Friday, March 30, 2012

Day of Prayer,
24 March 2012
Janet and I had breakfast and were off to Chambiti, a local school, which was close by. We arrived a bit after 9:30 as she had to check on some things at the bank in Majengo. There were four large tents set up and a place was saved for us in the shelter. Women were already in all the seats and sitting in the grass. There were at least 9 buses with many vans and cars on the grounds. Dorothy Selebwa began the program soon after we arrived. Opening prayers were offered by Marian Baker and Norah Musundi.
Dorothy explained the history of these great prayer gatherings. In 1973 East Africa Yearly Meeting began the separations. There was disunity and grumblings. This went on for some time and in 1991, seven women decided to meet for prayer…prayer for unity. They met in homes and the seven became nine, then ten, then thirteen and now thousands.  The assembly today was estimated to be about 3,500. There is no longer any venue large enough to hold the crowd so they have to have open air meetings. The school grounds are a good place and the school children carried out benches and chairs while the USFW arranged for the tents and the PA system. Most sat on the ground. There is no shade on the school ground as it is the soccer/football field. As the day went on, groups of women moved to the edge of the field where there are trees that offer shade.  Many were not able to come today because of funerals. I have heard about these meetings for years and had always wanted to be a part. Today that will be reality.
Only one small section of the women
Dorothy gave thanks for what God has done through the prayers for the Friends Church. The men have joined slowly but are seeing what prayer has accomplished.
The meeting began as ten women came forward to give testimonies. These were a powerful witness to the power of prayer and the providence of a loving God. One woman’s marriage was restored after an 8 year separation. Another had her house broken into and the thugs were there three hours but she and her family were unharmed. Another was cured of diabetes. Another had prayed for employment for her university educated son for eleven years and he got a job yesterday. Another ‘s son survived a terrible road accident where eight others perished. Another had been infertile for seven years but now has a child. The stories were varied but all gave the glory to God and the persistence in prayer.
Prayers were offered for the testimonies. Recognition of the presiding clerks of USFW of the 16 Yearly Meetings was next. The few Quaker Men attending were recognized.  The newest USFW Yearly Meeting of Chebuyusi was recognized.  The officers of USFW-K and the Prayer Group were introduced.
It was now becoming much hotter. The umbrellas were coming out to shade the women who were not under the tents.
Marian Baker was called forward to introduce me. Then I gave a word of encouragement to the assembly. Really, I am more encouraged by their faithfulness and relentless prayers. I told them that they serve as a model to Quakers everywhere and in fact, to Christians everywhere, that they are so dedicated as to travel great distances for a day of prayer.
Prayers were offered for potential leaders. Women who seek positions of leadership in the church and in their employment and in the government came forward and expressed their desires.
Prayers were offered for the young women captive in the slave/sex trafficking in Saudi Arabia. Many women from Kenya have been duped into bogus contracts and are held captive in Saudi Arabia.
Prayers were offered against sickness, poverty, marriage conflicts, and land issues particularly concerning the IDPs (Internally Displaced People….still in camps from the 2007 elections.) Prayers were offered for single parents and for those who are grieving the death of family members.
Between prayers, choruses were sung…one was “Je-ho-vah; Wewe ni Je-ho-vah”.
Baskets were passed for people to put in praises. One woman came forward to pray and thank God for the good things He has done. She prayed a very long prayer…in mother tongue and the assembly joined in whispers of “Yes, yes, yes”. The women often broken onto clapping for Jesus as the woman continued to pray.
The offering for USFW-K was received and prayed for. One woman thanked the pastors who had gathered the night before and prayed all night for the meeting.
Benjamin Simungu, E.A.North, was the pastor of the day. He preached on prayer listing obstacles to prayer and focusing on “Teach Us to Pray” and the prayer life of Jesus. Benjamin is a seasoned pastor and preached in Kiswahili and English. The sun was getting hotter and after a bit, he took off his suit coat. Later, a woman came forward with an umbrella to shield him from the sun.
About midway through the sermon, several men came into the assembly….coming to the area where Dorothy, the presiding clerk, was sitting. A murmur went through the crowd and my translator said they are men who are campaigning for election. It was apparent that the women were not pleased with their appearance. However, this is not unusual in Kenya. Funerals and church gatherings become political campaign stops.
Benjamin finished his sermon and a woman prayed for him and that his message would touch hearts.  Women fell to their knees and hundreds prayed aloud. It was a very humbling time.
Dorothy then called for prayers for church leaders, for the upcoming Triennial and FWCC World Gathering and for rain…so that crops can be planted.
She then allowed the Member of Parliament (MP) a few minutes to speak. She had told him privately that it would not be to campaign but to offer encouragement. Then Jacob Asige, former teacher at FTC and representative of the proposed Friends University, spoke about the new institution. Dorothy asked me to come and pray for the government and for education. I did and prayed specifically for integrity and honesty and that those elected would remember that they are to serve the people. I reminded God (and the politicians) that the world had seen what had happened in the last election and that we beg for an election that allows for peace to prevail. I also prayed for Friends University and that those educated would be able to have good jobs because of a good education and a good government.  The politicians left after the prayer.
Women leaving the Day of Prayer, heading for buses
The next prayers were for the Church….”let the church be the church”.  Prayers were offered for understanding between men, women and the youth.
The next prayer meeting will be held 16 June 2012 in Lugari. We were dismissed and it was nearly 2:30. All of this in the hot sun without breaks. What a powerful day it had been!!
I went to Janet’s driver’s car to await Dorothy. I am changing hosts today. I noticed a bookstall set up by Friends Theological College, the school where I taught 2001-2006. I went over to see if I knew anyone and did not. Students were manning the booth, not the secretary or chaplain or tutors that I know. I went back to the car to wait and then saw a couple more people at the booth.  Philip, the driver for FTC, had been my yardman in those years! I was glad to see him and then I saw Daniel Esevwe. He was in my first class as a diploma student. He finished that program and returned to FTC to complete a degree program. I was delighted to see Daniel! Another of my former students in the certificate program was there; he had come back also for the degree. It was great to see those I know. They all asked when I am coming to Kaimosi.
Wonderful fruit punch!! Lots of fruit!!
Dorothy, her daughter-in-law Mary, and I got in the vehicle with the driver to go to Dorothy’s home near Kakamega. They stopped at the Golf Hotel and I thought it was for lunch…it was after 3 pm. After I ordered, I was embarrassed to see that I was the only one who ordered food. We all had a nice fruit punch and I had Maryland Chicken. We got to Dorothy’s….and she lives far interior on less than adequate roads! She showed me to my room and suggested I take a rest. I was happy to do that…it was still very hot and it had been a tiring day. After a short nap, supper was served but I ate very lightly!
After supper, we had a time of worship and prayers. Benjamin, the pastor, and his wife are also guests. Dorothy and her husband Evan, together with Mary, made up our group. Others were in the kitchen preparing and cleaning up.  It was then off to sleep by 9 pm as we have a busy day tomorrow. 

Traveling on 21 March

Dublin-Amsterdam-Nairobi in one day
Wednesday evening, 21 March
It might be nearly midnight but then who knows for sure? I’ve changed time zones again so I’m just confused. The flight was uneventful from Amsterdam to Nairobi. I must have slept most of the 8 hours. I did eat lunch and then after I awoke, it was time for ice cream, then 30 minutes til landing.  The row next to me had three toddlers so there were lots of rounds of crying but I slept through most of it.

I exchanged dollars into shillings, bought a SIM card and 1000 shillings (about $13) worth of time for the cell phone I use in Kenya, paid my $50 visa fee and collected my one checked bag. Outside a taxi driver named Margaret was holding my name. We went to the car and on to the Presbyterian Guesthouse.  I checked in, made arrangements for Margaret to return in the morning and went to my room. I couldn’t get the wifi to work there so back to the lobby to send a couple of messages. I also sent text messages to Kenyan friends.
I have swollen feet and a headache but have taken some Aleve and pulled out the fitflops! I also nicked a bit of shortbread from the kitchen at Murlough so I have a tasty snack! I could be hungry since I’ve only had one meal in the last 26 hours and airline food at that….ice cream doesn’t count!
 It’s been hot in Kenya…awaiting the rains. Even late at night, it is still 73. If it’s this warm in Nairobi, I can only imagine Kisumu tomorrow. Fortunately, I’ll just be passing through as I go upcountry…higher altitudes and hopefully, not so hot.

The doors were open in the lobby and the sweet aroma of the blossoming trees wafted in…maybe jasmine or oleander.  I have stayed here before…in this very room! It was 2010 with Mary Glenn Hadley.
Thursday

Up at 5:15 by the cell phone alarm and the front desk call. As I was getting in the shower, I heard the Muslim call to prayers. Truly I am in another culture today! I hurried to the dining room for a quick cup of tea. They were beginning to lay out breakfast of scones, samosas, beans, boiled eggs, potatoes, pancakes and omelets but I was there before 6 and not all was ready. I did have a scone and a samosa with some Tangawizi (ginger) tea which was quite enough.

Peter arrived promptly at 6 to take me to the airport. He dropped me at domestic departures and I queued for Jetlink.  A kind of rude fellow was in front of me. He left his cart in the way at the security scan, and then muscled ahead in the line only to find he did not have tickets and would have to go on standby. He again left his cart in the way so I had to move this second one also. Then he stood in the way making calls to his friends.  Now of course, he did get a ticket and of course, he sat next to me as we awaited our boarding time. Seems he is from Houston and has helped set up MANY Bible colleges in Kenya and Uganda for “the nationals”. I wasn’t so impressed with him. He went on and on and finally asked if this is my first trip to Kenya. Tee hee! He did crank it down a bit after that. Our 45 minute flight was even ahead of schedule and I didn’t have to sit by the man from Houston.

Then I arrived at the Kisumu airport….my oh my! A totally new facility! It is very nice and spacious and clean. I was very impressed…I just hope the Chinese haven’t financed it. I did read in the newspaper as we drove to my hostess’ home about all the Chinese money that is paying for roads, wells, etc. in this country.
Janet Agoi , treasurer of USFW-K, and a driver met me and we were off to Vihiga district. We stopped a couple of times for small errands so the trip to Vihiga was longer than the flight from Nairobi. Janet has a lovely home off the road perhaps a mile. She and her husband worked for years in Nairobi but retired here. He died several years ago. She has electricity…when it’s on but no running water. (Janet’s daughter died in a road accident about a week after we lost Darian so we comforted one another.) After meeting the three young women (Ann, Pam and  Robai) who help her, I had a cup of tea and she showed me where I could rest. I had a very nice 3 hour nap. As I was awaking, I heard a very loud “snoring” noise. I was afraid it was me! Then I decided it was someone else but so loud. As I became more awake, I recognized it was the cow outside the window who was bawling. I’m so glad my snoring isn’t that loud!!

I had not been able to find some things this morning so I went through all my bags. On the third time, I found the last misplaced items. I think I know where everything is now! Lunch will be soon (maybe 2:30) and then we are expecting some USFW visitors in the late afternoon. It has been good to have a rest this day as the schedule is packed for the rest of the trip.

Lunch of beef with carrots, potatoes with carrots, cabbage, rice, sucumawiki (collard greens) was very nice! We topped it off with mango juice-my favorite!  The lunch was sort of Irish Stew but everything separate. :  )
Local USFW PC, me and hostess Janet Agoi
A group of women from theWadange Friends Church (Kadundu Quarterly Meeting, Vihiga Yearly Meeting) did arrive. First there were seven, then eight. They sang and chatted as we sat outside under the tree. The breeze was nice and refreshing.  I told them about Daisy in Greentown, the child adopted from Liberia, and her ululating; Janet translated and they were all happy with the story.  A young man came on a motorcycle to take our photos. We all lined up properly and the photos were snapped. Later another two women came in. I shared about the work of USFW-I and gave them copies of The Advocate. After a short visit, there were prayers and more singing as they departed.
Janet's home in Vihiga District
Ann prepared me a cup of coffee. I did some reading and felt very sleepy again so another nap was in order! The afternoon was very warm and the second three hour nap was good.  Supper was served…shredded carrots, carrots and potatoes, carrots and cabbage, green grams and chapatti! It was good! The house is still very warm. The windows had to be closed because the mosquitoes come out at dark so the heat from the afternoon is captured in the house. We watched some tv with a Spanish soap opera from South America dubbed in English, a soap opera in Kiswahili and a news magazine type show about torture in Kenyan prisons in the 1980s until present time.  At 10:30 I excused myself. I need to get on a regular schedule here so it is bedtime…even with the two long naps today. I think I will be ready for the visitations which begin tomorrow. (This may be TMI-too much information-but I have gone from sleeping in flannel pajamas and two pairs of socks and snuggled under a thick duvet to a simple t-shirt with no sheet but under a mosquito net in Kenya!!)

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Cleft of the Rock, Ireland


Our sightseeing at the rope bridge, Carrick-a-Rede, was physically demanding for this out of shape senior citizen. Richie parked the mini-bus and sent us on to queue catching up to us in just a few minutes.  Everyone in our group of 12 with the exception of Bebe had decided to do the walk and cross the bridge. The walk was paved but in some places very steep and then in other places, it was simply uneven stone steps going up and up. There were over 90 of these! Yes, I counted.  
We made our way to the bridge and then waited our turn to cross. It is a rope bridge but has been built up and is rather safe but it crosses a deep ravine. At one time, fishermen tossed the rope bridge (without boards) across each day and crossed it with fishing gear and then the return trip included the catch. The other side of the small island connected by the bridge was a great place to fish for salmon. The site has long been a part of the National Trust (similar to a national park system) and now tourists cross when the weather isn’t too fierce.

Our half mile walk up to the bridge was both strenuous and blustery. The wind was strong and often I felt almost propelled along. I made it to the bridge, up and down the stone steps and across. Then it was even more rugged with huge stones to climb, not steps, and nothing to grasp on to. But Deirdre offered me her hand for balance and I was up….taking in the glorious view of the sea.
On the way back, I was offered the hand of a friendly Irishman for balance to get down those rugged stones. It is amazing to me that just a hand can do so much for balance.  And balance is such a seemingly small thing but it can keep us from falling into the abyss. Balance keeps us from injury and hurt. Balance gives us strength to take the next step. In our everyday lives, it is the small things that we offer one another that keep us balanced. Without the encouragement, kind words and compassion, we would all surely stumble and even fall. 
I stopped to take some photos of birds…either gulls or pigeons…flying about near the craggy precipice.  There were many birds in the air but some had nestled into the crevices in the rocky wall. I was reminded of the line from a hymn, “in the cleft of the rock”.

God is at work in us and through us all the time. Sometimes life is blustery and propels us along even when we are not able to move. Often as we face precarious situations and are looking for balance, it is the hand of a friend that stabilizes us so that we can move forward. Those are the moments when we “encourage one another”. Sometimes we are flying about, looking for a safe haven from the winds and storm. But God is the master of the sea and the wind. God loves us and provides a “shelter in the time of storm” and “a cleft in the rock”. If He cares so much for the birds of the air, how can I wonder if He cares for me? 

Monday, March 19, 2012

Sunday, Monday

Pancakes for brekky and then off to church! CSI folks and Shilladays went to Newcastle Presbyterian, Bebe and I went to Newcastle Methodist. I was happy to see our Bible study ladies, Lottie, Mita, Louie and Sadie were there. They were almost as happy to see me! Church was over at 12:30 and back to Murlough.

Deirdre is off today so Jo came in to prepare lunch. Baked Chicken, Roast potatoes, Mashed potatoes, cabbage, carrots and parsnips and corn with a nice strawberry mousse dessert. Love those carrots and parsnips!

Tom, Vange and Mandy walked down to the sea and then Richie took them off for an afternoon of sightseeing nearby. I stayed in to just relax. Bebe went to the apt. to read. After an hour or so, the doorbell rang and it was Torie and Emma….a couple of teens from Crosspoint. They had gone to the beach to do their homework and it started raining so they ran up to Murlough to get in out of the wet. I fixed them tea and within a few minutes the rain stopped, the sun came back out and they walked home.

Richie came for us at 5:30 to go to Waringstown Presbyterian for evening services. Deirdre lives in Waringstown and had gone home yesterday for her day off. As we drove, it rained. Then the rainbow appeared….it was a glorious one and seemed to end just outside the mini-bus. Very nice!
We arrived at church just as it was about to begin (6:30). I slid into the pew Deirdre directed me to and introduced myself to the fellow already there. Turns out that Terrill has been to Kenya ten or more times to visit/work with a Presbyterian missionary who is serving the Masai near Narok. I told Terrill that I knew the area. He mentioned Maralal and I said “I have been there.” We had a nice conversation (after church) about the area as well as other Christian concerns.

The worship was rich. The church has a great worship team, 4 women lead the singing accompanied by a piano, keyboard, guitar, drums and a flute! I was duly impressed with the flute and talked with the flutist after service. The preaching was good and the church was nearly full.

Afterwards we drove to Banbridge and ordered pizza from the mini-bus but online. You get a discount if you order online so we were parked just outside as Richie sent the message! He chose well on the pizza! He drove to a nearby lough and we ate in the mini-bus while looking out at the water where the swans were swimming….but not seven swans a swimming!

Monday, March 19, 2012
Up early to pack lunches and begin our long fun day! Deirdre, Bebe, and I joined the CSI team of Tom, Vange and Mandy, Katrina (a Murlough House intern), her cousin Emily visiting from her job in Germany, and Anna and Tori, teens from Crosspoint, along with Richie, driver par excellence, for the day. Our first stop was Belfast for a couple hours of shopping and sightseeing.

After purchasing a sweatshirt for me and an Irish doll for Berkeley, I made my way to Victoria Square. It’s an upscale shopping mall with an observation deck at the top. I entered at street level and took the elevator to the top. I could see Samson and Delilah, the cranes used in building the Titanic, the whole of Belfast and the mountains surrounding the city. I decided to take the stairs down….all 90 of them, then 3 escalators to get to the ground floor. Since today is a bank holiday, there was a small craft show. I browsed that a bit and bought some fudge, then headed back toward town centre. I stopped for a latte, and then met up with Bebe. We stopped at the Tourist Centre and then made our way back to the mini-bus.

Next stop, lunch in a small village located on the sea. We enjoyed the fresh air as we ate our brown bag lunches outside. Richie told us we had 15 minutes and 25 minutes later we were again on our way.
Next stop…Carrick-a-Rede in County Antrim. This is a rope bridge. The bridge is high but the trek from the carpark to the bridge is more strenuous than the bridge itself! We climbed and climbed…seemed like cliffs to me for about one kilometer. Then there was the descent down many stone steps to the bridge. That went well…meaning I did not slip or fall…and I enjoyed the view from the tiny island. I returned by the same route and the same kilometer distance…and I started ahead of our groups because I knew I would be slow. As I went UP the stones steps, I counted—87, nearly 90. I had to stop a couple of times to catch my breath! But it was worth it!

(Incidentally, I often count steps…I don’t know why, I just do. In Downpatrick there are two ways to get from the Cathedral to the Visitor Centre. One way is along a path that winds back and forth. The second way is the steps…90 of them…which I climbed on Saturday!)

Pat and
Deirdre on the way down from Rope Bridge
I wondered today if there is any significance to 90…but didn’t come up with anything. It did give me pause however!

Back in the mini-bus and onward to Giant’s Causeway. Most of us walked down from the carpark and took the bus back up. No steps here but still a 15 minute walk. We wandered around, took photos, saw the various formations and “areas” of volcanic results. The stones are the “amphitheater, the harp, and the organ.” This was fascinating in 2010 and still most impressive. There are only a few such formations in the world.

The castle at Dunluce was closed so that stop was very brief…just enough for a photo from the road. Some of us napped while Richie drove. There was also lots of music in the mini-bus. Richie played lots of Irish tunes (connecting his iPod to the radio speakers), then several others passed their iPods up so we had quite the assortment…all good!! I didn't bring my iPod this trip but I doubt if this group would have been impressed with my Beatles collection!  : )

We stopped at Murlough House to collect Andrea, the other intern, and went to the Galley in Annalong for fish and chips---a great end to a wonderful day!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

St. Patrick's Day in N. Ireland!


View from Saul Chuch
St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland! The day started out at the church at Saul ( not named for the Apostle Paul/Saul but the Irish word for barn…as in Sabhall Phádraig meaning "Patrick's barn"). We attended the service inside the Saul Church with singing, prayers, sermon and communion, then gathered outside with the ones who could not fit into the small structure. There were perhaps 100 inside and another 75-100 outside. The pilgrimage to the Holy Trinity Cathedral usually referred to as St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Downpatrick began. We walked uphill most of the way! These were 30-40 degree hills, not little knobs! The cross led the processional and the various pastors (Church of Ireland and Methodist and maybe more) took turns carrying it; then others were invited to carry it. The weather was a pleasant 48 F. ; the sun shining and a bright blue sky. A perfect day!  I struggled a little but was encouraged by the bagpiper who managed to walk uphill and play the pipes!

We stopped a few times along the way to be aware of God’s presence and to pray for Ireland and for the world. These were deliberate stops and guided prayers. After 40 minutes or so of walking, we arrived at the church in Downpatrick. Most everyone managed to get in and get a seat. In the foyer, there was an orchestra complete with bodrain (Irish drum, pronounced more like bo-ran)There was a nice choir and a magnificent organ.

The speaker, Peter Greig, author of Red Moon Rising and one of the founders of 24/7 Prayer, spoke at both services.  The 24/7 organization is in 100 countries but originated in the UK.  I didn’t take notes at the first service (and wish I had!) but in the second service, he mentioned that there were 3 P’s of Patrick’s life. Prayer…Preaching….Protesting. It was because of Patrick that slavery was confronted in Ireland. Peter admonished us to be active in prayers, preaching the Gospel and protesting injustice.  It was another good service.

They had encouraged people to bring shoes to donate to those who have no shoes. There were two grocery carts full of collected shoes. At the end we were challenged by a youth movement to take the “Fashion Fast”….to set aside a period of 3-9 months and NOT purchase any “fashion” items…this could be clothes, jewelry or even electronic gadgets.

Following the second service, most people went to the gravesite and a wreath was placed on St. Patrick’s grave. Part of our group stayed and part of us made our way down the hill into Downpatrick town to get a table for lunch! The town was packed. Jen and baby Charlie (Charlotte Ivy Shilladay) joined us and I took a few snaps of Richie's little family. Charlie has some health concerns so pray for her as you feel led. She's a wee one!

The parade was to begin at 2:30 and in the meantime, there was some live entertainment on a stage. There were also some booths set up, a mini fair. We found a spot to watch the parade and waited a bit. In the middle of it, there was an emergency so the parade was stopped and an ambulance went through. All in all, it was a nice parade and a lovely day. We went back to Murlough at 5 and Bebe and I finished up preparing things for tea (supper). Lots of conversation after supper and a late night to bed.

Friday, March 16, 2012

The view from my room.....


A quiet day so far. I slept until 9:30 and joined the others for breakfast at 10…a late start today but that’s good when you’re changing time zones! The others joined John for morning Bible study and his testimony and I blogged. After lunch the others went to Castlewellan to perhaps walk the hedge maze and the Annsley Gardens. I opted to stay back and walk down to the sea alone.

It was drizzling rain but a comfortable 48; nice enough for a walk! Along the path, the gorse were in full bloom. Richie says it's a weed with thorns and it's all alongside the highways. It really is rather lovely. 
 When I got to the shore, signs were posted from the nearby base saying that parts of the beach are a firing range today. I didn’t go far beyond the signage!


As I walked and let the tears flow, I picked up shells…don’t we always do that at the sea…and was of course, looking for unbroken ones.  After a few were collected and pocketed, I wondered to myself why I wanted unbroken shells when I am so broken and crushed. I started taking photos of the broken ones and listening as I crushed more shells with each step. How very poignant the sound was. The roar of the sea beyond and the muted “crush, crush, crush” of each step beneath.  It was the awesome power of God against the weakness of the tiny shells.


I finally picked up one broken shell to add to my unbroken ones. I continued to think about brokenness as I walked. The broken shells become crushed shells and eventually more like sand. And it is the sand that smooths the rocks as they crash into the shore. It is out of brokenness that the roughness can be smoothed out. And sometimes it is out of brokenness that we become more useful to the Kingdom.

And then I considered those unbroken shells……they are only half of what they once were. The life is gone from them. The half I see seems to be unbroken but the half that is gone may have been smashed and crushed into tiny fragments. So it is with each of us. Perhaps people see the half that appears unbroken but the half they do not see is crushed beyond repair.  And when I see others; I do not know what their other half may be. Perhaps each of us is crushed in some way, seemingly beyond repair. But I do know this. Jesus wants me in all my brokenness and He alone can make me whole. I may not be repaired but I can be restored to wholeness, maybe not today but in His time.  And not to the wholeness I once knew but to the wholeness He has for me.

When I returned to the manor, I washed my few shells and found that the broken one had not survived well in my pocket, more was broken off while the unbroken ones remained whole. And isn’t that how it is? When we are broken, every jostle seems to fracture us a bit more. That is why grief is so difficult to pass through….even seemingly gentle things like a “ride in a warm fleece lined pocket” can bring more brokenness.


Back Home Again at MH


Arrived in Dublin on Thursday at 8:15 am (4:15 am Indiana time). Made it through immigration and baggage claim and was in the waiting area by 8:40. I spotted the CSI team, thanks to Tom and daughter Vang in their green CSI shirts! I introduced myself to Mandy (from Minnesota) and Tom and Evangeline (from Ohio) and we waited for Richie to come collect us. He arrived after about ten minutes and Deirdre had come along! What a wonderful surprise!



We took a side trip shortly out of Dublin to an old old tower, built in the 11th century. There had been a monastery, Monasterboice, there. The monks had inscribed Bible stories on large stone crosses so the people (who did not read) would have a record and memory. The Irish monks who WERE literate transcribed the Bible during those times when Europe was in upheaval. Some say and it is documented that “The Irish Saved Civilization”. The tower was the place where valuables were stored in case of pillagers. A few ruins of the old monastery remain with the tower which is over 100 ft. tall but it is now a cemetery. The graves are a bit different in that each one has a small stone boundary and the inset is filled with gravel and pots of flowers…although some have put in fill dirt and planted flowers. The primrose and daffodils were in full bloom as well as other flowers.

We continued our travel stopping in Newry at Grounded for a cuppa’ coffee as in lattes and cappuccinos and 12 year old Vang had a hot chocolate with extra marshmallows and cream!  We arrived at Murlough House before noon with time for settling in before lunch. It was so good to see Alisdair, Sarah, Joan, John, Jo and Richard. Then Jen and baby Charlie came. Lots of hugs and tears….but that’s how it is when you see folks you love after a tragedy. Heartwarming as well as sad.

Jo had lunch and after that I visited with Deirdre a bit, then covered up with the plump duvet and took a nap (Richard asked later if I returned it…his play on words is always keen!) The team had a bit of orientation and took drive to Newcastle. I opted to stay and visit. Daniel was in for a bit…he is the hyper guy who gave us lots of entertainment before. He is still very hyper and quite unique….I know there really are not degrees of unique except perhaps for Daniel!! After supper Deirdre, Bebe and I spent some time in the apt and then I crashed….in my lovely corner room This room is often saved for special guests and I have it this time! Woo Hoo!!

I slept from midnight til 9:30 am….so cozy in the duvet! We had a late breakfast at 10, then the team had Bible study with John. Alan arrived and so there were more hugs (he just returned from England). The team has a nice schedule and I will join them for some things but mostly my time here is a buffer between the sadness and the work ahead. I think it will be a very good time. I cannot leave the sadness but I can get rested up for the work ahead! And what a grand place to do it….with a bit of festivity tomorrow!