Latest Update!

Friends and Family,

Wow, it’s been a while since an update, I apologize! Things have been busy here, yet at the same time steady. So, here it goes:

One thing I’ve found hard to adjust to- and also something I’ve found hard to explain- is “Irish time.” When I studied abroad in South Africa, we always joked, saying “Do you mean real time, as in on time, or do you mean South African time, which means you’ll be late?” Ireland is a lot like that. If you say meet at seven and show up at seven, you’ll be early. Along with that, everything here starts late. Many business don’t even open until 10am and everything here happens in the evening. So, when I say things have been busy, but at the same time steady (aka slow), I mean that during the day I’m pretty much always free, and then everything I’m doing happens at night. It’s the whole Irish time thing. As someone who is always on time and whom being on time is important to, this has definitely been an adjustment!

Last Monday, we went to Dublin, which was really awesome! We went there to learn about this new learning system called Porterbrook, which is a sort of do-it-yourself training tool to teach more about ministering and church planting. It was cool to learn about the system, though I don’t know if we’ll be using it, and it was also cool to get a chance to walk around Dublin. It is such a busy and culturally rich city!

We’ve been going to soccer every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and I love it! It’s so great playing again and I can’t wait for games to start next month! We’ve been getting to know some of the girls better, so that’s good as well! We ran a 10k in under and hour last weekend, so that was fun, and we are running another one in May! Yesterday we also joined a walking group, which walks different trails and country roads, and we walked 9.5k. It was pretty much an intense speed walk the whole time haha these people mean business! Saturday they’re going on an 18k… through mud and water! Not sure I’ll go on that one because I don’t have the proper footwear, but we’ll see. Overall, I had fun walking with them and it was good to find another way to meet new people whilst doing something I like. Please be praying about these two groups- that relationships could be built and doors could be opened.

We still go to the Millview children’s program on Monday’s and Wednesdays, but I’ve been finding that quite challenging. The kids just come from very troubled homes and it is apparent in their words and actions. Wednesday’s are for the older kids and almost no one ever shows up. Please be praying in this situation. Pray for these kids home lives and for patience on my part. Pray that God would be working in this ministry opportunity.

This week I’ve felt my first twinge of homesickness. Just in talking with my friends and family and hearing about the nice weather in Arizona- I’ve been missing it all. Pray for me in this as well.

Saturday, as I’m sure you know, was St. Patrick’s Day. A group called NRG (New Rising Generation) came and Colleen and I worked with them, and we did some street evangelism. We spent Friday night at a couple’s house (Val and Burt; they have a big house) getting to know one another and worshiping, and praying and learning street evangelism tactics. It was fun to get to meet some more people our age and I’ve grown really close to Val and Burt since I’ve been here (my sort of Christian mom and dad here). Saturday we went out and did some street evangelizing, and it was freezing cold outside! Nothing huge and major happened on the streets, but it was still a good experience. Later on the weather progressed so badly that we went to the Methodist Church and spent a few hours praying for the town instead of being out and evangelizing. The prayer was so incredible and I know that was God’s plan all along- us fighting in prayer. The next day was the St. Patrick’s Day parade, which was fun and cool to see. My favorite parts were the bagpipe bands and the Irish dancers, but other than that it was basically a giant advertisement parade haha.

Something I feel I’m beginning to understand better is what exactly I’ve gotten myself into here. Religion is all people know here… they don’t know Relationship at all! It is all legalism. I wish I cold explain this better, but the thought process here is hard to put into words. All I can say is that it just feels very empty and hopeless. Following God is works based and “hopefully” you’re good enough to get into Heaven. There is no assurance. Following God is a routine- going through the motions. Nearly everyone is Catholic, but almost no one is a practicing Catholic.

When talking to people about why I am here, it is a bit like walking on eggshells. You have to be careful what you say or you could very easily scare people off, and they’ll think you are part of a cult. Though our street evangelism was enlightening, I’ve come to learn that- in this culture- the best type of evangelism comes through building a foundation of friendship with someone. It is a slow process, therefore, but obviously worth it. Please be praying that God would give me the right words and guide me in my footsteps in building these relationships.

I think that is all I have for now, though I am sure I’ve missed much since I haven’t sent out an update in quite some time. I hope you all are doing well and I can’t tell you how much your prayers mean to me. I will try to be better about writing updates and I will talk to you all very soon I am sure! Please keep me in your prayers and all of these ministry opportunities as well!

God Bless,

Carrie Jarnagin

Another Update!

Hello my dear friends and family!

I know I just sent out an update less than a week ago, but I have internet use today, so I thought I’d utilize this opportunity to update you all on the many things that have happened from then till now.

This past weekend I went to an OMS conference in Northern Ireland and it was so great! First of all, for those of you that don’t know, Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland (which is actually called the Republic of Ireland) are two separate countries! They even have different currencies! I kept referring to where I’m living as Southern Ireland and then had to correct myself, and say The Republic of Ireland. Anyway, the conference was so uplifting! It was so amazing to hear from other missionaries who have a heart to spread the word of God and to know that we aren’t alone in this call. I got to meet a lot of youths my age, which was nice since there are practically no Christians my age here in Ballina, and hopefully we’ll all get to meet up again while Colleen and I are here. I also got to visit with my friends Gavin and Julie and their 100 day old little girl AnnaSophia, whom were at training with me in July! It was such a blessing to visit with them and to meet their baby girl whom was just a big belly on Julie the last time I saw her. Another cool thing was that I met a Pastor from South Africa! It was so great to talk to someone about my experiences there and whom knew what I was talking about! I hope I get to see all of you again soon!

That Sunday night we stayed the night at Stephen and Esther Williamsons house- Stephen was the one who picked Colleen and I up from the airport, and is kind of one of our leaders- and they were such a blessing! Everyone we meet is so caring and welcoming, and they may not know exactly how much, but it means so much to Colleen and I! Monday morning we drove five hours back to the Republic of Ireland with our other leader, Paudge Mulvilhill, and his wife (we also drove to the conference with them). I got to know them pretty well this weekend and it was so much fun! They’re such a laugh and they remind me of my grandparents a bit, so it was good to have that feeling of parent-like love and joking again.

After getting home on Monday, we had a few hours of rest before our day became very busy. First, we went to volunteer at a children’s center here in Ballina that’s called Millview. All the kids are traveler kids (literally gypsies) and even though we were only there for an hour, we could feel the need for love and attention there. They were all very loud, speaking loud for fear of not being heard, and they talked a lot about fighting. Please pray for these children (their safety and opportunities to talk to them about the Lord) and that Colleen and I could let God guide us as we seek to just love on these kids. We go back there tonight, so be praying!

Earlier that day, Colleen and I had spoken to the coach of the senior women’s soccer team here in Ballina about joining the team, so after volunteering at Millview, we headed over to the girls practice fields. We were supposed to be there just to check it out, but somehow got wrangled into practicing with them. I was wearing converse shoes and Colleen was wearing Ugg boots. They weren’t playing a soccer game or anything like that, thank goodness, but we got a good work out doing their exercise routine (suicides, lunges, things with a medicine ball, etc…). So, Colleen and I are now on the Ballina women’s soccer team and we practice Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, and games start in April. I’M EXCITED! I haven’t played soccer since high school- and the Irish people have this assumption that all Americans are beasts at soccer- so hopefully I won’t make too much of a fool out of myself. Please be praying that God opens up the doors and the opportunities to be able to talk to these girls about the Lord, and that this would be a great evangelism opportunity.

After soccer, we went to the Methodist Church in town for a meeting with all the Church leaders in Ballina about a float we are going to have in the St Patrick’s Day parade. It went well I thought, though there are conflicting opinions about what exactly we should put on the float, but all in all, there will be an opportunity for evangelism and people will get to hear the Gospel. Pray that God guides us in this and that he would already begin to soften the hearts of those we will get to talk to on this day.

Some more cultural differences: They call bangs “fringes”, panini’s (the sandwich) are huge here, the crepes are amazing, they have tea time and also bring out tea and sweats every time they have a guest (it would be extremely rude to not do this), and stopping for pedestrians is a suggestion- not a must.

Well, I think that is all I have for now… sorry that was so long! Please keep all these things in your prayers and please be praying for Colleen and I as well as we begin to dive into the Ballina community! Thank you all for your support and also keep praying that the Lord would provide the rest of my funds here, for I am still not fully funded to stay the whole 10 months I am meant to.

Love you all and God Bless!

Carrie

Ireland update #2

Hello Everyone!

I would write some cool Irish greeting as the headline, but seeing as I haven’t actually started saying one yet, I’ll wait until that moment happens and when I start to get an accent as most of you commented to me that you think I will haha! Anyway, here is an update for you all:

I’ve been in Ireland for about a week and a half now, and so far it’s going good! For the first week, we were in a temporary house, but on Monday we got to move into our permanent residence and boy was that interesting!  Irish standards of clean are a lot different than American standards of clean- and especially a lot different than my own standards of clean from working at UCYC where the standards were very high. I don’t think the oven had ever been clean in all its years of existence (just imagine what that might look like and times it by three… it was gross to say the least). The tenant who lived in the house right before us decided to take all the light bulbs when he left- which I’ve never heard of in my life because who does that- so we only had about two working lights when we moved in. The previous tenant was also a smoker- enough said. Colleen (my roommate and fellow missionary from the states) and I spent hours cleaning the house (and have yet to finish cleaning it), and though it was grotesque, we looked at each other and laughed, saying, “This will be one of those things that we remember for the rest of our lives and look back on it and say ‘remember that one time…’” All this is just part of the adventure and we are lucky, and blessed just to have a roof over our heads. The house by itself- without all of the dirt- is quite nice and quant, and it is slowly becoming our own.

The weather has proved to be quite sporadic. On Saturday it was pouring rain in the morning, sunny in the afternoon, and foggy at night. People here say, “That’s Ireland for you.” That day we also got to go to a Gaelic football game, which is very fast past and cool to watch. To me it looked like soccer, football, basketball, and rugby all mixed together.

Sunday morning, Colleen and I went to the Presbyterian Church. It was only about twenty people, but they were all very welcoming and it was nice to know we aren’t the only Christians here in Ballina. That night we went to the Church our leaders have planted, in which we are a part of, and it was really cool because afterwards we all had dinner together and it just has that very communal-intimate feel. This coming Monday we start volunteering at a children’s center, which should be cool! We’ve been trying to find volunteer opportunities, but so far haven’t had any success. What we’ve found hard so far is finding time to fill our schedules and finding time to do things. This mission trip is different than other mission trips I’ve been on in that there are no immediate needs to be met (i.e. food, water, shelter, etc), all their needs are of the heart. The people here laugh at you when you say you’re a believer. They turn to more ritual and pagan types of healing and beliefs. The best way we can be disciples here is by building new relationships and by being an example to those people/loving them with God’s love. In this first week, we’ve basically just been settling in and getting the feel of the town, so once we start volunteering and getting better connected to the community, I feel things will be better.

On St. Patrick’s Day, our Church and the other small Churches in the community are going to have a float in the parade and we’re going to use that opportunity to evangelize, which I am really excited for! Though there are a little number of Christians here in Ballina, those that I have met have such a heart for their little town to know the Lord. It is so encouraging!

More things I’ve noticed: The currency exchange rate sucks! There aren’t nearly as many redheads here as American’s believe there are (there are definitely a greater population of them here, but not everyone has red hair). It’s cold and rainy- duh (thanks for the warm cloths grandma!)! Fashion here is similar to the U.S. They don’t really eat peanut butter! I’m determined to shove pb&j’s- which they don’t eat and have never even tried- down their throats and change their world. They also think it odd that we eat peanut butter on things like apples, bananas, and celery… though I think its weird that they don’t! Haha!

Every Tuesdays we have Bible studies, which are really nice and a good for our little group to bond. I’ve never been a part of a consistent Bible Study before, so I like it a lot! This weekend we are going to a conference for out mission group (One Mission Society) in Northern Ireland. I’m really excited about this because we’ll get to see more of the landscape of Ireland, we’ll get to meet other missionaries of Europe and who have a heart for the people here, and I’ll get to see my friend Julie and her family- whom were at training with me in Indiana in July.

Well, I think that is all I have for now. Please keep me in your prayers. Pray that God would open up opportunities to get connected here in Ballina and that He would guide us in where he wants us to get connected. Pray that He would continue to grow and strengthen Colleen and I the longer we are here. Pray that God would fully provide my needed funds to stay here the entire time I’m supposed to. Pray for the hearts of those we will meet and encounter- that their hearts would be open! Thank you all for your prayers and support!

With His love,

Carrie

Ireland Update! #1

Not goodbye... But, Hello :)

If any of you reading this know me on a deeper level, then you know that I am not a girl that cries easily or very often at all. I rarely show deeper emotion such as that and if you have seen that side of me, then you are among a very few. That being said, I have been shocked in this past week- with so many "goodbyes" on the horizon- to find that my eyes have been stinging with the tears that I so often forbid them to shed. Knowing me on a deeper also means that you know I value friends and family more than anything else- other than The Father- and with SO many amazing people in my life, it breaks my heart to say goodbye to them. With that in mind, I've decided not to say goodbye, but hello instead. Hello to the amazing opportuniy of growth in all my existing relationships. Hello to the opportunity to share this incredible journey with all those whom support me and with all those whom I will reach in Ireland. Hello to the opportunity to build even more amazing relationships than the ones the Lord has already blessed me with. And finally, Hello to the opportunity to share the greatest love of all with those who don't know it. So, no, I will not say goodbye. I will say hello to opportunity, to change, to growth, to adventure, and to God's leading. HELLO!

"Because I Love You" by Carrie Jarnagin

Hey guys! So, God gave me the idea for this short story while here at training in Indiana and I just wanted to share it with you in hopes that it brings encouragement, and remembrance of what God has done for us all :)! So, here it is:

Feeling completely drained of all energy; my body is limp and lifeless in the stone cold grip of their calloused hands. Head hung low and breath coming in broken gasps from screaming, and fighting, I realize I never stood a chance. And why should I fight? Did I not merit this? Is this sentence not just?

            Large, warm tears pool in my eyes and stream down my face as those around me shout for my head… I deserve the death they demand. I’ve sinned more times than I can count and my very being is stained red with it. As I’m carried through the crowd that now lines the path to my death as though they were welcoming me home, they bark insults at me with wicked satisfaction and pleasure. Spitting on me and hurling rocks, I feel the impact of each and every one. I cry out in agony and they cheer all the more, thirsty for my blood.

            We reach the point of our destination and their anticipation is tangible in the air. Looking up, I see a large wooden cross laid on the ground before me and my eyes go wide with fear. Dragging my beaten body, they throw it onto the cross as someone throws away trash. Catching myself with the balls of my hands, my tears begin to come in a torrent and my body shakes with them. Feeling them run down every facet of my face… I watch as they fall in slow motion, red from the blood on my face, and soak into the wooden planks beneath me.

            A sharp kick finds itself hard and sure in my ribs, and I cry out in pain, flopping over onto my back landing in the dirt. I lay there only long enough to wish that I were already dead, and then my arm is yanked nearly out of its socket as I am pulled back onto the cross, splinters stabbing like sharp needles into my skin. I watch tearfully as they tie my wrists and ankles tight to my grave, restraining me.

            The crowd circles around now, all pushing and shoving to the front to get a good view. They roar viciously as they wait for my body to be broken and my blood to be shed. There’s no hope for me, no sense in struggling. I know that I belong here, that my pain is warranted. But, I DON’T WANT TO DIE! I have barely lived!

            I hear the clank of the nails being brought out one by one and I see the hammer in the hands of my executioner… He wears pitch black and the most triumphant grin is displayed victoriously on his face.

            Helplessly I watch as the sharp end of the nail is placed on the soft inside of my wrist. Though the smile is still on his face, I can almost hear the sadistic laugh of my killer as he raises the hammer high above his head and takes aim. I close my eyes hard, unable to watch any longer.

            “STOP!” A strong melodious voice demands.

I open my eyes wide, full of shock, for that was not the “Clank” of the hammer encountering the head to spear the nail through my wrist that I was expecting. And even more shocking, my destroyer obeyed! I look at him to see his anger rolling off of his body in waves, but there is something else there in his face that is more prominent than anything else… fear!

            The faces in the mob go livid as they turn to the right and to the left, trying to weed out who it is that’s had the audacity to stop this crucifixion. Studying my audience because I do not see my heroine either, I see their eyes go wide, faces a mixture of fear, shock, and awe. I swivel my head, but I cannot see what they see.

            Who’s yelled stop? What is going on? The questions ring loud in my head.

A part of me is thankful for this blessed person who has extended my life if only for a few more moments, but another part of me just wants it to come swiftly, for who could possibly save me from the punishment of all my transgressions?

I watch as a bright light seems to be getting closer and closer, until finally I am squinting from its shine. A man clothed in the whitest of whites, with the look of pure love and adoration on His face stands before me. It hurts to look at Him, as if it will kill me, and I am frozen in awe along with everyone else. I want to shout His name, but no words come to my mouth.

            So, there I lie in my sin and filth, upon this justified cross, and thinking that I am now full from seeing this man… that I have not lived until this very moment of my life. 

            Again His voice speaks out and I get goose bumps at its sounds, but even more from what He says.

            “Take me instead.”

            I want to shout “NO!!!” at the top of my lungs! This cannot happen, this cannot be! This Holy and perfect being cannot take the punishment I deserve! But my voice has left me, I still cannot speak! I wiggle and writhe in protest, but it is all to no gain.

            Suddenly, a warm, strong hand presses down over my heart. The touch of it feels like it will burn right through me, but it is not an un-pleasant feeling. It’s as though I am being filled with love and light and everything good, and I am being drained of darkness.

            “Child,” He says, and I am utterly still.

            I stare into the eyes of my Father and I cannot fathom the love there. A small smile spreads on his face and I watch as the red of my sin leaches off of myself, up his hand and arm, and onto his robe, leaving me completely healed and white as snow. Starring at Him, He is covered in my filth and I can’t bear to look anymore!

            The evil one watches with malicious joy, eager for this new outcome. His knuckles tighten around the handle of the hammer and his smirk grows wide.

            “Abba, “ I barely manage to whisper, “NO!”

            “Child,” He says again lovingly, “Be still.”

            Untying my hands and legs, He puts His arms underneath me and lifts me from the cross. He squeezes me tightly in an embrace and then sets me down lightly to the side. Smiling at me one last time, He kisses me on the forehead and turns back to the cross.

            I watch in horror as He lies down on the cross, my cross, and is tied down in the very same place that I just was.

            Why is this happening? How can this be? I think to myself.

            “Because I love you!” I hear Him whisper, answering my un-spoken question.

            The gathering of people stands around with uncertainty at this new course and they are torn in many different directions. Some continue to cheer all the more for this new ending, some leave the place altogether, and some fall as I now am… face down in the dirt, arms out in front of me in praise.

The hammer whooshes in the air and comes down with power to meet the nail. I burst into tears again as the Creator of the universe is dying for me.

            Me… a nothing. Me… a no one. Me… a sinner.

            With each hit of the hammer nailing Him to the cross, my wrists burn with pain as my sin is nailed to the cross as well.

            “Abba… YAHWEH… Prince of Peace… LORD of LORDS…” I ramble on and on, His names coming to me in a rush. I don’t know what else to do because I can’t stop this… because I shouldn’t stop this… and because He doesn’t want me to.

            “But why God? Why would you do this for us? Why would you die for us? Why would you forgive us?” I question again.

            A still, quiet voice in my head reminds me of the very words that He just spoke to me moments ago… “Because I love you!”

            After several excruciating minutes that feel like hours, the nails are in and I pick my head up to stare with tear filled eyes at the cross being lifted from the ground, and slid upright into place proclaiming victory and forgiveness for all to see, and for all to know.

            I kneel there staring at Jesus… at love… at the Son of God… I kneel there staring at my Savior.

An Update and a Challenge!!!!

Ok friends, time for an update!
        So, as of right now, I am about 1/3 funded for my trip to Ireland! I am currently in Indiana doing training for my mission and though I've only been here a day, it's been great so far! I am set to leave for Ireland in September if I am fully funded, and that is where you all come in!
        I have a challenge for you all! My challenge, or request I guess you could say, is to see if you would be able to pull your funds and make a one time donation of $100 dollars. I know that it sounds like a lot, but I believe that God can do this through you all! If 100 people donated $100 dollars, I would be fully funded! I KNOW that God can do this! However, if you can only make a one time donation of $30 dollars or something like that, that is awesome too! Or, perhaps you want to give monthly instead, which is also awesome! 
        So, I challenge you my friends and family, and I pray that God lays it on your hearts to take this challenge! I love you all so very much and you are all in my prayers!

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9.
"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37.

Donate at:
http://www.onemissionsociety.org/give/express-donations
(enter my name: Carrie Jarnagin; address: 12592 W. Chucks Ave; and account #: 232089).

Love you!
Carrie