"WE LOVE NORN IRON" reads graffitti on my bus ride home from Whitehouse. I have got to take that picture and post it here! I am following in the footsteps of Chris, my predecessor, and making a Northern Irish translation post. I completely intend to add to it as the year goes on and have already enlisted the help of everyone I work with, as they've had to explain many of these words and phrases to me. I find it true also, the parallels between Northern Ireland and the South. Crazy, I know, but they aren't afraid to drop a g at the end of a word either. The people are outgoing, friendly, easy to laugh with, and quick to welcome you with a hug (or kiss). So I hope to share with you a bit of the warmth you get from the phrases and sayings, and a bit of the laughter I've enjoyed while learning them.
Northern Irish- Southern English
wee- small (they even say "bless her wee heart")
half eight 8.30- eight thirty 8:30
how 'bout ya- how are you doing?
aye- yes
trainers- tennis shoes
pants-underwear
trousers- pants (see previous post for laugh about this one, talk to Harris for ideas on where to get pants for cheap)
craic- fun or good time (there's going to be good craic at church tonight)
cracker-jokster, funny person (had to clarify this one after one of my afterschool kids was called a "cracker" not so good in the South)
dead on- exactly right
on- something is happening, or you are "it" in the game (ie, Lauren's on!- where upon the children run from me screaming because I am about to chase them down)
lie in- sleeping late
knock you up- knock on your door, come to see you
call- come to see you
ring you- call you on the phone
aye- yes (not to be confused with "I")
yous'ns- y'all
them'ns- them
break- snack
jumper- sweater or sweatshirt
track suit bottoms- track suit pants
chips- french fries
crisps- chips
biscuits- cookies (not too sweet, sweet biscuits are called cookies)
tray bakes- brownies
jelly- Jello
jam- jelly
bap- enormous roll (bigger than a yeast roll)
manse- minister's house
toilet/loo- bathroom, restroom
homeworks- homework
cereals- cereal
afterschools- afterschool
rubbish- trash
bin- trashcan
Note: How you take your tea is important. You need to know if you would like...
1) Tea or coffee
2) White or black (with or without milk, specifying how white or black you like)
3) Sugar (how many? which means how many spoonfuls)
I have also learned how to make toast. Yes, toast. After making "toast" for break one day, I was confronted by another worker. "What is that with the butter on it?" She said. "It's toast," I replied. "No, it's not, put it in the bin." I was then taught that toast must be brown, not just crispy, but brown and preferably medium darkness. Only then can one put butter on the toast and then you must cut it in half. I now happily tease this person about how I will force her to eat my toast. :) She also really likes the way I make coffee. :)
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Picking up starfish, one at a time...
I had never heard of Tear Fund before today. A representative spoke in our service this morning at Whitehouse about the Tuberculosis epdidemic in Pakistan and how Tear Fund works to provide medicine for people infected with the disease. Their goal is to irradicate TB from Pakistan. They also provide spiritual support in conjunction with the physical support. So in the words of Andrew, "It can't just be a soul kitchen, you have to have the soup." Well, Tear Fund has the soup going on, we had that for lunch too and the proceeds benefitted Tear Fund.
Tonight, the former youth coordinator for Tear Fund came and spoke to the Contact Club. She started by doing an activity called "Lift the Label" which I've done with third graders before to demonstrate interdependence in economics. You look at the label on your clothing and think about where it came from. The activity can be found on the Tear Fund website www.tearfund.org. Then we watched a video about the garment factories in Bangladesh, where youth were working for 16-20 hours to earn minimal wages. Wages that would be ludicrous to us for an hour were their weekly wage.
The leader went on to read from Exodus, when God first speaks to Moses (Exodus 3:7-8) "I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters; I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey..." She said that this passage shows our God as a God of compassion, moved to respond as He heard and saw the sufferings of His children. God hears the sufferings of the people working in the garment factories for unfair wages. God sees the struggles of the people who live in slums and cannot afford to imagine a better life. "How would you feel to be that person?" We were asked. Jesus tells us to clothe the poor, yet it is the poor who are clothing us.
We watched an excerpt from Prince of Egypt where Moses is before the burning bush and hears this message from God. The speaker asked us what would have happened if Moses had not responded. One of youth responded that something like what happened to Jonah probably would have happened. God would have chosen someone else, or gotten His way eventually. We have a choice to respond. If we don't respond to what we feel God nudging us to do, the challenge He suggests, we are in fact the only loser. God will accomplish His purpose anyway. God will get the job done, but our life will not have been enhanced by the power of God through it.
But how do we respond? Is this another speech about the growing atrocities of free trade and globalization where I will just end up feeling helpless as I watch the socioeconomic gaps widen? Where to begin? When you're shopping, stop to think if you really need that item. Where did it come from and do you think the workers were treated equitably? If not, Tear Fund has cards you can mail to the manufacturer to request a report on how workers are treated. Now, I know if you're like me it's all well and good, but you may not do it every time because you're nervous about looking like a radical or you really think that top is perfect, but I think that's the beauty. It may not be a big gesture, but it's a thought, an effort at all, however occasionally. Also, there are cards to give to supermarkets requesting Fair Trade items. The stores in Belfast are fairly good about stocking items such as tea, coffee, chocolates, and flowers that are Fair Trade, but it's also about being aware yourself. I was so impressed that someone didn't just educate me about Fair Trade and equitable working conditions, they gave me concrete activities to include in my life. She gave us manageable ways to start affecting change. If you visit the Tear Fund website you'll also see where youth can register for free text messages with ideas of how to be more aware and concious of their buying power. I felt empowered and validated for small efforts.
As I prepared to leave for Belfast I was desperately trying to read up on my "Brief History of Northern Ireland." After reading the same pages 3-4 times I felt like I was going to be an insult to the people I wanted to serve because I wouldn't know the history. When we arrived Doug gave us an overview, that I understood, and told us that our lack of knowledge was fine, because we should hear it from the people who experienced it anyway. Since I've been living here the signs are constantly there of the history of Northern Ireland. The streets I walk to pick up the children for afterschools are marked by flags and painted with murals commemorating the fallen volunteers or neighborhood heroes. Street signs are written in Irish and English and there are children's names I cannot pronounce or spell correctly. There is rubbish littering the streets because bins were once used as bomb hideaways and now no one is used to putting trash in a bin. There are people around me who, in casual conversation, I find have experienced the loss of a loved one or life change because of the lingering conflict. Sports, words, colors, names, foods, hobbies, are all divided. I do not understand the politics of it all. I do understand compassion though. I remember sitting in the Northern Ireland site meeting in April and being filled with the pain of years of suffering I could never fully comprehend. Listening to "Angus Dei" in the background where images of war passed the screen I felt like there was a way to show compassion even when I didn't understand. Even if all I can do is laugh with a child, hear a personal story, play a game with the youth, or sit at lunch with a senior church member then in some small way I feel I've spread the love that overflows in my heart because of what God has done for me.
The speaker from Tear Fund closed with a well known story about a young boy on a beach. Millions of starfish had washed up on the shore when a tidal wave hit. He was walking along, tossing them back in one by one, even as some were drying up on the sand. An old man came along and said, "Why are doing that? Don't you see that it doesn't matter?" The boy paid him no attention and picked another starfish up, tossing it to the water. "It mattered to that one."
A Pilgrim Song
Psalm 121 (The Message)
I look up to the mountains;
does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth and mountains.
He won't let you stumble,
your Guardian God won't fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel's
Guardian will never doze or sleep.
God's your Guardian,
right at your side to protect you-
Sheilding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.
God guards you from every evil,
he guards your life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return,
he guards you now, he guards you always.
Yesterday, the Thorndale girls went to Cave Hill Park. Ever since we arrived we had wanted to hike the trail to see the great views of Belfast and put ourselves in and among the mountains we see in the distance each day. We walked from the Antrim Road up to Belfast Castle.
It was a hazy day, with cool temperatures. Perfect for walking around the grounds of the castle without feeling too hot. There is a legend that as long as a cat lives on the grounds of Belfast Castle, it will be safe. There are stone cats built into the gardens and even kitty footprints in the cement by the fountain.
Cave Hill is just up from the castle and has several different trails you can take to the top or destinations along the way. After looking at the map to find it was a 4.3 mile hike (proper footwear encouraged) we decided we didn't have the energy for all of Cave Hill in one day, but would go to Devil's Punchbowl and then back. As we started our ascent I realized that I had been sitting around in the house a bit too much and that this was no South Carolina mountain stroll. Now, since I've told a few people that we went to Cave Hill I've heard mixed opinions about the intensity of the climb. Notice that I'm saying climb. I've even heard people say that when they were younger their family used to go there every Saturday for "walks." Well, I hope that by the time I leave here Cave Hill is a walk for me, but yesterday it seemed that with each step the bitterness hiding under the surface started to come out.
Each step was challenging emotionally more than physically as I let my mind vent homesickness and a general bad mood. As we neared the first lookout I was almost in tears as I realized that my lack of energy and poor attitude were a good indicator that I was feeling just a tad depressed. I was so angry with myself, as I stood looking over the city of Belfast, that here I was having this experience that I had anticipated would be a breath of fresh air and I was too caught up in emotions I didn't even know I was holding back to fully experience it. We walked past Devil's Punchbowl and to the cave and then turned around to come home. I felt folded into myself, ashamed that I was already feeling down, and disappointed that I had let a bad attitude have any residence in this experience. But I forced myself to laugh on the way down, I admitted to my roommates what I was feeling, and as Mrs.Broussard would say, I picked myself up by my bootstraps- chin up!
I was worried about already feeling homesick and feeling the strain of being somewhere different, surrounded by new people and things. I wanted to be tougher, to not let it get to me so fast, but I'm learning to forgive myself too. It's ok when things aren't as perfect as you planned or if your learning curve is not what you expected yourself to accomplish. It's ok to trust that God knows better than I do and that's why He brought me here. God reminded me yesterday, gently, that my trust is not in mountains and places that will calm my soul, but my trust is in the God who would call me here for His purpose. He will calm my soul. Quiet time with Him will quiet my spirit. My trust is in the the God who knows that I'm not perfect and there's not anything I can do for Him, but there is a lot He can do in me.
This week God healed an ache in me for my Greer girl talk when he blessed me with a chat with the Girls Brigade girls. We talked about "American" things like cheerleading and school. I let them help me with the Northern Irish lingo like "track suit bottoms" instead of "workout pants." God blessed me with their laughter at things Americans say that just don't make sense. This week God filled a hole by letting me help with homework at afterschool club, laugh, play, and dance with the kids. God lifted my spirits with fun this week as I went bowling with the Youth PHAB club and started work on a DVD project with the adult PHAB club. My spirit has been fed by the continued outreach of friendship from people at Whitehouse and 174. Hugs, smiles, banter, and concern fill my cup to overflow. I am gifted each day with new ways to get to know people, beyond just the introduction and start to make friendships. Connecting with people eases my homesickness and I'm blessed to be moving beyond just their names to knowing people better.
My community in Belfast is growing, and growing in depth. I know I will struggle more than just this weekend and my climb through my own challenges. My hope is that through my struggles, and sharing the struggles of others, ourselves will become interconnected in a web that beautifully displays God's love and grace. This hymn from church today really struck me as a perfect expression of the interdependence of the family of God and how, to truly show Christ, we must live in community with one another, loving one another completely.
Brother, sister, let me serve you,
let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey,
and companions on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping;
when you laugh I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
til we've seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we've known together
of Christ's love and agony.
Won't you let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you?
Pray that I may have the grace to
Let you be my servant too.
-Richard A.M. Gillard, 1953
I look up to the mountains;
does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth and mountains.
He won't let you stumble,
your Guardian God won't fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel's
Guardian will never doze or sleep.
God's your Guardian,
right at your side to protect you-
Sheilding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.
God guards you from every evil,
he guards your life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return,
he guards you now, he guards you always.
Yesterday, the Thorndale girls went to Cave Hill Park. Ever since we arrived we had wanted to hike the trail to see the great views of Belfast and put ourselves in and among the mountains we see in the distance each day. We walked from the Antrim Road up to Belfast Castle.
It was a hazy day, with cool temperatures. Perfect for walking around the grounds of the castle without feeling too hot. There is a legend that as long as a cat lives on the grounds of Belfast Castle, it will be safe. There are stone cats built into the gardens and even kitty footprints in the cement by the fountain.
Cave Hill is just up from the castle and has several different trails you can take to the top or destinations along the way. After looking at the map to find it was a 4.3 mile hike (proper footwear encouraged) we decided we didn't have the energy for all of Cave Hill in one day, but would go to Devil's Punchbowl and then back. As we started our ascent I realized that I had been sitting around in the house a bit too much and that this was no South Carolina mountain stroll. Now, since I've told a few people that we went to Cave Hill I've heard mixed opinions about the intensity of the climb. Notice that I'm saying climb. I've even heard people say that when they were younger their family used to go there every Saturday for "walks." Well, I hope that by the time I leave here Cave Hill is a walk for me, but yesterday it seemed that with each step the bitterness hiding under the surface started to come out.
Each step was challenging emotionally more than physically as I let my mind vent homesickness and a general bad mood. As we neared the first lookout I was almost in tears as I realized that my lack of energy and poor attitude were a good indicator that I was feeling just a tad depressed. I was so angry with myself, as I stood looking over the city of Belfast, that here I was having this experience that I had anticipated would be a breath of fresh air and I was too caught up in emotions I didn't even know I was holding back to fully experience it. We walked past Devil's Punchbowl and to the cave and then turned around to come home. I felt folded into myself, ashamed that I was already feeling down, and disappointed that I had let a bad attitude have any residence in this experience. But I forced myself to laugh on the way down, I admitted to my roommates what I was feeling, and as Mrs.Broussard would say, I picked myself up by my bootstraps- chin up!
I was worried about already feeling homesick and feeling the strain of being somewhere different, surrounded by new people and things. I wanted to be tougher, to not let it get to me so fast, but I'm learning to forgive myself too. It's ok when things aren't as perfect as you planned or if your learning curve is not what you expected yourself to accomplish. It's ok to trust that God knows better than I do and that's why He brought me here. God reminded me yesterday, gently, that my trust is not in mountains and places that will calm my soul, but my trust is in the God who would call me here for His purpose. He will calm my soul. Quiet time with Him will quiet my spirit. My trust is in the the God who knows that I'm not perfect and there's not anything I can do for Him, but there is a lot He can do in me.
This week God healed an ache in me for my Greer girl talk when he blessed me with a chat with the Girls Brigade girls. We talked about "American" things like cheerleading and school. I let them help me with the Northern Irish lingo like "track suit bottoms" instead of "workout pants." God blessed me with their laughter at things Americans say that just don't make sense. This week God filled a hole by letting me help with homework at afterschool club, laugh, play, and dance with the kids. God lifted my spirits with fun this week as I went bowling with the Youth PHAB club and started work on a DVD project with the adult PHAB club. My spirit has been fed by the continued outreach of friendship from people at Whitehouse and 174. Hugs, smiles, banter, and concern fill my cup to overflow. I am gifted each day with new ways to get to know people, beyond just the introduction and start to make friendships. Connecting with people eases my homesickness and I'm blessed to be moving beyond just their names to knowing people better.
My community in Belfast is growing, and growing in depth. I know I will struggle more than just this weekend and my climb through my own challenges. My hope is that through my struggles, and sharing the struggles of others, ourselves will become interconnected in a web that beautifully displays God's love and grace. This hymn from church today really struck me as a perfect expression of the interdependence of the family of God and how, to truly show Christ, we must live in community with one another, loving one another completely.
Brother, sister, let me serve you,
let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey,
and companions on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping;
when you laugh I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
til we've seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we've known together
of Christ's love and agony.
Won't you let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you?
Pray that I may have the grace to
Let you be my servant too.
-Richard A.M. Gillard, 1953
Saturday, September 16, 2006
My Saturday as a Tourist
This morning we woke up, had a little brunch, watched Scooby Doo (enjoying the American voices) and then got ready for a day of sightseeing. We wanted to go see the famous fish down by the Lagan River and then do a few errands in the city centre. It was another beautiful day, with the sun shining and a wee breeze blowing. On the way to city center and throughout our morning I took the day off from being the volunteer who is trying to fit in and let myself be an unabashed tourist, taking many pictures. First off, I took one of me in front of the door because what kind of volunteer would I be if I didn't take my picture in front of the Thorndale house.
Every time we walk toward city centre, we cross the Carlisle Circus roundabout. This is where we first learned which way we would have to look not to get run over by a car. It's a lot trickier than you think it would be and Libby has saved my life with her "mom bar arm" more than once.
Immediately on the left after crossing the street is the Duncairn/St.Enoch's church which amalgamated with Whitehouse about 2-3 years ago. I have met a few folks who came from this congregation and now worship at Whitehouse. They are especially committed to cross-community outreach, which was a driving force for them staying in the largely Catholic community so long. They donated their building at Carlisle Circus to the 174 Trust and it is now used for many programs such as AA meetings, disability project, and youth fellowship. I find it interesting and reassuring that my two placements are so closely connected and that web of support of people who have the same vision for the area is inspiring.
And we're walking, we're walking...on the right is the Orange Hall. The Order of the Orange is a Loyalist organization named for William of Orange who defeated Catholic King James II. Orange Hall is no longer in frequent use because the area is now predominantly Catholic. Parades often originate from this area on significant dates and those routes can spark some riots and unrest.
I didn't mind stopping to take pictures, probably being marked as American for the millionth time, because after awhile these will become the buildings and places that I have passed so often for months. I hope that I can remember to be a tourist every now and then so I can truly share this experience with you. On our way through city centre to the waters edge we passed some fountains. I think there are some girls in Greer who might enjoy playing in these! Don't worry, the police were no where near, so they wouldn't ask you to leave the park!
Libby and I tried to look like we were in them without actually getting in. I hope you laugh at our failed attempt as much as we did!
This area on the way to the Lagan River also has some interesting random diversions such as the large water tornado...
The bell piano in the sidewalk that Libby figured out how to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on.
Libby was so enthusiastic about the piano and her new abilities that she didn't notice this little fella who wanted to play too. Notice his body language, poor guy.
The fish sits at the edge of the Lagan River. We've seen pictures of volunteers over the years in front of this fish and now it was our turn!
Before I thought the fish was a mark of the maritime history of Belfast, since it was known for its shipbuilding and most famously for the creation of the Titanic. Yet when we got closer we read some of the articles and captions imbedded in the sculpture. It seems also to reflect the struggle for peace and the overall history of Belfast.
There's another reason I felt called to Belfast. Northern Ireland is such a beautiful country. From our windows we can see the mountains in the distance and on my way home from church I pass the rocky coast and watch the spray crash on the rocks like a postcard. Today it was nourishing for my soul to be near water. Having grown up on a sailboat and a short drive from the Chattooga River, I feel incredible peace wash over me when I'm near a body of water. Overlooking the Lagan and peering around the corner I am reminded that the natural beauty of this place has yet to unfold itself in my adventures. I can't wait to explore Giant's Causeway, Cavehill, and the Antrim Coast. I long to be outdoors and feel the presence of God in nature in a way that cannot be truly explained. The pictures don't do the view justice, so you have to come visit.
We ended our day in city centre, passing the City Hall which is being renovated and restored.
We did some shopping at Primark which has cheap, fantastic clothes. We also "topped up" our bus journeys and then walked home, being careful to look before crossing the street.
I miss all of you very much. I miss Carolina sunshine, American football, hanging out with my family at tailgates, being picked on by cousins and Jonathan's friends even when I'm 25, Zoey dog sitting on my feet, the smell of summer on Windy Oaks Lane, downtown Gvegas, the Clock, the youth at Greer FPC and both of my church families. I'm learning to love tea time, laughing with my roommates in the kitchen and while we paint and organize our new home, the joy of the radiator turning on, popcorn made on the stove, the sunset view from our third floor landing, playing "football" with the kids at 174, and Northern Irish banter. Thank you for supporting me, loving me, and taking an interest in my journey.
Every time we walk toward city centre, we cross the Carlisle Circus roundabout. This is where we first learned which way we would have to look not to get run over by a car. It's a lot trickier than you think it would be and Libby has saved my life with her "mom bar arm" more than once.
Immediately on the left after crossing the street is the Duncairn/St.Enoch's church which amalgamated with Whitehouse about 2-3 years ago. I have met a few folks who came from this congregation and now worship at Whitehouse. They are especially committed to cross-community outreach, which was a driving force for them staying in the largely Catholic community so long. They donated their building at Carlisle Circus to the 174 Trust and it is now used for many programs such as AA meetings, disability project, and youth fellowship. I find it interesting and reassuring that my two placements are so closely connected and that web of support of people who have the same vision for the area is inspiring.
And we're walking, we're walking...on the right is the Orange Hall. The Order of the Orange is a Loyalist organization named for William of Orange who defeated Catholic King James II. Orange Hall is no longer in frequent use because the area is now predominantly Catholic. Parades often originate from this area on significant dates and those routes can spark some riots and unrest.
I didn't mind stopping to take pictures, probably being marked as American for the millionth time, because after awhile these will become the buildings and places that I have passed so often for months. I hope that I can remember to be a tourist every now and then so I can truly share this experience with you. On our way through city centre to the waters edge we passed some fountains. I think there are some girls in Greer who might enjoy playing in these! Don't worry, the police were no where near, so they wouldn't ask you to leave the park!
Libby and I tried to look like we were in them without actually getting in. I hope you laugh at our failed attempt as much as we did!
This area on the way to the Lagan River also has some interesting random diversions such as the large water tornado...
The bell piano in the sidewalk that Libby figured out how to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on.
Libby was so enthusiastic about the piano and her new abilities that she didn't notice this little fella who wanted to play too. Notice his body language, poor guy.
The fish sits at the edge of the Lagan River. We've seen pictures of volunteers over the years in front of this fish and now it was our turn!
Before I thought the fish was a mark of the maritime history of Belfast, since it was known for its shipbuilding and most famously for the creation of the Titanic. Yet when we got closer we read some of the articles and captions imbedded in the sculpture. It seems also to reflect the struggle for peace and the overall history of Belfast.
There's another reason I felt called to Belfast. Northern Ireland is such a beautiful country. From our windows we can see the mountains in the distance and on my way home from church I pass the rocky coast and watch the spray crash on the rocks like a postcard. Today it was nourishing for my soul to be near water. Having grown up on a sailboat and a short drive from the Chattooga River, I feel incredible peace wash over me when I'm near a body of water. Overlooking the Lagan and peering around the corner I am reminded that the natural beauty of this place has yet to unfold itself in my adventures. I can't wait to explore Giant's Causeway, Cavehill, and the Antrim Coast. I long to be outdoors and feel the presence of God in nature in a way that cannot be truly explained. The pictures don't do the view justice, so you have to come visit.
We ended our day in city centre, passing the City Hall which is being renovated and restored.
We did some shopping at Primark which has cheap, fantastic clothes. We also "topped up" our bus journeys and then walked home, being careful to look before crossing the street.
I miss all of you very much. I miss Carolina sunshine, American football, hanging out with my family at tailgates, being picked on by cousins and Jonathan's friends even when I'm 25, Zoey dog sitting on my feet, the smell of summer on Windy Oaks Lane, downtown Gvegas, the Clock, the youth at Greer FPC and both of my church families. I'm learning to love tea time, laughing with my roommates in the kitchen and while we paint and organize our new home, the joy of the radiator turning on, popcorn made on the stove, the sunset view from our third floor landing, playing "football" with the kids at 174, and Northern Irish banter. Thank you for supporting me, loving me, and taking an interest in my journey.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Burning, but not consumed
In the early morning hours of August 2, 2002 Whitehouse Presbyterian Church was completely destroyed by arson. The picture you see above is the rebuilt sanctuary of Whitehouse, reopened in 2005. The church sits in a "no man's land" area between Catholic and Protestant communities. After the fire, people from all surrounding communities poured out support for the church community. During the rebuilding time, worship was held in the main hall and church membership actually increased during that time of change and uncertainty. Rev.Liz Hughes is the minister at Whitehouse and the first Sunday after the fire she spoke on Chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians, "God in his mercy has given us this work to do and so we are not discouraged." That work Liz was speaking of was work to be agents of Christ's peace in the community. Not only has Whitehouse rebuilt itself physically, but spiritually there is a sense of renewal that I can feel since I have arrived. The worshipping community is a broad spectrum of ages and worship includes opportunites for all to worship in various styles, yet it is seamless in transition from praise music to traditional hymns, and scripture reading to modern book study. Whitehouse hosts programs throughout the week ministering to different ages, different communities, and different abilities. I am so excited to be a part of it and have been overwhelmed at ways I have seen Whitehouse challenged with God's purpose since I've arrived. Most of all, I have been touched by the congregation of Whitehouse. From my first Sunday here, I've been adopted by "new mums" and old men who kiss me on the cheek. They are a unified force of love, reaching out to everyone with renewed fervor each day. I've experienced it, because they've reached out to me and continue to, wrapping me closer with banter and conversation. I feel so genuinely blessed to be at Whitehouse and learning from this powerful group of God's people. They are living the motto of Presybterian Church in Ireland, arden virens sed, burning but not consumed.
This week has been full of clubs and groups starting activities. Monday night I went to Girls Brigade for the first time and got to see all 4 age groups. Girls Brigade does scripture study, arts and crafts, physical education, and solo routines for display later in the year. It was great for me to see some of the girls I had met in Contact Club (youth group) and other church activities. Tuesday I started at Whitehouse with the Seniors Coffee Hour and Healing service. There is something that is so nourishing to the spirit to be in the church during the week and be still to pray. Tuesday night I went to Youth PHAB club at 174, which is a part of the disability project. We made bagel pizzas, fruit kabobs, and nachos. Sitting around a table with fruit falling into yogurt is a great way to laugh and get to know one another. Wednesday was the Alpha dinner. Alpha is a 10 week course at Whitehouse where you have dinner, watch a video, and have discussion. It is meant to be an introduction to being a Christian and an open forum for people to question and discuss Christianity. Non-threatening is key and open discussion is encouraged. I look forward to how God will work in the small group of youth I may be leading there, because I have heard that last year (their first year doing Alpha) was a truly amazing experience. Many of the groups bond so tightly that they continue to meet through the year. Thursday morning was the Seniors Lunch Bunch where I enjoyed a stirring game of Beetle drive (you roll a dice and if you get a certain number you draw that part of the beetle, first person to have a whole beetle wins) and enjoyed a seriously large lunch. This group of seniors comes from many different communities. Now you all know that I have a soft heart for older folks, so this is one part of my job that I am very excited to do, get to know these people and their stories. I've already heard about one man who stole logs during a coal strike in the 1920's and how he was running from the police carrying huge logs. Quite good craic! :) (funny stuff) So today is Friday, which is the day I'll usually write my blogs, which I promise to do more often! I am going to the afterschool project in a bit, just like I do each day. I'm enjoying this group of young people, most of them are about 8-9 so they are filling a space in my heart that would normally be for about 24 third graders. I've taught them to play kickball, though I'm not nearly as good at it as Mrs.Hill!! Yesterday I helped some of them with their homework and it felt like water to my soul to be teaching, if only for a minute.
Above is a picture of the 174 Trust bus and a few of the kids from the afterschool project. In a staff meeting on Wednesday, someone requested that that signage, which we were taking pictures of to show the donor, be removed. Participants from Catholic/Nationalist areas who were being picked up for the disability project might be in danger of being stoned if the words "Presbyterian Church" were left on the bus. Even though 174 is known as a cross-community organization, it was sobering for me to be reminded in such a real way that we are here not to promote our own agenda or our own religion or set of beliefs. We are here to have genuine relationships with people so that we can learn from others. It feels so selfish sometimes that I will gain so much from them when I head back to the states, but what, I often wonder, will I have left in their hearts?
I'll leave you with these final thoughts. On Monday we went with Doug to a seminar to launch reserach on peace education in Northern Irish schools. A group of people were evaluating the existing peace education and making recommendations. I was fascinated and invigorated, remembering the fire that inspired me to apply to this program. There is so much to be learned in multicultural education all over the world. There is truly a kind of fight we are all missing, all too focused on other battles to see, the fight for the peace of the coming generations. Peace building is a global network, founded in respecting differences at a young age. My challenge this year, is not to forget that fire that burned brightly enough for me to fill out an application, quit my job, leave my family and loved ones, and cross an ocean. I'm here because I truly believe in children and I believe in respecting differences and I believe in peace and reconciliation. In the words of Neil Postman, "Children are the messages we send to a future which we ourselves cannot see."
Friday, September 01, 2006
Fish and Chips: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
Tonight after Doug, our site coordinator dropped us home we decided to venture out to have fish and chips (fries) for dinner, a traditional Northern Ireland/UK meal. We had heard of a place just down the Antrim road that was popular with previous YAV's and were excited to try it. We made the walk, commenting on various things and trying to look the correct way when crossing the street (Libby rescued me once earlier today when I looked right instead of left). We walked in to the place, a carry out only, and the queue was formed around the sides of the entire inside, almost out to the door. The man at the fryer called across the line to us, "You?" I ordered breaded fish, which is apparently smaller than normal fish, and a small chip. After awkward moments waiting in an increasingly long line, we got up to the cashier. I had my pounds counted out and ready. Libby's meal came, Alison's meal came, but then they skipped over me and started taking money from the man behind me. I was confused and repeated my order, this time flustered enough to say "fries" instead of "chips." The women at the cashier took my money, gave me change, and assured all of us that everything we ordered was in the bag. We left, not sure of what really was in the bag only to get home and realize that we had everything we needed and that we had ordered extra chips, because fish automatically comes with chips. We had more fries than even the GFPC youth group could handle! But after our stomachs were full and we had swallowed our mild humiliation, we all silently resolved that this was the first of many experiences.
These first few days, Doug has been giving us an orientation. We started on Tuesday with some basics about the house such as: light switches are turned on up instead of down, turn on the cooker and hot water before trying to use them, "bleed" your radiator if its not working, and almost everything can be recycled in Northern Ireland so save it all in a bin. Wednesday we started out visiting my placement at the 174 Trust and then at Whitehouse Presbyterian Church.
Being in the places I'll be working makes me excited, because I look forward to connecting with people and doing the work I've been dreaming about since last February. Right now Doug is keeping my schedule in an undisclosed location, but from the things my site supervisors told me, I am looking forward to the challenges, growth, and joy they will afford. We also visited Libby and Alison's placements and got history and information along the way from Doug and Elaine. Yesterday, we registered with the National Health Service (all by ourselves) and got some of the historical background with a little jet lag mixed in. Today we visited the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and met the Clerk and the folks in the Youth office. I have so often been greeted with, "You're welcome" which can come as a bit of a shock to a Southerner who uses that as a reflex response, but I always do feel welcome in a genuine way and I am so grateful.
Today's fish and chips experience reminded me about one of the million reasons I felt led to take this crazy journey. As I stood in line and felt silly I thought about what my students from other countries or cultures must feel on a daily basis. When I'm trying to figure out my bus route, or count my money before I step up so I don't look incompetent, or trying to remember which is the correct word to say I think of how overwhelming it must be for a child who is drowning in the unknown. I am able to laugh with my other housemates about our communal frailty, but what about the second-language learner, or the child from a lower socioeconomic status who doesn't know the hidden rules of a society, or just the person who can't read social cues who struggles to find their way- what then for them? God is so good to remind us that we are all visitors. Our home is not earthly and the best we are called to do is love one another freely while we are together. I hope in the coming weeks to laugh at my failings and foibles, but mostly to reach out across cultures and seek first to understand rather than to be understood.
In closing, I know you will enjoy the funniest moment from "orientation." In the car today, I asked Doug if it was alright to wear pants to church or if I should wear a skirt each Sunday. To which he replied, "Well, I hope you always wear pants, but it is definitely appropriate also to wear trousers." Pants in Northern Ireland...are underwear.
My love and best to you all. Please keep the emails coming, they are an exciting surprise. We also receive mail directly at the house and I will be excited to send you airmail in response. Thank you for your support. I do truly feel that you are in this experience with me and hope to make you feel connected to God at work in Northern Ireland.
These first few days, Doug has been giving us an orientation. We started on Tuesday with some basics about the house such as: light switches are turned on up instead of down, turn on the cooker and hot water before trying to use them, "bleed" your radiator if its not working, and almost everything can be recycled in Northern Ireland so save it all in a bin. Wednesday we started out visiting my placement at the 174 Trust and then at Whitehouse Presbyterian Church.
Being in the places I'll be working makes me excited, because I look forward to connecting with people and doing the work I've been dreaming about since last February. Right now Doug is keeping my schedule in an undisclosed location, but from the things my site supervisors told me, I am looking forward to the challenges, growth, and joy they will afford. We also visited Libby and Alison's placements and got history and information along the way from Doug and Elaine. Yesterday, we registered with the National Health Service (all by ourselves) and got some of the historical background with a little jet lag mixed in. Today we visited the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and met the Clerk and the folks in the Youth office. I have so often been greeted with, "You're welcome" which can come as a bit of a shock to a Southerner who uses that as a reflex response, but I always do feel welcome in a genuine way and I am so grateful.
Today's fish and chips experience reminded me about one of the million reasons I felt led to take this crazy journey. As I stood in line and felt silly I thought about what my students from other countries or cultures must feel on a daily basis. When I'm trying to figure out my bus route, or count my money before I step up so I don't look incompetent, or trying to remember which is the correct word to say I think of how overwhelming it must be for a child who is drowning in the unknown. I am able to laugh with my other housemates about our communal frailty, but what about the second-language learner, or the child from a lower socioeconomic status who doesn't know the hidden rules of a society, or just the person who can't read social cues who struggles to find their way- what then for them? God is so good to remind us that we are all visitors. Our home is not earthly and the best we are called to do is love one another freely while we are together. I hope in the coming weeks to laugh at my failings and foibles, but mostly to reach out across cultures and seek first to understand rather than to be understood.
In closing, I know you will enjoy the funniest moment from "orientation." In the car today, I asked Doug if it was alright to wear pants to church or if I should wear a skirt each Sunday. To which he replied, "Well, I hope you always wear pants, but it is definitely appropriate also to wear trousers." Pants in Northern Ireland...are underwear.
My love and best to you all. Please keep the emails coming, they are an exciting surprise. We also receive mail directly at the house and I will be excited to send you airmail in response. Thank you for your support. I do truly feel that you are in this experience with me and hope to make you feel connected to God at work in Northern Ireland.
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