Friends' Churches in the eastern part of Cuba. We were warmly received at each one and had lovely visits in spite of our lack of Spanish and most Cubans lack of English.

Routine is good sometimes and working at the church, participating in Bible study and having half a day every week with Berkeley is a good way to spend my time these days.

I will soon (25 days) be traveling to Northern Ireland with a team of over fifty men and women from several communities. We will be going to serve on the first Great Banquet in NI. It will be held at Castlewellan Christian Center. There is a castle which accommodates 80 or more. The guests have been invited and the teams have been preparing. The excitement is building!

I plan to blog about our trip, our impressions of Northern Ireland and some of our experiences before and after the weekends. I will not share about the actual Great Banquet events. The men's weekend will be Nov. 13-16 and the women's, Nov. 20-23. The teams will be arriving and departing at various times. Some folks are going for one week, some for two. I will leave Nov. 10 and return Nov. 25. The travel itself will be quite an adventure! Ted and Jean Merrill have arranged for a bus to take those of us traveling on the 10th from Howard County to O'Hare Airport in Chicago. So the fun will begin in the church parking lot! We would ask your prayers for safe travel and for all those details to work out so that everyone arrives on schedule with all the baggage! We'll have lots of "banquet stuff" as well as our own personal items.

The dining room at the castle

 The photos are especially for those who will be going on team but have never been to Castlewellan. The "survey" team of six women were there last September. I went a week ahead of the "survey" team and stayed at Castlewellan visiting dear friend, Deirdre Graham.

Baking crumble for dessert for a large group last year at the castle. David, a cook, standing in the background. 

View from the dining room. Small lake at the castle.

To the North Coast!!

On Sunday night we went to Fifth Sunday as I mentioned before. We were almost "chased" out of the city centre as we chatted with different ones who had  been to our presentations. I think I counted at least ten who were there so it was a time to answer a few more questions and just get to know them better.

We went back to RIOT to debrief with Richie and make plans for Monday...our day at the North Coast. After that we had our devotions and discussion from Jesus Calling (we did have devotions every day in case I've not mentioned that!). All of us then spent some leisure time with popcorn for our late night snack and all of us doing Facebook, Facetime and email. It has been wonderful to have wifi at RIOT!

We were able to sleep in a wee bit as we didn't leave for the coast until 9 am. We had packed lunches in tow as we boarded the mini-bus. Bebe had stayed with her friend Cynthia. The interns, Jenna and Danielle, joined us but Nick had stayed at the castle with Andrew and Lorna's son, John, so there were the five of us, the two girls and Richie.

We drove up stopping for a few "scenic views" and "photo ops" There is a beautiful spot on a bridge but my vantage point in the van does little to highlight that! We made an actual stop at Larne for a restroom stop, purchase snacks to supplement our packed lunches, and see the harbor.

Harbor

From Bridge over River

Jean at Harbor

Marker at Larne--a small community/harbor.


We continued north with so  many beautiful scenes, looking back along the shoreline, ahead at rock arches across the road, down into the Glens of Antrim. It was clear and bright and lovely beyond words!
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 We ate our sack/packed lunches on the way. There were ham sandwiches, crisps (chips) and fresh fruit, apples and pears. I had a variety of crisps that would be most popular in the US.... and yes, they were quite good!!

Our next stop was the Carrick-a-Rede Swing Bridge. I had done this last year and knew it was an arduous climb so I opted to stay behind in the mini-bus. But first, I stopped in the tea shop for a cuppa' and a scone. It was called a cream scone but there were several different flavors on the tray. I order a cherry scone and it was served up with a generous bit of cream, hence, the name. What's better than a cup of tea with a warm cherry scone piled with whipped cream? Not much!

With black currant jam and cream!!!

After the swing bridge, we headed up to Giant's Causeway. The new visitor centre is stupendous! It is so beautiful and mimics the stones of the causeway.  We took the bus down from the parking lot to the sea....all but Richie; he walked. The stones are incredible. This is my third visit and I am still overwhelmed by this natural wonder of the world! It is basalt, solidified lava. The columns have five and six sides, some have four, seven or eight and it is believed that there is one with only 3 sides. Along with being a marvel, there is a delightful fable attached to the location about one Finn McCool.

 These pictures don't begin to show the formations so please do look at this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjtqlhW1WMI It's only 2 minutes!

This is when the battery on my camera died so I don't have more pictures...and I haven't figured out how to get others' pics from FB to my blog...need another learning session with someone!!

We went to Bushmill's, the oldest legal/licensed distillery in the world! We saw the distilling process for Irish whisky from the beginning of barley to the finished product bottled. We learned that Irish whisky is different from Scotch whiskey in more than the spelling. The Irish is distilled another time giving it a smoother taste. There was a bit of history--the distillery is on the Bush River and Bushmill's cannot be made anywhere else because of the distinction of that water. The waste water from the distilling process is used for feed for hogs and some is reclaimed.

We did a "photo op" at Dunluce Castle and began the wild ride home! Richie drove to his home and we traded drivers. He stayed home with the little girls and Jen joined us for a GNO-Girls' Night Out at Maghera Inn. Deirdre was already there and Bebe had joined us. It was great craic with good food (I had sea bass with champ which is mashed potatoes with green onions) and for dessert we all shared Pavlova and the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

We were back at RIOT by 11 pm and had bags to pack! Our Tuesday flight from Dublin was at 11 am but we needed to leave Dundrum by 5:30. Emy and I didn't hear our alarm so we had to be quick but we were all ready when Richie arrived. I had charged the camera so took a couple pics of RIOT...the sitting room and dining room...

Chairs, loveseats, sectionals! 

We had devotions in the airport after we cleared security and US customs. Yes, there are US customs officers who live/work in Dublin. All of our checks were done in Dublin so when we arrived in Chicago, it was so simple. No lines, just pick up the baggage! 

A work in progress...old wallpaper removed

The driver arranged by Emy's son picked us up at the airport and delivered us to Jean's vehicle. We loaded up 5 bags, 6 carry-ons, and another 6 personal bags and were on our way. As we drove back to Howard County, we recalled all of our contacts in N. Ireland and shared more stories. It was a grand trip with lots of great memories. Even more important, we really felt that it had been a mission and that God has been preparing hearts and working out details for this for the past several years. We also talked about our connections with CSI, with other mission experiences, with the Great Banquet and with each other. It is a truly amazing story how God brought the six of us together for "such a time as this". We are in awe of our God who is using each of us in this !!

And He just keeps working it out! Ladeana was trying to work out a simple way to get home to Peru. She contacted her husband who was working...he referees soccer. Wouldn't you know that he was ref'ing the very game my grandson was playing so Jean dropped us both in Greentown! Easy peasy!!

This Language We Share...

Even though English is the spoken language in many places, it is also a very regional tongue. We recognize that in accents across the US and more so in other countries. But even more than the accents are the words that are used in a different manner. Traveling to the UK, we expected to hear "boot" instead of "trunk" (on the car) and were amused that the Irish have "boot sales" in parking lots...a sort of flea market from the car. We also were not surprised to hear Charley and Addy's "diapers" referred to as "nappies". But there were words and phrases that gave us pause.

One word often used is "brilliant" as in "excellent", "wonderful", "good job", etc. "Epic" is also used more than in the US.

When we went to the concert given by the Uganda choir, the leader talked about "buck ejit". We had a fun time trying to first, understand what they were describing and then seeing where it would fit. We even saw t-shirts at St. George's Market with "buck ejit" so we know it's a popular term.

"Craic" pronounced "crack" simply means a good time or some fun. We enjoyed many moments of "craic" and then learned that a really good time was "quer craic". I doubt if any of us will use the term "craic" when telling our Indiana friends about our trip. It would be too difficult to explain that we had some good "craic"....knowing that they would be hearing good "crack"!

Walking about is a "wee dander". The four younger ones of our little group took many wee danders around Dundrum. They especially loved the castle, walking up there several times. The guide was a delight and the castle ruins amazing. However the main reason for the treks was to take pictures of the bay and the distant mountains with no mist.

We were "chuffed" many times...."delighted". Irish phrases just roll off the tongue of our friend Deirdre! Emy was our naive one, believing whatever tale Richie would weave. Deirdre told Emy, "you're not nearly as green as your cabbage looks." Another time we were telling about someone who had their priorities a bit mixed...Deirdre said they had "a fur coat but no knickers!" And yet another time, she got us back on track when we were headed into a bit of gossip by saying...."that's past remarkable" meaning we should stop our remarks!

There were other words and phrases but one that we all used the same is "I will miss you so much!" And we all can agree on that!

Sunday in Ireland

Sleeping in was good. I was up just as early (7:45) but had longer to get ready. We didn't leave for church until after 10:30! It was a good service. We connected with several who had been to our presentations. Newcastle Presbyterian is between ministers just now so there was a visiting one. He was very good...a most effective children's message! They honored two elders who were retiring...the one who sat near me had been an elder for 37 years...apparently no "term limits" on that role. They serve tea, coffee and biscuits (cookies) in the narthex after services. We chatted with several folks.

There was a surprise for us next. Andrew had invited us back to the castle for lunch. They were booked full but one group left early so adding another ten for lunch was not a problem. Chris had joined us for church and now lunch. The interns were also in the van. Andrew and Lorna's son, John, is an intern at Kairos and all the interns in town hang out together.

We ate in the library.

Chris who helps Jen in the kitchen joined us.

Lunch of roasted potatoes, mash potatoes, roast beef, cabbage, parsnips and carrots.
Dessert was Apple Crumble with Custard

 Lunch was very nice! After lunch we said our farewells to the Forsons and headed to the bus. We went down to walk the Peace Maze. It had been constructed to have people work together to find a way out. The hedges were lower then and they could look over the hedges and help one another. When you get to the center, you ring the bell...except there is no longer a bell there. I have done the maze before so I went up to the bridge to take photos.

A glorious view of the area with the Mourne Mountains in the background

Tonda in the maze

Jen in the maze

We went home for a while after the maze and then to Fifth Sunday, a unified service in Newcastle for all the churches. It's held in the town center and tea, coffee, biscuits and traybakes are served. The speaker was the bishop of the Church of Ireland. Again several of those who had heard our presentations were there. The enthusiasm seems to be growing already! 

Friday and Saturday

We had a busy day of presentations planned for Friday and only a few hours for sight-seeing. Richie took us to Tolleymore Forest...a beautiful mystical magical forest with bridges over 300 years old. I had been there before but went along for the ride. I stayed in the bus in the parking lot and read and did some people watching while the others enjoyed the forest. It is thought that Tolleymore was the inspiration for the forest in Narnia.

Sign at Tolleymore

We were back at RIOT just a bit late as our guests had begun to arrive. We quickly joined them for a lovely lunch and then gave our presentation. We are so encouraged by the participation of our guests. We are sensing that this is, indeed, God's timing.

There was time for walks and conversations, then the women were arriving for tea (5:30, meal). Again we sensed that the reception was more than simply Irish hospitality. This group was still visiting with us e as the 8 pm guests began arriving. As they left a couple hours later, we were certainly tired from three presentations but also greatly encouraged and yes, energized!

Later Richie came in from RIOT to remind us it was Danielle's birthday. He and the other interns, Nick and Jenna, were going out for a bit and we were invited. I opted out as did Bebe but Ladeana, Emy, Jean and Tonda joined them. They were out very late...as they experienced the "after hours" of Newcastle. Because of of alcohol and possibly weed, the scene was harsh. Richie gave rides to some and talked with several. There were some who have been in his youth groups. And there were some who are only 14 or 15. The bars serve these kids and the police turn their head. It's complicated but certainly sad. Alcohol and drugs lead to wrong choices and moral lapses. Tonda described it as depravity. If you wonder about how to pray...this is definitely one area that needs the touch of God.

The night was short but we were up and about by 8 am on Saturday! Richie arrived with an amended schedule and we were off to Belfast. We went first to St. George's Market. It was in a large hall of sorts. with entry at either end. We went in by the fish market.  I noticed a bag of purple stuff that looked like seaweed. I asked and he gave us all a sample. It was very salty!! He said it had more nutrition than seaweed. It might have been called dulse or something like that.

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 There were dozens of booths selling food, crafts, jewelry, pottery, water color paintings, accessories, flowers and more. We did what five American women excell at...we shopped! I found a purple watch and a lovely purple scarf--two of my weaknesses. Others bought Christmas ornaments, cards and pictures. In the middle of the market, there were seats and some entertainment.

We left St. George's Market and headed for the new Titanic Exhibition! This is four floors with so much information about the Titanic.We took a wee ride that carried us past panels and short videos explaining the construction of the hull and showing the riveters at work. The scaffold for the Titanic was equivalent to 21 stories tall. The reconstructed one is only 7 stories tall. We saw letters, telegrams, dishes, period clothing and more from the Titanic or another of the Olympic lines ships. We missed the grand staircase...apparently it was closed off. It was a great tour and the only place in the world to see the shipyards where "she" was birthed. "She" added a lot to the economy of Belfast for the six years while it was under construction. It was launched and the interior "fitting" was done out in the sea. That was another year of adding boilers and smokestacks and the actual rooms. The Titanic left on this supposed six day cruise with linen for the whole trip as there were no laundry facilities on board. That included 18,000 dinner napkins. Imagine a change of sheets for the entire ship and all the other linens needed. They also had all the food on board...tons of potatoes and onions and meat and veggies and fruit!

In front of the museum

The museum itself has the look of a ship

From the museum we went downtown for a quick pop in at a Money Exchange and "hole-in-the-wall"(ATM), then shopping at Avoca (lovely woolens at a dear price!) and Cath Kittson's (purses, totes, p.j.'s, tea sets, and stationery items), lunch at a Mexican restaurant (similar to Chipotle's) and then to the Ulster Museum. This had art, natural history and the history of Ireland. This is a long and rich history! There are so many layers of history that a simple visit to the museum only whetted our appetite for more. We bought books and will study!!

Queen's University

Stained glass ...wisdom, education and others!

We made a quick trip through the gardens and greenhouses at Queen's University behind Ulster Museum.

Long pods are insect collectors...

 

Purple hot peppers!!

 Then it was to Castlewellan to collect Deirdre and then to Richie's home where Jen welcomed us to a yummy supper of fish chowder and wheaten bread with strawberry mousse for dessert. We enjoyed the gorgeous view from their sitting room of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea. We had a little time to play with the babies. Then we left and were home early and had the promise of a sleep in on Sunday as services at Newcastle Presbyterian do not begin until 11 am.

Addy--7 months

Charley--19 months and Jen