Lacey magic

I appear, and disappear, and reappear... you really couldn't ask for better entertainment, I think. I'm sorry again for a long absence. I'm writing from my upstairs balcony - we're working on the internet situation with great success! Anyway. Lots to tell you, in no particular order...

I miss you all. I'm really looking forward to coming home and seeing everyone. I can tell already that it's going to be an interesting adjustment, but I'm excited. I bought a pumpkin to carve, but it's really not going to be the same when little kids aren't out trick-or-treating, but rather stuffing fireworks and other vandalistic objects into mailboxes. Life is different here :)

I went to Donegal this weekend, which is an area on the north coast - it was absolutely gorgeous. I'll get pictures up asap. The scenery was amazing. You'd never expect white sandy beaches on the Irish coast, but I'm here to verify that it's true. I felt so lucky to be there. We arrived at night, with a billion stars above and darkness everywhere else. With the wind, and the shadowed reflection of stars on the water it was almost like being in OUTER SPACE. It was basically amazing.

I was prepared to teach ESL class again this Monday night but turns out there were fewer basic-level speakers than expected, so I got to talk with one of the ladies who volunteers at the house. The location is called The Way In. A few people had been really convicted about reaching out to their local community, in which there are lots of needs - single moms, immigrants, alcoholics, university students (which yes, is a need in itself). So 15 years ago Marie (the lady I was talking to) quit her job and became a full-time volunteer. Obtaining the house (again, looks more like a town-house, but three stories and lots of rooms) was a really long process, a "faith venture", but she's been there the whole time - it was great finding out what she's doing. The house is right in the middle of the community. They do ESL classes, counseling, host Bible studies from local churches, youth groups... whatever God leads them to do. I wouldn't mind doing something really similar myself, but it would have to look a lot different in Bothell than it does here. I'm not sure, but I think the needs are different... it'll be interesting to see home with new eyes when I come back.

Tuesday night was also for learning about ministry being done here - my roommate Nicola and I went to help out a young couple, AJ and Grace, with Belfast City Mission. This was also located right in the center of a low-income housing development in kind of a rough neighborhood in East Belfast. We helped with a Kids Club, ages 4-13... it was evident that AJ just really loved the kids and wanted to do anything to get them there and care for them. I could tell it's an exhausting place to be a missionary, and the kids - especially the older boys - were really disobedient and defiant, but he totally loved them. He wants to start a Youth Club aimed at teenagers in January. I could also see myself doing something like that - I'm drawn toward extreme situations. Don't know if it'll be here or not, but somewhere...Gram, I know that makes you nervous. But I'll still come visit you in Missouri.

Okay, well Nicola would like to use the computer so that's all for me now. Hopefully I'll write more VERY soon. I love you all.