Last summer, I was able to spend almost 2 weeks in Northern Ireland. This trip was for missions with my church. During these days abroad, I learned so much and felt something in me shift. I want to share some of the beauty with you.
I have selected 5 photos to use as reflection for my time in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Although there were many more photos taken, I want to highlight these specific moments for you. Sometimes being specific helps you get a more broad picture. My hope is that you enjoy these small snapshots of my trip.
The outlook:
Each morning I would look through these windows from the kitchen in the dormitory where we were staying. You can see the typical cloudy sky and hazy weather. This view also show the large meeting room where our trainings and lunches were held. This building holds a special place in my heart because of all the time we spent there. One night, friends and I stayed up talking about life, another night we all sang worship songs together. It was here we heard from various missionaries and also prayed over one another. It all happened in that one room. It is a very special place indeed.
The friends:
My dear, dear friends from Ireland; This trip was everything like a breath of fresh air. The new wind came in the form of friends. I love chatting, hearing from and laughing with these lovelies. My heart was full to see how God was and is working in the lives of these women. Although our time was short, it was wonderful to spend bus rides, car trips, and city walks with them. It was the gift that I didn’t realize I needed.
The overlook:
After a full week of serving, we took a trip to the north coast of Northern Ireland. Here we saw the Giant’s Causeway which is a great and beautiful geological formation off the coast. This view is from part of the hike that is about halfway if the cliff. I was in awe of the way our world reveals the way it was created. It was inspireing to see the tall coasts and the ways in which this island is so different from my place at home.
The college:
In Dublin, I was able to see Trinity College and one of the pages of the Book of Kells. This was an absolutely magical experience. The book of illuminated manuscripts is something that has such a significance in Christian history. Not only that these pages reveal the artistry of the middle ages. Humans of all times and places have such a gift for creative expression! This image reminds me of the time spent in this beautiful city and the wonderful things I got to see there.
The garden:
On the last day of our trip, we had free time to walk around Dublin until our bus ride to the airport. I was able to venture with a friend to a cafe above a shop and then walk around the large gardens in the middle of Dublin. These gardens had beautiful flowers and were arranges in a typical "English" garden style. The path flowed from one pond to the nest with lush greenery around each pool. There were magpies, geese, swans, and other birds. In the middle of the city, it was wonderful to have this little respite before heading home. I enjoyed chatting with my friend and processing our time in Northern Ireland.
Even though I approach a year since this trip happened, I am still in awe of how it changed my life. Since then, I've had a birthday, changed jobs and tackled new personal projects. Going to Ireland has changed me in the best ways possible and so it has been fun to take a moment and remember all that happened there.
If you are able, travel. Take time to see new places and serve alongside new people. It will change you in the best ways possible.
Leona
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