Ireland - Day 3

Yesterday, Saturday, we got to take part in a ocean water baptism.  It was such an amazing setting.   Just at the foot of Crough Patrick - a famous mountain that St. Patrick climbed to fast and pray for the salvation of Ireland - on a beautiful beach with the mountains behind and the beautiful sea in front.  About 30-40 people came and 4 people - 2 couples - were being baptized.  They were given the opportunity to give a short testimony before hand and they blew me away.  This church is so young and full of new christians.  it blew me away to hear their testimonies, even in short.  they kept talking about how being baptized really was burying their old selves and coming up new, with a new hope and new life.  just amazing and humbling to take part in.

i led a few worship songs from guitar and just as we were finishing the sun burst through the clouds and warmed us all up.  it really felt like God's glory showed up to revel in what was happening.  it was just awesome!  

today was sunday and a great day.  We had lunch at a pub with a wonderful lunch special - roast beef, mashed potatoes, the worlds best gravy, broccoli in a cream sauce, and fries!!  it was absolutely delicious.  the pub atmosphere (no drunks at that time so we were good :) ) was so amazing.  dark red and earth tones and amazing wood on the walls and ceiling, and the comfy booths and rugby on the teli.  it was so relaxing and wonderful. then on the walk back to the church we stopped a corner sweet shop and gift shop near the church.  they had about 100 containers of all sorts of candy!!!  it was anything you can think of, raspberry fizzies, bon bons licorice, suckers, just anything!! i really felt like i was in willy wonkas!!  the shop owners were great too.  then i found a just beautiful scarf for my souvinier.  it was just a gift from God.  I've been so tired and out of sorts because of it, that i really needed the pick me up and God provided these wonderful expereinces.

we did the worship service today and it was so fun.  it was so great to provide the type of worship we bring to folks who don't get it very often.  they were all so kind and excited.  it's been so long since i last played or sang, my fingers still hurt and my throat has been hurting all day.  so i'm hoping a good sleep will bring me back.

i've been so proud of our team.  the first few days were a struggle but they all are such incredible kids.  Chrystal and Celena today on the drive sang all sorts of disney songs, they knew all the words and they'd harmonize and sing stereo!! it was such a ball!

tomorrow we are going to visit a castle so looking forward to that and then tomorrow night we help with a kids night so that should be really fun!!  Love you all!

- Rachel