Why Ireland?

It has been good to travel with Di and Eisha.  One of the greatest additions from our last trip is their ability to ask questions and process through discussions and meetings with another set of ears and equally prayerful hearts.

One of our better discussions and bigger questions occurred around the fire during our last night in Belfast. Why Ireland?

Is it the beauty...the green hills are amazing, the water is refreshing and the country as a whole seems to carry a mystique as you leave Swords and start driving north into the country on the M1.

-but last night we were struck more with the similarities than differences.  The hills were covered with snow and they inspired thoughts of the beauty of Boulder (home). We have come to terms with the fact that a want for beauty is not what draws us to Ireland.

Is it the need...the nation has struggled to find peace throughout it's history.  Belfast almost always brings thoughts of bombs and unrest.  Reports of the increasing numbers of people in Europe who no longer belong to a church or believe in what the church stands for gives credence towards mission.

-but it was our uncertainty and lack of desire to fix something, start something, or claim ancestry that encouraged our N. Irish counterparts.  Whereas the cultural norm of U.S. success standards requires answers and a profitable agenda it was the desire for relationship and need to surrender that we are not sure of how we fit that seemed to excite those we met with.

Is it a calling...hmmm, ask us when we get back.