Rudolph

Celebrate...

Today is Rod's 15th annual 29th birthday!!!

We're all so thankful he was born...

She's coming!

Oh... and did I mention my mom is coming for a much anticipated visit? She is! She will be landing (flying in from Dubai, but that's another story...) in a mere three hours and we are a happy family. And our two children have the fortune of being released from school an hour early today because of teacher meetings, so they won't have to wait quite as long for that 'one of a kind' grandma hug. I love having my mom here... can you tell?

Crisp, cold, colourful Autumn. The leaves floating on the wind. So beautiful. It gets dark quite early now. I love being in our warm home while the light fades... listening to jazz, preparing dinner, dancing around the kitchen... okay, that's probably more than you needed to know! It's the small things that thrill me. And it's also the small things that remind me (which I desperately need) time and again that He loves me. He chooses so often to communicate that truth through intimate details to me. For that, I am thankful. He whispers to my heart through music, through beauty, through the movement of my body, through the smell and taste of good food and through the multi-coloured leaves softly falling from the towering trees. Through His creation...

He whispers His love to me through people as well. His creation. And depending on the person, sometimes it's more than a whisper! ha... I'm thinking through different interactions I've had with people this past week. People that I met for the first time, co-workers with whom we labour and play, friends who know the intimate workings of my heart, etc. All of them beautiful.

You prayed for our meetings with our GEM YM co-workers. Thank you. God met us there. In the intimate details. We were of like mind and heart. Precious, precious gifted people. Each one. I am so thankful for what God is doing in GEM YM, how He is stretching and growing and changing us. As painful as the process can at times be, He is reminding me of His love and purpose in the midst of it all. And He often reminds me of that truth through His people. In the midst of our interaction or in just catching a glimpse of their journey. He is at work!

But here is a thought. To be able to glimpse those intimate details, I must have the ability to see. More than myself. And to hear. More than just my convoluted thoughts. And to taste, touch and smell. There have been many times, and continue to be times, when I am so immersed in myself that I am unable to be touched by the falling of the leaves or the expression of grief from a friend. Because I am not looking, by either choice or inability. Father, give me eyes to see. For when I see, even a little, there is such beauty expressed by Him for me.

Such as this past week. In the midst of change and transition and progress and loss, I am finding beauty. It unfolds gently... Tender moments of His reminding me that all of this life is in His care. That I am in His care.

A bit distracted this morning. So much to do, but having a hard time focusing on any one thing. Do you ever feel like that? Oh, and the kids have been off school all week, which adds to my inability to focus. ha!

I had a most fabulous time at the Guinness Jazz Festival in Cork this past weekend. So wonderful to relax with friends. We laughed alot, cried some, talked continually, shopped a bit, ate much gorgeous food, drank lovely coffees and of course, listened to exceptional music. There is something about sitting with live music that touches the depth of me. There were tears at times, simply because of the beauty. I came away refreshed.

And came home to my family and to their halloween preparations. So cute... Lauren had been working on banners and posters and Ryan had made tombstones out of cardboard for the front garden. We spent the Tuesday carving pumpkins, roasting seeds (yum!), cutting boards to mount the tombstones on, making fake blood (Ryan), spreading spiderwebs across the front of the house, etc. Quite the fun day. This is the first year the kids have gotten so into doing the decorating thing. Rod and I just helped where needed. It was all Ryan and Lauren's initiative. It was also the first year that Ryan went out by himself, so to join up with his own friends from school. We were thrilled for him. And reminded that they are growing up! I went out with Lauren and some of our neighbours as we wandered around our estate, doing the trick or treat thing. It was a great family day... (pictures on the flickr site)



Which brings us to today. Rod is at the airport right now, waiting to collect someone coming in from America, who is flying in to join us for a significant few days. The GEM Youth Ministry team, coming from Ireland and various other countries, is gathering together in our home on Monday and Tuesday of this week. We are coming together, so to work through the future direction of GEM YM. Would you pray with us during these next few days? As we seek what God would have for us as a team and as individual families and ministries? Thank you...

I have much to do to prepare the house for the meetings and for the guests staying with us. And my distracted state isn't helping! So I will end this here, and prepare to welcome our first guest (Rod's on his way home now), and then... take one little step at a time, trusting in God's provision, for all of these things.

A homecoming...

The traditional 'waiting for the surprise that daddy brings home from his trips' pose. This pose is made when the daddy who just returned home digs through his suitcases to pull out the little treasures that he showers his children (and wife) with. Treasures like boxes of mac & cheese. Treasures like an Old Navy halloween t-shirt (Lauren). Treasures like an itunes card (Ryan). Treasures like the first season of Grey's Anatomy (me!). Simple fun gifts that make it easier to let daddy go away the next time. Ha! ...that was a joke, just in case you wondered.

This is just one of our 'traveling' traditions. Through the years we have, through trial and error, discovered different ways to make the parting and the coming home memorable. There is always a similar few days prior to the trip, getting ready and such, and then there are the days of 'reentry' on return.

One of my favourite 'traditions' is going out to breakfast with my husband. Since jet lag is always part of the reentry period, we go on the first day that he wakes up early enough for that morning meal. And that was this morning. So after we dropped the kids to school, he took me out to a lovely breakfast at Robins Nest in Lucan, a village over from ours. They make one of the top three best scones in all of Ireland, in my humble opinion. If you don't get there early enough (not early according to American standards), then they're all gone. Tea & scones... a perfect Irish morning. It was so good to sit across from my husband, and hear about his trip and all that God is doing in his heart.

And as I listened to him this morning, I was reminded of merciful grace. A friend spoke those words to me recently. Such beautiful words. And they are made even more beautiful by God, who embodies them. And who bestows that merciful grace on us so freely and abundantly. That is the God I am learning to know anew.

And so... now that Rod is back, I'm going on a little getaway! This weekend is actually quite a gift to me. I am leaving tomorrow noon with two girlfriends for our second annual trek down to Cork to attend the Guinness Jazz Festival. So excited! We've been planning and looking forward to this weekend for quite some time, and here it is. Special friends, incredible music, great energy and atmosphere, delicious food... and time to just 'be' together. Like I said before, a gift.

And Rod and the kids? Well, they'll be just grand. It's only a few days and besides, there are traditions to be looked forward to when I come home!

THE MAN'S COMING HOME TOMORROW!!

Sorry for shouting, but I just wanted to say it outloud... we've missed him and it will be good to have him home. Oh, and the kids are quite excited, not only because he's almost home, but because I'm taking them out of school early to go collect him at the airport. Way to pick a flight, dad!

Perspective

I was reminded of that yesterday when meeting with my friend. We hadn't seen each other for awhile, both having had significant things happen during our time apart. So we spent most of the morning sharing the depth of our hearts with each other. She then shared with me a passage of Scripture that she has been dwelling on lately. Mark 5:21-43. Jairus and his dying 12 year old daughter. The woman with chronic bleeding. I won't go into detail here about our conversation, partly because I'm still processing it. But as we talked I was reminded again of God's sovereignty. His bigger picture. My limited view. That He excels at bringing life. That death is no hindrance to Him. That nothing is impossible. And that each moment we wait, He has a purpose for us in that moment. And He interweaves our lives in ways we can't always see. And He says, "Dawn, do not be afraid any longer, only believe".

I was reminded of Him. Thank you, my friend.

I'm tired. For some reason, I've been so tired recently. Maybe because Rod's gone and it's just me? It could be, but I'm not usually this tired when he's gone. Maybe because last week I was up very, very late for many nights in a row? Yes, that might have something to do with it. And there's lots of sick people around too. And I seem to be battling that as well. So maybe all of the above. Wanted to write a real fabulous blog (not sure about what, but I'd figure it out...), but I can't seem to find the energy. So instead I thought I'd just connect and say hello, all the same.

I'm leaving in a few minutes to meet a friend at Starbucks. Thinking that yes, that will perk me up. A friend, encouraging conversation and a double shot. Did you know that Starbucks just came to Ireland quite recently? They haven't even been here a year yet. Makes me a bit sad actually. There's some great little coffee places here that are unique, individual. And Starbucks is too... um, American. However, now that it's here, I won't complain. It used to be if we ever got homesick, we'd head for McDonalds. But honestly, McDonalds doesn't do it for me. If I didn't have kids, you'd probably never catch me there. But Starbucks, now I'm thinking that's a much better cure for homesickness.

Oh and I also want to say thanks for your comments. So fun to hear from all of you who've written! I don't know if it's proper blog etiquette to respond to the comments in the comment section. I wonder if whoever I respond to ever comes back to read the response! So... I've added an 'email me' spot on our profile page. Please feel free to say hello there as well. Of course you all know I'm a fabulous responder to emails. So on top of things, me!! ha... Okay, so maybe it's not my forte. But I'm always growing and who knows, you might even receive a response! We could take a poll and see how many emails Dawn can respond to. Or maybe not. Anyway, all of that to say, thanks for your words. It's so very fun to hear from you. Amazing isn't it, how many people God brings into our lives over the years, to love us and bring growth and change. I am so thankful for all of you...

So hey, how's that for a tired post? Not much depth, but can't always have that, now can we? So what I've learned today, is that all I need to do is just start typing and see what comes out! There's always something in me waiting to be said...

If you know anything about our daughter, you know that her chosen apparel is any type of trousers and shirt. Shorts, long trousers, jeans, long sleeve shirt, short sleeved, etc. And always, always the ubiquitous cap. Now, the cap changes per outfit, but most often it's her NY Yankees cap (it was given to us... yes, I'd rather her wear a Dodgers cap) or her 'Oliver' cap. Which she so named because it looks like what Oliver Twist would wear.

Which leads to costumes. At any point that she possibly can, she's also in costume. Oliver Twist, Peter Pan, any type of animal, a Ninja, David the shepherd boy (her most recent... she even made her own harp), etc. Basically whatever strikes her fancy at that given time. She is very creative and resourceful. I have become aware that she sees a picture in her mind of what she wants her costume to look like and then she goes after it. With whatever she can find. She's always after me to find 'another' white shirt that she can draw on.



Now, if you've paid attention you will have noticed that not once did I mention a dress, a blouse, a skirt or a princess or ballerina get-up. Not her thing. She once upon a time would get all dolled up for a date with daddy. Dress and tights and handbag and maybe even a crown. But I haven't seen that happen for awhile.

You also need to know that I'm not complaining here. Our Lauren is an absolute delight. I am so thankful for the gift of my daughter, and all that she is, and so enjoy the process (on most days...) of watching her 'becoming', as she grows in the discovering of who God made her to be. A life long process, as I can attest to!!

So we come to yesterday. The kids had just arrived home from school and went upstairs to change out of their uniforms. (Lauren's school now allows the girls to wear trousers. But prior to that, I got three years of her in a pinafore!) I was heading downstairs when I heard Lauren from her room. "Mom, don't come in, I've got a surprise for you." So I waited downstairs. And a few minutes later, who should appear but this beautiful young girl. In a jean skirt, a pink top and pink socks with her long hair hanging loose on her shoulders. (did I mention that pink is not a favourite of hers and that she wears her hair most often in a ponytail?) Not a sight I see everyday! She had the biggest grin on her face... we found a hairband for her hair (I do buy them periodically thinking she might wear one?) and she said to me, "Do you think Ryan will like it?".

Ryan was waiting for us outside, as we were going to the shops. Lauren walked out the door and his jaw hung open. 'You look so nice' he said. Big grin from her again. He probably told her that three more times on our way to the shops. So cute... Of course, I told her she was beautiful as well. But I tell her that all the time, regardless what she is wearing.

So today I wondered, is there a change in the air? I was thinking about it this morning, as I stepped over a pile of clothes on our landing waiting to be laundered. All of a sudden, it hit me. She didn't have any trousers to wear! They were all in the pile at my feet...

So my guess is, there isn't a change in the air. Which is absolutely fine with me. I treasure my unique girl. I love giving her the freedom to choose what she wants to wear, whether it matches or not. But it was a sweet moment in time, and a joy to hear Ryan's encouragement of her as she ventured into new territory.

However, I'm thinking I might not do the laundry this weekend... who knows what she might show up in next!

Hello everyone!

So funny, I have no idea who, if anyone other than my mom, is reading this... But I have to pretend someone's reading it, otherwise I might find something else to do with my time! Oh and since we're on the topic... did you know you can comment and say hello and such? You don't have to be a blogger type person, you just have to put your name down (or you can be anonymous) and then say something nice, or witty or intelligent or absolutely pointless, it matters not. It's just an encouragement to me, the blogger girl. So now that we've got that out of the way...

So, my dear husband has gone across the sea. We got him to the airport yesterday morning quite early and he, I'm guessing (no news is good news?), has landed safe and sound in Georgia. He is traveling for a few weeks to different states and meeting with different people, family, college GEMK's, etc. It exhausts him, but he loves it. At the end of his trip he and a friend are going to Colorado to a John Eldridge 'Wild at Heart' boot camp. This is something he is deeply looking forward to. Will you pray for him the weekend of the 19th-22nd October? For God's work in his heart... Thank you.

The kids and I make our time when daddy's gone 'fun'. We play. Of course we still do the dishes and homework, etc., but you get the point. Last night it began in earnest with a group of people over to watch football (americano). I haven't watched that sport for over 7 plus years, but we just recently got a special channel that has football periodically, so of course we'll open our home to our AFFF ('American football' fanatic friends). Lauren was so funny. She kept asking when the match would be over. And Ryan, who is that bit older and has a better grasp on both cultures, kept correcting her, as he does, saying, 'Lauren... it's a GAME!'. And from my perspective, those games went on and on and on, until the wee hours of the morning. But, being a people person, I love having everyone over. So it's a fair trade. 'Cept I'm a tired girl today. Which is probably why this post is so rambling...

Thursday morning past I had the priviledge of taking Kristy (another new arrival with her husband Brandon) to Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry. It's one of my favourite places on the island (there are so many favourite places here...) and a delightful place to take a coffee and scone or have their gorgeous salads for lunch. It is such a transition to leave home, family, friends, things that are known and dearly loved in the States and come to a complete unknown. So many emotions hit at moments unexpected... And that is why I said it was my priviledge. That she would not only accompany me, but share the struggle, joy, laughter and tears of the journey she's on. I remember when I first arrived in Ireland, having coffee with a woman who had gone before me, and just crying. What a comfort it was to say out loud that I was struggling. God has created us to need each other...

Holly, who I mentioned in the last post, just phoned to say that she just drove all by herself for the first time! Which can be quite intimidating, what with the narrow roads, roundabouts, hedgerows and the steering wheel on the right side of the car. A big step taken. She also recently found an apartment nearby in Maynooth. A beautiful apartment that she is delighting in as a gift from God. I love to watch Him give gifts to His children.



Speaking of gifts, you are a gift to us. Your friendship, support and encouragement over the years means more than you can know. And your prayers... someday we will see the vastness of how God interweaves all these things together. How He uses us to touch one another and draw us closer to Him. Thanks for reading...

A full week...

but a rich one. This past Saturday we attended the bi-annual Evangelical Alliance Ireland (EAI) conference in Dublin. It is a wonderful joining together of people from all over Ireland who, as we daily walk out our lives, desire to see God bring change to this nation. The beauty of that big vision is that it begins in relationship. Matt Kingsley, one of our co-workers, has written a brilliant blog about the conference, also including a few pictures. I thought I would refer you to his site to get a fuller glimpse into the day.

One of my favourite parts of the day is being with people I don't get to see on a regular basis. I am reminded of all the people I love on this island. All the people who have touched my life in the last 7 plus years we have made this our home. And how truly blessed I am. Oh, and the worship. The music. Always a highlight. There's the regular instruments with the added bonus of the harp, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, Bodhrán, etc. Truly Irish. During one set a Congolese church, that meets here in Ireland, shared their worship music with us. They rocked the house! And then there were the Cork lads... enough said.

We've greatly enjoyed having Holly live with us this past week as she begins a new season of her life in Ireland. She has been a co-worker for over four years, but previously resided in Linz, Austria. It's quite hilarious hearing her get her words all mixed up. She isn't only adjusting to the Irish verbage, she's trying to shed her excellent German as well. We've had a good few laughs. She and I spent the day in Dublin last week going to the American Embassy, looking for mobile phones, etc. And of course, had to pose with the phones in hand. Very helpful in choosing the proper phone! Ha...



Holly took the train into town this morning, to once again make a visit to the Embassy (a long story...). While she's in town, I'm at home minding a sweet, albeit sick, Lauren. Of course, she's feeling a bit better at the moment and finding staying at home slightly boring. And that's not a bad thing. Makes for 'faking' sick less often!

Yesterday while playing 'Pretty, Pretty Princess'. She won.


Today writing her book. Mommy painting her toenails next.


Tomorrow at school...

Holly's here!

On this very island, sleeping in this very house. And we're thankful to have her. There is a GEM Ireland tradition of welcoming arriving teammates with a party immediately after they land. So here's a pic of us, (thanks Phil) yesterday morning hanging with Holly. The lone male in the picture, surrounded by a bevy of beauties, is Brandon Wellcome. He and his lovely wife Kristy, (on the right of the back couch) arrived this past summer, and as we were in the States we missed their party. But we got the privilege of helping them move into their new home just a week or so ago. It's so exciting to watch GEM Ireland grow with such GREAT people. Oh and the little baby in the picture is the newest GEMK in our midst. That's sweet Moia, Matt & Hailey's girl.

On the poof (yes, that's what they call it here) is left to right...
Stacey and Holly

Europe keeps the Cup!

It was a great tournament. We enjoyed every minute! Well, mostly every minute, as there was divided loyalty in our house. And as the Europeans beat the Americans quite soundly, well... let's just say there were some painful noises heard periodically in the direction of the man and/or boy of the family. But since this blog is my baby, and I happen to be writing, I get to say yippee!! They did it!!! The phenomenal European team won an unprecedented third successive title and they did it on Irish soil. And it was brilliant to watch. So much fun...

The victors...


And no worries, the Ryder Cup is now over... so no more golf posts for awhile. 'Cept my boy and husband are enjoying golf together, so I might have to say a few things here and there. But remember, nobody is forcing you to read me... and I'll never know...

On the world's stage

...is Ireland. As they play host this week to one of the top world class sporting events, The Ryder Cup. As quoted by Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, "The Ryder Cup attracts worldwide attention and will be one of the greatest sporting events that we here in Ireland have ever hosted. The Ryder Cup goes beyond golf; it is a classic contest, the Old World (Europe) against the New (America). It appeals to people at every level, golfer and non-golfer alike, and is followed with the heart as well as the head." This year the event is being hosted by the prestigious K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare, approx. 15 minutes from our home. And the whole of the country is filling with tourists from all over the world, who have come to experience and take part in this historic tournament.

Today after church, our family took a drive into Straffan to see how the years of preparation are coming together. It was quite a picture... The flags and banners lining the roads, the Irish Flag, the American Flag, the European Flag and the Ryder Cup Flag. The new roads that have been finished in preparation for the mass amounts of vehicles. And even in the midst of extremely tight security, the air of expectation is tangible. The guards were even wearing smiles (but that's Ireland...). Actually no taxis or private vehicles will be allowed near Straffan (which is a beautiful, but very tiny village), except for the hotel residents and other's with specific passes. The rest of the attendees will drive or taxi to bus points, where we, welcomed by Irish greeters and Irish music, will be put upon bus after bus and then taken to the K Club. Every hotel and castle is full all over the country. And the majority of those wealthy enough to secure lodging and tickets are being flown into the Club by helicopter.

While we aren't wealthy in monetary terms, we do have lodging and by miraculous means were giving tickets!! No small thing that... So Rod, myself and the Covell's will be attending on this Wednesday, one of the three practice days. We are quite excited to put it mildly. We'll not only get to see Tiger Woods and many other European golfers that we are familiar with (three Irish on the European team!), but will get to experience the electric atmosphere on the day. It's meant to be brilliant. Plus, on practice days you are able to bring cameras in. So I might even post a few pictures...

Epic...


Oh... and the All Ireland (Gaelic) Football Final is happening at this very minute. Actually it's half time and my heart is still pounding. Kerry was dominating, but just in the last few minutes Mayo scored two goals!! Quite amazing goals at that. They're back in the match... So today the whole of the Irish world is either at Croke Park (83,000 plus) or in a pub watching the match or glued to the telly. And so now I must go back and watch to see who takes the day! (post-script: well, Kerry took the day and now I've got four girls on our trampoline screaming, Kerry won, Kerry won...)

So to end... our country is on the world stage this week, and if you happen to watch a bit of The Cup, you'll be seeing a slice of our world.

When in Ireland...

give in to peer pressure and blog.

So, all peer pressure aside, here we are. Joining the blogging world. I've actually been doing the blog thing for awhile as a personal way to connect with friends, both here in Ireland and in the States. And, lo and behold, discovered that I've quite enjoyed it. So, we thought, why not come up with something for the entire family? Why not...

Anyway, here we are (i am), giving it a go. Problem is, I have to come up with something to say. Which I know, most of you are thinking, isn't usually a problem for me. So I'll give it a whirl, and we'll see how it progresses. And if anyone decides to read what I write, it'll just be bonus!!

So, the big news today, is that Lauren received quite a prestigious award at school. She and Ryan attend Scoil Eoin Phoil where one of the courses they study is Irish (the language). At an assembly held today, two awards were given for excellence in Irish. Apparently these are just given a few times a year. The first award was given to a boy in 6th class (7th grade). And the second award was given to a girl in 2nd class (3rd grade). That being our very own Lauren! She was quite surprised and ecstatic to say the least... it's not everyday an American gets kudos for their Irish speaking skills. Good on ya, Lauren!

And just in case you wondered, this is Dawn writing. And so it has begun...

First day back to school, 1 Sept. 06