Friday, June 20, 2008
Final Blog
Sorry its been so long since my last blog. This is going to be my last one, since I'm going home on Tuesday. (I won't be back in St. Marys until Saturday though). Its been weird saying good bye. I don't think it has really sunk in that I'm leaving so soon. It has been such a good and challenging year, and I would like to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers for me during my time here. The challenges haven't stopped quite yet though. Last Sunday Caitlyn (the other RAD participant here with me) fainted in church. She went to the hospital for a few days, and remained kind of out of it. She and I got quite familiar with the British health care system (its not all its cracked up to be). The doctors couldn't find anything wrong with her, but released her anyway. She is back at the house, but still very weak. It will be very difficult for her to fly home, both physically and mentally. Please keep her and I in your prayers as we finish our time here, and head home. I can't wait to meet all of you again, and I can tell you about my experience personally.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Beginning of the End
Greenhill has been under construction for about the last 5 months. They are building new guest accommodations, a new parking lot, new tent bases. The center is definitely in a state of transition. It is true for the volunteers as well. Although Caitlyn and I are the next volunteers to leave (on June 24th if your wondering), there are a lot of others who will be leaving soon after. By September there will only be one member of the current staff left. Because of that there are a lot of "newbies" now. There are two locals (Jason and John), and two internationals Pavel from Czech Republic and Chantle from Spain. They are fitting in very well, and have really become part of the team. Its nice to meet new people, although its weird to think that I'll be leaving them in a month. One more thing that has added a change in the atmosphere is that Christof and Seb are on vacation for the next month. They are the two most experienced instructors, and the two that I probably got the closest to. Christof is going on a road trip through Scandinavia, and will be back two days before I leave. Seb is visiting family in Peru, and won't be back until after I leave. I will really miss those guys. Plus almost all the climbing I did was with those two, so now I have to find new people to go with, this should give me a good opportunity to get to know some others in the short time I have before I leave.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Norway
Last week Aidan (a Greenhill worker) and I went to Norway to visit Stefan, a friend who used to volunteer at Greenhill. One the first day we hung out with him at the school he is now volunteering at, and did some work with him as well. On the second day Aidan and I visited the Nobel Peace Prize Center. It was really refreshing to see how much good a person can do. We then toured around Oslo with Stefan and his freind Fritz. After that things got really exciting, and we took tones of pictures. since pictures say a thousand words, I'll just let you see what we did. for the next four days.
Norway Photo Journal Part One: Oslo
Norway Photo Journal Part 2: Road Trip
Norway Photo Journal Part 2: Road Trip
Norway Photo Journal Part One: Oslo
Norway Photo Journal Part 2: Road Trip
Norway Photo Journal Part 2: Road Trip
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Tide
The tide has been extreme high and low this week in front of our house. Thats about the best way to describe the things that happened last week. There were some of the most encouraging and discouraging moments of my time here. Two of the major ones happened about half an hour from each other.
On Monday night I was talking to Kevin. He told me that because of health problems and other issues both at home and here he was going home. I knew about the health issues a bit, but it was still a pretty big shock. Things moved very fast from there. He left Thursday morning. Luckily we got a nice goodbye meal with him before he left, but its odd here without him. If you could all keep him in your prayers it would be appreciated.
About ten minutes after that Philip came into the house. He had just finished a 30 page report to his sending organization about Greenhill: All the volunteers, activities, accommodations, pay, everything. I wanted a copy of it, to share, but it was all in German. He did share with me what he had written about the RAD team. He basically said (and I'm paraphrasing some) that the Americans changed his idea of the stereotypical American, and also the stereotypical christian. We encouraged everyone to explore faith, but don't "point fingers." We have helped him with his faith journey, and he is very glad that he's gotten to know us. If I would have written out goals for my time after being here a month that is exactly what I would have said they were. It was so encouraging to hear a friend say that I've reached my goal without even know he was saying it.
It was a whirlwind of a night. Thats how it goes sometime, high tide and low tide, but for the most part I'm feeling great about my time here.
On Monday night I was talking to Kevin. He told me that because of health problems and other issues both at home and here he was going home. I knew about the health issues a bit, but it was still a pretty big shock. Things moved very fast from there. He left Thursday morning. Luckily we got a nice goodbye meal with him before he left, but its odd here without him. If you could all keep him in your prayers it would be appreciated.
About ten minutes after that Philip came into the house. He had just finished a 30 page report to his sending organization about Greenhill: All the volunteers, activities, accommodations, pay, everything. I wanted a copy of it, to share, but it was all in German. He did share with me what he had written about the RAD team. He basically said (and I'm paraphrasing some) that the Americans changed his idea of the stereotypical American, and also the stereotypical christian. We encouraged everyone to explore faith, but don't "point fingers." We have helped him with his faith journey, and he is very glad that he's gotten to know us. If I would have written out goals for my time after being here a month that is exactly what I would have said they were. It was so encouraging to hear a friend say that I've reached my goal without even know he was saying it.
It was a whirlwind of a night. Thats how it goes sometime, high tide and low tide, but for the most part I'm feeling great about my time here.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Rolling along
It feels like ages since I last blogged, it has been a while, but also so much stuff has been going on. I don't know where to start updating you all. Things at work have been going decently well. I’m now qualified to lead most of the activities the center provides. My favorite one is the adventure walk. We only do it with young kids, but it is basically an imaginary scenario. The kids have to sneak all around the center, because everyone is out to get them, and they have to save the world, and get very muddy in the process. It’s so much fun for me to use my imagination. The more I act like a kid the more fun the kids have and the more exciting the adventure. Outside of work things are going brilliantly. The slightly warmer and less wet weather has allowed me to get out of the house a lot more. I’ve started climbing regularly in my time off with some other volunteers. It’s so much fun just spending a day in the mountains with friends. I feel like I’ve really hit a groove in my time here. Things are rolling along well. I sometimes wish they would slow down a little, but at the same time I can’t wait to go home and see everyone again. I guess that’s a good dilemma to have.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
London and a Retreat
Last week was brilliant. The weather, which hadn't changed since November, finally got a bit warmer. Its amazing how warm weather can raise your spirits. (I even got to wear shorts one day :)) After a very fun week the RAD group headed to the North Coast for a Mennonite Missions Network (MMN) retreat. The North Coast is a beautiful part of Northern Ireland (it's the same place I went with my parents). We spent one day site seeing, but the rest we spent at a Christian retreat center that was right beside the ocean. We met Tim, two MMN volunteers from Bradford, and one from London. Also two of Tim's friends who are preachers (Anglican I think)came as well. It was very refreshing to hear people who are doing similar work, and going through similar challenges. I had an amazing time. Rod came on Sunday night, so that he could spend the night, and get up really early and take us on a plane to go to London.
An airline called Ryanair was selling tickets to London for one pence (Cent). The leadership at Greenhill decided that it would be a nice brake if everyone went on a day trip to London. So at 5 AM on Monday morning Caitlyn, Kevin, Rod, and I left the retreat center to meet up with the rest of the staff at George Best Belfast City Airport. The plane left at 8, and we got into the heart of London around 10. There were two types of plans people had. 1)visit everywhere you can in a day, or 2)find one nice attraction and spend the whole day there. I decided to go to as many things as I could. A group of 6 of us all traveled together (by foot we didn't want to spend the money for a bus tour) to almost all the major tourist attractions. We didn't go into any of the because they were too expensive for our volunteer budgets and because it would take up more time. In only 8 hours we saw St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Place, Westminster Abby, snow sleet rain and warm sunny weather, Trafoger Square (pardon the spelling), Big Ben, the Globe Theater, The London, Millennium, and Tower Bridges, The Tower of London, and I'm sure I've forgotten to include some spots. As you can guess we were all dead tired for the trip home. It was a great day.
Things are going better than ever for me here right now, which might be why I'm finding it so hard to find time to write. I'm loving every minuet of it, But I would also love to hear whats happening back home. Write me.
An airline called Ryanair was selling tickets to London for one pence (Cent). The leadership at Greenhill decided that it would be a nice brake if everyone went on a day trip to London. So at 5 AM on Monday morning Caitlyn, Kevin, Rod, and I left the retreat center to meet up with the rest of the staff at George Best Belfast City Airport. The plane left at 8, and we got into the heart of London around 10. There were two types of plans people had. 1)visit everywhere you can in a day, or 2)find one nice attraction and spend the whole day there. I decided to go to as many things as I could. A group of 6 of us all traveled together (by foot we didn't want to spend the money for a bus tour) to almost all the major tourist attractions. We didn't go into any of the because they were too expensive for our volunteer budgets and because it would take up more time. In only 8 hours we saw St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Place, Westminster Abby, snow sleet rain and warm sunny weather, Trafoger Square (pardon the spelling), Big Ben, the Globe Theater, The London, Millennium, and Tower Bridges, The Tower of London, and I'm sure I've forgotten to include some spots. As you can guess we were all dead tired for the trip home. It was a great day.
Things are going better than ever for me here right now, which might be why I'm finding it so hard to find time to write. I'm loving every minuet of it, But I would also love to hear whats happening back home. Write me.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day
The last week was a bit rough. The weather was cold and rainy. We did the helicopter crash scenario with a group, which wasn't bad, but cold and tiring. The week did come to a nice close, when the group left they really seemed to appreciate the time they had spent with us.
Then after a relaxing Sunday it was St. Patrick's Day. About half of the Greenhill volunteers were gone for winter skills training in Scotland, but we did have some visitors. A few old volunteers who came back for a couple of days. The only one I knew was Stephen, who I had gotten to know really well when I first got here. He is now working at a YMCA in Norway. Anyway all of us went to Down Patrick. Down Patrick is a town near where we live. It's near where St. Patrick landed in Ireland, and its where he is buried. There is a large parade held there every year. While we were waiting for the parade a bunch of us went up to see his grave stone. It was amazingly unimpressive. Only a rock with the name half broken off. It really makes you think. With all the glamor and the celebration associated with the day, how humbly he lived. We then watched the parade which was a lot of fun, and it was a great bright sunny day to help get everyones spirits back up.
Then after a relaxing Sunday it was St. Patrick's Day. About half of the Greenhill volunteers were gone for winter skills training in Scotland, but we did have some visitors. A few old volunteers who came back for a couple of days. The only one I knew was Stephen, who I had gotten to know really well when I first got here. He is now working at a YMCA in Norway. Anyway all of us went to Down Patrick. Down Patrick is a town near where we live. It's near where St. Patrick landed in Ireland, and its where he is buried. There is a large parade held there every year. While we were waiting for the parade a bunch of us went up to see his grave stone. It was amazingly unimpressive. Only a rock with the name half broken off. It really makes you think. With all the glamor and the celebration associated with the day, how humbly he lived. We then watched the parade which was a lot of fun, and it was a great bright sunny day to help get everyones spirits back up.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Half Way
I can't belive my time here is half up. I got here exactly 4 months ago, and will be home in exactly 4 months. Something I've learned since I've been here is as you walk up a mountain it can seem like your getting nowhere until you look back and realize how far you've gotten. Thats what I'm doing now.I think back and wonder where all the time went. On the other hand I think back to my first week and think how far I've come. I've become a part of a great community in Greenhill and in Newcastle.
What's been happening most recently isn't that exciting. We have had a few new volunteers join the group. One from Germany, which makes 5 Germans (We always joke about how we have way too many Germans) and two local volunteers. The new volunteers are getting their outdoor training. Since at first no one knew I was going to be an outdoor instructor I never got training, so the powers at be in Greenhill decided I should train with them. Most of the stuff we are learning I already know, but its good to have a refresher some times.
Something else that is finally starting to take off is the planning for the prayer walk. The RAD team had been assigned to try to create a prayer walk for the center. We really started from scratch, and have brainstormed through a lot of ideas. As we made relationships with people in the church we have gotten their help on it as well. The plans are finally starting to take shape, plus the center has gotten some funds to help in the creation. Hopefully we can get in running before we leave (things work a bit slower in Ireland than in the States).
Thats about all I have for now. God Bless.
What's been happening most recently isn't that exciting. We have had a few new volunteers join the group. One from Germany, which makes 5 Germans (We always joke about how we have way too many Germans) and two local volunteers. The new volunteers are getting their outdoor training. Since at first no one knew I was going to be an outdoor instructor I never got training, so the powers at be in Greenhill decided I should train with them. Most of the stuff we are learning I already know, but its good to have a refresher some times.
Something else that is finally starting to take off is the planning for the prayer walk. The RAD team had been assigned to try to create a prayer walk for the center. We really started from scratch, and have brainstormed through a lot of ideas. As we made relationships with people in the church we have gotten their help on it as well. The plans are finally starting to take shape, plus the center has gotten some funds to help in the creation. Hopefully we can get in running before we leave (things work a bit slower in Ireland than in the States).
Thats about all I have for now. God Bless.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Crazy Week
The last few weeks, the Y hadn't been very busy, but that all changed this week.
It started on Sunday night, the Superbowl. I wasn't planning on watching it, but some friends invited me at the night youth church service. I figured I'd go, even though it started at midnight, and I had work the next morning. I had loads of fun (except there were british announcers, and none of the "Super Bowl ads") There were about 10 people there, 3 were Americans. Most of the Irish guys just made fun of American football the whole time. I really didn't care who won, but I found myself rooting for the Giants most of the time, I had a blast.
Monday morning I was surprisingly rested. The Key group, the one we are going to take on the bivi out (my last blog), was here for their last training time before the bivi. I helped lead a session for them in the morning afternoon and evening everyday during the week. I even had my first assessment, and I passed (It was over knots and harnesses). I was at the center from 9AM until around 10PM. It was a really long week, and by the end most of the staff, including me, was worn out, but it was a really good week. We aren't going to be that busy for the next few weeks, but we will be a bit busy. After working all week, I just wanted to relax on Saturday. I slept in, and then tried getting a hold of the tennis club (which I've been trying to do for a few weeks). I actually got a hold of someone, and he asked me to come down to the courts to hit around a bit. I said sure, and I was excited to get to finally play some. I stepped out of the door in my full winter gear, and tennis racquet, and suddenly realized that if was really warm out. It felt like summer, or at least spring. I went back in and changed into shorts and a tee-shirt, in the middle of winter! I hit around for a while and he invited me to play on Monday night. After that I decided I couldn't wast such a nice day, and went out and through the frisbee around with Cailyn in the park some. It was a brilliant weekend. This week looks to be just as exciting, if not as busy.
It started on Sunday night, the Superbowl. I wasn't planning on watching it, but some friends invited me at the night youth church service. I figured I'd go, even though it started at midnight, and I had work the next morning. I had loads of fun (except there were british announcers, and none of the "Super Bowl ads") There were about 10 people there, 3 were Americans. Most of the Irish guys just made fun of American football the whole time. I really didn't care who won, but I found myself rooting for the Giants most of the time, I had a blast.
Monday morning I was surprisingly rested. The Key group, the one we are going to take on the bivi out (my last blog), was here for their last training time before the bivi. I helped lead a session for them in the morning afternoon and evening everyday during the week. I even had my first assessment, and I passed (It was over knots and harnesses). I was at the center from 9AM until around 10PM. It was a really long week, and by the end most of the staff, including me, was worn out, but it was a really good week. We aren't going to be that busy for the next few weeks, but we will be a bit busy. After working all week, I just wanted to relax on Saturday. I slept in, and then tried getting a hold of the tennis club (which I've been trying to do for a few weeks). I actually got a hold of someone, and he asked me to come down to the courts to hit around a bit. I said sure, and I was excited to get to finally play some. I stepped out of the door in my full winter gear, and tennis racquet, and suddenly realized that if was really warm out. It felt like summer, or at least spring. I went back in and changed into shorts and a tee-shirt, in the middle of winter! I hit around for a while and he invited me to play on Monday night. After that I decided I couldn't wast such a nice day, and went out and through the frisbee around with Cailyn in the park some. It was a brilliant weekend. This week looks to be just as exciting, if not as busy.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Bivi Out
Over the past few months there has been a school program called Key that has come to the center 3 times. Unlike other groups they actually get "graded" on what they do here, and they are supposed to learn specific skills. On their fourth visit here we will test all their skills in a scenario. This past weekend we tested the scenario on the permanent staff (our bosses) and some of their friends.
We load them all up in the van, with all the window covers, and a helicopter noise. All the stuff they brought is in their packs. All of a sudden an alarm starts sounding and they all have to hurry out of the "helicopter" without their stuff. The copper leaves and suddenly they hear a loud bang and see smoke. They go and investigate and see the navigator, played by Debbie (a volunteer), screaming about her broken leg, and wanting them to check for other injured in the area. As some of the group started performing first aid on Debbie the others looked around for more injured. Very soon after they find the load master from the helicopter... Me. I'm laying face down, and when they turn me over they see that my face has been badly burned around the eyes. I'm also unconscious. I had trouble not smiling as they tried to preform first aid and did a terrible job (they said I must be dead 3 times), with very little organization. After they had finally patched me up I became conscious, but still blind with a bandage over my eyes. As that was going on they found the pilot Pavlina and treated her for a broken leg, which she didn't have, and a broken arm, and a head injury, she regained consciousness too. Then Debbie showed them where to get their gear on a map and sent them out to get it. Soon they were back with all their stuff. Now we just had to get to camp for the night. I had to be lead because of the blindness, and Debbie had to be carried because of the broken leg. When we made camp the group had to make a fire and cook over it. I think the meal they made was better than the one we brought up and made. Then we set out our sleeping bags with only a poncho hanging a foot over it incase it rained that night (its called biviing), luckily it didn't rain.
The next day we got up and had to be re-bandaged. I didn't do much that day besides being lead around and sitting blind, but the group had to find a place to cross a river, translate Spanish from some natives (oh yah the simulation takes place in Peru) to get food, build a bridge (they needed help for that one) and walk back to camp. We all spent 24 hours in the forest, it was my first time biviing out, I was blind almost the whole time, and it was a brilliant weekend.
PS: I will put some pictures on soon.
We load them all up in the van, with all the window covers, and a helicopter noise. All the stuff they brought is in their packs. All of a sudden an alarm starts sounding and they all have to hurry out of the "helicopter" without their stuff. The copper leaves and suddenly they hear a loud bang and see smoke. They go and investigate and see the navigator, played by Debbie (a volunteer), screaming about her broken leg, and wanting them to check for other injured in the area. As some of the group started performing first aid on Debbie the others looked around for more injured. Very soon after they find the load master from the helicopter... Me. I'm laying face down, and when they turn me over they see that my face has been badly burned around the eyes. I'm also unconscious. I had trouble not smiling as they tried to preform first aid and did a terrible job (they said I must be dead 3 times), with very little organization. After they had finally patched me up I became conscious, but still blind with a bandage over my eyes. As that was going on they found the pilot Pavlina and treated her for a broken leg, which she didn't have, and a broken arm, and a head injury, she regained consciousness too. Then Debbie showed them where to get their gear on a map and sent them out to get it. Soon they were back with all their stuff. Now we just had to get to camp for the night. I had to be lead because of the blindness, and Debbie had to be carried because of the broken leg. When we made camp the group had to make a fire and cook over it. I think the meal they made was better than the one we brought up and made. Then we set out our sleeping bags with only a poncho hanging a foot over it incase it rained that night (its called biviing), luckily it didn't rain.
The next day we got up and had to be re-bandaged. I didn't do much that day besides being lead around and sitting blind, but the group had to find a place to cross a river, translate Spanish from some natives (oh yah the simulation takes place in Peru) to get food, build a bridge (they needed help for that one) and walk back to camp. We all spent 24 hours in the forest, it was my first time biviing out, I was blind almost the whole time, and it was a brilliant weekend.
PS: I will put some pictures on soon.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Happy New Year
Sorry its been so long I haven't had internet since Christmas so I haven't really had a chance to post much. I just got back to Greenhill from Belfast, and things are starting to get back to normal. My parents came and visited for a few days after Christmas. It was awesome. I got to be a tourist for a little while, and it was great to hear from about everyone back home. By the way thanks everyone who sent stuff for me with my parents (I had so much I had to give some away, I hope you don't mind. Here is a post I was going to put online before new year, but never got a chance. Hope you enjoy it:
Happy new year. I have been off since Christmas, so there isn't much news other than my parents coming to visit, which was awesome.
With 2008 here I started thinking about 2007, so I made a list of a few (50) memories throughout the year. I doubt that anyone knows what all of these are about, but I think everyone will have at least one memory they shared with me. If you know of any that I should have remembered please let me know. Without any further adu this is 2007 in review:
St. Marys
*New Years eve @ Newloves'
*Ice-cream/ trivial pursuit
*Basketball team Dinners
*Winning TV 44 scholastic bowl
*Stolley Hustle Award Banquet
*Pizza Tuesdays
*Lunch table
*TENNIS (Doubles with Jameel, Great season with great teammates, almost getting a golden match and many many more)
*Prom and Dino the limo driver
*Watching the girls Softball state run from the couch
*The last day of school camp out (and kick out)
*Graduation / Grad parties
*Early morning soccer
*Evening tennis
*Thursday night sand volleyball
*Wednesday night water polo
*Bonfires under the stars
*Drive-in
*Waffle-house
*Wiffle-ball at Lloyd's
*Working at McD's (and living) with Saji
*"Breakfast" (and all our inside joke)
*"Homecoming"
Chicago
*The Bean
*Jazz Festival
*Celtic Festival
*Quote wall
*Edna's
*The conservatory
*Krista's tours
*Orlando
*USA vs. Brazil soccer game
*Tuesday lunches
*Seeing Jameel's last high-school soccer game
*Welcome home party
*Hearing about Fabio
*Commissioning/ Saying goodbye
*Newark Airport fiasco
*Seeing my aunt, cousins, and Grandma
Ireland
*Jet-lag
*New home/ housemates
*Halloween feast/ fireworks
*Staff room
*Ping Pong Tournament / soccer match/ pool night
*Thanksgiving feast
*Helping a kid overcome his fear of heights
*Moving to Belfast
*Living across from a "peace wall"
*Getting sick on Christmas (along with Kevin)
*New Years eve with my parents, who were visiting
Happy new year, may this one be better than the last one, no matter how good the last one was.
God Bless
Happy new year. I have been off since Christmas, so there isn't much news other than my parents coming to visit, which was awesome.
With 2008 here I started thinking about 2007, so I made a list of a few (50) memories throughout the year. I doubt that anyone knows what all of these are about, but I think everyone will have at least one memory they shared with me. If you know of any that I should have remembered please let me know. Without any further adu this is 2007 in review:
St. Marys
*New Years eve @ Newloves'
*Ice-cream/ trivial pursuit
*Basketball team Dinners
*Winning TV 44 scholastic bowl
*Stolley Hustle Award Banquet
*Pizza Tuesdays
*Lunch table
*TENNIS (Doubles with Jameel, Great season with great teammates, almost getting a golden match and many many more)
*Prom and Dino the limo driver
*Watching the girls Softball state run from the couch
*The last day of school camp out (and kick out)
*Graduation / Grad parties
*Early morning soccer
*Evening tennis
*Thursday night sand volleyball
*Wednesday night water polo
*Bonfires under the stars
*Drive-in
*Waffle-house
*Wiffle-ball at Lloyd's
*Working at McD's (and living) with Saji
*"Breakfast" (and all our inside joke)
*"Homecoming"
Chicago
*The Bean
*Jazz Festival
*Celtic Festival
*Quote wall
*Edna's
*The conservatory
*Krista's tours
*Orlando
*USA vs. Brazil soccer game
*Tuesday lunches
*Seeing Jameel's last high-school soccer game
*Welcome home party
*Hearing about Fabio
*Commissioning/ Saying goodbye
*Newark Airport fiasco
*Seeing my aunt, cousins, and Grandma
Ireland
*Jet-lag
*New home/ housemates
*Halloween feast/ fireworks
*Staff room
*Ping Pong Tournament / soccer match/ pool night
*Thanksgiving feast
*Helping a kid overcome his fear of heights
*Moving to Belfast
*Living across from a "peace wall"
*Getting sick on Christmas (along with Kevin)
*New Years eve with my parents, who were visiting
Happy new year, may this one be better than the last one, no matter how good the last one was.
God Bless
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Moving
Greenhill YMCA closed for the year last week, so all the volunteers scattered back to their homes all over the world. Well all except the RAD team. We were in Ireland to do missions, so that is what we were going to do during the three week vacation.
Kevin, Caitlyn and I moved to Belfast to work at the East Belfast Mission (EBM). We are now volunteering in a charity furniture shop that EBM uses to raise money for other important work, one being a counseling center for ?????????. EBM houses us in a nice place that is just the right size for three people to live comfortably. It is right across the street from a "peace wall." A peace wall is a 50 foot high fence put up to keep Catholics and Protestants from destroying each others homes. Luckily the violence has diminished in the past 5 years. The homes that are right by the wall, which were destroyed during the troubles, are now being rebuilt. It has calmed down enough for people to feel comfortable in homes so close to the "border." Its exciting to see a sort of renaissance for this part of Belfast. Also in Belfast we are closer to Tim (he's in charge of us while we are here) which is good, because Tim is a really good guy to just have a conversation with or help the group through a problem.
One downside about working here is that, like any time one moves, we don't know many people. What makes it worse is that we only have three weeks here, which isn't enough time to start a meaning relationship with the community. So lately I've had a lot of time to myself (with no TV or internet). This gives me a chance to really reflect on my time in Ireland so far:
I have been struggling to make Ireland my home in a sense. I keep thinking back to how things were back home. Other times I look ahead to what life will be like when I return, or what college will be like. I have struggled to live in the present. By not living in the here and now there are so many moments that can be missed, and I don't want to miss any important moments during this year. I have realized the opportunity that is here for me to grow in my faith, and to live out my faith. For the first time I am living in a secular community in Greenhill. I have realized that while most of the other volunteers don't really have a faith they still want to talk about spiritual matters. I'm always glad to facilitate that. I have had many good conversation with them, and have built up a good relationship with all the other volunteers. Being away from all the guys in Greenhill has made me realize how close I have gotten to them. I hope that I can continue to strengthen the relationships I have with them when I return there in January.
I miss you all. Thanks for all the Prayers.
Kevin, Caitlyn and I moved to Belfast to work at the East Belfast Mission (EBM). We are now volunteering in a charity furniture shop that EBM uses to raise money for other important work, one being a counseling center for ?????????. EBM houses us in a nice place that is just the right size for three people to live comfortably. It is right across the street from a "peace wall." A peace wall is a 50 foot high fence put up to keep Catholics and Protestants from destroying each others homes. Luckily the violence has diminished in the past 5 years. The homes that are right by the wall, which were destroyed during the troubles, are now being rebuilt. It has calmed down enough for people to feel comfortable in homes so close to the "border." Its exciting to see a sort of renaissance for this part of Belfast. Also in Belfast we are closer to Tim (he's in charge of us while we are here) which is good, because Tim is a really good guy to just have a conversation with or help the group through a problem.
One downside about working here is that, like any time one moves, we don't know many people. What makes it worse is that we only have three weeks here, which isn't enough time to start a meaning relationship with the community. So lately I've had a lot of time to myself (with no TV or internet). This gives me a chance to really reflect on my time in Ireland so far:
I have been struggling to make Ireland my home in a sense. I keep thinking back to how things were back home. Other times I look ahead to what life will be like when I return, or what college will be like. I have struggled to live in the present. By not living in the here and now there are so many moments that can be missed, and I don't want to miss any important moments during this year. I have realized the opportunity that is here for me to grow in my faith, and to live out my faith. For the first time I am living in a secular community in Greenhill. I have realized that while most of the other volunteers don't really have a faith they still want to talk about spiritual matters. I'm always glad to facilitate that. I have had many good conversation with them, and have built up a good relationship with all the other volunteers. Being away from all the guys in Greenhill has made me realize how close I have gotten to them. I hope that I can continue to strengthen the relationships I have with them when I return there in January.
I miss you all. Thanks for all the Prayers.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Check this out
Well things are winding down at Greenhill for the year. I leave for East Belfast Mission on Thursday, but other than that I don't have much news. I saw this video at an FCA meeting before I left, and I thought it was awesome, I just came across it again and thought you might want to check it out. Enjoy :)
Sunday, December 2, 2007
What I've been doing
Those of you who get my email would have already read this, but I realized that I hadn't writen about the actual work I've been doing, so I thought that it would be appropiate.
I've been in Northern Ireland for over a month now, and things are going well. I am working at a YMCA called Green Hill. It is a youth camp. They have all sorts of outdoor activities. I've spent this month figuring out what my role here will be. It's been frustrating at times not exactly knowing what work I would be doing. Most of the other volunteers (13 of us live in one big house on the beach) here are outdoor instructors primarily. About half of them would call themselves christian. One of the reasons we were sent to this YMCA is so that hopefully we can start a trend of Christian volunteers here. also to get the "Christian Ethos" back in the Greenhill Y (over the years it has lost many church connections). But the work I'm doing while trying to help accomplish these goals is what I have struggled with. I like to do a little of everything so thats what I have been doing. First one of my tasks was to start up a shop (sell tee-shirts and chocolates and such) to help raise a little money for the center. That was a very slow and boring process, but I think that once its running well it will be useful. I have also been working on a DVD for a charity in Uganda. This is more of a favor. A man at Rod's (volunteer coordinator) church had worked in Uganda, and saw how orphans were treated, so he decided to start his own children's home type thing. The land had been donated, but he needed some help raising money, thats where the DVD comes in. I had some experience editing movies, and I had a good program for making it, so Rod asked me. He also hoped I could make one for Greenhill afterward, which is fine with me. I have also been working with the rest of the RAD team on a prayer walk, which should help give Greenhill a more christian feel. These jobs still weren't nearly enough work though. I was used to a busy schedule of school, practice, homework, and having fun. Plus being at an outdoor camp I really wanted to do some outdoor work. So now I am also training to lead outdoor activities. This morning I was helping lead a group through a river (yes it was cold), but I loved it. I think my year at Greenhill will be great. :)
Now as I'm finally getting settled in at Greenhill Christmas vacation is coming. While its closed Caitlyn Kevin and I (the RAD team) will be going to Belfast to work at the East Belfast Mission. It will be a big change, but it sounds like exciting work. Marry Christmas. I'll write you next year.
God Bless,
Jon
I've been in Northern Ireland for over a month now, and things are going well. I am working at a YMCA called Green Hill. It is a youth camp. They have all sorts of outdoor activities. I've spent this month figuring out what my role here will be. It's been frustrating at times not exactly knowing what work I would be doing. Most of the other volunteers (13 of us live in one big house on the beach) here are outdoor instructors primarily. About half of them would call themselves christian. One of the reasons we were sent to this YMCA is so that hopefully we can start a trend of Christian volunteers here. also to get the "Christian Ethos" back in the Greenhill Y (over the years it has lost many church connections). But the work I'm doing while trying to help accomplish these goals is what I have struggled with. I like to do a little of everything so thats what I have been doing. First one of my tasks was to start up a shop (sell tee-shirts and chocolates and such) to help raise a little money for the center. That was a very slow and boring process, but I think that once its running well it will be useful. I have also been working on a DVD for a charity in Uganda. This is more of a favor. A man at Rod's (volunteer coordinator) church had worked in Uganda, and saw how orphans were treated, so he decided to start his own children's home type thing. The land had been donated, but he needed some help raising money, thats where the DVD comes in. I had some experience editing movies, and I had a good program for making it, so Rod asked me. He also hoped I could make one for Greenhill afterward, which is fine with me. I have also been working with the rest of the RAD team on a prayer walk, which should help give Greenhill a more christian feel. These jobs still weren't nearly enough work though. I was used to a busy schedule of school, practice, homework, and having fun. Plus being at an outdoor camp I really wanted to do some outdoor work. So now I am also training to lead outdoor activities. This morning I was helping lead a group through a river (yes it was cold), but I loved it. I think my year at Greenhill will be great. :)
Now as I'm finally getting settled in at Greenhill Christmas vacation is coming. While its closed Caitlyn Kevin and I (the RAD team) will be going to Belfast to work at the East Belfast Mission. It will be a big change, but it sounds like exciting work. Marry Christmas. I'll write you next year.
God Bless,
Jon
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Address
Some people have been asking for my mailing address. So here is the one I have now and will have for most of my stay.
greenhill ymca
donard park
newcastle
county down
bt33 0gr
From Dec. 10- Jan. 9 I will be working at the East Belfast Mission. I don't know what my address there will be but I'll get it to you right away.
greenhill ymca
donard park
newcastle
county down
bt33 0gr
From Dec. 10- Jan. 9 I will be working at the East Belfast Mission. I don't know what my address there will be but I'll get it to you right away.
Monday, November 12, 2007
"Master of Table Tennis"
In my last blog I wrote about a table tennis tournament we had against another volunteer group. It was so much fun that we had another this week. I thought that it would be a good way to tell you a little about the people I'm working and living with. The tournament was so much fun. Clause ((pronounced Clous) German, he's very funny and plays a mean harmonica, and tries at guitar) and Ben (American from the other organization) decided to be the commentators. They went around and interviewed all the other contestant it was hilarious. We had 16 people come to play in the tournament, and the games got pretty intense. The first round I played Aden (Irish, doesn't live with us, but helps out with outdoor stuff). I beat him and we talked for most of the rest of the night. The next round I played Carolyn (Slovakian who also plays badminton very well and made the trophy for the winner) I won that match, but we had some great rallies, she had improved a ton from last week. This put me in the semi finals with Clause, Stefan (Slovakian last weeks winner), and Christoph (German, who had just gotten back from a mountain hike, and was the first person who I met because he was being picked up from 3 days in the mountains when we arrived) I played Clause and it was a good match, but I beat him, which meant that I would at least get second (better than last week). Stefan won rather easily. Clause and Christoph played for 3rd place, Christoph won. So I was playing Stephan (He's been at Greenhill for almost a year now. He helped get me involved in the local church, and is a very nice guy). Everyone was having a good time eating biscuits (which they have basically made into a sport of itself), drinking tea and watching the finals. It was a very close first game, which I barely won. Everyone was surprised that Stephan had actually lost a game. In game two he regained some dignity by beating me 11-1. Ouch! I regained my composer in game three and beat him! Afterward everyone went crazy (in a joking way) and we had the award ceremony. The crown that Carolyn and Pavlina (German, she hasn't been here long and she is still working on her english) was beautifully adorned with candles on top. When Seb (Sebastian: French or Peruvian depending on the day. He's the most experienced mountain climber in the group, and might also be the craziest) saw that there were candles he decided that they had to be lit. So thats how I ended up with a cardboard crown that said "Master of Table Tennis" lit on top of my head. It was such a fun time.
These aren't all the people, but I think it gives a good cross section of what this group is like. (sorry if it was hard to follow). We are all having a lot of fun together. If the rest of the time is as fun as the start I'll have a great year. Next week might be a football (soccer) game. :)
These aren't all the people, but I think it gives a good cross section of what this group is like. (sorry if it was hard to follow). We are all having a lot of fun together. If the rest of the time is as fun as the start I'll have a great year. Next week might be a football (soccer) game. :)
Monday, November 5, 2007
First Week
What a great week to start off my time in Northern Ireland. I should probably start out with where I'm living, and working. I live in an old house with about 12 other volunteers. Its a very large house (we all have our own rooms, and a nice lounge area) that is right on the beach. I have a beautiful view. (the picture is from my window) On the other side of the house are mountains (another nice view) about a mile up the tallest mountain is the place I'm working, the Greenhill YMCA. The Y's here are a lot different from in the states. This is a lot more like a summer camp (there are ropes courses, canoeing, rock climbing, ect.). I will be working more with getting to know the kids who come through, and more indoor tasks.
Back to my first week. I was pretty jet lagged, the first day, so they gave us the second to re coup. That night (Monday) the volunteers had a ping pong tournament (what luck)! I got 3rd out of 12, but the tournament gave me a way to beak the ice a little. Tuesday we learned a little more about the camp an met a lot of the administrators. Wednesday was halloween, and the volunteers had a halloween dinner. It was basically like thanksgiving. The food was great and afterward there was a fireworks show. Thursday we went to Belfast and walked around the city. The weekend was a lot of fun as well nothing to write home about. Next week we will be getting started doing some work and learning how do do specific tasks.
As the locals say "The week was brilliant."
Thursday, November 1, 2007
What a trip
Wow I had a great week at home. Thanks to everyone who visited with me while I was home it was so awesome to see everyone. After that great time home I was hoping for a nice trip to Ireland... it didn't quite go as planed.
Everything went fine getting Checked in at the Cleveland airport, but our plane was delayed. We got to Newark (our connecting flight to Belfast) right when our other plane was supposed to be leaving. It was still on the ground but they were done boarding. We couldn’t go that night. They gave us a hotel room and some food vouchers, and the next plane was going out the next night, and we might get on it. So Saturday I spent with Amo Daoud’s family (after we could find them with the messed up NJ train system). Tata (Grandma) found out that I was going to be there so she made Aunti Phoebe take her. Tamara and Yasmin also come down to see me. It was really a good time, and again showed me all the people who cared for me, and would be praying for me. So we went to the airport hoping to get on the plane. It was overbooked, and we only had standby tickets. The terminal was packed with people. While we waited for the workers to load everyone else on the plane and tell us if we had seats, I used all my food vouchers to buy snacks for the flight. Finally we were called! There was just enough room for us. The plane was packed, but we were on it. I slept for some of the flight, but about 6 hours later we landed in Belfast. We had finally made it after two full days of traveling, but when we went to get our bags they weren’t there. We waited around for a while, then waited in line for a longer while, waiting to tell the workers what had happened. My guess was that our bags had somehow gotten on the plane the night before, which we had missed. The clerk said that it had probably been misrouted, and we would have it hopefully by tomorrow. I had already spent 2 days and nights in those clothes, and didn’t want to spend another, but we left and waiting for us in the pickup area was Tim (the guy in charge while we are in Ireland). He welcomed us and told us what had happened to our bags. The plane that we missed was stuck on the runway for half an hour, and then the people were sent back inside for another 2 hours (all of this after we had “missed it”). So our bags had gotten on that plane, and were waiting for us at the airport. We got them and stuffed them and ourselves into Tim’s small car. He took us to his office where the three of us could eat change and relax after our long trip. We were finally in Ireland.
Everything went fine getting Checked in at the Cleveland airport, but our plane was delayed. We got to Newark (our connecting flight to Belfast) right when our other plane was supposed to be leaving. It was still on the ground but they were done boarding. We couldn’t go that night. They gave us a hotel room and some food vouchers, and the next plane was going out the next night, and we might get on it. So Saturday I spent with Amo Daoud’s family (after we could find them with the messed up NJ train system). Tata (Grandma) found out that I was going to be there so she made Aunti Phoebe take her. Tamara and Yasmin also come down to see me. It was really a good time, and again showed me all the people who cared for me, and would be praying for me. So we went to the airport hoping to get on the plane. It was overbooked, and we only had standby tickets. The terminal was packed with people. While we waited for the workers to load everyone else on the plane and tell us if we had seats, I used all my food vouchers to buy snacks for the flight. Finally we were called! There was just enough room for us. The plane was packed, but we were on it. I slept for some of the flight, but about 6 hours later we landed in Belfast. We had finally made it after two full days of traveling, but when we went to get our bags they weren’t there. We waited around for a while, then waited in line for a longer while, waiting to tell the workers what had happened. My guess was that our bags had somehow gotten on the plane the night before, which we had missed. The clerk said that it had probably been misrouted, and we would have it hopefully by tomorrow. I had already spent 2 days and nights in those clothes, and didn’t want to spend another, but we left and waiting for us in the pickup area was Tim (the guy in charge while we are in Ireland). He welcomed us and told us what had happened to our bags. The plane that we missed was stuck on the runway for half an hour, and then the people were sent back inside for another 2 hours (all of this after we had “missed it”). So our bags had gotten on that plane, and were waiting for us at the airport. We got them and stuffed them and ourselves into Tim’s small car. He took us to his office where the three of us could eat change and relax after our long trip. We were finally in Ireland.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Now We Know...Kinda
I have been waiting to blog until Darrell got back from his trip in Ireland where he was basically figuring out what to do with us. He was supposed to come here on Tuesday, but surprised us and was here today. So now I know a lot more about the work I'll be doing, but I still don't know that much. But first I will tell you about my week. (If you want to go to the good stuff then skip the next paragraph).
Monday we talked about discipleship with 3 members of the Brethren/ Mennonite Churches. It was really cool because we got to hear 3 different viewpoints (plus our own) instead of one. On Tuesday we talked about Anabaptist history with Megan Ramer (the Mennonite pastor). We continued the conversation over lunch with Megan and Orlando(the Brethren pastor). On Wednesday I went to work...without Kevin :( I did the same on Thursday, but felt sick, and went home early. I felt bad on Friday also so I stayed home. I spent most of my time sleeping or praying for Kevin who had his surgery Friday(mistake on my last blog about it being Sunday). That afternoon we found out that the surgery went well and Kevin should be coming back this tuesday, instead of in a month! Praise God! The weekend wasn't that special. On Saturday I went to the Museum of Contemporary Art, where I found out I don't like contemporary art. On Sunday I went to Trinity United Church of Christ. It was an afro-centric church, but although Caitlyn and I were like the only white people there I never felt out of place. It's now sort of famous because Barack Obama goes there (he wasn't there he's campaigning). The service was really cool though. Sunday night Dell Hershberger came to talk about the cross cultural experience. He talked through Monday morning.
Monday Darrell showed up during breakfast and we were all excited to see him. After Dell talked we had lunch and a talk with Darrell. He was really excited about the two places we were going to work. First we will be going to Green Hill, a camp on the coast, and I mean right on the coast with a great view. The camp is a place for the Protestant and Catholic kids can come and have fun together. After a month there we will go to the East Belfast Mission. This is more "in the middle of the action." He was a little more vague about that, but it sounds like it will be an exciting month. After that we will return to Green Hill for the rest of the time.
So thats what I know so far, and I will try to keep everyone updated.
Thanks for reading
Monday we talked about discipleship with 3 members of the Brethren/ Mennonite Churches. It was really cool because we got to hear 3 different viewpoints (plus our own) instead of one. On Tuesday we talked about Anabaptist history with Megan Ramer (the Mennonite pastor). We continued the conversation over lunch with Megan and Orlando(the Brethren pastor). On Wednesday I went to work...without Kevin :( I did the same on Thursday, but felt sick, and went home early. I felt bad on Friday also so I stayed home. I spent most of my time sleeping or praying for Kevin who had his surgery Friday(mistake on my last blog about it being Sunday). That afternoon we found out that the surgery went well and Kevin should be coming back this tuesday, instead of in a month! Praise God! The weekend wasn't that special. On Saturday I went to the Museum of Contemporary Art, where I found out I don't like contemporary art. On Sunday I went to Trinity United Church of Christ. It was an afro-centric church, but although Caitlyn and I were like the only white people there I never felt out of place. It's now sort of famous because Barack Obama goes there (he wasn't there he's campaigning). The service was really cool though. Sunday night Dell Hershberger came to talk about the cross cultural experience. He talked through Monday morning.
Monday Darrell showed up during breakfast and we were all excited to see him. After Dell talked we had lunch and a talk with Darrell. He was really excited about the two places we were going to work. First we will be going to Green Hill, a camp on the coast, and I mean right on the coast with a great view. The camp is a place for the Protestant and Catholic kids can come and have fun together. After a month there we will go to the East Belfast Mission. This is more "in the middle of the action." He was a little more vague about that, but it sounds like it will be an exciting month. After that we will return to Green Hill for the rest of the time.
So thats what I know so far, and I will try to keep everyone updated.
Thanks for reading
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