Monday, July 31, 2006
Sorry for no Irish diary for so long. Once we left Enid, I had little enough computer time that I rarely even thought of this necessary part of my blogging. Enjoy!
I hope to put up a summary of the last few days as a part of tomorrow's post.
July 21
We went to visit the Hannas today. Mr. Hanna is the minister of our Kellswater R. P. Church. Mrs. Hanna gave Isaac & me each a crocheted dwarf doll that an 84-year-old woman had made. She also gave us some pencils and an eraser.
July 22
This morning we went to Belfast on the train with Grumps & Grandmother. Since there was some work being done on the tracks, we had to take a different route there.
We went to a shopping mall and bought a couple original books from the Railway Series. They were about Edward the Blue Engine and The Three Railway Engines.
I wanted to go to Pizza Hut for lunch, but we were in the wrong part of the city. We went to a Burger King instead. After we got back home we had some pizza for supper.
July 23
For today's children’s message, Daddy talked about a time when Aunt Sarah left some crayons out in the hot sun on the sidewalk, and how they got soft and then melted. Then he mentioned about blue-gray clay he used to dig out of the cliff bank. He formed it into bowls and put them in the sun to harden. The point of his talk was that our hearts should be soft toward God, not hard.
July 24
This morning I went with Grumps, Daddy, & Isaac so we could cash some travellers' checks. We also got some drawing paper from McCauley's Book Shop. Isaac saw Mr. Daniel McKeeman outside McCauley's so Daddy introduced them to each other.
After supper we drove to a gift shop called Logans near Ballymena, but it was closed. So instead we came home, put on our old shoes, and drove up to see Ballycastle beach. We found some more pretty rocks and shells.
July 25
Today we went to Portrush and the Giant's Causeway again. At The White House, a store in Portrush, we found 199 Diesel, a new Thomas train. We found a steam roller at another store.
At the causeway I took a picture of a rock formation called the Giant's boot. Since Grumps didn’t want to walk all the way down to the sea, he and Grandmother rode the bus down, along with Daddy & Isaac. Mama & I walked.
July 26
This morning we all went back to Logans gift shop. It was open this time. Mama took Grumps & Grandmother to the Bushmills Distillery this afternoon for them to take a tour.
The weather was wonderful today. It was about 78° and sunny. Isaac & I played outside with only shoes & shorts on.
July 27
Today we went to the Millars' for lunch. Rachel and I played with Isaac in their yard. We had fun on their seesaw until Isaac got hurt while trying to get on it one time.
Tonight we had a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Wright from the Ballylaggen RPC. They came especially so we could buy 4 Psalm tapes from them. Mrs. Wright also gave us a new Sol-fa Psalter and brought us some orange marmalade and a bunch of sweet peas.
July 28
Today Grumps & Grandmother went on a bus tour for most of the day. After they left we went to Colraine to explore the town. Miss Millar had drawn us a map to help us find a car park there. We bought a Lego set of King Richard in one of the store. Afterwards we went to Wellworths.
After Grumps & Grandmother got back we went to one of the Millars' fields where they had a young people's game night. At the start it rained a bunch so we waited in the car. The games were 1) throwing a boot 2) riding in a wheelbarrow 3) tug of war 4) tossing a bag of water to each other 5) pulling off clothes pins with one hand and 6) walking on planks as a team.
July 29
This morning we took Grumps & Grandmother up to Colraine. Mama bought a mug for Mrs. Smith.
Later today Mama & Daddy went to Ballymoney. They bought a little Lego pirate set for Isaac.
Notes:
• July 26: The Bushmills Distillery is one of the world's premier distilleries of whiskey.
• July 27: Sol-fa is a method of nomenclature for musical notes. In sol-fa music, the page is covered with small words (do, re, mi, etc.) with numbers for time notation instead of a staff and pictures of musical notes.
• July 28: King Richard is Richard I of England (Cœur de Leon), and Wellworths was a major store in Coleraine that we visited on several occasions.
• July 29: Mrs. Smith is the wife of the minister at the Belle Center United Methodist Church.
I hope to put up a summary of the last few days as a part of tomorrow's post.
July 21
We went to visit the Hannas today. Mr. Hanna is the minister of our Kellswater R. P. Church. Mrs. Hanna gave Isaac & me each a crocheted dwarf doll that an 84-year-old woman had made. She also gave us some pencils and an eraser.
July 22
This morning we went to Belfast on the train with Grumps & Grandmother. Since there was some work being done on the tracks, we had to take a different route there.
We went to a shopping mall and bought a couple original books from the Railway Series. They were about Edward the Blue Engine and The Three Railway Engines.
I wanted to go to Pizza Hut for lunch, but we were in the wrong part of the city. We went to a Burger King instead. After we got back home we had some pizza for supper.
July 23
For today's children’s message, Daddy talked about a time when Aunt Sarah left some crayons out in the hot sun on the sidewalk, and how they got soft and then melted. Then he mentioned about blue-gray clay he used to dig out of the cliff bank. He formed it into bowls and put them in the sun to harden. The point of his talk was that our hearts should be soft toward God, not hard.
July 24
This morning I went with Grumps, Daddy, & Isaac so we could cash some travellers' checks. We also got some drawing paper from McCauley's Book Shop. Isaac saw Mr. Daniel McKeeman outside McCauley's so Daddy introduced them to each other.
After supper we drove to a gift shop called Logans near Ballymena, but it was closed. So instead we came home, put on our old shoes, and drove up to see Ballycastle beach. We found some more pretty rocks and shells.
July 25
Today we went to Portrush and the Giant's Causeway again. At The White House, a store in Portrush, we found 199 Diesel, a new Thomas train. We found a steam roller at another store.
At the causeway I took a picture of a rock formation called the Giant's boot. Since Grumps didn’t want to walk all the way down to the sea, he and Grandmother rode the bus down, along with Daddy & Isaac. Mama & I walked.
July 26
This morning we all went back to Logans gift shop. It was open this time. Mama took Grumps & Grandmother to the Bushmills Distillery this afternoon for them to take a tour.
The weather was wonderful today. It was about 78° and sunny. Isaac & I played outside with only shoes & shorts on.
July 27
Today we went to the Millars' for lunch. Rachel and I played with Isaac in their yard. We had fun on their seesaw until Isaac got hurt while trying to get on it one time.
Tonight we had a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Wright from the Ballylaggen RPC. They came especially so we could buy 4 Psalm tapes from them. Mrs. Wright also gave us a new Sol-fa Psalter and brought us some orange marmalade and a bunch of sweet peas.
July 28
Today Grumps & Grandmother went on a bus tour for most of the day. After they left we went to Colraine to explore the town. Miss Millar had drawn us a map to help us find a car park there. We bought a Lego set of King Richard in one of the store. Afterwards we went to Wellworths.
After Grumps & Grandmother got back we went to one of the Millars' fields where they had a young people's game night. At the start it rained a bunch so we waited in the car. The games were 1) throwing a boot 2) riding in a wheelbarrow 3) tug of war 4) tossing a bag of water to each other 5) pulling off clothes pins with one hand and 6) walking on planks as a team.
July 29
This morning we took Grumps & Grandmother up to Colraine. Mama bought a mug for Mrs. Smith.
Later today Mama & Daddy went to Ballymoney. They bought a little Lego pirate set for Isaac.
Notes:
• July 26: The Bushmills Distillery is one of the world's premier distilleries of whiskey.
• July 27: Sol-fa is a method of nomenclature for musical notes. In sol-fa music, the page is covered with small words (do, re, mi, etc.) with numbers for time notation instead of a staff and pictures of musical notes.
• July 28: King Richard is Richard I of England (Cœur de Leon), and Wellworths was a major store in Coleraine that we visited on several occasions.
• July 29: Mrs. Smith is the wife of the minister at the Belle Center United Methodist Church.
# posted by erudil @ 21:49
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Well, it's nearly time to leave. I'll be home in less than twelve hours :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Iceland, or Ísland, has long had a policy of maintaining a national committee to compose Icelandic-style words instead of borrowing words from other languages. As a longstanding policy, this (in my opinion) does not hurt the language but helps it, although it might have caused stress at one time. However, Iran seems to be doing the same thing — but to its hurt. The government is rejecting Western borrow words, such as pizza and cabin, because it wants Farsi to be more like Farsi originally was. Fine — but religion is getting in the way. The authorities are more permissive of Arabic loan words, because the Quran is written in Arabic. So the leaders of an Indo-European country reject other Indo-European words and accept Semitic words. Doesn't sound like a good idea to me.
Iceland, or Ísland, has long had a policy of maintaining a national committee to compose Icelandic-style words instead of borrowing words from other languages. As a longstanding policy, this (in my opinion) does not hurt the language but helps it, although it might have caused stress at one time. However, Iran seems to be doing the same thing — but to its hurt. The government is rejecting Western borrow words, such as pizza and cabin, because it wants Farsi to be more like Farsi originally was. Fine — but religion is getting in the way. The authorities are more permissive of Arabic loan words, because the Quran is written in Arabic. So the leaders of an Indo-European country reject other Indo-European words and accept Semitic words. Doesn't sound like a good idea to me.
# posted by erudil @ 08:51
Because we arrived back here last night, today has involved no travel. Because our team's work was finished a week ago, we have no work with the church. Because the Spitlers had little for us to do, we did little work for the Spitlers. Instead, David and I relaxed. I ended up spending a couple of hours at their dining room table, discussing and explaining my pictures with the two oldest girls. They wanted some, they said, and (with my permission) they ended up copying all but 30 of my 860 video and picture files from the trip.
David and I both fly out of Oklahoma City shortly before noon tomorrow, and my flight will arrive at St. Louis in the early afternoon. This will be followed by a four-hour layover, after which I'll arrive at Columbus around 7:30 tomorrow night. Between time for passing through security and driving time, we'll need to leave Spitlers' by midmorning. This will possibly be my last post before returning to Ohio.
It's been good being able to work and live here for several weeks. It was good to go to the conference. So many things that will help me. So many things I'll remember. So much I've seen. So many people I've met. It's been good being able to work and live here for several weeks.
I hope to put up a more lengthy discussion of the trip after I get home. Along with this planned post, getting home will also add two other things to my blog:
• A return to the weekly blog ratings, not done at all when I've been here.
• A continuation of the Irish diary, not done since we left for Colorado.
David and I both fly out of Oklahoma City shortly before noon tomorrow, and my flight will arrive at St. Louis in the early afternoon. This will be followed by a four-hour layover, after which I'll arrive at Columbus around 7:30 tomorrow night. Between time for passing through security and driving time, we'll need to leave Spitlers' by midmorning. This will possibly be my last post before returning to Ohio.
It's been good being able to work and live here for several weeks. It was good to go to the conference. So many things that will help me. So many things I'll remember. So much I've seen. So many people I've met. It's been good being able to work and live here for several weeks.
I hope to put up a more lengthy discussion of the trip after I get home. Along with this planned post, getting home will also add two other things to my blog:
• A return to the weekly blog ratings, not done at all when I've been here.
• A continuation of the Irish diary, not done since we left for Colorado.
# posted by erudil @ 00:55
Friday, July 28, 2006
Tonight we returned from Colorado to Oklahoma. We left at approximately 8:45 AM and arrived here at approximately 10:30 PM, a trip of nearly thirteen hours (after negating the time difference) and of approximately 700 miles. Along the way, Dr. Spitler was gracious enough to allow us to stop quickly in Quinter to see the RP church there. I took two pictures of it, along with other assorted pictures of the area. None of my family have ever been there before, except for my mother, who was there approximately forty years ago.
# posted by erudil @ 00:50
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
It was announced this morning that the Rev. David Smith, pastor of the Orlando RPC, was taken into the hospital with a massive heart attack. Thankfully, he has now stabilized, and he is finally able to sleep, but this is still a very serious situation. Please pray for him, his wife, his children, his congregation, everyone affected.
How blessed the man who guides the poor
By counsel strong and clear;
The LORD will surely rescue him
When evil days draw near.
The LORD will guard him in the land;
His life is blessed indeed;
Nor will You let him fall before
His adversaries' greed.
The LORD sustains him on his bed
Of sickness and of pain.
And from his bed You make him rise;
He will his health regain.
Now as for me, I said, "O LORD,
Have mercy on my soul.
Because against You I have sinned,
Restore and make me whole."
Psalm 41
If you want to send a card or anything else, I have no address for the Smiths, but I would guess that mail could be sent care of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Orlando, 324 E. Livingstone St., Orlando, FL, 32801.
How blessed the man who guides the poor
By counsel strong and clear;
The LORD will surely rescue him
When evil days draw near.
The LORD will guard him in the land;
His life is blessed indeed;
Nor will You let him fall before
His adversaries' greed.
The LORD sustains him on his bed
Of sickness and of pain.
And from his bed You make him rise;
He will his health regain.
Now as for me, I said, "O LORD,
Have mercy on my soul.
Because against You I have sinned,
Restore and make me whole."
Psalm 41
If you want to send a card or anything else, I have no address for the Smiths, but I would guess that mail could be sent care of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Orlando, 324 E. Livingstone St., Orlando, FL, 32801.
# posted by erudil @ 12:28
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Pastor Selvaggio spoke yesterday about the place of worship. Beginning with a discussion of the idea of the one place of worship in the Old Testament, he continued to our times, noting that we still have only one place of worship. Christ himself is our temple, and at that temple only do we worship.
With Nathan's death still on my mind, much that has been said here has led me to contemplate all things in the light of the death of a Christian. He ended yesterday's sermon by noting some evangelistic and eschatological implications of "place". Nonchristians, of course, have no real place in this world. They wander about in their lives, seeking a purpose, but either they never find a real purpose or find a false purpose. Only in Christ, through our evangelism, can any purpose be found. Moreover, the eschatological implications impacted me. Although we are created on earth, we really are not intended for earth. Our ultimate home is in heaven, as we see in Revelation 21:3, where we read that the dwelling of God will be with men. Nathan was suddenly catapulted into a dwelling with God. Of course, I know this already, but the way that Pastor Selvaggio put it was very helpful.
Last night, we had an impromptu melodrama set up by Pastor Wilsey. This performance involved Pastor Selvaggio as the villain, corrupted on his way out here by contemplating the Red Sox' victory last year and seeing red all the way from Beaver Falls to here. He gathers a gang of counsellors to set charges at the base of Long's Peak (a 14,000+ foot mountain within sight of the camp) to roll over Nebraska (the red Cornhuskers), past Chicago (Sox), Indiana (Hoosiers), Cincinnati (Reds), Columbus (scarlet and grey Ohio State), and sink New England in the Atlantic. Of course, he gets defeated, eventually by the conference director, Mr. Keith Mann.
With Nathan's death still on my mind, much that has been said here has led me to contemplate all things in the light of the death of a Christian. He ended yesterday's sermon by noting some evangelistic and eschatological implications of "place". Nonchristians, of course, have no real place in this world. They wander about in their lives, seeking a purpose, but either they never find a real purpose or find a false purpose. Only in Christ, through our evangelism, can any purpose be found. Moreover, the eschatological implications impacted me. Although we are created on earth, we really are not intended for earth. Our ultimate home is in heaven, as we see in Revelation 21:3, where we read that the dwelling of God will be with men. Nathan was suddenly catapulted into a dwelling with God. Of course, I know this already, but the way that Pastor Selvaggio put it was very helpful.
Last night, we had an impromptu melodrama set up by Pastor Wilsey. This performance involved Pastor Selvaggio as the villain, corrupted on his way out here by contemplating the Red Sox' victory last year and seeing red all the way from Beaver Falls to here. He gathers a gang of counsellors to set charges at the base of Long's Peak (a 14,000+ foot mountain within sight of the camp) to roll over Nebraska (the red Cornhuskers), past Chicago (Sox), Indiana (Hoosiers), Cincinnati (Reds), Columbus (scarlet and grey Ohio State), and sink New England in the Atlantic. Of course, he gets defeated, eventually by the conference director, Mr. Keith Mann.
# posted by erudil @ 09:47
Monday, July 24, 2006
Nearly time for breakfast.
Yesterday's message from Pastor Selvaggio was on the subject of the purpose of worship.
One thing I'm really appreciating here are all the hummingbirds. As I sit here on the dining hall porch, there are always hummingbirds flying around, some just a few feet from me.
Yesterday's message from Pastor Selvaggio was on the subject of the purpose of worship.
One thing I'm really appreciating here are all the hummingbirds. As I sit here on the dining hall porch, there are always hummingbirds flying around, some just a few feet from me.
# posted by erudil @ 09:50
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Today
0700 Get-up
0745-0845 Breakfast
0900-1030 Morning worship
1030-1200 Class
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1400 "Lord's Day Activity Time"
1400-1600 Bible Quiz Bowl
1600-1730 Cabin/Family Devotions
1730-1830 Dinner
1830-1900 Break
1900-2100 Psalm sing
2100-2200 Campfire
2200-2300 Counselling group devotions
2300 Lights out
Tomorrow
0700 Get-up
0745-0845 Breakfast
0900-1015 Main session
1015-1030 Break
1030-1145 Class
1145-1200 Break
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1500 Volleyball or BB (basketball? baseball?) tournament
1500-1700 Zip line, climbing
1700-1830 Dinner
1830-1900 Break
1900-2100 Western Night
2100-2200 Campfire
2200-2300 Counselling group devotions
2300 Lights out
Tuesday
0700 Get-up
0745-0845 Breakfast
0900-1015 Main session
1015-1030 Break
1030-1145 Class
1145-1200 Break
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1500 Volleyball or BB (basketball? baseball?) tournament
1500-1700 Ropes courses
1730-1830 Dinner
1830-1900 Break
1900-2100 Night Out
2100-2200 Campfire
2200-2300 Counselling group devotions
2300 Lights out
Wednesday
0700 Get-up
0745-0845 Breakfast
0900-1015 Main session
1015-1030 Break
1030-1145 Class
1145-1200 Break
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1500 Volleyball or BB (basketball? baseball?) tournament
1500-1630 Zip line, climbing
1630-1730 Business meeting
1730-1830 Dinner
1830-1900 Break
1900-2100 Consecration service
2100-2200 Campfire
2200-2300 Counselling group devotions
2300 Lights out
As we progressed through the work in Stillwater, I enjoyed the work and the chance to do what we were doing, but I also looked forward to more time to relax. That's what I got at Wagners' when we were in Enid, but I still looked forward to having a week of nothing scheduled except for meals, morning class, and an hour or two of evening program. So much for that. The schedule I've posted above is the schedule for the conference as far as it concerns me (the conference goes until Thursday, but nothing except meals is scheduled then). Apparently, it's essential for me to attend all of these. I agree that it's essential to attend the classes and worship and evening program (I would, even if none of them were required), but why must I participate in the sports? Last night, I played through the nine-hole miniature golf course here. There's a lake here with boats provided. Hiking around the property should be impressive indeed. Why is there absolutely no time for any of these? So much for the bit of reading I'd expected to do as well. I'm likely going to have less free time than I did in Stillwater, even though I'm doing no work!
I guess this conference again proves for me the truth of the saying that we don't appreciate what we have until we lose it.
On the other hand, appreciate the beauty of sunset in the edge of the Rockies.
0700 Get-up
0745-0845 Breakfast
0900-1030 Morning worship
1030-1200 Class
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1400 "Lord's Day Activity Time"
1400-1600 Bible Quiz Bowl
1600-1730 Cabin/Family Devotions
1730-1830 Dinner
1830-1900 Break
1900-2100 Psalm sing
2100-2200 Campfire
2200-2300 Counselling group devotions
2300 Lights out
Tomorrow
0700 Get-up
0745-0845 Breakfast
0900-1015 Main session
1015-1030 Break
1030-1145 Class
1145-1200 Break
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1500 Volleyball or BB (basketball? baseball?) tournament
1500-1700 Zip line, climbing
1700-1830 Dinner
1830-1900 Break
1900-2100 Western Night
2100-2200 Campfire
2200-2300 Counselling group devotions
2300 Lights out
Tuesday
0700 Get-up
0745-0845 Breakfast
0900-1015 Main session
1015-1030 Break
1030-1145 Class
1145-1200 Break
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1500 Volleyball or BB (basketball? baseball?) tournament
1500-1700 Ropes courses
1730-1830 Dinner
1830-1900 Break
1900-2100 Night Out
2100-2200 Campfire
2200-2300 Counselling group devotions
2300 Lights out
Wednesday
0700 Get-up
0745-0845 Breakfast
0900-1015 Main session
1015-1030 Break
1030-1145 Class
1145-1200 Break
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1500 Volleyball or BB (basketball? baseball?) tournament
1500-1630 Zip line, climbing
1630-1730 Business meeting
1730-1830 Dinner
1830-1900 Break
1900-2100 Consecration service
2100-2200 Campfire
2200-2300 Counselling group devotions
2300 Lights out
As we progressed through the work in Stillwater, I enjoyed the work and the chance to do what we were doing, but I also looked forward to more time to relax. That's what I got at Wagners' when we were in Enid, but I still looked forward to having a week of nothing scheduled except for meals, morning class, and an hour or two of evening program. So much for that. The schedule I've posted above is the schedule for the conference as far as it concerns me (the conference goes until Thursday, but nothing except meals is scheduled then). Apparently, it's essential for me to attend all of these. I agree that it's essential to attend the classes and worship and evening program (I would, even if none of them were required), but why must I participate in the sports? Last night, I played through the nine-hole miniature golf course here. There's a lake here with boats provided. Hiking around the property should be impressive indeed. Why is there absolutely no time for any of these? So much for the bit of reading I'd expected to do as well. I'm likely going to have less free time than I did in Stillwater, even though I'm doing no work!
I guess this conference again proves for me the truth of the saying that we don't appreciate what we have until we lose it.
On the other hand, appreciate the beauty of sunset in the edge of the Rockies.
# posted by erudil @ 09:41
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Well, I'm at Covenant Heights. We left Minneola this morning at about 7:00 Central Time and arrived here at about 4:00 Mountain Time. Among the highlights:
• I've never before seen flatter terrain than western Kansas.
• I've never before seen such mountains than where I'm sitting here.
• I've never before been to Kansas or Colorado.
• While eating lunch in Limon, Colorado, we were one of two larger groups in the restaurant. The others, a much larger group than ours, was a Scout troop from south of Kansas City, returning from summer camp west of Pueblo, Colorado. A benefit of being in Scouting: you run into others everywhere and instantly have a common bond.
• Dad and Isaac got back today from summer camp.
• Time here is really structured, so I'll have little chance to post or be online. Don't expect me to be on AIM at all; I might, but there's no guarantee at all. If I am, it will likely be later, perhaps well after 9:00 our time, or 11:00 Eastern Time.
• One of the other five guys in my room is to be Seth Wing.
Flat western Kansas
Our first sight of the mountains
The Denver skyline
A scenic outlook between Denver and Boulder
The road has come to the foothills
A canyon we drove through in the Roosevelt National Forest
I would have posted more pictures (of the sunset illuminating just the tops of the mountains), but Blogger won't let me.
• I've never before seen flatter terrain than western Kansas.
• I've never before seen such mountains than where I'm sitting here.
• I've never before been to Kansas or Colorado.
• While eating lunch in Limon, Colorado, we were one of two larger groups in the restaurant. The others, a much larger group than ours, was a Scout troop from south of Kansas City, returning from summer camp west of Pueblo, Colorado. A benefit of being in Scouting: you run into others everywhere and instantly have a common bond.
• Dad and Isaac got back today from summer camp.
• Time here is really structured, so I'll have little chance to post or be online. Don't expect me to be on AIM at all; I might, but there's no guarantee at all. If I am, it will likely be later, perhaps well after 9:00 our time, or 11:00 Eastern Time.
• One of the other five guys in my room is to be Seth Wing.
Flat western Kansas
Our first sight of the mountains
The Denver skyline
A scenic outlook between Denver and Boulder
The road has come to the foothills
A canyon we drove through in the Roosevelt National Forest
I would have posted more pictures (of the sunset illuminating just the tops of the mountains), but Blogger won't let me.
# posted by erudil @ 22:37
Friday, July 21, 2006
Which is harder? Is it harder to see a loved one killed, cut off, taken away, suddenly, such as Nathan O'Neill? Or is it harder to see a loved one die slowly, torturously, lingering for years? It is someone more experienced than I or wiser than I or both who alone can answer that question.
What is the purpose of education? Nathan had just graduated from Geneva this spring. He had spent four years of work, learning and learning, spending and spending, and now the learning is passed. Can you imagine a benefit of his learning? God alone knows the full reasons.
What is the purpose of education? Nathan had just graduated from Geneva this spring. He had spent four years of work, learning and learning, spending and spending, and now the learning is passed. Can you imagine a benefit of his learning? God alone knows the full reasons.
# posted by erudil @ 00:38
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Soon we'll be leaving for VBS. We split up this morning, since there were so few of us. I ended up stopping at 46 houses, getting 13 responses, but only two people wanted to answer the survey, and only four people wanted the brochure.
Ireland
Today we stayed home while Grumps & Grandmother went on an Ulsterbus tour to Donegal and Belleek. They liked their trip very well.
Ireland
Today we stayed home while Grumps & Grandmother went on an Ulsterbus tour to Donegal and Belleek. They liked their trip very well.
# posted by erudil @ 13:58
Nathan O'Neill, a May 2006 graduate of Geneva College, and member of the Winchester Reformed Presbyterian Church, was tragically killed this morning when he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and slid into the path of a semi. Nathan's parents are Jay and Cindy O'Neill, and he has two brothers, Jason and Alex. His grandparents are John and Alta Tweed and Gene and Dorothy O'Neill. Please remember the O'Neill family and members of the Winchester congregation in prayer at this time of sudden loss. Funeral arrangements are pending; further notice will be sent out when plans have been made.
Pastor Paul Finley
Observed by Him and precious in the LORD's sight/Appears the death of all His saints each one.
Psalm 116
Today was not very remarkable. Pastor Parnell was my partner as we worked in a northeastern neighborhood, certainly the poorest place we've worked since distributing leaflets two weeks ago in Stillwater. After VBS, we were hosted by the Covington family, who live much of the way to Stillwater.
Please pray, also, for Calvin, the little boy whom I mentioned last week. We were told today that doctors had diagnosed a new and somewhat dangerous condition, the treatment of which will erase much of the progress he's been making, and which will likely result in his being in the hospital weeks longer.
Ireland
This morning we went to Ballymoney so Grumps could cash some travellers' checks. We also went to Walkers' toy store and bought 2 little sets of Legos. I got a set of British road signs and Isaac picked out a little pirate set. It has a parrot, treasure box, treasure, and a pirate.
Tonight we went to the McCauley's for supper. Grumps & Grandmother went, too. While the adults talked, Isaac & I played with the McCauley kids and their Legos.
Pastor Paul Finley
Observed by Him and precious in the LORD's sight/Appears the death of all His saints each one.
Psalm 116
Today was not very remarkable. Pastor Parnell was my partner as we worked in a northeastern neighborhood, certainly the poorest place we've worked since distributing leaflets two weeks ago in Stillwater. After VBS, we were hosted by the Covington family, who live much of the way to Stillwater.
Please pray, also, for Calvin, the little boy whom I mentioned last week. We were told today that doctors had diagnosed a new and somewhat dangerous condition, the treatment of which will erase much of the progress he's been making, and which will likely result in his being in the hospital weeks longer.
Ireland
This morning we went to Ballymoney so Grumps could cash some travellers' checks. We also went to Walkers' toy store and bought 2 little sets of Legos. I got a set of British road signs and Isaac picked out a little pirate set. It has a parrot, treasure box, treasure, and a pirate.
Tonight we went to the McCauley's for supper. Grumps & Grandmother went, too. While the adults talked, Isaac & I played with the McCauley kids and their Legos.
# posted by erudil @ 00:06
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Tonight, we went bowling at a small alley on the base, playing two games each. Since there were eight of us, we played four-on-four. My team won both, but I wasn't the driving force. One of the biggest reasons we won was rather humorous. Ruth bowled quite poorly in the first game, and after four frames in the second game she had just ten points. Throughout the game, she had been joking that that the ball hated her. At that point, Clay examined the ball — and found a big groove in it! All of us laughed somewhat when she said it hated her, but we had no idea that she was correct :-)
Some quotes from throughout the day:
• At one house where I stopped this morning, there were two security-system stickers on the door. One, on the left, was labelled "ADT Security System." The other, on the right, was labelled "This House Protected by ANGELS!" with a reference to part of Psalm 91: "Because His angels He commands/To bear thee safely in their hands..."
• Tonight, we're watching The Mask of Zorro, in which I heard a funny quote: a master swordsman is training a noob.
"Do you know how to use that thing?"
"Yes. Pointy end goes into the other man."
Some quotes from throughout the day:
• At one house where I stopped this morning, there were two security-system stickers on the door. One, on the left, was labelled "ADT Security System." The other, on the right, was labelled "This House Protected by ANGELS!" with a reference to part of Psalm 91: "Because His angels He commands/To bear thee safely in their hands..."
• Tonight, we're watching The Mask of Zorro, in which I heard a funny quote: a master swordsman is training a noob.
"Do you know how to use that thing?"
"Yes. Pointy end goes into the other man."
# posted by erudil @ 21:44
This morning, like others, was door-to-door outreach with people in Enid. Today, however, was not in Enid, but in a village wholly surrounded by Enid, with the imaginative name of "North Enid". My partner and I got four people who wanted to answer the survey, two of whom were Christians.
Ireland
Before lunchtime Daddy & I drove to Aldergrove Airport, near Belfast, to pick up Grumps & Grandmother. They were five minutes early even though on all their other stops they were late. When we got back to Dervock they were very tired.
After supper we drove Grumps & Grandmother to our church building. When we got out of the car we noticed a lot of young bulls watching us from a pasture field behind the church building. Then we drove through Ballybogy and on to Ballymoney.
Ireland
Before lunchtime Daddy & I drove to Aldergrove Airport, near Belfast, to pick up Grumps & Grandmother. They were five minutes early even though on all their other stops they were late. When we got back to Dervock they were very tired.
After supper we drove Grumps & Grandmother to our church building. When we got out of the car we noticed a lot of young bulls watching us from a pasture field behind the church building. Then we drove through Ballybogy and on to Ballymoney.
# posted by erudil @ 14:01
Monday, July 17, 2006
As of last night, we're in Enid. Until we leave for Covenant Heights, we'll be staying with the Wagner family. Today, we did our outreach work in the morning. My partner and I went to relatively few places, but we had two longer conversations. One, with a woman who was a former Baptist, might lead to something, but I doubt the other (with a Jehovah's witness) helped at all. Apparently, the woman's problem with Christianity was hypocrisy, with those who disobey the Epistle of James by claiming to have faith but do not live in such a way. On the other hand, the witness's problem was obvious. Although I tried to bring in (1) the Epistle of James, and (2) speak of Jesus' person, I really didn't have much of a chance. The witness, especially, preferred to speak of other topics, and my partner was (in my opinion) too willing just to go along with the witness.
This afternoon, we had our initial session of Vacation Bible School here, which was held at the city YMCA. Thirty-three children attended, and things went generally well, especially given that several of our leaders were different (many of last week's youth leaders are not here for this week). We'll see how things go tomorrow.
By the way, do any of you find your weather hot? We had triple-digit temperatures and 60% humidity today. It's supposed to be 110º at some point this week.
Ireland
July 16
Mr. Samuel McConaghie sat with us in church this morning because some other people sat with Mrs. McConaghie in their pew. This afternoon we went to the Bush Home again for the service there.
Just a little before I wrote this journal tonight, the power went off. Mama checked the breakers to see if they were okay. All of them said on. While we waited for the power to come back on, we wrote a postcard to Mr. & Mrs. Wright in Orlando, Florida.
July 17
Since it rained on & off all day we didn’t do very much. One of the few things we did was that I walked to the Texaco station with Mama.
Several times today we talked about what Grumps & Grandmother were doing at that time. They left Cincinnati at 2:45 their time to come visit us for a couple weeks.
This afternoon, we had our initial session of Vacation Bible School here, which was held at the city YMCA. Thirty-three children attended, and things went generally well, especially given that several of our leaders were different (many of last week's youth leaders are not here for this week). We'll see how things go tomorrow.
By the way, do any of you find your weather hot? We had triple-digit temperatures and 60% humidity today. It's supposed to be 110º at some point this week.
Ireland
July 16
Mr. Samuel McConaghie sat with us in church this morning because some other people sat with Mrs. McConaghie in their pew. This afternoon we went to the Bush Home again for the service there.
Just a little before I wrote this journal tonight, the power went off. Mama checked the breakers to see if they were okay. All of them said on. While we waited for the power to come back on, we wrote a postcard to Mr. & Mrs. Wright in Orlando, Florida.
July 17
Since it rained on & off all day we didn’t do very much. One of the few things we did was that I walked to the Texaco station with Mama.
Several times today we talked about what Grumps & Grandmother were doing at that time. They left Cincinnati at 2:45 their time to come visit us for a couple weeks.
# posted by erudil @ 18:33
Saturday, July 15, 2006
God is our refuge and our strength,
In straits a present aid;
And therefore, tho' the earth remove
We will not be afraid;
Though hills amidst the sea be cast,
Though troubled waters roar,
Yea, tho' the swelling billows shake
The mountains on the shore.
A river is whose streams make glad
The city of our God,
The holy place wherein the Lord
Most High has His abode.
Yea, God is in the midst of her;
Unmoved she stands for aye;
And God will surely grant her help
Before the break of day.
The nations raged; the kingdoms moved;
And when the earth had heard
The mighty voice He sent abroad,
It melted at His word.
The LORD of hosts is on our side
Our safety to secure;
The God of Jacob is for us
A refuge strong and sure.
O come, behold what wondrous works
Have by the LORD been wrought;
Come, see what desolations great
He on the earth has brought.
To utmost ends of all the earth
Wars into peace He turns;
The bow he breaks, the spear He cuts,
In fire the chariot burns.
Be still and know that I am God;
Among the nations I
Will be exalted; I on earth
Will be exalted high.
The LORD of hosts is on our side
Our safety to secure;
The God of Jacob is for us
A refuge strong and sure.
Psalm 46
More news today seems to be implicating Iran in the developing war. Among other matters, Israel now has announced that its blockade ship was attacked, not by a Hezbollah-developed unmanned aircraft, but by an Irani-developed missile.
With no work scheduled for today, we were able to spend much of the day in Oklahoma City. After a visit of several hours to the National Cowboy Museum, we paid a quick visit to the Murrah Building memorial. Upon returning to Stillwater, we headed to the Parnell house. Several of the kids are involved with amateur moviemaking, and all of us were asked to help with one. Although I had an insignificant part (playing a highschooler walking away from the camera), others had roles as bullies against one guy. Sadly, some passing motorists didn't realize that it was just a film, so we had the police show up without warning. Thankfully, they quickly realized that it was just a film, so nothing went wrong.
Ireland
This morning we went to the Ballymoney train station to see the Portrush Flyer. It's a steam 4-4-0 locomotive, just like Edward on Shining Time Station. It was going 35-40 mph as it steamed past us while we stood on the platform.
After lunch Mama & I went to a shoe store in Ballymoney to get me some new tennis shoes.
For supper we went to the Archie McKeeman home. Isaac & I liked sliding across their slippery kitchen floor. Mrs. McKeeman made tomatoes shaped like stars. After we ate we walked around their backyard with Mr. McKeeman. We even went into their greenhouse and also picked a few red raspberries to eat.
In straits a present aid;
And therefore, tho' the earth remove
We will not be afraid;
Though hills amidst the sea be cast,
Though troubled waters roar,
Yea, tho' the swelling billows shake
The mountains on the shore.
A river is whose streams make glad
The city of our God,
The holy place wherein the Lord
Most High has His abode.
Yea, God is in the midst of her;
Unmoved she stands for aye;
And God will surely grant her help
Before the break of day.
The nations raged; the kingdoms moved;
And when the earth had heard
The mighty voice He sent abroad,
It melted at His word.
The LORD of hosts is on our side
Our safety to secure;
The God of Jacob is for us
A refuge strong and sure.
O come, behold what wondrous works
Have by the LORD been wrought;
Come, see what desolations great
He on the earth has brought.
To utmost ends of all the earth
Wars into peace He turns;
The bow he breaks, the spear He cuts,
In fire the chariot burns.
Be still and know that I am God;
Among the nations I
Will be exalted; I on earth
Will be exalted high.
The LORD of hosts is on our side
Our safety to secure;
The God of Jacob is for us
A refuge strong and sure.
Psalm 46
More news today seems to be implicating Iran in the developing war. Among other matters, Israel now has announced that its blockade ship was attacked, not by a Hezbollah-developed unmanned aircraft, but by an Irani-developed missile.
With no work scheduled for today, we were able to spend much of the day in Oklahoma City. After a visit of several hours to the National Cowboy Museum, we paid a quick visit to the Murrah Building memorial. Upon returning to Stillwater, we headed to the Parnell house. Several of the kids are involved with amateur moviemaking, and all of us were asked to help with one. Although I had an insignificant part (playing a highschooler walking away from the camera), others had roles as bullies against one guy. Sadly, some passing motorists didn't realize that it was just a film, so we had the police show up without warning. Thankfully, they quickly realized that it was just a film, so nothing went wrong.
Ireland
This morning we went to the Ballymoney train station to see the Portrush Flyer. It's a steam 4-4-0 locomotive, just like Edward on Shining Time Station. It was going 35-40 mph as it steamed past us while we stood on the platform.
After lunch Mama & I went to a shoe store in Ballymoney to get me some new tennis shoes.
For supper we went to the Archie McKeeman home. Isaac & I liked sliding across their slippery kitchen floor. Mrs. McKeeman made tomatoes shaped like stars. After we ate we walked around their backyard with Mr. McKeeman. We even went into their greenhouse and also picked a few red raspberries to eat.
# posted by erudil @ 23:57
In 1973, Israel was suddenly attacked, completely without warning, by Egypt and Syria. Israel was quickly defeated in the first waves, but they were able to beat back their enemies and win the short war. Since then, Egypt and Israel have made peace, but nothing similar has happened with Syria.
In 1982, a group was founded under the name of the Party of God. This group, under the sponsorship of Iran and Syria, has as its stated objective the destruction of Israel and has continued to fight the Israelis with terrorist tactics even to the present day.
Several days ago, this group kidnapped two Israeli soldiers. In reply, Israel has mounted a major military campaign against this Party of God in Lebanon, its main base. Oh, and the Party's name in Arabic? Hezb Allah. Hezbollah.
As recent actions have seen a continued escalation of war against Hezbollah, the Israelis continue to face more and more powerful attacks from Hezbollah. Today, the group attacked an Israeli warship with an unmanned aircraft, possibly killing several sailors and taking that ship out of commission. Actions such as these have led to a proclamation of war. Today, Hezbollah announced fullscale war against Israel. Of course, they have no chance at defeating Israel by themselves, but Hezbollah has the backing of Syria and Iran. I fear a major war, the likes of which have not been seen in the Middle East since the First World War, if not greater. We may see the first use of nuclear weapons in anger since 1945. Remember that we have soldiers in Iraq and Afganistan, both of which have long land borders with Iran.
Pray that this may not lead to us being brought into nuclear war with Iran!
Besides all this, many other things have been going on. Today was the last part of our Vacation Bible School here, which was held in the evening so as to allow time for a nice (although small) ceremony. Because of the time for the teaching time and the ceremony, we worked in Enid today, distributing fliers for next week's Vacation Bible School there.
Please pray, as well, for a little boy here in the congregation. Calvin has had some major health problems recently, which have resulted in his parents' having to take him to a children's hospital out of state. Thankfully, one parent at a time has been able to stay here and the other with him, but still...As well, his siblings have been having to stay with other families in the church. Please pray for all of them, whether for Calvin's health (which has improved somewhat), and for the rest of the family in trying to cope with all of this.
Ireland
July 13
A little after noon the McCauleys from Ballymoney came for lunch. After we ate Isaac & I played outside with Gillian, Peter, Cameron, & Jeremy. We also played in the clubhouse a long time. I made 23 little paper pictures to give them when they left.
July 14
Tonight we went to one of the McConaghie’s house for supper. Their daughter is Isaac’s Sabbath School teacher. After we ate we walked into the sloppy barnyard to see their cows. In one of the buildings Isaac & I climbed in the hay mow. We both fell through some hay holes, too.
In 1982, a group was founded under the name of the Party of God. This group, under the sponsorship of Iran and Syria, has as its stated objective the destruction of Israel and has continued to fight the Israelis with terrorist tactics even to the present day.
Several days ago, this group kidnapped two Israeli soldiers. In reply, Israel has mounted a major military campaign against this Party of God in Lebanon, its main base. Oh, and the Party's name in Arabic? Hezb Allah. Hezbollah.
As recent actions have seen a continued escalation of war against Hezbollah, the Israelis continue to face more and more powerful attacks from Hezbollah. Today, the group attacked an Israeli warship with an unmanned aircraft, possibly killing several sailors and taking that ship out of commission. Actions such as these have led to a proclamation of war. Today, Hezbollah announced fullscale war against Israel. Of course, they have no chance at defeating Israel by themselves, but Hezbollah has the backing of Syria and Iran. I fear a major war, the likes of which have not been seen in the Middle East since the First World War, if not greater. We may see the first use of nuclear weapons in anger since 1945. Remember that we have soldiers in Iraq and Afganistan, both of which have long land borders with Iran.
Pray that this may not lead to us being brought into nuclear war with Iran!
Besides all this, many other things have been going on. Today was the last part of our Vacation Bible School here, which was held in the evening so as to allow time for a nice (although small) ceremony. Because of the time for the teaching time and the ceremony, we worked in Enid today, distributing fliers for next week's Vacation Bible School there.
Please pray, as well, for a little boy here in the congregation. Calvin has had some major health problems recently, which have resulted in his parents' having to take him to a children's hospital out of state. Thankfully, one parent at a time has been able to stay here and the other with him, but still...As well, his siblings have been having to stay with other families in the church. Please pray for all of them, whether for Calvin's health (which has improved somewhat), and for the rest of the family in trying to cope with all of this.
Ireland
July 13
A little after noon the McCauleys from Ballymoney came for lunch. After we ate Isaac & I played outside with Gillian, Peter, Cameron, & Jeremy. We also played in the clubhouse a long time. I made 23 little paper pictures to give them when they left.
July 14
Tonight we went to one of the McConaghie’s house for supper. Their daughter is Isaac’s Sabbath School teacher. After we ate we walked into the sloppy barnyard to see their cows. In one of the buildings Isaac & I climbed in the hay mow. We both fell through some hay holes, too.
# posted by erudil @ 00:37
Friday, July 14, 2006
Thursday, July 13, 2006
As many of you may know, last week Hamas kidnapped an Israeli soldier, leading to large Israeli involvement in Gaza, including this week's bombing of the Palestinian foreign ministry.
This week, Hezbollah kidnapped more Israeli soldiers, and the Israeli response has been even larger to the one in Gaza. However, since Hezbollah is based largely in Lebanon, this has entailed an Israeli invasion and (obviously) Lebanese governmental displeasure. Since yesterday, Israeli forces have taken large parts of southern Lebanon, imposed a blockade of the Lebanese coastline, and bombed all runways of the international airport in Beyrut. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has continued its longstanding rocket campaign against Israel.
Many people are angry with Israel over its response. I say that it's unfortunate that such measures must be taken, but Israel must defend itself against terrorists. If the Lebanese government (1) will not restrict Hezbollah, and (2) includes a couple of Hezbollah ministers, what right have the government to claim helplessness? Israel needs to restrict the flow of weapons to Hezbollah, and if this includes the blockade of the Lebanese coast, so be it.
# posted by erudil @ 09:24
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Today, again, was rather similar to yesterday. We worked the VBS and played Scattergories over lunch. After lunch, we again worked out in the streets. During the past two days, my partner and I had spoken to eleven or twelve people, and just three wanted to answer our survey. Today, my partner (different from before) and I spoke with eleven people, only three of whom did not want to talk. Of the other eight, two were particularly interesting. The first person was a Lutheran works-salvation-believer who loved to talk. Betty and I probably were at her house for ten minutes before she stopped talking (about topics altogether secular) long enough for us to explain that we should get going. After we escaped, the next person was a man who seemed happy to answer. However, he thought our first question (do you have any spiritual beliefs?) was quite stupid (I was born a Methodist!), and after our second question (who is Jesus?) he said that if we were just asking dumb questions like that, he didn't want to answer any more, goodbye. Two other groups, however, only ever knocked at three houses put together! One team was sucked in by a nonChristian man who wanted to discuss Christianity, and a second team (not realizing that the first team was inside) knocked on the door and joined them perforce :-)
Ireland
This morning a pipe band marched past our house with a troop of Orangemen behind it. Then it marched into the village.
At 12:10 PM we drove up to Bushmills to watch the big parade there. We walked ½ mile from the car to where we watched the parade. The parade was made up of a lot of different bands from all over Northern Ireland. It lasted about an hour. One of the bands was the pipe band we had seen earlier in Dervock.
Note: the 12th June is the anniversary of a great Protestant victory over the Catholics during the Glorious Revolution, around 1690. For Irish Protestants, it is similar to the 4th July for us.
Ireland
This morning a pipe band marched past our house with a troop of Orangemen behind it. Then it marched into the village.
At 12:10 PM we drove up to Bushmills to watch the big parade there. We walked ½ mile from the car to where we watched the parade. The parade was made up of a lot of different bands from all over Northern Ireland. It lasted about an hour. One of the bands was the pipe band we had seen earlier in Dervock.
Note: the 12th June is the anniversary of a great Protestant victory over the Catholics during the Glorious Revolution, around 1690. For Irish Protestants, it is similar to the 4th July for us.
# posted by erudil @ 23:45
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Today, overall, was very similar to yesterday: VBS in the morning and evangelism in the afternoon. Because the family we were to visit tonight had something come up, we had a (mostly) free evening. Two hours we spent, however, at the house of someone I'm not sure what connection who is moving from house to house.
Ireland
After morning worship we went to the Hunters for lunch. Isaac & I walked with Mr. Hunter around their house to look at their flowers and vegetables.
Notes:
• This was actually the entry for the 9th, but I messed up.
• Mr. Hunter was an elder there, and (for all I know) may yet be.
Ireland
After morning worship we went to the Hunters for lunch. Isaac & I walked with Mr. Hunter around their house to look at their flowers and vegetables.
Notes:
• This was actually the entry for the 9th, but I messed up.
• Mr. Hunter was an elder there, and (for all I know) may yet be.
# posted by erudil @ 23:38
Monday, July 10, 2006
Today has mostly consisted of two major things: Vacation Bible School and street evangelism. With the Vacation Bible School not beginning until 10:00, we didn't leave here until 9:00. Setup was relatively simple, and the process went well also. The children were divided into three groups (by age), and each group selected its own name. The group to which I was assigned chose a unique name: Amish Flintstones. I have no idea where the Amish part came from :-) The only bad part came near the end. This whole event is being held at the local Salvation Army, and the snacks are eaten in a kitchen/dining room complex with a large wooden cross on one end wall. As I was sitting with my group, I accidentally leaned against the cross (I had forgotten its presence), only to have it fall on my head and hit the floor! I wasn't much hurt, and it hit nobody else, but it was rather embarrassing — not to mention the fact that, if the circle of children had been laid out slightly differently, one of them might have been somewhat seriously hurt.
After lunch, we discussed evangelism and our efforts toward it this week. Following an hour or so of discussion, we drove to a northeast-side neighborhood, where we were assigned one partner each and knocked on doors. My partner and I only had six answers: two Baptists, one other Christian, and three people who didn't want to talk.
Ireland
July 10
Today Isaac & I went on our first regular train trip. Mr. Cunningham met us at the Belfast Central Station. He’s the minister of one of our churches in Belfast. He drove us around a lot of the city. One of the places we went was the Covenanter Book Shop. Some of the other places we saw were the docks, where the Titanic was built & an overlook of the city. Later we went to the Cunningham’s house.
After supper we went to a playground near the Cunningham’s house. Then we went to Queen’s University to walk around it.
At Ballinderry we had to wait because the train coming south from Londonderry was late. We had problems coughing because we got on the smoking car by mistake. We got into Ballymoney station almost 10:10 PM (2210). Mr. Archie McKeeman took us to the station and picked us up again tonight.
July 11
Today I went to Ballymoney with Daddy. We both got our hair cut. Later Isaac went to the same place to get his hair cut, too.
A family called the Knox’s stopped by this afternoon to see the Wilsons. They live in Belfast. I made a little thank-you card for them.
After lunch, we discussed evangelism and our efforts toward it this week. Following an hour or so of discussion, we drove to a northeast-side neighborhood, where we were assigned one partner each and knocked on doors. My partner and I only had six answers: two Baptists, one other Christian, and three people who didn't want to talk.
Ireland
July 10
Today Isaac & I went on our first regular train trip. Mr. Cunningham met us at the Belfast Central Station. He’s the minister of one of our churches in Belfast. He drove us around a lot of the city. One of the places we went was the Covenanter Book Shop. Some of the other places we saw were the docks, where the Titanic was built & an overlook of the city. Later we went to the Cunningham’s house.
After supper we went to a playground near the Cunningham’s house. Then we went to Queen’s University to walk around it.
At Ballinderry we had to wait because the train coming south from Londonderry was late. We had problems coughing because we got on the smoking car by mistake. We got into Ballymoney station almost 10:10 PM (2210). Mr. Archie McKeeman took us to the station and picked us up again tonight.
July 11
Today I went to Ballymoney with Daddy. We both got our hair cut. Later Isaac went to the same place to get his hair cut, too.
A family called the Knox’s stopped by this afternoon to see the Wilsons. They live in Belfast. I made a little thank-you card for them.
# posted by erudil @ 23:27
Sunday, July 09, 2006
This evening, we returned from our overnight trip to Apache, Oklahoma. Fittingly, our trip began in the countryside near a small stream, Cache Creek, where for over eighty years was maintained our church's Indian Mission. Although the congregation was disorganized in 1971, the building yet stands, but it is in very poor condition. The doors are gone, many of the windows are broken, some of the floors are rotten, and swallows have long roosted in all parts of the building. The condition of the building helps to remind us that God does not always see fit to continue efforts, even faithful efforts, to serve him, but it also reminds us to keep working in our mission works to others.
After leaving the old church property, we stopped for a short while at two local cemeteries, which had been somewhat associated with the church. The rates of infant mortality are astonishing, both decades ago and in recent years! Is there some sort of congenital disease among the local Indian population, or is medicine still practiced poorly there?
Overnight we spent in a campground southwest of Apache. What a night! I would have preferred Kirkmont. Besides having a filthy situation (shoes were freely worn in tents!) and huge amounts of space being taken up by unneeded items, it seemed to me as if I were being mocked for wanting clean areas and for bringing only as little as I needed. I hope that I might have misunderstood those people! For a long time I have regretted the poor condition of our troop campouts, but last night helps me to remember that the troop events could be worse, even aside from the weather.
After breaking camp, we headed into the Wichita Mountains (why they are called that in southwestern Oklahoma, I don't know) to do rapelling off an 80-foot cliff. Exciting! Although some people were quite fearful, despite being harnessed safely (one girl slipped and decided not to go down, while another fell off the edge due to a loose tarp), only one person would not go down, and some of us went more than once. You'll have to await the pictures.
Covfamikoi began today. How I wish I could have been there! But the LORD knows what is best, so I am absent. May God bless the conference and all who attend!
Ireland
Today we planned to go to Larne, the tour the Glens of Antrim and finally come home from Ballycastle. It was a distance of about 100 miles round-trip.
But we only got as far as Waterfoot, a town on the coast about halfway between Larne and Ballycastle. Daddy suddenly realized the engine was much too hot so he had to pull over at a parking area. The radiator had a hole in it so the coolant leaked out.
Since we couldn't go any farther we ate the lunch we had brought with us. After waiting for help for a while, Daddy walked down the road to a farmhouse. Mr. McDonnell, the owner, came in his car back to our car to pick us up and take us back to his house.
Mrs. McDonnell soon asked us if we wanted something to drink. She also offered us some little cupcakes. After that we went outside to play soccer. We were there for a long time.
Daddy had called the Chestnuts, who own the Texaco station here in Dervock. One of them drove us home in his car while the other drove our car home, after putting some water in the radiator.
After leaving the old church property, we stopped for a short while at two local cemeteries, which had been somewhat associated with the church. The rates of infant mortality are astonishing, both decades ago and in recent years! Is there some sort of congenital disease among the local Indian population, or is medicine still practiced poorly there?
Overnight we spent in a campground southwest of Apache. What a night! I would have preferred Kirkmont. Besides having a filthy situation (shoes were freely worn in tents!) and huge amounts of space being taken up by unneeded items, it seemed to me as if I were being mocked for wanting clean areas and for bringing only as little as I needed. I hope that I might have misunderstood those people! For a long time I have regretted the poor condition of our troop campouts, but last night helps me to remember that the troop events could be worse, even aside from the weather.
After breaking camp, we headed into the Wichita Mountains (why they are called that in southwestern Oklahoma, I don't know) to do rapelling off an 80-foot cliff. Exciting! Although some people were quite fearful, despite being harnessed safely (one girl slipped and decided not to go down, while another fell off the edge due to a loose tarp), only one person would not go down, and some of us went more than once. You'll have to await the pictures.
Covfamikoi began today. How I wish I could have been there! But the LORD knows what is best, so I am absent. May God bless the conference and all who attend!
Ireland
Today we planned to go to Larne, the tour the Glens of Antrim and finally come home from Ballycastle. It was a distance of about 100 miles round-trip.
But we only got as far as Waterfoot, a town on the coast about halfway between Larne and Ballycastle. Daddy suddenly realized the engine was much too hot so he had to pull over at a parking area. The radiator had a hole in it so the coolant leaked out.
Since we couldn't go any farther we ate the lunch we had brought with us. After waiting for help for a while, Daddy walked down the road to a farmhouse. Mr. McDonnell, the owner, came in his car back to our car to pick us up and take us back to his house.
Mrs. McDonnell soon asked us if we wanted something to drink. She also offered us some little cupcakes. After that we went outside to play soccer. We were there for a long time.
Daddy had called the Chestnuts, who own the Texaco station here in Dervock. One of them drove us home in his car while the other drove our car home, after putting some water in the radiator.
# posted by erudil @ 00:00
Friday, July 07, 2006
We leave in a few minutes for an overnight camping trip to the area of Apache and Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, south of Oklahoma City. From 1887 until 1971, there was an RP mission to the Indians of the area, and visiting that will be a major part of the trip. Rapelling and other matters will be included, but I don't know what all is entailed besides the visit to the former Cache Creek RPC.
Ireland
This morning I colored in and cut out a lot of things made of paper. Some of them are model crowns, model scepter, model stop sign, and model flowers.
Tonight we went to see the Kilraughts RP Church building. It's not very far from Ballymoney.
Ireland
This morning I colored in and cut out a lot of things made of paper. Some of them are model crowns, model scepter, model stop sign, and model flowers.
Tonight we went to see the Kilraughts RP Church building. It's not very far from Ballymoney.
# posted by erudil @ 10:22
Today was rather similar to yesterday. The morning's work consisted of leaflet distribution for next week's VBS. Since this was conducted in a poorer neighborhood, many houses were abandoned, and many others contained people with no families. Incidentally, we found one Spanish family who spoke no English. I've always wondered: how could you survive in America without speaking any English in your family, especially in a part of the country like here, where there are apparently very few Hispanics? I guess they do somehow.
After lunch, we worked on painting the front room of the church office. Since there were only a few ladders, and since the lower walls were painted yesterday, we had less work per person; as a result, I read parts of a book on the Greek New Testament and walked around on the roof. Many of us, actually, were wandering around on the roof, and we had the satisfaction of dropping many old window panes into a street-level dumpster :-)
Tonight, we were invited to the house of Mr. Alan Noell (an elder here) and his family. Again, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner (spaghetti :-) and time afterwards. Among other things, we played two games of Mille Bornes.
While working today, I found that one member of the congregation is studying Old English to become a professor of it. I've never met someone else around my age who has much of an idea of it, let alone had an idea to study it professionally.
July 4
This morning we went up to Dunluce Castle on the coast. We saw the part of the castle where the kitchen had been before it fell into the ocean. I liked climbing up the stairs in 2 of the towers. As well as touring the ruins we bought a couple toy knights.
July 5
This morning we got a letter from Mrs. Fisher and one from Grumps & Grandmother.
This afternoon Mama made potato rolls for supper. After we ate we took a few to the Millars. While we were there, Isaac & I raced with Rachel from one corner of their house, around a tree, and back again.
July 6
Mrs. Simpson, from our congregation, came over this morning and brought us some pancakes, raisin bread, and biscuits. She made them all herself.
Late this afternoon we went to the Morrisons' house in Ballymoney. Isaac & I played with one of their kids in one of their rooms, up on the 3rd floor.
Note: in the 1600s, Dunluce Castle was the seat of the Earl of Antrim. However, during a stormy night with a great ball at the castle, the cliff underneath the kitchen collapsed, killing the entire kitchen staff. Shortly afterward, the countess declared that she was leaving, whether or not the earl followed. They built a new castle rather inland and farther south.
After lunch, we worked on painting the front room of the church office. Since there were only a few ladders, and since the lower walls were painted yesterday, we had less work per person; as a result, I read parts of a book on the Greek New Testament and walked around on the roof. Many of us, actually, were wandering around on the roof, and we had the satisfaction of dropping many old window panes into a street-level dumpster :-)
Tonight, we were invited to the house of Mr. Alan Noell (an elder here) and his family. Again, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner (spaghetti :-) and time afterwards. Among other things, we played two games of Mille Bornes.
While working today, I found that one member of the congregation is studying Old English to become a professor of it. I've never met someone else around my age who has much of an idea of it, let alone had an idea to study it professionally.
July 4
This morning we went up to Dunluce Castle on the coast. We saw the part of the castle where the kitchen had been before it fell into the ocean. I liked climbing up the stairs in 2 of the towers. As well as touring the ruins we bought a couple toy knights.
July 5
This morning we got a letter from Mrs. Fisher and one from Grumps & Grandmother.
This afternoon Mama made potato rolls for supper. After we ate we took a few to the Millars. While we were there, Isaac & I raced with Rachel from one corner of their house, around a tree, and back again.
July 6
Mrs. Simpson, from our congregation, came over this morning and brought us some pancakes, raisin bread, and biscuits. She made them all herself.
Late this afternoon we went to the Morrisons' house in Ballymoney. Isaac & I played with one of their kids in one of their rooms, up on the 3rd floor.
Note: in the 1600s, Dunluce Castle was the seat of the Earl of Antrim. However, during a stormy night with a great ball at the castle, the cliff underneath the kitchen collapsed, killing the entire kitchen staff. Shortly afterward, the countess declared that she was leaving, whether or not the earl followed. They built a new castle rather inland and farther south.
# posted by erudil @ 00:18
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Sorry for no post yesterday; the network was down, probably due to a storm we had last night. We went to Enid for a meal and fireworks after spending most of the morning setting up a trampoline here. This morning's work was distributing fliers for next week's VBS, and this afternoon's was helping to refurbish the church office downtown. We're about to leave for dinner, but I hope to get something better than this up tonight.
# posted by erudil @ 18:58
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Most of today's work was at a ropes course at Camp Cowboy, a campsite maintained by OSU. OSU? They have their colors all wrong. OSU is scarlet and grey, not orange and black! Anyway, we did "low ropes", like at the CYPU Winter Conference, in the morning, followed by "high ropes" in the afternoon. Since the high ropes course is actually dangerous if not properly done, we were paired with one other person; since I didn't select a partner, I worked with Betty, a fourteen-year-old member of the youth group. She and I both worked the same way: slow and rather unsteady, although she took rather less time and seemed (to me) to have an easier time than I did. I was very uncomfortable throughout the course, even though I always had a secure cable and rope keeping me safe. At the end, we were sent on a zip line (smaller than the one at Geneva), which was psychologically less difficult either than I expected or than anything else of the afternoon. Once all of us were done, we were taken to a nearby setup where we climbed a pole (one person at a time) and, once at the top, leapt to grasp a trapeze. It was again very difficult for me, as I had to climb onto the top of a telephone pole with absolutely no support higher than the top of the pole itself. Nevertheless, I did get up and was able to balance enough to follow others' examples by standing to attention and saluting. The first guy who went caught the trapeze, making us think that the task wasn't as difficult as we were told. However, of the fourteen of us (including him), he was the only one to catch it. Seven others reached the trapeze but could not hold one, six could not reach the trapeze, and two did not feel like trying.
I was surprised to find that they did not use helmets on the high ropes course or anywhere else, except for the climb-a-pole-and-grab-the-trapeze part. The instructor told me that this is because rock climbers rarely use helmets. I was still doubtful and nervous.
Also, since I stretched less than I thought after finishing the work, my arms are stiff. I cannot exert much strength in my right arm; even eating dinner was a slight difficulty. With that in mind, the Parnells took us to Cici's Pizza, a pizza buffet. One can eat much pizza after eating little and doing much!
Tomorrow will be less work than about any other day. We are to go to Enid for much of the day for a church picnic and holiday observation.
By the way, one thing I found interesting yesterday was talking with a visiting family at church. Mr. and Mrs. Milligan (I never did hear their first names), along with their daughter and son-in-law, worshipped with us. They (at least Mr. and Mrs. Milligan) are members at Hebron RPC in Clay Center, Kansas, whose pastor pastored Belle Center immediately before Dad came.
Ireland
Tonight we went to the McKeeman’s house for supper. They have 2 girls named Alison (5) and Rachel (2). We played in their sand box and on their swing set before we ate. Mrs. McKeeman made a big barbeque for us. Two other families were invited, too.
Note: I don't remember which family of McKeemans this was. There were several families with this name; in fact, there were even two Archie McKeemans in the congregation!
I was surprised to find that they did not use helmets on the high ropes course or anywhere else, except for the climb-a-pole-and-grab-the-trapeze part. The instructor told me that this is because rock climbers rarely use helmets. I was still doubtful and nervous.
Also, since I stretched less than I thought after finishing the work, my arms are stiff. I cannot exert much strength in my right arm; even eating dinner was a slight difficulty. With that in mind, the Parnells took us to Cici's Pizza, a pizza buffet. One can eat much pizza after eating little and doing much!
Tomorrow will be less work than about any other day. We are to go to Enid for much of the day for a church picnic and holiday observation.
By the way, one thing I found interesting yesterday was talking with a visiting family at church. Mr. and Mrs. Milligan (I never did hear their first names), along with their daughter and son-in-law, worshipped with us. They (at least Mr. and Mrs. Milligan) are members at Hebron RPC in Clay Center, Kansas, whose pastor pastored Belle Center immediately before Dad came.
Ireland
Tonight we went to the McKeeman’s house for supper. They have 2 girls named Alison (5) and Rachel (2). We played in their sand box and on their swing set before we ate. Mrs. McKeeman made a big barbeque for us. Two other families were invited, too.
Note: I don't remember which family of McKeemans this was. There were several families with this name; in fact, there were even two Archie McKeemans in the congregation!
# posted by erudil @ 00:46
Monday, July 03, 2006
Today was (naturally) my first chance to worship with the congregation here in Stillwater. Pastor Parnell preached to about sixty people from I Corinthians 2, where Paul discusses evangelism. After lunch and an afternoon service, we went to another family's house before heading to Enid for the Bible study there. We didn't get back to Spitlers' until 10:30. Oh, and by the way, Clay Finley arrived here this morning also, as did a college-age member of the congregation who is apparently participating with everything.
Sorry to say that I likely won't be posting extensively this week, and nor will I be doing blog ratings. Either someone else will have to do them, or they'll be undone.
Ireland
After church we went to the Millars' for lunch. When we finished eating we all went to the nursing home in Bushmills for a worship service Daddy led.
A family called Stevens stopped by tonight to find out what time our evening service was, but we didn't have one. They are from Belfast and are up in this area on holiday. A little before they left I drew them a little card saying "Thanks for Coming", and gave it to them.
Sorry to say that I likely won't be posting extensively this week, and nor will I be doing blog ratings. Either someone else will have to do them, or they'll be undone.
Ireland
After church we went to the Millars' for lunch. When we finished eating we all went to the nursing home in Bushmills for a worship service Daddy led.
A family called Stevens stopped by tonight to find out what time our evening service was, but we didn't have one. They are from Belfast and are up in this area on holiday. A little before they left I drew them a little card saying "Thanks for Coming", and gave it to them.
# posted by erudil @ 00:32
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Well, maybe I'm not in that, but I am in that state. Both of my flights went fine, and I arrived in Oklahoma City slightly earlier than scheduled, and I met my driver, Jonathan Mounts, easily. Since the other flying-in member of the team, David Landow, had problems with his flight (he was supposed to arrive at 11:00 but didn't arrive until 4:30), Jon drove me around the city. We visited the Murrah Building memorial, which was quite impressive. After that, we drove around aimlessly, since Jon doesn't know the city well and since I was tired after such a short night of sleep. Eventually, David arrived and we came up to Stillwater, where we ate dinner with Pastor Parnell and his family, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Spitler. Mr. Spitler, an elder, and his family are hosting us for this week. One thing I appreciate is the wireless Internet :-)
Ireland
We didn't do very much today. I slept until a little after 8:00 this morning. I played a little soccer with Isaac this afternoon and also did some golfing.
# posted by erudil @ 22:51
