It's Christmas Time in the City

The past few weeks have been full of Christmas festivities.  The house and the office are decorated, and City Centre is gorgeous.  Twice I have been to the Christmas Market full of exotic food and other items from around the world.  I have received Christmas cards, bought an advent calendar, and listened to Christmas music.  I’ve watched three versions of “A Christmas Carol” and have read the book.  I have even been carolling!  My Christmas plans are made.  Some families have invited me to spend Christmas with them and I am truly grateful.  God has put many wonderful people into my life this year.  I have decided though, that I will have Christmas dinner with Jaci’s family.  I have also scheduled a Christmas morning Skype date with my family.  I am so thankful for modern technology!  I have been busy at work and with schoolwork and I’m counting down the days to Mom’s visit on the 27^th.

This is a different Christmas for me, away from the people I love and the traditions I know.  I have had my melancholy moments, listening to Bing Crosby sing “White Christmas” and wishing I was home.  But being in a different place for Christmas has caused me to consider more closely the true reason for Christmas.  I have been thinking of the anticipation that must have been felt in Heaven those many years ago as God’s plan was put into action; the excitement that must have been felt when it was finally time for the promised Messiah to bring salvation to a fallen world.  Christmas is not about gifts, Santa Claus or decorations, and that's something we are all aware of.  However, it is not about wise men, shepherds, or angels either.  Yes, these have become a part of it and all serve to remind us of this wonderful, exciting event in history.  However, without these things it would still be Christmas, because Christmas is the Messiah come to earth.  Jesus, fully God and fully man, came to take our sins, the sins of the world, upon Himself.  He came to rescue us from the punishment we deserve, if only we would accept Him as our Saviour.  This is the reason we celebrate.  Christ is Christmas.

So, while I am already making plans for next Christmas that include all of the traditions I hold dear, this year has served to remind me that the true reason we celebrate Christmas is to honour and glorify the One who came to die so that we might truly live.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Begin To Be Now What You Will Be Hereafter

Well, I finally tried the bus system!  That was a big accomplishment to me.  I managed to find my bus stop and get on, and then push the button to get off again on time!  I took the bus home that night, and had to wait 15 minutes in the rain for the bus to come by.  Then I missed it because I didn’t know I was supposed to stick out my hand to get them to stop.  I finally made it onto the next bus, and it was so crowded I either had to stand or go upstairs.  I decided to stand awkwardly because I didn’t trust myself to get up and down the stairs on the short ride home.  So the morning bus trip was a success.  The evening bus trip… well, I made it home.

Another new experience for me was taking minutes at a meeting.  I was grateful it was a small meeting with only four people plus me.  I brought my laptop so I could type instead of hand write, assuming I’d be quicker that way.  It seemed to go well, and someone mentioned to me later that the minutes were very thorough.  So, that’s a successful accomplishment!  I was glad to hear I did well.  The bonus in going to this meeting, by the way, is that I got to eat the most amazing scone I’ve ever had!

A couple weeks ago, I went back to CFC to hear a speaker who is a prison camp escapee from North Korea.  Since escaping he has become a Christian and now tours churches as an advocate for those still imprisoned.  It truly increased awareness of the injustices still taking place in our world.

That evening there was a baptism at Strandtown Baptist, and a new friend of mine, Laura Gamble, was one of eight getting baptised.  I was so glad to be there to celebrate their declaration of faith.  Afterwards I was invited to her mother-in-law’s for a celebration with her friends.  There was quite a crowd, so I got to know more people.

Halloween was a bit different than at home.  More noticeable in some areas and less noticeable in others.  For example, at home lawns and houses are elaborately decorated a full month ahead of time.  Here, at least in the city, there were very few houses decorated elaborately or otherwise.  There were, however, fireworks every night for a week ahead of time.  Driving through the city on Saturday night, the streets were filled with costumed partiers.  Of course, the night of, there were trick-or-treaters.  This was the height of celebration from what I could see.  Further west in Derry the celebrations are much more elaborate, really acknowledging the history behind it.  Because Halloween is still associated with its historical roots though, Christians very rarely acknowledge it.

Last week I went to the cinema to see a film with some girls from church.  We went to see a chick flick but it was sold out.  So we ended up watching Contagion.  It thoroughly creeped me out and I did not sleep well that night.  However, after much thought and consideration, I’ve decided it was a good movie worth watching.  Just… make sure you have some hand sanitizer with you for afterward.  You’ll want it.

I was supposed to go shopping in City Centre this past weekend, but the girl I was going in with had to back out when her daughter got sick.  So, I decided to go for a little walk and get a latte or some such hot drink.  As I was walking, I suddenly heard bagpipe music, and looked over to see a marching band of men in kilts playing the bagpipes.  Behind them were soldiers wearing camouflage pants and black shirts pulling an army jeep with ropes.  They proceeded to set up on a street corner and promote joining the army while handing out poppies for Remembrance Day.  The whole thing felt very patriotic!

From there I stopped at a café.  When I walked in, everyone stopped to stare at me.  For a moment I thought I’d walked into a private party, but no one said anything.  So I made my way to the counter, and the staff continued to stare at me.  Finally, I initiated the interaction asking if they did take away.  They went to ask their manager.  She came over and said, yes they do take away and what would I like.  I asked her if they had chai lattes, and had to repeat the question three times.  When she finally understood, she told me no.  They don’t have them.  So I ordered a hot chocolate.  I paid, and without another word someone started making me my drink.  No one spoke to me after that.  I just have to say that it was the strangest café experience I’ve ever had.  I left with my hot chocolate to discover that it was mediocre at best with very little chocolate in it.

I decided to take my hot chocolate home, and on the way stopped at a bakery.  I ordered an egg salad sandwich (which unfortunately came full of onions) and a pastry.  That experience was a bit better than the café.  So I took my lunch home from there, and was walking through the door about half an hour after I left.  Not quite the grand adventure I had hoped for on Saturday, but it definitely gave me some amusing stories.

That night I went to Killinchy for a young adults Bible study that meets once a month.  I had a good time visiting with my new friends from Strandtown.  I am slowly but surely getting to know more people.  It is such a blessing that I discovered Strandtown Baptist so soon after being here and that it was such a perfect fit for me.

Sunday morning at church was a missions morning, and a man from Asia Link mission organization spoke.  It was encouraging to hear of the work being done, and challenging thinking of all that is still to be done.  Many people need Bibles, and they need to hear of the love of Jesus Christ.  He spoke about a people in northern Iraq that believe in the world-wide flood of Noah’s time.  However, they were taught that during the flood, the ark was punctured when it hit a rock.  A great serpent – the same one from the Garden of Eden – then coiled himself over the hole to stop the Ark from sinking.  So, the great serpent saved all mankind, and when Noah left the ark after the flood he built an altar to worship the one who had saved them – the snake.    It is such a sad, twisted misconception of the truth.  This group of people believe that works such as tying knots in fabric or hugging a pillar will save them.  They do not know that it was God who saved Noah and his family from the flood, and they do not know that Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross to save them from their sins and give them eternal life.  They don’t know that their works will not save them.  “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)  Thus far, one man has been saved in this village.  He is under much persecution.  Please pray for the work Asia Link is doing among these people, and that more people would come to know the true Saviour, Jesus Christ.

On a more frivolous note, the MTV Music Awards took place here in Belfast this past weekend.  Sadly, I didn’t get to meet Justin Beiber, although I heard he visited the local supermarket.  Why he did, I’m not sure.  Selena Gomez, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, LMFAO, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Katy Perry were also here among other celebrities.  It was kind of exciting to know that such a big event was happening right where I’m living.  I could hear the music from my house!  The closest I came to a star though, was when I walked past a couple of large buses with tinted windows pulling equipment trailers.  There was most probably a celebrity or two snoozing away inside.

The weather is starting to get a bit colder, and the leaves are starting to fall off the trees.  Everyone is wearing poppies for Remembrance Day.  I walked past a house this morning that had a Christmas tree up.  I’d say it’s almost Christmastime in the city.  Time to pull out the Christmas music!

Jaci is quite a minimalist, so we won’t have too many decorations I don’t think.  I am hoping we’ll have a little tree, but I think that’s optional.

We’re getting a wood burner put in the living room this week, so the house will be much warmer.

This morning Roberta, a woman who cleans the office twice a week, came into my office and gave me a gift she had found at a charity shop.  A set of four coasters with Toronto and the CN Tower on them!  It was so sweet of her to think of me, and pick them up.  I’m going to keep them here on my desk as a little reminder of home.

I’m settling into work, finishing up the Daily Prayer Guide for the months of January – March next year.  You have to start early to get it proofed and sent to the printers.  I think it’s going well.  I guess I’ll soon find out.

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Routine

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope your day is filled with much thankfulness and turkey!  I’ve discovered that in Ireland I am unable to purchase a can of pure pumpkin or any type of pumpkin fill.  So to make a pumpkin pie, I would have to buy the actual pumpkin and go from there.  I’m sorry to deprive you of what would have been a fascinating story.  I didn’t buy a pumpkin, but I did have to share that I couldn’t buy a can of pumpkin pie fill.  It was quite disappointing!  Not disappointing enough to prompt me to buy a pumpkin, though.

This is now the beginning of my second week without Kathy.  It’s going well, I think.  Haven’t heard any complaints yet!  My problem at the moment is finding enough to do.  This won’t be a problem for too long though, because it is my job to create the Daily Prayer Guide that goes out to all the missionaries and everyone that prays for them.  I start that next week.

Last Saturday I went to City Centre with Jaci and discovered a side of Belfast I didn’t know existed!  I realized I hadn’t left East Belfast since I’d arrived.  I am currently making plans to figure out the bus system, so I can explore more of the city.  Jaci and I did some shopping.  I bought a pretty scarf and some things that I needed.  God definitely provided for me that day.  I was just thinking that I needed some sweatpants but didn’t want to spend much money on them, when I looked up and saw a pair my size for only £6.  I grabbed them, and when I got to the till I discovered they were on sale for £1.  I couldn’t believe it!  It honestly made my day.

The next day I decided to attend a church called Christian Fellowship Church (found out later it’s Robin Mark’s church).  My neighbour offered to take me, which was very sweet of her.  But it wasn’t my cup of tea.  It was a very large church with four services and a lot of people, and it was very modern.  I suppose I was looking for a church that reminded me more of home.  The people were very nice, however, and I met a couple girls that are interning there.  I’m hoping to go out for coffee with them sometime in the next week or so.  So, it was a good experience, although it was not the church for me.

This past Tuesday, I finally got to Skype with my parents.  It was so good to talk to them, and see their faces.  There was so much to say!  We talked for a couple hours.  I’m hoping to make a regular habit of it.

It was raining a bit one morning last week, so I took my umbrella.  However, it was so windy I couldn’t use it.  I decided to brave a little rain and save my umbrella.  On the walk home that evening, I passed a total of three broken umbrellas just lying on the ground!  I think I made a good choice.

Friday I began my volunteer work at Castlereagh Baptist Church in the Youth Group.  I will also be working at a Good News Club at the same church.  This is part of my schooling, but is also a good way to meet people and get involved while I’m here.  I had a lot of fun, and did meet some people.  I ended up playing Ligretto (a version of Dutch Blitz) with the girls.  It was a good time of bonding and getting to know the teens and other leaders.  I’m really looking forward to getting involved in these ministries.

Yesterday (Sunday) I chose to try a new church just up the road from Christian Fellowship Church.  This one is called Strandtown Baptist, and is a bit smaller and a bit more my style.  I really enjoyed the worship and the preaching.  Afterwards I met some people my age, and stood talking to them for 20 minutes.  I’m planning on going back, and really looking forward to getting to know the people there better.  It feels really good to have decided on a church to call my own.  I feel like I’m much more at home.  I’ve got my work, my house, my ministries, and now my church.  I hope to make some good friends there as well.

Today, Thanksgiving in Canada, is just another work day for me.  I got up this morning to a heavy rain, and managed to arrive at work with my umbrella intact and my feet soaking wet.  I ended up calling Jaci to bring me my slippers.  I think it would be a good idea to keep some here.  I predict many a wet morning here in Belfast.  Now may be a good time to invest in some rubber boots.

My schedule is definitely filling up, and I’m settling into a routine.  I am a bit behind on my schoolwork, but hope to get a lot done and catch up quickly.  I would appreciate prayer in this area.  I need focus and an excitement about what I’m studying.  Thank you for thinking of me and keeping me in your prayers.

I just want to leave you with this most important verse:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”  Psalm 139:14

God made you, and His works are wonderful.  Don’t forget that.

Adventures

Hello!  It’s been a little while since I’ve written and so much has happened!  Last Monday I went to Staff Conference in Kilkeel.  Sally and I drove through Downpatrick and Newcastle along the coast to Kilkeel.  Although the drive down was cloudy, I was still able to see the Mourne Mountains!  As in “the place where the dark Mourne sweep down to the sea”.  They were so gorgeous!!  Yes, they were dark, and yes, they swept down to the Irish sea.  It was a very thrilling moment for me.

When Sally and I arrived at Seaview, the CEF camp, we took our bags straight to our rooms and went to our first meeting.  There were a lot of meetings at this conference.  I was overwhelmed a bit by the information.  But there were also Bible studies that were very challenging.  Alistair McNealy spoke on 2 Timothy.  The daily schedule basically consisted of going to a Bible study, then a coffee break, meeting, then lunch, then meeting, then tea, then meeting and so on.  There was a lot of meeting and a lot of eating.  However, in the middle of this, I was able to meet so many CEF workers.  I met missionaries, and got to know the rest of the office staff.  It made things seem a bit less intimidating, and everyone was very welcoming!  The other girls in my room were the crazy ones in the group.  They took it upon themselves to be the last ones awake each night.  This made for a lot of fun and a lot of laughs.  During the free time we did get every once in a while, I was able to walk around town and take pictures of the sea and the mountains.

I was supposed to go home on Wednesday with Sally, but there was a concert going on that evening.  Everyone thought I should go, and felt bad that I couldn’t because my drive and hostess was leaving that evening.  So, a few strings were pulled and a new lift home was found, and I was given a ticket to see Stuart Townend in concert!  For those of you who don’t know, Stuart Townend is a modern day hymn writer who has written songs like “In Christ Alone” and “How Deep the Father’s Love”.  I was so excited to see him perform, and I was not disappointed!  It was amazing!  I had a fantastic time, and am so glad I was able to go.  I even got him to autograph my ticket!

After the concert, it was another late night and early morning.  Since I was still there, I attended the final day of meetings.  Then, about mid-afternoon, a girl named Angie drove me back to Sally’s.  Mark had told me not to go to the office the next day, so I used it as a school day.

Saturday morning arrived bright and sunny, so Sally and I got up early and had a touristy day.  We started out at an old post office turned into a tea room, then drove toward Downpatrick stopping to take pictures of the Killyleagh castle.  We then took the ferry to the Ards Peninsula.  We drove all up the peninsula, and stopped in Bangor for some lunch and shopping.  From there we went to Scrabo Tower!  That is the tower I mentioned in my last post.  I got to see it up close!  It was beautiful!  It was about 4:30pm by the time we arrived home, happily exhausted.

Sunday morning, we got up for church, and had a nice time of worship.  Unfortunately, the pastor’s wife was under the weather, so we weren’t able to have dinner with his family.  However, we’re going to try again later on this year.  That evening, Sally and I were eating supper when she glanced at the time, and we realized the church service started in ten minutes!  So we madly ran around, dumping our tea down the sink, and brushing our teeth.  We actually made it in the nick of time.  I was rather impressed.

Monday, I got up early and repacked all my luggage, and about 2pm Mark and Kathy showed up to take me to my official home.  I arrived at Jaci’s house just a short drive later.  Kathy and Mark had to return to the office, so they quickly left.  I spent the afternoon settling in, and going to Tesco (the grocery store) for some food.  Jaci can’t have wheat, so I bought my own pasta and bread and so on.  While we were out, she drove the route that I would be walking to the office.

When we returned we made our individual suppers, and then she had to leave for a meeting.  So, I spent the evening unpacking and whatnot.  When she returned we ended up talking until about midnight.  So it was a late night, but it was nice to get to know my new housemate.

Jaci is very kind and sweet.  I think we’ll get along well.  She is a part of the team of missionaries working with CEF in Belfast.  Her house is wonderful and very girly.  The front door is purple, along with many of the accessories.  My room is the perfect size, and she’s also redone the attic as a second living room.

This morning, I woke up very early, because I was nervous about my walk to the office and the work I would be learning.  So I got up and got ready, and still only managed to run out the door at the last minute.  I began walking the route that Jaci had shown me, and got to the McDonald’s.  I remembered there was something about the McDonald’s I was supposed to know… it was either “make sure you turn left here” or “make sure you go straight here”.  And I couldn’t remember what it was!  So I went straight.  It was the wrong way.  I kept walking and walking… and nothing looked familiar.  It turns out, I was supposed to turn left at the McDonald’s, but the route I went took me to CEF eventually.  It just added about 10 minutes to my walk.  I guess I’ll know for next time!

As it turns out, when I arrived in the office Kathy wasn’t there yet.  So I rewrote a few notes, and then went down to help Emma in the bookshop.  Kathy arrived just before coffee break.  After that, we spent the day going over what I’m going to need to know.  I answered the phone a couple times, and I don’t think I was too awkward.  Over all, it was a good day.

Now, tomorrow I have my scheduled school day, and I’m back in the office on Thursday.  I’m finally starting to settle in.  In a few weeks, this may be old hat.  For now, it’s still nerve wracking and exciting and every little thing is new.  I hope to have many more stories to share with you in the coming days.

Please continue to remember me in your prayers.  I’ll try to keep everyone as updated as possible.  Love you all!

Oh My Gosh... I'm In Ireland!

Well, my Friday was somewhat productive.  I did get some schoolwork done, and I got online to catch up on a little correspondence.

Saturday I had my first real moment of “I’m in Northern Ireland!”  Sally was going to get petrol, and she has a specific station she goes to.  So, she invited me along for the drive, and took the scenic route.  On the way I saw a castle!  Okay, it was actually a tower, not a complete castle… but it was pretty amazing!  It was at the top of a majestic hill in the distance looking gorgeously ancient (Although, it was built in 1857, so it isn’t as ancient as I hoped… but still just as gorgeous!)

When we drove into a town called Newtownards, Sally chuckled and said, “It’s New-town-ards.  It was the newest town in the Ards Peninsula at one time.  That’s probably where it got its name.”  I’m sure it was appropriate at the time….

As we drove through Newtownards, and into Bangor, I saw Belfast Lough which is the gateway for Belfast to the Irish Sea!  We drove alongside stone walls that also bordered the beach.  Beautiful!

Next Saturday, Sally and I will try and go see the sights.  If the weather is good, we’ll bring a picnic.  I’m really hoping the sunny weather will hold!  It is cooler here, than it was when I left New Brunswick.  It’s nice though, because most of my clothes are for cooler weather.  This weather definitely gives me more wardrobe options!

I’m having a really nice time with Sally.  This is a nice way to adjust to living here in Northern Ireland.  I am anxious to move into my official home, figure out the public transportation system, and settle into a routine at the office.  Simply because the idea of these things makes me nervous, and that won’t change until I’m actually experiencing them.  While they’re still an idea, I’m still nervous.  But for now, I’ll do my best to live in the moment and enjoy my time in the town of Combard.

This morning we went to church, and then came home to pack for the staff conference we’re going to tomorrow.  Tonight, evening service is at 7pm.

The staff conference will be at the CEF camp in Kilkeel, and will take a couple hours to drive to.  We will be driving along the Irish Sea, so I will be taking lots of pictures!  The conference goes from Monday to Wednesday.  It should be a good time of getting to know the staff.

Oh, and for those who were praying and wondering:  my cold seems to be gone!  Thank you!

I will write again soon, and also do my best to get on Facebook and Hotmail to respond to some posts and emails.  Love you and miss you all!

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Arrival in Belfast

Well, I made my flight from Halifax on time, and all went smoothly.  I was able to doze most of the way, and the view coming into London was spectacular!  I saw Big Ben and Buckingham Palace!  It was quite an exciting thing for me.

Once I arrived in Heathrow Airport, I had to navigate between terminals and manage escalators with two carry-on bags.  I got to customs and had waited about forty minutes in the line-up when a woman asked if anyone in the line had a connecting flight.  I said I did, and she told me I was in the wrong line!  She then moved me to a much smaller line, and I went from there.  After getting my fingerprints and picture taken, I went up and down a few more escalators and then went through security.  Since the gate number wasn’t written on my ticket and I had no idea where to go, I decided to ask for some help.  The person I asked was very helpful, and told me to look up my flight on the board, and keep an eye on it.  About forty minutes before boarding time, the gate would come up.  In the meantime I could sit in the general departure lounge.  This sounded like a good idea, so I looked up my flight, and went to find a seat.  Of course, the departure lounge was in the middle of all these interesting shops and restaurants!  And I have to say, I came very close to purchasing a few overpriced, over-touristy knickknacks.  But in the end, I managed to abstain!  I’ll purchase some souvenirs when I actually go to London (since I hope to while I’m here), not while I’m waiting around the airport.  However, if I haven’t managed to visit London by the time I’m on my way home there will be airport souvenirs!  After waiting for another hour or so, my gate number came up.  I was relieved to see it was Gate 8 and not Gate 78, which meant a much longer walk.  After turning down a few more hallways and whatnot, I found my line-up.  However, once I entered Gate 8, I discovered that there were about 7 Gate 8’s!  We had to wait again to find out which Gate 8 was ours.  I met a woman from Londonderry, and we talked while we waited.  Unfortunately, I don’t think I was much of a conversationalist that day.  I had had too little sleep.

Finally, it was time to board our plane (it was Gate 8e, by the way).  As soon as I sat down, keeping my eyes open became a big problem.  I felt a bit silly, because I wasn’t worried at all about our late departure due to weather.  The entire flight over to Belfast, I was struggling to stay awake.  I also may have snored a bit (which was particularly embarrassing because my seat neighbour looked like the well put together business man he was – all perfectly awake in his suit – while I looked simply haggard).  I did, however, manage to open my eyes long enough to see the Irish coast and the city of Belfast from the air.  It was so beautiful!  I wish I could say it took my breath away… but I was too busy falling asleep again.

As we were getting closer and about to come in for a landing, the plane starting swaying back and forth in the air as a result of strong cross winds.  Even Mr. Perfect-Business-Man was looking a little nervous.  It was a very unsettling landing.  But, we made it safe and sound.  I was told later that the day before had been even worse!  I am very thankful I flew when I did.

When I arrived, I picked up my baggage and went to meet the people picking me up.  I had no idea what they looked like, and they didn’t know what I looked like.  So, I stood there looking lost, until a woman – who had been standing a few feet away from me for a few minutes – came over and asked me if I was Paige.  I was so relieved!  I had started to wonder what I would do!  It turns out they had asked a few people if they were Paige, and had been given strange looks, so they were hesitant to ask again.  Then, they saw a little boy walk out beside me, and assumed he was mine so I couldn’t be who they were looking for.  But we finally met, and they took me out to the car.  I discovered their names are Mark Kelly and Kathy Coffey.  Kathy is the Administrative Assistant that I will be replacing when she goes maternity leave in two weeks.  They were both really wonderful, and took me out to lunch at a place called The Point.  From there, I was taken to the office and given a tour.  I got to meet a few people while I was there; however, I was still jetlagged and tired, so I’m not sure what kind of first impression I made.

After my tour, they took me to my temporary accommodations, just outside Belfast in a town called Combard.  The girl I will be living with is away, so I’m staying with a woman named Sally until next Monday.  Kathy and her husband David drove me to Sally’s, and since Sally wasn’t there, they waited with me for about an hour.  They left after a while, and I just read and watched TV until Sally came home about an hour later.  When she arrived, we talked for a little while, and then she gave me some supper and sent me to bed.  We decided that I would take the next day off to recuperate.  I must have fallen asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

When I woke at 11:00 the next morning, I made myself get up.  Sally had gone into the office, so I had the house to myself.  I took a shower, and then had some soup she had left for me.  She had also mentioned a Christian bookshop/café, so I made my way there.  It was a sweet little shop called Revive.  I looked around and bought a hot chocolate.  I walked back to Sally’s and spent the rest of the afternoon just relaxing.  When Sally came home, we made some supper and then watched a video from her travels… to Canada!  She has been there multiple times.  Never to the east of Canada, though.  She has friends in the west.  So we watched a video on the highlights of the Canadian Rockies.  It really made me wonder why I have never been there!  I’m thinking a trip is due after I’ve returned home.  Once we finished the video, we both made our way to bed.

I got up earlier yesterday (Thursday), because it was my first day in the office.  The drive to the office was so lovely!  There were farms and quaint houses and everything you would expect… it was quite picturesque!

At the office, we were the first to arrive.  The day started with prayer, which was a wonderful way to connect with my co-workers.  After this, I visited David Jackson and went over some legalities and paperwork.  Then, I went upstairs and talked to Mark about my responsibilities.  I was also given two mobile phones to choose from, so I have a way of getting in touch with office people.  I basically spent the day learning what I would be doing in the office, and getting to know everyone.  I felt a bit out of my element, even though everyone was very kind and friendly.  I’m nervous about learning the work, and I do feel awkward trying to contribute to conversations I don’t know too much about (especially in my Canadian accent); but I’m sure I will adjust, and hopefully prove more competent than I felt yesterday.

After work we brought Kathy home with us, because David was taking his sister’s dog to the vet.  Sally made supper as soon as we arrived home, because we had Bible Study/Prayer Meeting at 8:00.  She and I ate while Kathy visited, and David arrived to pick her up about the time we were finishing.

When Sally and I went to her meeting, I met a few people from her church, as well as her pastor.  They were all really great!  It was so nice meeting them.  We had a Bible study, and then prayer time.  They prayed for me, and it was really encouraging.  After we arrived home last night, I realized I had developed a bit of a cold.  I’m really hoping it won’t last long.

I have today off partly because Sally wasn’t planning on going in, and partly because it’s just before conference and everyone is really busy.  So today is a school day.  I plan to get a lot done in my reading of “Biblical Theology of the New Testament”.

In case anyone has wondered where I’ve been, I haven’t had access to the internet on my computer yet.  I plan on being online soon, with this and other updates.

Please pray for me as I adjust to living in Northern Ireland.  I hope to soon feel a little less bumbling and a little more capable.  Also, please pray that this cold will be gone before conference on Monday – it would be a bit awkward sniffling and sneezing during business meetings.  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.  They mean the world to me.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

So Long, Farewell

Well, I've had a busy week of classes, and a busy weekend of goodbyes since I last wrote.  I'm happy to tell you my Travel Visa came in!  That was such a provision from God.  I enjoyed my classes at NBBI and made many new friends.  It turned out to be a really amazing week.  AND my friends Mike and Laura McKearney were able to drive me home, since Mike is doing his 4th year at Parkside Baptist.

We're about to head out and drive to Halifax.  My flight leaves at 11:45pm.  I'm going to have dinner with my parents and then go check in for my flight.  Tomorrow at this time, I will be in Belfast, Northern Ireland!  I'm nervous and excited, and I'm going to miss everyone terribly!

I don't have much time to write a lot, but I will leave you with this verse:  I praise God for what He has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.  Psalm 56:10

Now It Makes Sense

I've come to realize the reason for this first week of classes at NBBI.  It's to prepare your heart and bring you to a place where you're ready to serve God.  I've been reminded of what it is to serve God wholeheartedly.  It's amazing to be surrounded once again by believers striving to do just that.  Of course I know believers at home that are serving God just as wholeheartedly… but I’d forgotten about the intensity only a Bible school student brings to it, as they are immersed day in and day out with studying the Word of God and fellowshipping with other believers.  They bring new meaning to the word “passion”.  So, being here and hearing them share testimonies of God’s faithfulness and goodness, has been challenging and encouraging simultaneously.  I pray that God will use this week to prepare my heart for the ministry I hope to have in Belfast.

The freshman class arrived yesterday.  My special job all day yesterday was to man the Timbit table.  It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it!  And, honestly, I’m pretty impressed with myself.  In six hours, I only ate 5 timbits.  Still 4 more than I should have, but they were sitting right there!  It was hard to say no.  I was with Stephanie, who is a senior here, and the two of us sat there for hours just refilling the coffee and tea, and making sure there were enough donuts to feed the new students and their families.  Wasn’t a bad day, but wasn’t too exciting either.

That evening was the Welcome rally, and Dave Storey spoke at that.  He and his family did some music as well.  They are such a talented family.  Each one of them was up on stage either singing or playing an instrument (well, too!).  At one point, the ABM (4^th Year) students were asked to stand.  So, I got a glimpse of my classmates.  Out of a class of 22, only six were able to come for this week of classes.

I had counters again this morning.  Today is my last day, and now I’m starting to get the hang of it!  Had to get there bright and early this morning for breakfast.  Afterwards, I came back to my room, and got ready for church.  When I got to church, I noticed every girl was wearing pantyhose but me!  I hope I didn’t look too conspicuous.  I did find out after that they weren’t mandatory, so I felt better about that.  We left church, and had to get to the kitchen quickly for counters again.  Kurtis made French onion soup for lunch, and it was so good!  After lunch, I got talking to Heidi Clarke, who is getting married in a few weeks to Tyler Hill.  She works in the kitchen here at NBBI with Kurtis.  It was so nice to catch up a bit, and see how things are going.

I’m looking forward to classes starting tomorrow.  Tonight after the evening service, we have an orientation for the 4^th Year students.  So, we’ll find out then what we’re doing this week.  I’m a little nervous, because I keep hearing about how intensive this course is.  But I’m looking forward to it, too.  Strangely common combination of emotions.  I think we have study time in the morning, and then class in the afternoon.  I think I’m going to like it that way.

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So I went to the evening service and then to our orientation.  Dr. Doherty laid out all the rules and guidelines expected of 4^th Year students.  Also, I’ve found out that my class will be studying from 8-12 in the Library, and then have a class from 2-3:30 or 4.  All the same course.  We’re expected to complete as much as we can within this week.  This is my first foray back into schoolwork, so prayers are appreciated!  I must go to bed, because tomorrow is the start of a long, and hopefully productive, week!

I’ll leave you with some lyrics to remind us of Ireland:

Come by the hills to the land where fancy is free.

Stand where peaks meet the sky, and the lochs meet the sea.

Where the rivers run clear and the bracken is gold in the sun.

And the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.

Come by the hills to the land where life is a song.

And sing while the birds fill the air with their joy all day long.

Where the trees sway in time and even the wind sings in tune.

And the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.

Come by the hills to the land where legend remains.

The stories of old fill our hearts and may yet come again.

Where the past has been lost, and the future is still to be won.

And the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.

And So It Begins

Today, I am overwhelmed with the prospect of schoolwork, moving away, and meeting new people.  I am worried about my Visa Application coming through, and about classes starting on Monday.  I am also exhausted, because I got up earlier this morning than I have in two months!  Today, it all seems like too much.  I think it’s just officially hitting me that all of this is happening.  Please continue to pray for me.  I know I need to remember that the God I serve is bigger than the worries of my heart.  He has gotten me this far, and will continue to pull me through.

This morning, I was thrown right into life at NBBI, by being put in charge of a counter crew.  This means we set up, serve and clean up the food for meals.  I arrived at 7:30 and got to talk to Kurtis Kent, who I graduated with, and who is now working as the cook here at NBBI.  It was really great to catch up with him about old classmates, and to see what he and his family have been up to.  I saw his wife, Cindy, and his boys Dawson, Jacob and Micah later on.  Cindy was just as sweet and wonderful as ever!  And their boys were so grown up!  Dawson is 12 years old, and towers over me!  Last time I saw him he was just this little boy!  Can’t believe how time flies….

After breakfast, we had work call to get the campus ready for the freshmen.  I, with my new friend Justina, cleaned the laundry room and vegetable prep room.  Then, we came back to the dorm and cleaned all the bathroomsand showers with two other girls.  After that, we had about 15 minutes before we had to go set up for lunch.  Just have to say:  not a good day to wear new shoes!  My feet are protesting!  But lunch was great!  Kurtis introduced the new students from Ontario, Quebec and Maine to Donairs!  He’s much better at explaining what they are, than I am.  His description: Donairs are wraps made with spiced beef and the sauce is sweet and made of …. Etc.  My description:  Donairs are wraps made with donair meat and donair sauce.  ‘Nough said.

After lunch I was able to talk to Mr. Doherty about the school year.  It was good to get some information, and ask some questions.  We had a nice talk, and he prayed for me.

Now I’m back at the dorm, debating doing school related things, or taking a nap.  Common sense will probably win out, and I will end up reading a school book or setting goal dates for completing my courses.

Tonight is a barbecue for supper, and then a corn boil and bonfire later on.  Dave Storey is actually the special speaker for the weekend of welcome!  I’m looking forward to hearing what he has to say.

Please pray that I will be able to trust God with my present and my future, giving to Him all of my concerns and worries.  Then I can live in the moment and appreciate all He has given me.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matthew 6:34a

PS – I just got an email saying my visa has been issued!  I should get it in the mail in a few days!  God is so good to me.  Everything coming together like this tells me that this year is His will for my life.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

From the Top

About a year ago, a singing group from NBBI came to Lower Coverdale Baptist.  While I was talking with the group, the topic of 4^th Year came up.  I had never considered the possibility before, but this conversation put the idea in my head.  For months it was nothing more than an idea.  I went online and even printed off an application, but nothing came of it.

About the end of February, Moncton Flight College (where I was working at the time) went into receivership.  They were bought by another company, who let go quite a few employees.  I was one of them.  At this point, I was at a loss.  Faced with the prospect of hunting down a job that I may or may not like, and working there indefinitely, I realized:  When else am I going to have this opportunity?  Right now I have no serious bills, I’m not married, and I don’t have kids.  I’m basically free to do whatever I want with my life.

So, when I got thinking about what I wanted to do with my life, I decided that I really wanted to live in Europe – specifically Ireland.  But I wasn’t sure how to go about it.  How do you job hunt or apartment hunt somewhere you can’t get to?  I’m sure it’s possible – I mean, other people have done it – but the thought scared the tar out of me!  I started thinking, “How could I do this with some sort of support system behind me?”  This must have been God leading my heart, because 4^th Year came to mind.  And I thought… why not?  I could do one more year of school, get a degree (Finally, after 4 diplomas!), and hopefully live abroad.

I thought if I wanted to go to Ireland specifically, I’d have to make that happen myself.  I went online to find the mission our teens at LCBC worked with last summer.  I emailed them, and waited.  Nothing happened.  So, then I tried looking up different evangelical missions in Ireland that I could work with.  But nothing seemed to come up.

At that point, I decided to get in touch with Mrs. McMahon (dean of women at NBBI) and Mr. Doherty (Theology Professor/in charge of 4^th Year students).  Mrs.  McMahon wrote back to me encouraging me to go ahead with things, and telling me she’d pray for me.  It was so encouraging!  Then, Mr. Doherty called me.  He was so excited that I was looking into 4^th year.  It suddenly felt like, “Yes!  This is the right decision!”  He was very positive, and we started talking about what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go.  I told him about my office experience, that I’d like to go overseas, and that I wanted to do the Missions Track.  I don’t think I mentioned Ireland to him then, but he may have known that’s where I wanted to go because I had told him about my failed investigations into different missions.

So time went by, and I got a job at Moncton Montessori School thanks to my wonderful friend Amanda Raybould.  That job re-introduced me to working with children (it had been a few years since camp and children’s ministry at church).  This, as it turned out, was providential.  About the same time, I was also asked to help with the children’s ministry at LCBC.

Every week or so, I would hear from Mr. Doherty suggesting a different option he was looking into.  The options varied from Coldstream Baptist here in New Brunswick to Uruguay, South America to Israel.  But these options either didn’t seem to fit me or they didn’t work out.  I still desperately wanted to go to the UK, and I still wanted to do the Missions Track.  Finally, I realized, “God is urging me to do 4^th Year.  I know this.  Now, I need to be open to go wherever HE wants me to go.”  So, I asked God to help me follow His will for my life.  I told Him I was willing to go anywhere, if that is where He was sending me.  I was committing to doing my 4^th Year with NBBI, no matter what.  That’s when Mr. Doherty started mentioning England… and Scotland… and finally:  Ireland!  All of a sudden there were three or four options all in Ireland that he was looking into.

And then he called and said that it looked like one particular mission could use me.  They needed someone temporarily in the office.  There would also be children’s ministry, as the mission I’d be working with was Child Evangelism Fellowship.  Where?  Ireland.  Belfast, Northern Ireland.  Ireland!!!

I could not believe it.  Could God’s will for my life actually be what I so desperately wanted when I started this whole process?  It was in that moment that I remembered that the God I serve is a personal God.  Not just some Being that I worship and pray to but only know on an intellectual level.  He is right there loving me, answering the desires of my heart, and being truly, actively involved in my life.  He loves me.  “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Ps. 37:4)  This is an elementary concept that I seemed to have forgotten somewhere along the way.  But I was blindsided with that truth that day (in the best way!).  I think I spent the rest of the day just giggling, squealing, jumping up and down, and other various likeminded activities.  It was a good day.

After that, I started trying to wrap my head around the fact that I had volunteered to do one more year of school.  I am so out of school mode!  It’s been 2 years.  I bought books for school, and completely intended to start my schoolwork early.  Yeah, that didn’t happen.  I got all of one chapter in one book read.  It’s terrible… I know.

I planned on getting a job, but I started looking too late.  And about the time I was offered a job, I would have had to give my two weeks’ notice at the same time I got my first pay cheque.  So, I’ve been out of work for a while.

I started making lists and looking into things like plane tickets and travel visas.  I had questions and uncertainties about one thing after another, and I ended up starting my visa application very late.  I also just bought my plane ticket.  Once I started my visa application, things felt even more complicated.  The paperwork was utterly confusing, and it turned out that I needed to make an emergency trip to Halifax just this past Tuesday in order to finish my application!  It was Monday, the 29^th of August, and I discovered I needed fingerprints done, and there was one slot open in Halifax (a mobile clinic only open 2 days a month) for the next day.  There is no arguing that this was a God thing.  If I hadn’t gotten this appointment, would have had to either fly to Ontario or wait a month.  Again I was amazed at God’s opening the doors for me.  I shouldn’t have been surprised, yet I was.  Mom, Aunt Tracey and I drove down to Halifax, and I made my appointment on time.  We found it no problem, the guy was super nice (said “God Bless” on my way out), and I even ran into a friend I haven’t seen since I worked at camp years ago.  The man at the clinic didn’t express any worries that my visa wouldn’t be processed on time, so I am doing my best not to give into my human nature and worry.

That night, when I got home, my friend Jessica called and invited me and mom over for a movie.  I agreed, since my friend Ashley had cancelled on me (which I thought was odd because it was our last chance to hang out before I left!).  So Mom and I head over, and when I get there, I discover it’s a surprise party for ME!  I basically just stood staring at the room full of people for a minute before it actually clicked in!  Victoria and Crystal Blakely put it all together for me.  It was so sweet and so wonderful!  I got to say goodbye to all of my friends (Ashley included!), before heading out.  It really meant the world to me.  My mom, being surprisingly sneaky, kept the secret and helped arrange things right under my nose.  There was food and good friends.  It was a fantastically wonderful night!

Wednesday morning I got up, thinking of the million and one things I had to do.  Our trip to Halifax really cut into my getting ready schedule.  It was that morning that I decided to completely trust God to keep opening the doors, and announce my plans on Facebook.  I was hesitant, just because I didn’t want to have to come back a week later with a “Never mind…”  It’s a pride thing I guess.

Anyway, I spent the day with Jessica, shopping and shopping and shopping.  I’m completely shopped out!  And she stuck with me all day.  She’s a pro when it comes to shopping, so she basically kept me going.  That night when I got home after a family dinner at Pizza Delight, I decided to make the necessary updates to my laptop.  Make it school ready.  That’s when everything I bought for my computer decided to not work.  I got super frustrated, and then went to bed.

Thursday, I was supposed to leave for NBBI.  I have a week of classes before heading out to Northern Ireland.  I got up that morning, really early, and got ready.  Then one thing after another delayed my plans.  Finally about 10am, I was able to leave for the mall to get my computer things fixed up.  It was a mad dash there and back.  And I started downloading and uploading and whatever other loading my computer needed.

By 2pm, we were finally in the car on our way to Victoria Corner, NB.  I was going to be late for my first day here!  But it couldn’t be helped.  At least my computer was updated properly and completely.  Ready for a year of intense paper writing and email sending.  Registration finished at 5pm… I got to NBBI at 5:40.

It was fine though, because I could just register the next day.  The downside is that I had no sweet clue what I was supposed to be doing!  I said goodbye to my mom, and she left, and I just didn’t quite know what to do with myself… for about 10 minutes.  Then, I ran into some people I know, and met some of the girls in the dorm, and basically spent the rest of the night chatting away.  So much for my nervousness. 

That brings me to now.  Dianne McFadden suggested I start a blog to keep everyone up to date on what I’m doing.  I thought it was a great idea, and decided to share with you my adventure from the beginning.  Up until this point, I haven’t had a chance to write anything down, but it’s probably just as well since I’m officially starting my journey now.  I hope you will enjoy my chronicles, and find them somewhat entertaining.  I can’t promise to be faithful to my blog, but I will do my best.

Thank you all for your encouraging words and your prayers.  They are truly appreciated.

 “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16