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1 July 2008 Tuesday, weather rainy

I banged out a two page email to introduce a visiting journalist to what life is like in Northern Ireland for this newby. People are extremely inviting and welcoming. Ward was told everyone could be expected to invite you in without a prior call if you showed up at their door. Most people turn on the kettle and you get a cup of tea with milk and a variety of sweets. We were invited to dinner by one of the church regulars who apologized that she had not had us over earlier. We love it. People are friendly and we are able to be ourselves. Having just finished the autobiography of one of the local clergy Rev Jackson Buick it is obvious that street evangelists, mission halls, prison chaplains, and church faithfulness are a part of the fabric of the community. How was that overlaid with the sectarian violence that lasted so long?

10 June 2008 Tuesday, weather great

It's interesting that an event can change your whole outlook. We actually have 3 events. Next week the women we met who comes from California will bring her friends and help us clean a room at the church to be used as a prayer room, then we expect a visit from a women who seeks to meet her e-harmony date in Northern Ireland, and then a visit from a journalist referred through old friends. I look forward to these new people.

5 June 2008 thursday, weather the best yet

Just got back form New York City. wonderful time. Will summarize in Newsletter

26 May 2008, Monday, weather sunny still

The Belfast City Council has built what they call Leisure Centres throughout the city. There is one two short blocks from our house. We went there this morning for a Tai Bo class which is modified kick-boxing to music. Leisure Centre use is free for people over 60 before 11 a.m. All other times the classes are one pound (or two dollars) a discount from the 4.2 pounds per class for others. The Centre is clean, staffed with friendly people, and has childcare, a pool, and well outfitted fitness room. Sitting in the lobby waiting, Ward met Carson. Inevitably people ask if we are over on holiday and when we tell them we've moved here, they are intrigued. It seems the best answer is "because we can" but people like to hear that we've come to work for the church or to work in the community too.

24 May 2008, Saturday, weather sunny again.

This is the beginning of a chronological notation of our observations. Today we go to Gosford Park with the children of the church. Last Saturday we went to Newry and Portadown with the women of the church and some husbands and Freddie who goes to everything. I bought two items from the Oxfam thrift shop and put two items in their bag to recycle. Buying a few things made me happy.