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