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
Monday, January 7, 2008
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."
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