Ireland Trip 2009

Debriefing

2009-07-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

On July 26th we will be presenting our trip before the congregation of Lima Baptist Church. For anyone who is interested in attending the service will start at 10am.
Also, we found Gisela's room key in one of our bags, another amazing answer to prayer.

There and Back Again

2009-07-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

After two weeks of traveling, growth, and learning the Green Team has returned home safely to Rochester. Thanks to everyone who has been following along and supporting us.
And, "until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand"

2009-07-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

hi all,
we tried to blog yesterday but couldn't get a connection.
All are well!
we had a lovely day yesterday.
we did prayer walking through Bantry, ate and elegant lunch at the Bantry House. Wait till you see the pictures from that place. Three from the team helped with the cookery came in Bantry. the rest of us prayer walked. We all ate a pizza dinner at the church with the Ross family. they are such nice people and have let us into thier hearts!!
Today we are off to Bunratty where we will get to go through a real castle and then prepare to come home.
love you all!!
Pam

Skypin' at the Ross's

2009-07-13T01:42:00.000-07:00

July 12th

2009-07-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

Today we worshipped in a building that was thousands of miles away from the home we love, but also worshipped with a body that cross all boundaries of distance and time.
Our morning began with a wonderful breakfast prepared by our hostess at The Hill (B&B). AFterwards we hurried off to church at the Bantry Christian Fellowship. The building is three stories high with a meeeting room on the third story as well as a creche (nursury), sunday school rooms, kitchen, and playground. There we met David Ross and prepared to work with the church. Everything went well. Larry preached, Marian gave a word, Gisela read scripture, Jay ran the computer, Josh played the piano, Mim played her fiddle, and Pam ran the whole Team. It was nice to once again worship and praise in a building that was so different, and with people that have never met us before, yet feel so welcome. Be Warned, we may come back changed people.
After church we went to the Ross's house for dinner. On the way we stopped at the B&B and Gislea realized that she had misplaced the keys to her room. They are still missing and prayer would be appreciated. We got to the house ten minutes before the church called us. When we first treid to conect the program crashed, but then it started up just fine. We could hear and see the congregation at home for most of it, but there was apparently some difficulties on the other end. However, it was a blessing to get to here from everyone back home. It was nice to socialize and get to know the family in the short time we had. David took some of us on a tour of the area. He's working on a walking trail that connects with a larger hiking trail that stretches around the area. He also showed us some of his prize stock that's heading to market. Dinner was delicous.
Following dinner we headed back down to the church to help set up for camp tomorrow. Hopefully we'll be able to sleep well and late tomorrow.
Thanks for everything,
Josh

2009-07-12T01:27:00.001-07:00

hi everyone,
what an amazing day. we left our home of 8 days (Listowel Christian Fellowship) and traveled on to Bantry by way of shopping in Killarney!!! All of us were eager to shop for souvenirs to bring home. With working all week on the camp, many of us had little opportunity to shop so today was a treat! of course we made wise purchases and helped the economy of Ireland. Today was our first day of all day rain. I guess the Irish would call it a soft rain for the most part in that it was misty all day and gray however as the day went on we got more and more rain. Brooks were swelling and in some spots over flowing their banks. Julie talked to a relative in Cork which is to the east of us and there is a great deal of flooding there and she doesn't think she can drive over due to that.
Even though we had poor weather we still were able to see beautiful scenery. The little waterfalls were cascading down the mountains every where! We stopped at I think the estate was called Muskhouse. We went to see a small village similar to Genesee village but here there were thatched roofed homes. One of the amazing things that we learned today was that Ireland did not get electricity till 1954. Hard to imagine!!
In Bantry we are staying in a quaint B&B. Can't wait for the yummy Irish breakfast tomorrow. it will be our first proper Irish breakfast!!!
Tomorrow is church which we are all looking forward to. As we have learned, flexibility is the most desired action. so we may or may not be doing worship music as we thought . We will have to let you know how it all goe at a later date! Hoping the church phone call goes well.

love and blessings from Ireland, Pam

p.s. It is great to get to know Larry and Marian Byrnes. Larry is an excellent driver! the roads were very narrow today. No problem for him. Praise God!.

2009-07-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hello to all our loved ones back home!

We had a very full day today. The last day of VBS found us in the midst of the excitement of camp ending, tearing down the camp and cleaning the facility. We then headed back to home base to do some clean up there as campers, their families and the entire VBS staff would be at the church for ending ceremonies in the evening. This would include campers singing, presentations of certificates to campers, a short talk by JP and, of course, tea and lots of crumpets! It was a grand time of fellowship which ended with the last few members of the staff hugging us goodbye and being shooshed out the door. We had a bittersweet time of prayer and goodbyes with the Flemmings. We then practiced for worship on Sunday in Bantry and then packed our bags to be ready to go early in the morning. We will be heading to Killarney and then on to Bantry. It will be a long day of travel and some sightseeing. Keep us in your prayers as we travel.

We are all trying to digest the happenings of the week. We reached out to many, taught many and received many, many more blessings in return. God has both blessed us in our individual areas of strengths and giftings and stretched us in those areas we thought we would never go.

We are feeling both blessed and a bit weary at the same time. I imagine there will be many nap takers in the van tomorrow.

Better head of to bed to get some sleep. Breakfast is at seven!

All our love to you all!

Blessings,,

Gisela for the entire Green Team

Dingle Peninsula

2009-07-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

july 9th

2009-07-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hi friends and family,
We have had another fantastic day!!!
What I have learned today-
Joy can make a fantastic fritta ( a crust less quiche)
the fourth day of "Camp" can be the most tiring!
roads in Ireland are small but they can get smaller!!
Dingle Peninsula is breathtaking with the views. Maybe even a of bit of heaven!!
The Irish are some fo the most hospitable people in the world.
God is work in Ireland is a mighty way!!

This was day four of camp. God is so good to hold off the rain again today. We gave the salvation message in our family groups today. It was a hard concept. Hope fully the seeds that we have sewn will take hold . Ireland is so in need of the Lord. Upon completion of our work today Larry took us in the van to the Dingle Pennusilea. it was a fantastic drive up into the mountains and thu a pass!!! We saw tons of sheep and even were stopped by some along the road as they wondered aroudn randomly. The roads kept getting narrower as we kept goin up the mountains. it was down to one narrow lane with pull offs occassionally.

Four of us went to a lovely Irish families home for dinner. What a gracious family. The Irish are very hospitiable; not in any hurry over a meal. I think we can learn alot from them.

We are really pulling together as a team! it is grand to see how God is bringing us closer to each other. God is so good!!
we thank you all for your continued prayers!! We feel very blessed to have all of you praying for us.
God is blessing us in amazing ways !! We will be so thrilled to share with you at the service on July 26th!!
love from the Green Team - Pam

2009-07-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Third day at camp and things have settled in. The kids are warming up to us and getting to know the songs and dances and are actually repeating what they are being taught. What an opportunity it is to get to be part of the planting of God's seeds. The children are growing, and so are we!

Some of the group went to parishioner's homes for lunch and others went back to home base for lunch. Six of us were invited to dinner at a home in Ballyheig (?sp.) Again we were treated with love and friendship and sweet fellowship and lots of delicious food. Their home was a two minute walk from Ballyheig beach. The water was beautiful and splashed against a backdrop of mountains. We strolled through Ballyheig golf course which overlooks the ocean. Liam tells me it is a nine hole course that is wicked to play and that you'll need at least 7 balls! Sorry Bob, didn't have time to play :). Two others on the team were invited to another home in Ballybunion. Details will have to come from them.

We had a little visit and tea with J.P. today, and he shared his heart about his vision for this church here in Listowel and for the people here in Ireland. We had a nice time chatting and then praying together. We can not begin to understand the harvest field here. It is vast and the workers truly are few.

It getting late and we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Sleep calls, so I will end for now. Again, we all send our love to you all. Bob, Bill and Andrew, I especially love you!!

Humbly and in Christ's love,

Gisela for the entire Green Team

July 7th

2009-07-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

We came through the second day of camp with amazing energy and enthusiasm. It went more smoothly...lots of glitches had been worked through. The kids are precious and for the most part attentive and even responsive. They love and participate in the songs. There are no words to describe how we feel working alongside the Irish volunteers who are so dedicated...humbled might be just one word. This afternoon our van and missionary host took us to see the Rose Gardens in Tralee where the Rose of Tralee competition is held annually. A gorgeous sight! For our dinner we ate Indian...yummm. Last evening four of us were honored to share a meal in the home of one of the church family...Thursday the other four will go to the same home. What a team...so easy to work with, fun, and acting out of a servant heart! It is hard to believe that we will be leaving here Saturday and heading further south to Bantry where we will spend the weekend. Pray that the children who are coming to camp these next three days will have a good understanding of what it means to experience God's love and love Him back. Thanks for hanging in there with us!
Marian

Camp Costume Party

2009-07-06T15:26:00.001-07:00

July 6th

2009-07-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

FIRST DAY OF CAMP! FIRST DAY OF CAMP! Wowey, the first day of camp went by so quickly. The team arrived at the completed "Ancient Rome" campsite at about 9:00 this morning as we made last minute preparations before campers started to arrive an hour later. It was so exciting and fun to see all the cute little Irish kids file into the gym-converted-marketplace center in their "families." From my vantage point as a toga-shopkeeper, I got to see all the faces of the 101 kids as they learned the praise songs this morning. Some were nervous, some were ecstatic, and some were just plain gaping. The first day was an absolute frenzy of tiny little bodies constantly on the move from activity to activity. All of us team members enjoyed the three hours we had with the campers, though there were the normal little frustrations and irritations. Once camp was finished for the day and everything was cleaned up, half of the team went to an Irish home for dinner while the other half stayed home and ate vegetable soup and bread with cobwebs in it (I'll explain that more once we're back in the states). We're all tired, but doing well. Keep praying for us; I know the real stretching of our patience and endurance is about to come. We would really appreciate your prayers for team and camp helper unity and communication. Also, we need wisdom about how to handle some "Irish" customs and situations, or at least I do. All of us are absolutely loving our time here but miss and love all of you back in the states. LOVE Y'ALL!
Seeking His Will Across the Sea,
The Green Team (written by Mim)

(Hi to mi familia and Nip and Tuck! :] I'm still working on trying to find a kilt and sword. Hee hee, I'm not kidding.)

July 5th

2009-07-05T14:04:00.001-07:00

Hi! What a day! It really will not be possible to put into words, but I will try. Worship service starts at 11am, so we started right on time at 11:15! Love the Irish timing! The atmosphere was so Spirit filled, it was awesome! People bring their instruments and play along as they feel inspired. In between songs, praises, prayers, and scriptures are shared by the saints. Mim joined right in with a few other violins that were present. The setting is informal and feels very much like a family gathering, the unity and love overflow. I love the way the love of Jesus so comfortably knits us together. The Church service also included sharing lunch and plenty of fellowship time.
After service, we headed back to the school for final preparations for the big day tomorrow! For dinner we went out for some "pub grub", the tastiest and most economical eat-out available. That is the picture above. Eoghen (Owen) was our waiter and the 4th generation O'Sullivan to manage the pub. He was very generous and showed us the original building (they still use the room) built in 1837! Time is flying by! Thank you for your prayers and keep them coming!!
Love to all (especially Dan, Jess, Maddy, Ellie and Noah!),
Julie

Pam and her new friend Henry Hoover

2009-07-04T14:13:00.001-07:00

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July from Ireland. Some here have commented that they wish they had an Independence day to celebrate.

Today began with a early breakfast as some were heading out to go hill walking. It was back up to Shannon Mountain for a POWER walk UPHILL!C After morning exercise it was back to the Convent school to continue with set-up for VBS. After a day of set-up we were treated to dinner with the Flemmings to celebrate July 4th. they had a BBQ for us. It was a great time of fellowship and fun.

We are all feeling the time change today, but still extremely excited about the work ahead for us in the coming week. 101 children are anxious about and excited to get the camp going and are already asking for sign up for next year!

Tomorrow we will be worshiping here at the Listowel Christian Fellowship followed by a fellowship lunch prepared by the parishoners. Apparently this is done weekly here. Very social people and friendly.

By the way, it is 10 pm here and the sun has not gone down yet. We usually fall asleep before we notice the sunset.

We are excited to be here and looking forward to what God has in store for us in the coming days, but we do miss our loved ones a little bit. Good night all, and we love you!

Blessings and love to you all from Gisela for the Green Team

P..S The A Team lost twelve pounds while in Africa. I am afraid we are about to find them. Tea and biscuits are very important!

July 3rd

2009-07-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

Today was great!

After a leisurely breakfast of cereal and homemade scones, complete with group time spent with Jesus, we headed into Listowel for groceries. Our van, affectionately named Blue Lightening, bounded through the streets where we took about an hour to walk around a farmer's market, take pictures of neat buildings and view shop goods. Then off to Lidels where we shopped for tasty biscuits, irish cheese and sandwich ingredients.

After lunch we went to the school were VBS is going to be held and met many lovely people, including JP and Fidelma, our hosts. We helped set up for VBS by cutting out paper leaves, painting Roman pillers, creating catacombs and decorating archways. All this good fun was washed down with tea and bicuits.

Then we headed home for a delectible meal of fish and chips.

After dinner we went to Shannon Mountainto see the ocean. What a glorious sight! Pictures can't do it justice. Ocean, clouds, patchwork ground, and cottages. This was a trip I will never forget!

Good night families.
Joy

PS Mim's bank card is working fine.

July 2nd

2009-07-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

first day!
What a Longgggggggggggggggggg day!!
We arrived at the Rochester airport at 1:00 and due to weather didn't take off til 8:20!! the wait was fun- we had great bonding time!!!
Our international flight was delay and we took off at 2:40a.m. we were very tired!! Most slept pretty well but it wasn't a gret sleep!! the flight was smooth as silk no bumps! Gisela who had never flown before liked it!
Arriving in Shannon the weather was cloudy but sun poked out here and there and it was warm. All of our bags arrived with all VBS materials in tact!! Thanks for your prayers!
converting to euros with ATM cards or cash went well except for Mim. Her card wouldn't work. Not sure why - we will try other ATM machines.
Larry rented the car from Hertz and gratefully all of our luggage fit. It is very disconerting to drive on the left side of the road. Larry did a great job even on roads that have no shoulders and bushes and trees were right up against the road!we got to the church in Listowel. the accomodations are fantastic. the upstairs of the church has been converted for us to have mattresses on the floor but they are delux. they have thought of everything to make us welcome. all for now! Pam

Call Home to "Mom"

2009-07-02T06:26:00.001-07:00

After leaving JFK at 3am we have safely reached Shannon Airport at 2pm (9am NY time). More updates heading your way after we reach Listowel.

Furth Delays in Rochester

2009-07-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

Our flight has been further delayed until 8:20 or even 9pm. There is some kind of storm system over JFK now, so no flights are being allowed in or out. Thankfully that means that our flight from Shannon has not even arrived in JFK and should be delayed so we can catch it. Your continued prayer support is appreciated.

Rochester Airport Departure

2009-07-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

Our first flight to JFK, at 3:10, has been canceled because of weather, but we will be on the next flight leaving at 5pm. We should arrive in NYC with enough time to reach our flight for Shannon, so no worries. Everyone continues to be in high spirits as we head out.

July 1st

2009-07-01T06:29:00.001-07:00

Today's the Big Day. Finally, after much preparation and anticipation the Green Team will be heading off to Ireland. After meeting at the church at noon we'll be off to the airport. We should be arriving in the Shannon Airport tomorrow morning at 9 or 10. Thanks to everyone for their support so far, and I look forward to updating everyone when we get to our destination.

June 30th

2009-06-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Only one short day until we head off across the Atlantic. Today we'll be having one more training session with Larry and Marian before we head out tomorrow. The big word for today's meeting is weigh-in.

June 29th

2009-06-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

Only two more days until we head out on our big trip across the Atlantic. Today there will be a send off service at Lima Baptist at 7pm. Larry and Marian also arrive today to help us with last minute preparations.

June 24th

2009-06-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIM!!
One more week to go

Team Photo

2009-06-22T12:56:00.001-07:00

June 22nd

2009-06-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Preparations Continue
9 more days until we go