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