Today we were able to 'lie in' until nine in the morning. This meant that the entire team was rested and ready for another morning of action with the the young children. The morning was a complete success. Success of course meaning that no one was injured, set ablaze, slapped, or cursed out. We are really starting to connect with some of the kids. Once you get beyond the hard shell that many of them put up, they are genuinely curious and caring about us. This has meant that some great conversations have begun to take place and we are gaining a full appreciation for how awesome they really can be! Once the children departed we were left with an afternoon to ourselves. This meant that everyone was free to wander into the city centre and experience Belfast's great traditional establishment... Starbucks! As night fell we all gathered again at friendship house to share dinner and a movie. Tragically we had seen all of the Disney movies that were on offer. This provoked Beth, Ashley and Jenessa to head down to the local corner store in search of a DVD. Upon arriving at the store they were told by the clerk Anne that they did not have any movies, however she did alert the girls that she had lots of movies at her house. After quickly telling her co-worker to 'mind the shap' she guided the girls to her home in Sandy Row where she gave them a selection of movies to bring back and watch! Anne is the grandmother of one of the girls that comes to friendship house all the time. The hospitality of people in this area seems to know no bounds. We are so immensely blessed to see the Lord in many of the people we meet and interact with here.
As a last side note it is worth noting that Isaak is taking Northern Ireland by storm with his vacuuming skills. He is able to get even the most complex of things out of the Friendship house carpet after the children leave each day. This has made many elderly members of the community (especially women) SWOON over his talents. It would seem as though being from Niagara on the Lake and being able to vacuum is the way to an Irish woman's heart.
All is well here as the Lord continues to show himself in new and incredible ways
Isaak and the vacuum! The staff of The Ark where the training was held still marvel at the cleanliness of the carpet! Watch out for those Irish women! Again, there is a "no marriage" policy while on Take Flight! It's great to hear how things are going. We're all so amazed at how God selected each of you to be an impact in N. Ireland. I'm looking forward to connecting with you in a bit over a week! God bless.
ReplyDelete"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase." And so it is with all of you. Some are planting the seed of His word, others are watering that seed, but it is God who will cause it to grow. Remain faithful in planting and watering His word and He will bring the increase. May His Spirit continue to work with you and through you, all for His glory.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Don J
It is good to hear the team had a chance to catch up on some well deserved rest. It is easy to see in your blogs how well all of you have connected together in the work before you. Such a strong team front is a great blessing for all the kids to see. Keep on shining!
ReplyDeleteI am also very relieved to hear Starbucks is alive and well. We coffee lovers know only too well the importance of a good brew! Bring it on!!