Onward

Today was our last official day of "work" here in Downpatrick, a kind of bittersweet realization by the team.  It is comforting knowing we will be spending the next 3 days in Dundrum, processing, unpacking and assessing exactly what all happened this past month, with some time for relaxation thrown in there too.  It is strange to think so much time has gone by, and the days in Sandy Row seem so long ago and yet memories of the kids as we recall them seem like yesterday.

We attended two services this morning, both of which are regularly under Harry Robinson's instruction.  We went to Ardglass for the first service which we were a large part of, sharing a bit about ourselves, and taking most components of the service.  John preached a sermon about the treasure we hold within, placed there by Christ and revealed in our times of weakness.  Travis prayed over the congregation, Isaak read through the bible passage, Jenessa was interviewed by Doug, and Ashley and myself sang what we now can only call a "wee song".  Everything flowed smoothly and it was hard to believe this would be the last official thing we would lead as a team here in Northen Ireland.  The second service was led primarily by the American team, whom we handed out flyers for earlier in the week. We socialized and gave our greatest thanks to those at Downpatrick Presbyterian Church and spent time chatting with people we feel that we have known for so long now.

The next part of the day was a trip into Newry for the GAA game, a Gaelic sport like a full contact game of keepaway, but with a soccer goal with extended posts above the crossbar, and different rules regarding travelling with the ball in hand, how you need to pick it up with the option of kicking it as well.  Very interesting to say the least.  The team enjoyed experiencing/viewing a sport that we will never see played at home.

The afternoon passed quickly and after a pizza dinner with those who went to the game AND surprise... Jenny and Harry's one week old granddaughter made and appearance as well.  Such a beautiful little girl, Jenny can scarsely be peeled away from the little thing, she is so fragile and beautiful.

Last of the evening was the usual Sunday Night Session at Downpatrick Presbyterian.  This was not led by us, but it gave us an opportunity to see the kids and leaders we have gotten to know over the last three weeks.  The girls arrived a little late, as they got a special trip to Jenny's daughter's horse barn.  After the event we kept to the Sunday Night McDonalds tradition and said our good-byes to the Downpatrick folk.  Isaak needed to be literally pulled away:)

We are excited for somewhere new tomorrow, but are a little slow in letting go of the familiarilty of our host families in Downpatrick.  It has felt so much like a home here and we have made a lot of great friends.  Overall, I think God has reshaped us SO much through the people, experiences and love we have been shown - and shown to those around us. 

I will sign off the blog (as I am doubting there will be any internet access for the remainder of the trip) with saying a huge thank you for your prayers.  There are surely moments on this trip where we have felt God's protection and providence through your faithfulness in prayer and His true goodness.  Keep praying as we debrief these next few days that the work that has been started, continued or even accomplished on this trip in our lives and the lives of others will not go unnoticed.  Also that we would take the time to give God glory for what he has done, and perhaps uncover things we have not yet acknowledged.  We have been richly blessed. 

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness, keep us safe on our journey home, and seal the work You have accomplished in us through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name,
Amen.