Country Territory and Kindred Spirits - Day Seven

Tuesday, June 30th, 2015

Tuesday is one of the Portadown congregation's biggest service days. About fourteen met this morning, which is nearly a third of their publishers! Everyone was excited for service together. Even us, after we got over getting lost and beind flustered. 

Each car group met up in the same territory. It was like unleashing an army to distribute convention invitations! 

Then, a little later, it's time for our group coffee break. We ended up settling beside a lake with some stones to set on. Everyone opens up their hatchbacks, revealing "flasks" (thermoses), "biscuits" (flat cookies or even KitKats), coffee or tea, plenty of cups, brown sugar, and "a wee bit of cow" (milk). 

Here's our group for today. They each have their own story. One German sister, Hilda, used to be a ballet dancer and actress. She left Germany at twenty two and moved to England, found the truth, and now in her eighties lives in Irleand. Spunky as ever; she even dances a bit.

We met loads of animals in service today. Nicole literally "field witnessed" to this cow. And even a few sheep got loose.

That evening, a precious sister named Louise invited us to her home for dinner. Her home is an eclectic combination of antique, beach, country cottage, and indie. It was charming! She was filled with stories of Germany, her homeland, and her brave mother who helped distribute literature despite Nazi reign.

We sat in her flower garden and enjoyed a delicious homecooked meal. To finish, she treated us to German Iced Coffee. It is served chilled with a small layer of vanilla ice cream, a layer of homemade whipped cream, and grated chocolate.

This trip is flying by. And we may be leaving in just a couple weeks. But these friends will always be in our hearts. A kindred spirit is forever.

The Ministry and the Mountains - Day Six

Monday, June 29th, 2015

Since no groups meet on Monday, we decided to go in the ministry together for the morning. We started our day with a sweet bread called "brack." The closest thing it could be compared to is a raisin bread, but still with a flavor all it's' own. Traditionally the raisins are soaked in tea prior to being baked into the bread. It is served with delicious Irish butter on top, and a cup of tea.

The territory was lovely. One of the people let us pet their goats. 

And of course I made the car group stop so I could see the flowers.

Here's the adorable Kayla and Nicole coming back from a door. Clearly they're having way too much fun.

After service, we headed our way to the South and Southeast to see a few sights. The first castle we saw was called the Narrow Water Castle. Overcast weather can typically feel gloomy, but in this case it contributed to the setting of the castle. The dark grey background gave the castle an ominous feel. 

Next, we headed to see a water reservoir. It was nestled into the beginnings of mountains. The hike up and the scenery were both stunning.

Then, we were on to the Mourne Mountains. We instantly noticed one difference between this area and more inland towns. Instead of hedges separating properties, the coastal areas had stone fencing. Everywhere!

You see sheep nearly everywhere. Usually they are more leery of strangers, but these ones were actually quite curious. Maybe our bright blue buggy distracted them.

Some of the mountainsides were covered in flowers. This one was half-covered in rhododendron. From afar, the mountain-side looked dipped in purple.

Looking forward to a great night's rest now... 
All hoping the jet lag will leave as quickly as it came.

An Irish Congregation BBQ - Day Five

Sunday, June 29th, 2015

The Evans family hosted a Congregation BBQ. That gave everyone a chance to get to know each other a little more. The beginnings of life-long friendships are in the works. While we're falling in love with the scenery of this beautiful land, we're falling in love with the people.

Here's a few faces for you to fall in love with too. You'll see Southern and Northern Irish, Polish, and Portuguese friends.

Has your heart melted yet?

A Country Rich in Diversity - Day Four

Saturday, June 27th, 2015

Little by little, we've been able to meet more friends, see more of the country, learn about the culture, and try new things. But today was instrumental in our education. 

Our day began with public witnessing; which the locals call "trolly witnessing," or "doing the trolly." They do it a bit different here than back home. There were five of us for the first shift, and we all stood a fair distance apart. A couple beside the trolleys, and a few down the way. All of us held out literature for passerby's to view.

You see so many kinds of people in just two hours. Portuguese, Polish, and Irish mainly. But you can also meet Lithuanians, South Africans, and now and again, an American. (Okay.. Only three Americans that day.)

We had the opportunity to work with a Portuguese brother and a Special Pioneer that morning. Their zeal was contagious. When someone lives for the ministry, you can feel it and you can see it. Our dear Portuguese brother works in translation, so he knew a lot of the locals. They were greeted with a warm smile, handshake, pat on the shoulder, a kiss on the cheek, or all of the above. It was beautiful to see love for people in action. (Pics will come of these two later, scouts honor.)

That evening, we went to a music festival in Banbridge. All of the local talent comes out to celebrate music. The air is filled with the smell of food, the melody of street musicians, and the laughter of people.

After checking out the local artists, it was definitely time for some food. And like the typical tourists, we had two things on our minds. 1. A true Guinness. 2. Fish and chips.

And honestly, both were worth the life-long wait. Thank you: Downshire Arms Hotel beer gardens, for the best dinner, beer, and (surprisingly) mushy peas, we have ever had.

After exiting the hotel, we saw this old telephone booth, and had another tourist moment and jumped in. Apparently I asked the shadiest passerby ever to take our photo. I guess he decided an iPhone with a cracked screen wasn't worth the trouble.

Let's just say every ounce of the day was lovely.

A Time for Exploring - Day Three

Friday, June 26th, 2015

Friday was the day for exploring. Nearby the homestead is a place called Clare Glen. They have several walking trails, as well as a river that runs through the wooded paths. The sun spills through the trees, and through the water, to give the appearance of opals hiding in the river.

The ever-lovely Kayla, soaking in the scenery.

The dear Nicole, peeking over the bridge.

Hiking buddies now. 

As well as barefoot-creek-crossers.

After our afternoon service, Julia took us for a country walk. We found an empty house with a fallen-in barn, some beautiful fields, and a lot of farm animals (and smells, which made us right at home.) We were delighted to find out she is a tomboy and grew up in the country.

This view is from over the stone wall in one of the fallen barns.

Those are sheep in the background.

Barley field... Can you barley see it?

The air is clear here, the hills are flowing, and the people are lively. But sometimes the sheep sound like they're belching.

Photos from Day Two

Thursday, June 25th, 2015

Today was spent getting to know our home for the next couple weeks, catching a few extra z's, and getting to know the friends.

This is the home of the Evans family, who were all so kind by letting us stay with them. (If you look close to the left of the front door, you'll see our car we rented; bright blue smart car.)

The hall is inside the town of Portadown. They have fifty publishers which include two special pioneers (the coordinator and his wife.)

Two Polish sisters were also visiting for a bit. Communication was difficult, but the love was instantaneous! Kindred spirits abound in Jehovah's organization.

End of day two photos.