Sunday, June 15 my mom and I were told we needed to leave for Ireland the following day. In order to have a chance at getting a seat on the plane flying standby, we would have to fly into Shannon, Ireland, not Dublin. Because of this we would have to rent a car to drive the 2 1/2 hours to Dalkey where we would be staying. We boarded the flight to Philledeplhia, PA not knowing if we would get on the flight to Shannon or have to spend the night in Philly. God knew what was to come.
The Philly airport had a wonderful USO we ate a hot dinner at, refreshed ourselves, and watched a little bit of the World Cup while waiting to see if we'd have a seat on the flight. We then noticed that the Dublin gate and the Shannon gate were right next to each other and were leaving at the same time. We inquired about how many empty seats and awaiting standby passengers were on each. On the Shannon flight, we would be numbers 8 and 9 when there were only 8 seats while we would be numbers 3 and 4 out of 4 seats to Dublin. After much discussion, we decided to switch our standby status to Dublin. This was probably one of the most nervewracking things I've ever done. When it got down to the last few minutes before takeoff, we were told we had seats to DUBLIN!!! What a miracle! We then asked to get our baggage switched over and they assured us that it had been done. We boarded the flight ecstatic for what God had done!
We arrived in Dublin the next morning and went to collect our baggage but we couldn't find it. We placed a loaf baggage claim and left the airport knowing we would have to pay €25 (about $35) to have our baggage delivered IF and WHEN they found it. Then we realized that Ireland Outreach had not seen the email that we were to arrive in Dublin so no one was there to pick us up. We got a bus to Dalkey, and then got picked up in the town. We had finally made it to Ireland Outreach!
Went to the beach and got classic "99's"
Took her out to eat in a classy pub
Boat tour of Ireland's Eye in Howth
After getting settled in, Mom got to work in the kitchen preparing the daily meals as well as meals to freeze for the rest of the year when no cook is around. I was put straight to work editing and designing the new Aids for Bible Education Catalog. The Lord has been gracious and at this point it is almost finished. It will soon be time for it to be sent to the printer and then be mailed out to thousands of schools in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Please pray that God will use the catalog in mighty ways this school year.
Mom has since gone home. She went home on the 23rd of June. She did have to leave through the Shannon airport but because there are wonderful people here, one of them, Helmut from Germany drove her down there. She had an uneventful trip back home and got there safe and in a timely manner.
Throughout the rest of my two weeks here, I have been put to work cooking, cleaning, making beds, doing laundry, and more graphics design for brochures, postcards, and posters. I have also done odd jobs when needed.
God is really doing great things here. The Teen Mission International team is here working on building a playground and a roof for oil tanks. It's been great getting to know some great young people. 7 more people arrived today so the summer is picking up. We have 6 from Kansas and an Awana missionary from Iowa. Ron, the Awana missionary is going to train the team this week on how to do an Awana VBS program. I am really looking forward to that. The VBS starts next Monday at a community centre called Sean O'Casey Community Centre. It is in East Wall, Dublin, about a mile from the church we attend in Fairview, Dublin. Please pray for the outreach we will be doing this week (going door to door inviting people to the VBS) and next week as Ireland Outreach is praying about starting a year-round Awana program. It would be a great way to reach out to the community.
Well, that's an update on the first two weeks of my time here in Ireland. Many more things are still to come and I am very excited for what God has in store. Thank you all for your prayers. I'd love to know that you're praying for me! You can comment, message me on Facebook, or email (eventheweeones@gmail.com) me! I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much.
In Christ,
Sarah
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