Woman Up!

After an exceptional past 2 months here in Ireland, weather wise, I was rudely awaked to the reality of living in Ireland this morning while rowing up and down the River Liffey. The reality is it's wet. Which by itself is ok, but it's also cold. But no worries, I'm not made out of sugar, so I'll not melt. Because apparently just as rowing is not a lady's sport, (it is a woman's sport), so is living in Ireland, not for the weak of spirit. Woman Up!  

With the coming of Autumn and colder, wetter weather; is also the coming of becoming more familiar with Dublin City and more established in ministries. (!) 

Just last week I got to go home to America for my big brothers wedding in Colorado! Leading up to leaving Ireland there was excitement to see my family again for the first time in 9 months, but there was also an element of fear. Because generally speaking, it's a bad idea to go back to something as familiar as home while in the midst of a transition. But with confidence I went back to the States and a week later came back to Ireland. 

       
          

I think that was my fourth flight from the Sates to Dublin and it was by far the easiest. Just with landing in Dublin I felt like a girl on a mission. I knew how I was leaving the airport (what bus I needed and where it was) and I had a bed waiting for me to take a nap in. Going through costumes was also the easiest it's ever been. (I literally didn't say anything to the guard, just handed him my passport and my visa and he handed them back to me, sending me on my way. No words exchanged!) 

More than all that though I came back optimistic. Even though I still don't "feel called" to Ireland. I know this is where God wants me. Yes, I'm feeling restless, but regardless of where I am, I would feel that way. So my prayer is that I would be faithful to be here, fully. Be intentional and not hold back from loving the people around me. 

I've started attending a Baptist church called Grace Bible Fellowship Church. Right in City Center, about a 20 minute walk from where I'm living. It's a very international church, which I was needlessly hesitant about in the beginning. It's also beautifully multigenerational. Not so many young people my age, but that's where I get to come in. I'm getting plugged in with the youth. That's on a Friday night with youth group, then Sunday school on Sunday's. The youth group is pretty special, open to 10-15 year olds with junior leaders, 16-18 years old helping. After starting with games, someone does a teaching then we break into small groups. The junior leaders are paired with an "older" leader for this. I'm paired with a  girl called Harley. 17 and half, in her last year of school. Super easy to get on with! I'm ridiculously excited about the possibility of a friendship with her outside of church, as well as just leading a small group with her. Please join me in praying for this relationship. 

This past Sunday I participated in my first Sunday School with the 15-18 year olds. This is something new at Grace, as most kids at that age stop going to church. So I'm excited that a couple of ladies really saw this as a problem and are envisioned to change the way they do Sunday school in order to keep the older kids coming. So, like I said, I'm excited to get to be a part of this. Already though they've given me the reigns to run with it this Sunday (pray!). It's very humbling. The kids though, actually wanted to be there and were enthusiastic. And were totally cool with me coming along with them to get coffee and hang out with them. Please join me in praying that that continues! That the 2 other leaders and myself are able to shepherd these hearts and they would desire to know God this year, and it this would just be stepping stones for the rest of their lives. 

I'm also part of life at the YW. Which comes with it's ups and downs. To a certain extent I feel at a disadvantage because I'm not a student. Most of the residence here don't know anyone else here besides class mates and other fellow residence. I on the other hand do know other people, like, I have a life outside of the Y, which is sadly not true of any of the residence. Except for the RA's (resident staff), who are Irish and whom I've become friends with. 

Just last week I was chatting with one of the RA's about how 

unenthusiastic I was about being in Dublin (that whole restless spirit thing) and just through that conversation, she really convicted me (without even knowing it!) to be intentional here at the Y. Which was my plan originally, just lost incentive or something. But after that conversation I really felt to Lord prompt me to be faithful to not only pray for 3 girls I've become friends with here that aren't Christian, but to also be their friend. Then the obvious question is, how do I be a friend to these girls? As there are loads of ministry opportunities here at the Y, but evenings are also when a lot of my other ministries are happening, so pray for balance and energy for all! And as I change my normal body clock of early bird to night owl. 

But God has also brought across my path other girls that are Christians. One girl I "happened" to eat dinner with last night. I don't even know how we got on the subject, but turns out she's a Christian and hasn't been able to find a church here, and I was able to invite her along to church with me on Sunday. Wait, what?  

And now I must go woman up! *wink *wink Till next time! 

All my love. Xx