Our first day on the trip began with all 10 of us, very tired from traveling, arriving in Dublin from Logan Airport in Boston, ready to greet new and exciting experiences. And how quickly they presented themselves. Mike realized his wallet was missing with drivers license and credit cards, with the possibility that he lost it in Security at Boston Airport or on the plane. A very compassionate Irish worker in the airport coffee shop, guided Mike to the Aer Lingus Customer Service DeThis was just the sort of act Jesus taught through the scriptures.sk where they quickly called the plane and workers there found his wallet! Whew! The relief was great but there was also gratitude for the hospitality of the coffee shop worker who willingly offered assistance to us, so as not to mar our holiday in Ireland!
The next quickly successive adventure was learning that the bus company scheduled to pick us up at the airport had a driver and/or bus problem that would result in a delay us, and our plans for the day, by at least 2 hours. We used some of the extra time to learn more about each other, telling our stories and jokes and sharing expectations about Volunteers In Mission.
Thereafter we were on the road to Bru na Boinne aka New Grange and Knowth, two of several underground ancient passage tombs found and excavated in the Boyne River Valley. The history of the place and generations of humans inhabiting early Ireland was captivating. We were moved emotionally by the spiritual lives of these early farming communities.
Once we completed our visit at the passage tombs, the bus drivers delivered us to Farset International Hotel in Belfast. We quickly prepared ourselves to enjoy a nice walk to a restaurant for dinner with Sisters Bridget and Gillian.
The day ended in some much needed sleep.
Oh! I left out another remarkable event - the day was filled with sunshine, mild temperatures and spring flowers. No rain! We shared the road with a small flock of sheep, and on a second occasion, a lone cow finding her way home to the barn. All in all, a day of the Lord!
Submitted by Paula Miller
Paula, thanks for sharing. Praying for a safe and deeply meaningful trip. <✝><
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