Day 3 - 9 July 2011

Today was all driving. Peter took me down to Belfast to meet up with my team. He showed me where the Titanic was built and where they're building a memorial because next year will be 100 years since it sank. Then he showed me the Europa, the most bombed hotel in the world. After that, he showed me where the riots took place a couple of weeks ago and the bank where the biggest robbery in history took place. £26 million and they never caught the people who did it.

Peter also showed me the theatre where Liam Neeson got his start and told me that Liam's sister was one of his teachers in primary school. Apparently she was very mean haha. He also showed me Queen's University (where he and Joanne studied) and the statue of C.S. Lewis going into the wardrobe...that was really cool.

Then we met up with Chris and eventually the rest of the my team and Peter went back up north and I went down to Cork. The other people on the team were telling me how long of a journey it was for them...it was 6 hours long (including stops and wrong turns) Which to me is just going back to Wake Forest. But today I travelled the length of Ireland and I was only in the car for 8.5ish hours. I feel so accomplished =)

Day 2 - 8 July 2011

So I slept 12 hours last night. It was incredible. And I felt so good when I woke up.

Then we went on a picnic (on which I learned they call ladybugs ladybirds here). After lunch, we went down to Dunluce Castle and explored around a bit. It was in shambles, but still really cool to see. When we finished with the castle, we went to the Giant's Causeway. The story goes that there was a giant named Fin McCool and he built a causeway over to Scotland to fight the Giant who had been shouting abuse at him. But when Fin got over there, he saw that the Scotch giant was much bigger than himself, so he ran back to Northern Ireland. He didn't know what to do because he knew the Scot wasn't far behind, so his wife dressed him up as a baby so that when the giant from Scotland got there he thought, If that's how big the baby is, I don't want to see the father. So he ran back to Scotland, destroying the Causeway as he ran.

The Causeway is built out of hexagonal rocks that look man-made, but are actually naturally formed. It is quite a sight to see. After the Causeway, we drove back into town and ate at this place (Ramore) that apparently you always have to queue for at least and hour. Thankfully, Joanne called ahead because there were 15 of us. So I met some of the Lawther's friends and they were very pleasant. Then we went to an ice cream shop called Morelli's that had been around for 100 years and it was really good. After ice cream, we went down to the play park again and let all the kiddos play for a while. Tomorrow I head down to Cork for my BYE team

Day 1 - 7 July 2011

So it really was 2 days of travelling but really only 12 hours of flying.

Let it begin! I was supposed to leave Knoxville at 2pm yesterday then there was a 2 hour delay so we didn't take off until 4pm. Thankfully I had a 5 hour layover in Newark so it didn't affect my connecting flight. Once I got to Newark I had 3 hours to eat and then get on my plane.

Over my 2 flights I got quite a bit of reading done. I read 16 out of 22 chapters of "Out of the Silent Planet" by C.S. Lewis. I plan on finishing it on my trip down to Cork on Saturday. Also, I only got 30 minutes of sleep because I don't sleep well on planes. Example: Again, when I was over Greenland we hit turbulence (Happened on the flight from LAX 2 years ago). I swear, that place has it out for me haha.

When I landed and got to the border and they almost didn't let me in. They asked why I was coming to the UK, I told them to visit friends and the guy said, "Really? That's it?" I wasn't going to lie to a direct question, but how did he know to ask that? So I said I was VOLUNTEERING with Baptist Youth...he mistook it for working (for which you need a Visa) I was so scared...thankfully Peter was there and he was able to explain to them what was going on and they let me in the UK and writing 6 months on my passport (while informing me that according to the letter of the law they should send me back to America which only freaked me out more). I KNOW it's because people were praying for me and I was very grateful.

So, Peter drove me up to the North Coast where He, Joanne and the girls were on holiday. We all went out for lunch and the play park. Then we went back to the house and that's when I discovered that somehow my keys to my luggage lock was mysteriously missing from my carry-on. Thankfully, I had bobby pins in the outside pocket of my suitcase so I sat hunched over my lock and got to work. 5 minutes and 2 very bent bobby pins later, I had picked the lock and had effectively broken into my luggage! (I should be a spy) Later, Peter took me to buy a UK SIM card for my spare phone and we picked up pizza back for dinner. Good stuff. Now I'm going to bed.

Time's up

Sorry I haven't posted since I've been in Ireland, Part of that is because I haven't had internet, and the other part is, even if I did, I'm not sure I would have time. But I'm coming home tomorrow and I will start posting day by day what went on. I've absolutely loved it here and I'm don't know how I feel about leaving. But here goes nothing. my last 8 hours in Northern Ireland start now.

Up, up and away!

Ok so today was the day. I got to the Knoxville airport in PLENTY of time to check in and chill before I needed to board. Up until we board the plane, our flight was supposed to be on time. Then as soon as we boarded, the captain came over the PA and told us that there was a ground stop in Newark (meaning all flights that were there stayed there and no more incoming flights were admitted). So after 2 delays, they "un-boarded" us and they said that they would let us know when we could fly out. 2.5 hours after the original departure time, we took of. A bunch of people missed their connecting flights, thankfully I had a 5.5 hour layover and got here with 3 hours to eat, find my gate and just chill. I got pizza and now have an hour to kill before my flight to Belfast departs. As of right now, I will be arriving there in 7 hours! :-) I'm thinking after I post this, I'm going to walk around for a bit...or read...I'm leaning more towards reading because I don't want to buy anything here...then again, I am going to be sitting for 6.5 hours...whatever. I'll just take it all in stride :)

Off we go!

I leave for the airport in 5 short hours. It's so unreal...anyway, I found the links to track my flights and if you're interested, here are the links. Hopefully I can update in Newark or soon after I land in Belfast.

Knoxville to Newark - leaving K-town at 2:08pm:
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/flight-status.html?view=FLIGHTTRACKER&qtype=ByFlight&apt=EWR&fn=0094&al=CO&depdate=20110706

Newark to Belfast - Leaving EWR at 9:25pm:
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/flight-status.html?view=FLIGHTTRACKER&qtype=ByFlight&apt=EWR&fn=0094&al=CO&depdate=20110706

What IS In A Name?

I couldn't even think of what to name this post...it doesn't really have a unique purpose I guess, other than to update the status on Ireland. I have my British Pounds and my Euros and I and just trying to figure out how much money/snacks I'll need for the flights. 11 more days. 11...long...days...I know I said that I would appreciate these last days because the more I rush this time, the faster Ireland is going to fly by...but it's really hard and when this world puts you through some tough times and you just want to give up, it's SUPER hard. I just want to wake up and it to be next Wednesday. But no, I have far too much to do and enjoy in these 11 days for that to happen. I will wake up and it will be tomorrow. The same trials will be there, but I will have slept and I will do my devotion before ANYTHING ELSE tomorrow and I will have the strength of God on my side to face them, which is what I've had all along, I just need to reach out and let Him hold me up. So when other people cause you headaches and make your life miserable, remember that God is there to life you up when you are weak and hold you even when you think you can stand on your own...because you will never be able to.

21 Days

3 weeks...so short and yet so long...I ordered my British Pounds (GBP) the other day and now all I have to do is wait for enough money to order my Euros and then go get them. I am amazed at how God has provided in every way and continues to provide. People keep asking questions about where I'm going to be staying and even though I'm not exactly sure, I know that it's with an organized program so it is under control and God has given me a peace about that. I am so excited and I want it to be the 24 hours before my flight so that I can call the airlines and confirm all of them. But I know that if I runs the 3 weeks leading up to the trip, the 3 weeks of the trip will fly by even faster. So I'm going to drink it in. Enjoy every second for what it is. Be focused on the here and now. Be prepared for what lies ahead but be firmly planted in today.

Is It Ok to Countdown Now?

I have 25 days until Ireland!!!!!!! :) I went to a wedding today. the first one of the summer and the last one before I go (surprisingly) Anyhoo I caught the bouquet! hahaha so this can only mean one thing...I'm getting married in Ireland...what else could it mean? I'm going to a wedding a week after I get back so that's the only explanation right? riiiiighhttt.....

So, It's Been a While...

I know it's been forever since I've updated this, but I haven't had anything to update until now. I've raised about half of my funds for the trip! Now I have a donate button that links to my paypal account so that donations can be made all the easier :)

Also, I finally heard back from the people at Baptist Youth this past week! The first email came on last Wednesday asking for my references email addresses. I sent them to her, and then Thursday she emailed me again asking for me to get a background check (I'm not a criminal, YAY!) and suggesting that I purchase travelers insurance :) Sitting here writing this at 1:30am I'm all nervous and giddy and excited and ready to go and not come back. Forget UTK, I'll just find a college over there and finish in Ireland. Maybe its the lack of sleep talking...

New subject! First goal before Ireland, Finish all my "in progress" books...not sure if that will happen with 37 days till I leave. Goal number 2, get KidStuf prop room all clean and sorted. Goal 3, I'm starting to reset my internal clock to avoid jetlag...my goal is to be going to bed by 9pm and waking up at 6am which is like going to bed at 2am and and waking up at 11am, which is what I normally do and then I can adjust to whatever the camp schedule is. Speaking of lack of sleep, I'm going to be waking up early to go down to Soddy to visit family tomorrow morning around 7 or 8...yay lack of sleep!

Can I have a stamp?

Saturday I sent out my support letters. I always feel kinda awkward sending them out, but I know that it's the best way to ask people to give. Here's a copy of it:

"As you may already know, I have been presented with an opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Ireland this July. I will be working in 3 camps, each a week long, in different areas of the Republic of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland while I am there. I believe God has shown me how I can contribute directly to this effort and help fulfill His commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15.

Ireland, though once called the land of scholars and saints, is in what One Mission Society UK is calling “A Famine of Faith”. The camps I will be working with are children's camps and will hopefully raise up a generation of God-fearing Irish people. You can read more about the camps at http://www.byouth.org/

I am writing to ask for your help in 3 areas. First and foremost I ask you to pray for the success of this trip. It’s not automatic just because I show up. I’ve already begun searching for transportation, gathering the materials I might need, checking formalities, etc., and frankly, unless the Lord is directing these efforts, I would just as soon stay home. So your prayers are extremely important.

Next, I am asking for your financial support if you are able to help. Some part of me cringes to ask for money like this, but on the other hand, I truly believe the Lord IS directing this trip and your money will not be wasted. I need about $2000 for traveling expenses and cost of the camps where I’ll be working. Unfortunately because I am going on my own and meeting the organization there, your gift is not tax deductible and checks should be sent and made out to me. Every penny that you send will go towards either this trip or future trips to Ireland as that is where I feel God is calling me to go.

And lastly, I need you to pray again. Yes, the money is important, but “where He guides, He provides”, so I know He will make a way, but I need to be assured that People of faith are interceding as I take on this task with others in the Irish Baptist Association.

Thanks for taking time to read this and thanks in advance for your support. I’d like a chance to tell you about my experiences when I return, but while I am preparing, and while I am gone, you can keep up with all I’m doing here: http://shenanigansofdrew.blogspot.com/ "

Do with this post what you will, but I hope that you support my trip, whether it be through prayer, financially, or both.

Takin Care of Business

Today is the day that my application was turned in to the Baptist Youth office. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. Today is also the day that I sit down and hammer out my support letters along with the list of people I plan to send them to. I still need between $1500 and $2000, but if God wants me to go on this trip, I trust that He will provide exactly what I need. Any money that goes over my goal this year, or that I don't spend while I'm over there is going to go into an account to go towards my trip next year. The huge downer is that since I'm not going through an organization, any gifts that I receive are not tax deductible for the giver. I'm praying that this doesn't keep people from giving to the advancement of God's Kingdom.

This video was sent to me by Peter Lawther. It's a very powerful video that shows the spiritual climate of Ireland. Please watch this and keep the people of Ireland in your prayers!!

From Whom All Blessings Flow

97 Days to go! We are in the double digits!!!! :-)

In other news, I bought my plane ticket! God is so good! My ticket ended up costing $1522.40, but God has blessed me already by providing $1000 of that cost. The more I think about it, the more I want to stop everything and go right now. More and more each day, I feel God's tug on my heart that the island of Ireland is where I need to be in July. There are so many things running through my head that I don't even know what to say. I'll keep you guys posted as much as I can. Thank you all for your continuous prayers! I love you all!!!

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin

So, I've been in more contact with Peter. I've found out that I need to apply to work at one (or 2) of the camps in N. Ireland. I'm completely fine with that! My heart races with excitement every time I think about this amazing opportunity God has given me! I'm so excited I can barely sleep! Although, not sleeping for 4 months would probably not be good.

Today was a fantastic day! 2 of my 3 classes were cancelled, I got Keith and Kristyn Getty music synced up on my iPhone, the 3 books I ordered (Crazy Love by Francis Chan, Radical by David Platt, and The Dawkins Delusion by Alistar McGrath) came in a day early, and the biggest thing of all, one of my friends found out today that one of her friends is now CANCER FREE!!!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!

There are a few options with what to do with 2 of my 3 weeks there that I'm praying over doing. Just different camps that I can do. Please continue to pray as I prepare spiritually for this trip and try to raise support. I thank you in advance for your prayers!!!

Let's Get It Started

Hello everybody! For those of you who don't know me, I don't have the the best blogging reputation. For those of you that do, this blog will be different. Let me start out by introducing myself and then about why I am starting this blog.

I am currently a student at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville studying Graphic Design with a minor in Theatre. I have always had a heart for overseas missions and an interest in Great Britain and Ireland. This past summer I had to make the choice between going to Haiti on a missions trip with my church in Knoxville or come home to help with D-Now over my Spring Break. After much prayer, seeking of council and consideration, I chose to come home. I was delighted when the youth pastor told me that the speaker was going to be a man from Northern Ireland. When D-Now finally came along I was pleasantly surprised to find that I learned more this weekend than any other church event or camp I've been to, and that's saying something. Also, the speaker presented us with the opportunity to come help him and his coworkers for 1, 2 or 3 weeks. After prayer and council and consideration, I've decided that God is calling me to go for 3 weeks in July.

So, now the reason for this blog is to post about my spiritual journey leading up to and through my physical journey to Northern Ireland. The trip will cost about $2000 (plane ticket and expenses once there) and will take place in July. I will be working as a leader in the camps that run from Saturday to Saturday. I am very excited about this opportunity and I hope that you will join me in prayer as I start to raise support and prepare to go.