Rambling thoughts from the Wild Rover himself

New adventures on the horizon

2011-09-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I last blogged here. Since my trip to Ireland, I have worked a series of jobs, began grad school and made several new friends along the way. All my expereinces have shaped my life although not all of them have been the most pleasant. Still, I have learned a great deal in the past few years and I am grateful for it.

I am looking forward to moving on, away from Nashville and onto newer, and hopefully, greener pastures. It is time for a change and the next chapter in my life to begin. Nashville is slowly sufficating me. I feel as if I'm drowning here. I don't know what lies in wait for me down the road, but I do know that if I stay in town, I will end up miserable in some low paying job I hate and alone. So, I'm looking for opportunity elsewhere.

I have 9 hours left until I get my masters in sports psychology. With this degree and 10 years of successful experience in coaching, I hope to land a job coaching track and cross country on the collegiate level. That dream is looking near impossible at the moment, but I have to continue believing. If not, then the oil wells in North Dakota may also be an option. Whatever my direction, life down a new road is rapidly approaching and I can not wait.

The last of the Irish Rover

2008-03-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is, my final blog on the Ireland Trip. I'm really doing this as a wrap up of thoughts, mainly regarding the 6 incredible people with whom i shared this journey. If you've ever read any of my other rambling thoughts (mainly on MySpace) before, you know that I don't believe in coincidences in life. Everything, I believe is a part of a grander plan and we often don't see the parts come together until we look back over our life's journey in retrospect. That's why I know that God has graced me with these six new friends and that for whatever reason, we were meant to share this adventure together. Hopefully, we will be granted other adventures together as we journey down life's path.

So, without further ado, here are some reflections on my traveling mates:

Mikkee - The team leader. I know at times we drove her insane with all of the obnoxious banter and lack of focus in meetings, but this trip would never have happened without her vision and her attention to detail. Mikkee is one of the sweetest women I have ever met and you can not let the quiet demeanor fool you, she is very subtle and very quick with a zinger as Greg found out. Her dry wit and good sense of humor was key to getting us through most of the trip. I am truly appreciative of her, even if I don't show it. Thanks so much for looking out for all of us over the 10 days we were there.

Greg- Comic relief and so much more. I can not imagine going on this trip without Greg. He is such an outgoing, extroverted, good humor and grand craic guy. I shared a room with him and David and it was awesome. Greg kept the guys in stitches with how much he enjoyed pushing the buttons of all the girls. The trip to Galway happened to be one of the best experiences I've ever had and I can not imagine the train ride over and back without him on it. Every team meeting it seemed, he gave Amy, Holly and Shelby such a hard time, which probably lead to some of Mikkee's indigestion on the trip, but it kept things very light and full of laughter. I don't think he has ever met a stranger and that was a much needed skill on this trip. I'm glad i have him as a friend now and look forward to hanging with him here in Nashville and again in Ireland.

Holly - AKA Shannon Pooie McGavock/mcGuiver/McAttitude - yes, those names have all been given her by Greg this week. I enjoyed spending time with her on this trip. Holly is truly great with the verbal banter and there is no getting anything over on her. Very quick to put Greg, David or even yours truly back in our place when needed. And it was needed on this trip on several occasions. Holly is truly gifted at picking up new things - fast. At the Ceili she learned all the steps to the dances as the rest of us fell over ourselves. That was impressive. When I had the occasions to talk with her, the discussions were truly interesting. She has a great deal of insight into things and I truly value her opinion, even though it may be 180 degrees in the other direction from mine. She also doesn't put up with a lot of bs - well, actually, she sees through it rather quickly - which, puts me in a true disadvantage when talking to her about things. I know I will never win an arguement with her but I truly look forward to trying to do so in the near future.

Amy - ERIN GO BRAUGH! That's gaelic for "Ireland Forever" and it should be tatooed across her back...then again, with Amy, it may be something she already has done. Amy is such a wild, fun, excited person. With her, everyday wa a new adventure. Her love of all things Irish, U2 and Bono especially, and passion for the history of the country made this trip educational and fun. We would never have seen so much and experienced so many things had Amy not been there to guide us along the way. She is the energizer bunny and brought a jolt of lightning to the group that charged our daily batteries. Her ongoing banter with Greg on the train and in the pubs brought so much levity to our daily lives. I have never laughed so much at times. I'm truly blessed to know her.

Shelby - Shelby LEE as she is forever more known, was a great traveling companion. Always open to try new things, she is a sweetheart of a person and I really did enjoy talking to her over the 10 days there. Like all the other ladies on the trip, Shelby is pretty quick with a zinger - but she does it with sucha sweet southern drawl that you can never get offended. Shelby was the first of the group to have to step up and take charge of a program which she did in teaching line dancing at the Ceili. Well, she came through with flying colors and did a super job. Personally, I think it set the stage for all of us over the rest of the week. But, that's just Shelby for ya... I appreciated her giving David and I her Guinness at the brewery and attempt to help me meet an Irish lass at the pub. Hopefully, she'll be willing to step in as a wing woman for me again back here in Nashville. Good Lord knows that I need all the help I can get.

David - I will forever refer to him as Mr. Clutch because that's exactly what he was on this trip. Clutch! If ever anything needed done, David jumped in and did it. He lead music on several occasions and carried a rather heavy guitar case around Dublin without batting an eyelash. Always quick with the wit, if we made a top ten list (which we are composing) of things said on the trip, David would easily have over half of the entries. David is an easy going,indie rock and roll songster and its that attitude that I wish I had more of. I enjoyed drinking pints with my lad and talking about music and life with him. David also wears the funkiest/coolest/hippest socks. Just have to let you all know...it's definitely a part of his unique take on this carzy thing we call life. I'm looking forward to continuine to hang with him now that we are stateside.

Finally, I want to close all of this out with the perspective that I have gained through all of my travel. I looked forward to going on this trip to mainly put some closure to the past 18 months of my life. That time has been spent with me coming to terms with the death of Nicole and how that has forever changed me. I've also sought to find meaning to my own existence and looked for hope in an ever changing world and uncertain future that lies ahead. What I learned during my time in Ireland was so much more important. I learned, that I can put Nicole's death behind me, but I will never truly let her go. Nor should I. For as many of you wrote to me, she is ever present with me, in my heart and soul. One day after we had walked for miles and miles I thought to myself, I'm glad Nicole wasn't here...she wouldn't have been physically able to withstand all of this. Then it hit me that she was here with me, every step of the way - in spirit. And everyday that I live, I carry that spirit with me. So, I have to honor it by putting forth my best effort in all that I do and LIVING my life to the fullest.

I also learned that what I do in this world matters. I matter to all my friends and family, I also matter to people I have yet to meet. Keeping this in mind gives me hope and inspires me to dare to dream big dreams. Although the mark I leave on this planet may only be a small one, it doesn't mean that it's an insignificant one.

Thanks to all of you for sharing in my journey. Your thoughts and prayers have been felt and are so appreciated. Take care and until we meet again...Cheers!

Easter Rising and Missouri Tigers

2008-03-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm a litte chapped. I can't seem to get my pictures to upload to my blog. Sorry folks, I hope to remedy this for you. The pitures make this all worth it.

Where to begin....Easter Sunday. We head back over to my favorite spot in Dublin, the Spire for a multi denominational morning service. Since the Spire is right in front of the post office, home of the Easter Rising in 1916, the streets are being barracaded by the Guarda for the upcoming parade and political speeches. However, they let us in and we are joined by the Abby Church, Methodist, Church of Ireland and Salvation Army for a morning service. Since the girl who was supposed to play from the Church of Ireland has taken ill, David kindly fills in for her on the fly. The weather is chilly and we are all grateful that the service is short. We proceed to the Methodist church for a traditional Irish breakfast of baked beans and eggs following it.

The breakfast is quite good and I hear the tea is as well. The coffee is instant and barely drinkable. But, I'm freezing so anything hot at this point is golden. After breakfast, we walk past the Post Office where people are gathering and tv cameras are now setting up and go to Easter service at Abby. Alan asks for volunteers to read and of course I step up to the plate. We have so many shy folks on this team, its almost impossible to get us to do anything...NOT REALLY. We all like the spot light at times and none of us has minded one bit helping out in the services. Actually its been fun.

Afterwaard we try to catch the parade, but its ended so we all gather at Katherine and Christy's to catch the bus over to Alan and Ruth Boal's for dinner. I get to the bus stop and immediately spot a girl with a Mizzou Tiger pullover. So, naturally I strike up a conversation. She and her companions are all MU students. Two are studying in Dublin, one in London and the other in Spain. I get my picture taken with my fellow Tigers and as Greg snaps the photo, we all say "CHase Daniel" instead of cheese. Good stuff. I'm excited to see them half way around the world and given that on the night of the Ceili some joker was wearing a Jayhawk (PUKE) Sweatshirt, I feel vindicated. FIGHT TIGER, FIGHT FOR OL' MIZZOU!

We arrive at the Boals and have the most wonderful lunch. Chicken pasta and salad, brown bread, and Coke. Gosh how I've missed Coca Cola. After Ruth brings us tea and coffee (good brewed coffee) and the most amazing apple pie I've ever eaten, served with custard and whipped cream. I eat so much I'm stuffed.

We all talk for hours about many different things and I really get to know not only the Boals but my West End friends as well. Alan and Ruth's son, Sam has just returned from Snow Boarding in Italy and we get to meet him. The two of us talk about rugby and hurling, his dislike of NASCAR (which I LOVE - gotta get him into Earnhart Jr.) and American Football. He likes it, but doesn't get all the stops and starts. Of course, they don't get to see commercials over there when they watch it so I guess it makes it go slower...can you imagine, just seeing an empty field during commercial breaks. I sort of get his point.

He also watches lots of American TV. Judge Judy and My Sweet Sixteen on MTV are tow of his favorites. We tell him that this is the worst of what the US has to offer and it makes me think long and hard about what we are actually exporting over to Europe. No wonder they have poor opinions of Americans...the dregs of society are highlighted on the telly nightly.

After several hours we take photos and say our goodbyes to everyone. The next day we head home and, no pun intended, must be rising early for our flights.

As I ride the bus back to the B&B, i'm reminded of a line from my favorite U2 Song "Kite" -

"Who's to say where the winds will take you, who's to say what it is will break you - I don't know, which way the wind will blow! Who's to know when the time is come around, don't want to see you cry. I know that this is not goodbye!"

I look forward to another journey back to see my new Irish friends. This trip has opened my eyes to many things and allowed me to grow in many ways. I'm grateful to God for allowing me this experience and to share it with my new friends from Nashville as well as my friends and family here online. Until the next time I step foot on Irish soil, I will savor this week in my thoughts, in my heart and in my soul.

Great craic on the Liffey.

2008-03-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Today's blog post promises to be much shorter than yesterday's posting. One reason, today had a lot less structure and much more free flow to it. And the second and most important, my long winded recollections of Friday bored even me...won't do that again.

Answering Chuck's challenge to go out and make friends with people in Ireland, the team divides into three groups. Greg and Shelby head off to meet with the immigrant population. David and Amy to Graften Street, guitar in hand for a little busking - or what we would call here in Nashville 'pickin and grinnin outside the honkey tonks". And Mikkie, Holly (aka Shannon Mc Attitude ) and I head out to find youth/college students/young adults to converse with in town. It takes us all of 30 seconds to stumble onto a college event right at the River Liffey. All we had to do was follow the music blaring from the van. We stop and asked the guy playing tunes what was going on and he said that Trinity University was competing against Univeristy of Central Dublin (UCD) in crew races on the river. This is the spot to start meeting folks we decided and spread out.

The girls meet a lass first and begin talking. They decide that I should go find a guy to talk to. This is a mission trip after all and not an excuse for Kevin to be hitting on some chica. So, I walk back up toward the van and music. I'm just looking across the river at a gorgeous blonde and thinking that I really should head over there when I bump into the lad from Trinity, Colm. He's there hangin out with some of his college buddies, all who once rowed at Trinity. Peter and Kevin are the two guys I take up talking to and they are a riot. Peter is nuts and reminds me of Paul Alberstadt at a Vandy Football tailgate...he's talking trash to UCD and screaming at the top of his lungs. Of course, I like him immediately. Kevin is a quieter fellow, still in school but who has just accepted a postion with Accenture in IT consulting when he finishes. Nice fellow, we chat a bit about jobs and watch the novice race.

The girls soon are upon us. Apparently they have moved on from the girl they were speaking with earlier. She apparenly was a little bored. But, the lads are excited to have such beautiful ladies in their pressence. Peter is chatting them up and when he sees them without sunglasses, he is enamored by their blue eyes. They soon part for coffee and I tell them I will wait for their return. Immediately, the lads start in on me - "are either of the girls your sister? Are you dating one of them? They are certainly lovely!" I tell them I just don't travel with ugly girls, its how I roll. We all share a laugh over this.

The guys are going to catch a double decker bus to head over to the finish and invite me along. I pass and wait for the girls. Little do I know that the bus will make several trips back and forth. The girls arrive at the same time the lads return, ready for the start of the main event. We all hop on and follow the action along the river. Trinity starts out with a burst, but alas, like in the 3 previous races, can't hold pace and they lose out to UCD by half a length over the 4 killometer course. Peter is bummed as are the rest of the lads. But in true Irish form, begin singing pub songs which are a bit on the raunchy side. Even the girls laugh at the lyrics as we head back to where we all began.

We say goodbye to Peter, take a few pics, get Facebook and MySpace addresses and agree to catch them at a pub later. Then we head over to Graften where we converse with a couple of lads raising money for local charity. These guys are both genuinely enthusiastic about helping out their fellow man. I will point this out as a perfect outreach later when I see Chuck that evening. Agan, we get information and Facebook addresses, grab a bite and then meet with the other members of the team and Chuck for a debreifing Needless to say, our group has had the most craic (Gaelic for fun) and success in friendship building. Chuck really is encouraged about what he hears and we talk a bit more about future possibilities for outreach.

From here, part of the group heads to the supermarket and then over to The Auld dubliner Pub in Temple Bar where we are meeting Amy's friends and Christy and Katherine for dinner/pints. The others (me included) slide back up to the B&B to change and then take a cab over and meet everyone else.

The pub is packed and we find, eventually a spot upstairs. While waiting to go inside, from the pub across the street, I hear the voice of Johnny Cash sining "Ring of Fire" and for a small moment, I feel like I'm standing on lower Broad outside of Tootsies. I expect to see Chris Goodman pouring out any minute. Then, I realize, I'm actually in Ireland...Cash though, is universal and I am glad.

We have a few pints (ok, I have a few pints, everyone else eats and has 1 or 2) and talk over the day's events. I say farewell to Chuck since this is our last night together. I tell him that I will write him soon. I can't wait to come back again and work with him and his family. And of course, share another pint with him at the pub! Shelby wings for me downstairs at the pub as I attempt - feabley - to find a lass to talk to. Unfortunately, there are only 3 at the bar and they are all in conversation over how some guy did something wrong. I guess other things besides Cash are universal as well. Needless to say, I work my way back downstairs a half hour later and meet a few lasses attending a hen party (bacheorette party) which gives me another story to write later. When I return, the girls are heading out, the guys hang back a bit then we hail a cab. All of us arrive at the same time back at Harveys and have a nightly round up meeting. The next day is Easter and we have another jammed packed day ahead.

Today has been a blast..as most days have been.. It's been great craic and I've seen a side of Ireland that I knew existed and have longed to experience since I arrived. Slante!

Good Friday!

2008-03-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends! I'm so very sorry for the delay, but our internet was in and out for much of the weekend and, now I have to finish my thoughts and blog post trip...

Sorry folks, I know many of you were on PINS AND NEEDLES waiting for my next entry. Since many of you know what a procrastinator I am, none of you should be at all surprised with the delay. But, I am serious about the internet, it was down this weekend.

Ok, on with the show.

We awake to a very windy and cold Good Friday in Dublin. Yesterday's rain has given way to scattered sleet (or hail as the Dubliners call it) showers. But, we have a lot to do today, so staying inside is just not an option.

At 9:30 we are to meet Chuck at Trinity University once more...so we, are off around 8:30 for the trek back over the Liffey, past the Spire (have I mentioned how much I'm begining to loath the Spire) and up to St. Stevens Green for morning devotional time. St. Stevens Green is a large park in South Central Dublin and is one of the most beautful parks I've ever been in. The grass is a green that I can't even describe in words - very lush, very picturesque. The flowers are in full bloom and although it is cold morning, spring is definitely upon us.

Each member of the team retreats to a different part of the park for prayer and devotional time. I sit alone, listening to the still of silence for a good bit. A feel totally at peace and in perfect communion with the God of the Universe. My soul is filled with warmth and I cease feeling the cool of the morning.

After the prayer/devotional time, we gather up and step across the street. Some of us into the chocolate shop, some into the coffee house for something warm to drink. Mikkee makes a new friend in the chocolate shop who I think is a wee bit smitten with her. He gives her extra chocolate easter eggs to go with her hot mocca. She will return on Saturday and get 5 extra eggs on that occassion, but that is another story for another time.

We walk over to Trinity and meet Chuck outside the gate. We are supposed to meet with a missionary to Moracco, but she has taken ill. So, we move on to check out the Dublin Castle instead. It's now a museum/guarda (police) station. Unfortunately, its closed today since Good Friday is a bank holiday in Ireland. But, from the outside, it looks like a really cool photo stop. :)

From there we head over to English Corner at the Irish Mission Center. Today we are meeting with internationals who are learning English and seeking employment in Ireland. One of the leaders is a 24 year old Irish lad named Simon. Ladies, he's a good looking and charming fellow. You all would probably dig him, except he's a little shorter than I am...so, maybe not. Anyway, David, Greg and I engage him in conversation and learn that he has left college but is heading back to go into seminary next year. Right now, he works strictly as an inturn with the Irish Mission Center and focuses almost entirely on international outreach.

While we are there, a young man from the Czech Republic comes in. Hs name is Honza and has been in town for 2 weeks during which time he has formed a friendship with Simon. We talk a good while and learn he is an engineer but there is no work for him in the Republic. He is looking to get on with someone, hopefully in computer engineering which is his speciality.

I ask my new Czech friend if he likes hockey, hoping to talk about Tomas Vokoun. He's not a huge hockey fan (sorry Layne) but knows all about Jarmir Jager. Honza really is interested in American movies. When he finds out that Greg is a former Army helicopter pilot, he asks if Top Gun was accurate. When he is answered that a lot of the scenes are close, he then asks "Why in America do you always win?" To which Greg replies: "Because we own the film!" We all share a good laugh over this.

In very short order, Simon gets up and leads us through a Gospel lesson and discussion. Honza is a Christian and talks openly in English about his faith. Althought he worries about not being articulate, he is very much so and we tell him this. I think its good to encourage him and Honza seems to appreciate it, although he is very humble. Soon after we break for the day and Honza vows to bring his Polish roomates, who speak very little, if any English, with him next Friday. We wish him luck in his job search and say goodbye.

From here, we proceed back over to Abby Church to prepare for the Good Friday Service. Our team is doing a tenenbrae service at the church and we need to practce what we are going to be doing. We meet Katherine there and she lets us into the sanctuary. Its a huge, cavernous place and extremely cold. The light from the stained glass windows is tempered by the dark woods on the pews and pulpit. This makes our presence in the room seem very small and very isolated. All of us agree, that if we have a small group that evening, moving it to somewhere else in the church might be a better idea. And that is precisely what happens that evening. We move the service to the "Pastors Room" upstairs and have about 20-30 members attend. We all take a passage and read form the Gospels the accounts of the Last Supper, betrayal in the garden and events of Good Friday. Its a very intimate and solumn service that ends up going over extremely well.

Afterwards my new Irish friend, David, one of the elders of the church, talks to me a t length on how much he enjoyed the sevice. He's a grand gentleman with sparkling blue eyes that twinkle when he laughs. We sit and talk for almost an hour and I enjoy learning all about him and his family, his son in Australia and his daughter, who met and Australian in Chicago at a wedding and has since married him and lives in London. Something about making new friends from other parts of the world - it just reinforces the fact that there are so many similarities amongst people.

From the church we head over to Christy's and Katherine's pad for tea and desert. The Boals join us there and we all talk over Apple Cake and tea....everyone seems to enjoy the fact that we are such a easy going and loose group of people. Greg continues to give the girls a hard time and now Mikkee and Shannon errr....Holly, really start to open up and dish it right back to him. We share a lot of laughter and Ruth Boal teaches me how to "properly" prepare a cup of tea. I talk with Katherine for awhile about the Belmont-Duke basketball game, which I missed but she watched the night before. I am so jealous and for really the first time, I miss home.

Exhausted the team heads back to the B& B and retires fo rthe evening. The internet is actually working this evening, so I get on and watch the end of the Vandy - Sienna game. In hindsight, I wish I hadn't because the Dores played terrible. But, hey, at least I got to see some of the tourney.

All in all its been a good day and a heck of a good Friday. On Saturday, more adventure and fun is just around the corner. And I will share it with you soon.

Walk On

2008-03-22T02:37:00.000-07:00

"Love is not an easy thing, the only bagage you can bring is all that you can't leave behind" - U2

Nothing like starting the blog with a little U2 today. But, since I did entitle it Walk On, might as well quote the song.

Another busy day begins with a trek. And I do mean a trek...we walk to south city and meet Chuck at the entrance to Trinity College. Trinity is the Harvard of Ireland, it only takes the top scholars and is difficult to get into. The campus is beautiful. You litterally walk into it through a big wooden door, like crossing into a castle courtyard. Amazing. Trinity is also home to the Book of Kels which is a famous translation of the bible going back to the 5th or 6th century.

From Trinity, we start our hike. Today we are going to meet with some folks at a Mosque in the south west quadrant of Dublin. It is a very, very long hike over. Along the way, we pass St. Kevin's Catholic and St. Kevin's Protestant churches. Yep, I got 2 churches named for me, top that...ok, if your named Paul, Patrick, john or Matthew you probably can. But, I thought it was pretty darn cool.

Part of Chuck's mission is to reach out to the booming immegrant population in Ireland. That includes many muslims from Iraq and Iran that have come here. And part of reaching out is to learn what their beliefs are. Hence, the trip over to the mosque. The mosque is in an old Presbyterian Church, long since abandoned and has now been bought and restored by the local islamic population. It's strange to go into...just seems a bit odd. But, maybe that's just me.

The gentleman we meet with is very pleasant and accomidating or at least that's how the guys see him. The women pick up an entirely different vibe, as if he's only being pleasant at a very surface level. Since women are much better at reading non verbal clues than most guys, I'll bet they are right. We leave the mosque and head back over to Grafton street and to a pub called the Duke for lunch. They have set up, cafeteria style in the back what we in Tennessee would refer to as a meat and three. We all get our lunches and gather around the table to discuss more of Chuck's vision for his mission here in Ireland.

Chuck is an idea guy. Very extraverted. Very much a contrarian thinker. he loves looking outside the box and challenging us on preconceved notions. I get the sense that he would love to have a college team come over for the summer and begin to reach out through friendship to the Irish and immigrant population. He would love to expand this outreach to Spain, Moracco, Eastern Europe...he invisions new technology in the global market to build a stonger far reaching Christian community. I'm really impressed. We discuss different ideas and decide to put some of them into practice over the next few days. I think it will be challenging but fun. I'm not sure about the rest of the team...

We have about 3 hours before we have to report back over to Abby Church for the evening events. So, David, Holly, Shelby and I scoot off over to the Guinness Storehouse for a quick tour. It ends on the 7th floor in the Gravity Bar which gives us a stunning 360 degree veiw of Dublin. Plus, for our trouble and the price of admission, we each receive a pint of the good stuff. We take turns having our picture taken with Dublin in the background and then walk on, back to Abby for the evening.....

From Abby Chruch we go to the First Church of Ireland for a communion service. The thing about these services this entire week that has struck me most - they are all reminiscent of a funeral for an 80 year old man. Very somber, very lightly attended. For a country so steeped in religious traditions, where on almost every corner is some statue or reference to God, the places of worship are barren. The people we meet are wonderful and so kind hearted. I'm just sad to see things at this degree of inefectiveness.

After the service we have a team meeting at a pub on Connelly Street. Either the long day or lack of food finally got to Mikkee. She let loose on Greg and Amy for their juvenile behavior. We were all just speechless. To be fair, we have been cutting up and enjoying ourselves a LOT on this trip. Since I know what its like dealing with 17 personalities when I was coaching, I can only imagine the frustrations Mikkee was having. Since she is such a sweet person, she is totally embarrassed and apologizes up and down for her outburst. All is soon forgiven and we walk on..back to the B&B. Tomorrow another leg of our journey will be upon us....

Yellow labs and Bono's house

2008-03-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Well, its now day 4 hear in Dublin and we have a jammed packed agenda for the day. We start, as we have each morning (except on Tuesday) eating breakfast together. Its a good way to get the team together and share a meal before things get so scattered. Today, as she does each day, Mikkee hands to each of us a card or letter of encouragement from home. For those reading this who have written one of us, thanks so much for doing so. Your words have been inspiring and uplifitng to all of us.

Today, my letter is from Nicole's mom, Priscilla. If she is reading this, a special thanks to her for writing it. Each day, I thank of Nic at some point during the adventures and I feel she is here with me along the journey. Of course, with all the walking we've done, I don't know how she would have lasted through this, but knowing Nicole, I'm sure she would have pushed along just fine.

We leave Harvey's and walk down to the train station, once again passing the Spire at the heart of City Center. I'm begining to really hate that thing, because it means we've walked a mile or more and still haven't reached our destination when we pass it. I've, by now walked past it a dozen times or more in various activities and getting tired of seeing it...But, I digress.

Today, we are going down to Greystones to see spend time working with Chuck Tarter, his wife Michelle and their family. On the way, we will get off the train at Killiney to have devotional and do a prayer walk. Of course, Amy is the most ecstatic of us all because the beach a Killiney is right in front of Bono's crib. She can barely contain her enthusiasm and is litterally bouncing up and down like a five year old on Christmas day as we approach the station.

When we get off the train, we all go in seperate directions to spend quiet time alone in prayer, devotional reading or just thinking about God's purpose in our lives. Since I rarely take quiet time in my daily life, this is an awkward, yet really cool experience for me. While on the beach looking out over the Irish Sea, I can't help to feel as if the world is so large yet so very small all at the same time. I also can't help but notice that everyone on the beach has a yellow lab for a pet. And of course, every lab comes up to say hello to me. I suddenly get a little sad, since I left Crockett back home in Nashville and he's not in the best of health. I really wish he had been there to run in the surf, he would have loved it.

Around 10:00 or so, we meet up with Chuck and begin our prayer walk to Dalkey. It takes us up the hill, past Bono's ally entrance and signed door (actually, everyone's signed the neighbor's door, his has been painted green) and through one of the wealthiest areas in Ireland. Its a beautiful walk and the scenary is breathtaking. We walk along in prayer, some of us silently, some like Chuck very vocal. Still, its a great way to continue communicating with God and really is inspiring. Along the way, we meet a little friend...you guessed it, a stray yellow lab, who takes up with us and walks the miles over to Dalkey with us. He's such a great little dog, I get my picture taken with him.

Once we arrive in Dalkey, we say goodbye to our four legged traveling companion and board the train to Greystones. Once there, Chuck tours us through the town and over to the local YWCA where he is working with locals on outreach to foriegn students. We learn that a group of Taylor University students is currently staying there and studying Irish culture. I immidately thought of Ryan Sellers, as I know he went to Taylor.

I also learn something new while talking with the staff there. In Ireland, traditionally, Protestants played soccer and rugby. Catholics played gaelic football and hurling. If a Catholic kid were caught on the "football (soccer) pitch" he would be kicked out of his sports club. Coach Tucker, if you are reading this, we have an abundant supply of Catholic kids in Ireland who would be perfect track and field athletes..and we wouldn't have to worry about them becoming little communists...err, soccer players. Seriously, we need to look into this...just saying! :)

Ok folks, now that the inside joke is over, back to the blog. We leave the YW, head back through Greystones, stop for picture opps, then head over to Chuck and Michelle's to spend time with their family. We have a blast with his beautiful family and really enjoy fellowshiping over tea and irish bread. Chuck runs the ladies back to the train station and then returns to carry the "lads" over. Unfortunately, we've missed the train so he drives us into Dublin himself. This is great because he really gets to talk to us about his ministry here in detail. Chuck is fascinating and very excited about trying new things to breed life into what can only be discribed as a dying Irish Church. He really wants our help and support for his outreach in the community and we are super excited by the dialog. By the end of the car ride, I'm ready to go home and recruit college kids to spend summers over hear with Chuck and Michelle working with the Irish folks.

We return to Harvey's and meet up with the ladies. Once the group is all together its back to Abby Church to meet Alan for the walk to the Methodist Church in City Center...Once again, we pass the stupid spire and take a left over to the church. It's definitely different than Abby Church. Much smaller and more cosy, but still very sparsely populated. David leads to joint service in songs on his guitar. Everyone seems to enjoy the singing and service. I get to carry the guitar on the way out, just to feel like a rock star. Plus, it's always a good way to talk to Irish girls, if there were any around for us to talk to....

From the church service, we head over to the Irish Church Missions reading room where a small concert is going on. The place is packed with young people for what we in Nashville would refer to as a songwriters night. Since the lads have yet to eat dinner, we leave and head to the Temple Bar district just across the river Liffey for a slice of pizza. The girls stay for music and fellowship. After we all meet for the evenings wrap up and planning session for the next day.

My feet are begining to hurt, I'm beat and need some sleep. I will check in again tomorrow.

The Quiet Man

2008-03-20T16:25:00.001-07:00

Hello, hello....I'm just returning home after our free day in Galway. It's a 3 hour train ride away from Dublin to the western part of the island. And what a day it was. The team broke into two groups today - David, Holly and Shelby went with Chuck Tudor, a minister/missionary from back home now living in Ireland, to Glendaloch for the day. They apparently had a very fun and relaxing time in a beautiful setting. But, I dare say that my half of the group had a much grander adventure.

It started at 5;30 am when Mikkee knocked on the door and told Greg and I that the cab would be here at 6:00 sharp. I was the first to shower and change, then Greg hit the bathroom. Next thing I know, Amy is knocking on the door telling us that we have 3 minutes until the cab leaves. I relay the news to Greg, who is still in the shower at this point...this is where it starts getting interesting. Three minutes later, I'm in the cab with the girls waiting on Greg. Next thing we see is Greg wearing only his pants, trying to climb in the drivers door (they drive on the wrong side over here) with his shoes, socks, shirt and jacket in hand. We all just bust out laughing. The cabbie thought it was a hoot too. He tells Greg, in all his years of driving, he hoped that one day someone would climb into the cab topless...only he hoped that someone would have been a girl. We all are in stitches by the time we reach the trainstation.

We get to the station some 45 minutes early, since the girls wanted to make sure we didn't miss the train. It felt like traveling with dad for a bit. (Mom, you can chuckle here, because I drive them just as crazy being late as I do him) We are soon greated by our guide to Galway, Liam. He is a retired Irish man who looks a great deal like an overgrown lepprechaun. Sweet guy, he rides with us all the way to Galway, pointing out sites along the way and telling us of his wife, children and grandchildren. He has a brogue as thick, sweet and rich as Guinness Stout and I could listen to him talk for hours more. Wonderful man, I'm glad we met him. Along the way he does have to calm Amy and Greg down a bit, since they are still laughing over the morning's cab ride...

Along the way, Greg decides that we need to find Irish husbands for Amy and Mikkee. When we arrive at Galway, Liam leeds us to our bus, where Greg gets a bus driver to propose to Amy. He even drops down to one knee...which begins a long day of this kind of behavior going forward.

Our bus driver (not the man who proposed, mind you) is another older gentleman named Owen. He is going to drive us around the region known as Cannemara. It is outstanding.There are mountains and fields that are straight out of every postcard and picture book on Ireland that you have ever seen. Along the way, he takes us to several "photo stops" the most significant being the bridge from the movie "The Quiet Man". We all get out an take pictures and Owen takes pictures of each of us posing as John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Too fun...

A few miles up the road, we stop at a pub made famous in another movie "The Field" and here is where I have my first Guinness in Ireland. Let me just say, it tastes better here than it does back home...Mikkee can't believe i;m drinking before 12:00 but when in Ireland...besides, Irish coffee just didn't sound that appealing.

From here we drive to Kylemore Abby to tour and have lunch. It was originally a casle built by a wealthy Manchester England business man for a wedding gift ot his wife. Unfortunately, a short time later, she died from fever contracted on a trip to Egypt and he couldn't bare to live there any longer. So, he gave it to the Benedictine Nuns who were in need of a place for an Abby. Since then, it has been an Abby and a private girls school, The place is picutresque and incredible. But, not without more humor and fun. Greg talks to the woman at the entrance and asks if she has any single brothers who would be interested in marrying Mikke and Amy. She actually does...one is 36 the other 43. We all have a good laugh at this but the girls politely decline.

I will skip ahead to our return trip on the train. Here we find out that in September, Galway has a Matchmaking festival. Apparently, women 35 and younger can come and meet local men 65 and younger (not fair, but it's their rules and their festival) and hopefully get married. We decide that we need to bring the girls back to Galway in September. We strike up a 3 hour conversation with fellow Americans from Washington State, Houston and San Diego. They all are staying in a Castle in Dublin. How fun is that...the conversation is great, they tell Greg and me that we really don't look much like missionaries..especially, Greg. We have great laughs with our new friends. It's 9:30 when we get back to the room and we all are pretty tired from the day's adventures. Time now for some peace and quiet. Tomorrow is another jam packed day...

Later.

Dateline: St. Patricks Day - Dublin

2008-03-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

Top of the mornin' to ya! Today is St. Patrick's Day and I'm in Dublin...how do ya like them apples. Last March, I toldmy buddy Layne that I would be in Dublin on St. Pats Day 2008 and here I am. See what happens when you put something out to the universe. (inside joke, but I know Layne gets it) Well, since this IS my very favorite holiday and I am in Ireland, I'm a wee bit STOKED to say the least.

After breakfast the team heads over to Abby Church to start our day off helping kids get ready for the parade. It's a total blast. The kids at Abby are dressing as bumble bees and crickets. I have no idea why, but we help them get ready and mobilize for the parade. They are so fun and just full of excitment. I had a blast with them.

After the getting everyone dressed and ready to roll, we headed out the side door of the church and into the street to catch the parade. I must have shot 80 pictures out there, most of the church kids and kids from around the community enjoying the sites and sounds of the day. All the bands in the parade wer from America - most from right around us in Tennessee. A band from Huntsville was representing as was one from Cleveland, TN. And Richard, if your reading, Auburn's Band was here as well. I tried to even teach a couple of Irish lads to say "War Eagle!" but they wanted to know "Why Eagle when they are Tigers?" I'm sorry, I didn't have an answer to that.

The parade ends around two and its back to work at the church. That night we are having a traditional Irish Ceili for the youth program and of course any other member that wants to come. So, we have to clean up all the parade stuff from the basement and get set up for the big night. Somewhere in the middle of all of this, we have to practice a LINE DANCE and SQUARE DANCE that we are supposed to teach the Irish after they teach us to River Dance. This feels and looks like its going to be a disaster. Luckily, one of our group, Shelby has taken up the rains on this dance stuff and teaches us all the Cotton Eyed Joe. I only fell twice tryign to learn it which was good for me...

The night gets rolling with a traditional irish band playing ceili music (think Cheiftans here) and a gentleman form the church who teaches us all traditional Irish dancing. Its a blast. I'm not really good at it but who cares, we are having fun. And everyone is loving it. In between rests, the band entertains us with Pub songs. Well, now I'm just having too much fun singing and swaying. The band cracks up that I know all the songs. Not to be outdone, my friend Amy does as well. We sing along beween dances...the only thing missing is a pint of Guinness.

After the ceili band breaks up, Shelby leads everyone in the Cotton Eyed Joe. The Irish kids love it. And since it was getting late and the church had a DJ waiting to break into his techno for the kids...we DIDN'T HAVE TO SQUARE DANCE! Can I get a Yee-haw and and Amen on that one. : )

The night comes to a close around 11. We help clean up, walke back to our pad, staying clear of the rowdy bunch of rugby players throwing beer bottles, and flop into our beds exhausted from our St. Pats fun. Tomorrow is a free day on the trip and I have to be up at 5 for a train to Galway in western Ireland.

When do we sleep???

2008-03-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, when i last left you we had just arrived at Dublin International...now on to the rest of the day's excitment. Sunday was quite possibly, one of the longest days of my life just from the fact that I was so exhausted from the flight, yet we were so busy with our agenda. But, here in a very short synopsis, I will recall it as best I can remember.

After arriving at the airport, getting luggage and hitting the ATM for Euros, we took a shuttle bus to the heart of Dublin City Center. When we got to the bus drop off andasked how far it was to our B&B, the bus driver must have thought he had a couple of gullible yanks on the line. So, he directs us to go up one block to the spire (see inset picture) and take a left. Walk 2-3 blocks and we should be there. Well, we take off, luggage in tow for a short 5-10 minute walk. 45 minutes and approximately 2 miles later, we end up at our B&B, Harvey's. When we get here, we realize that had we turned and walked 2 blocks away from the spire at time of drop off, then turned and walked 3 blocks east, we would have made it no problem. Ah, well, you live and learn.

Since check in is not until 12:00 noon and we have to be at Abby Church at 10:30, we only have enough time to drop our gear off, wash our faces and head back out the door. Lucky for us, Abby Church is only 2 blocks away.

When we arrive, for the service, we are introduced to Alan Boal, the pastor of the church. He is a super nice fellow from Belfast which probably doesn't sit well in these parts. It's like being a yankee in Alabama, to put it terms ya'll can understand...yet, more intense since their war ended only in the last 10 years. Anyway, he ushers us in to this beautiful Neo-Gothic church and we sit near the center of the place on wooden pews that you can barely fit your rear on. Tiny and tight is definitely an understatement here.

The two things that really struck me about Abby Church were:

1. The place was virtually empty. Apparently, Ireland, for all its rich and tumultuous relgious past, has left the church in droves. A place this size, you would expect, to have 300-400 people attending regularly. But, in the past few years, they have seen their numbers shrink to an average weekly attendance of 60-75, tops. Its very sad. The fact that so few are in a place so large, makes the place seem like a mosoleum...very morbid.

2. Those who make up the majority of the church body are not native Irish. They are mostly African, Asian, and Middle Eastern immigrants, many who speak English as a second language. These folks are someof the most genuinely caring and lovely people. They are so happy just to meet with us and learn about America. After the service we stand and talk for hours with them. Unfortuantely, at this point, I'm running on 24 hours of no sleep and really begining to hurt. Still, no time for rest.

We eat a quick lunch at Flanagans with Alan. Of course, we've talked to so many people its now 3:00 before we finish with our meal. At lunch, we are joined by Chuck Tarter, who along with his wife and kids, moved here from Nashville to begin an outreach mission 11 years ago. Chuck introduces us to two of his friends, Armahd and Dijoud who are Iranian Christians who sought asylem here after the Ayatolah took power in 1979. Wonderful guys, they share their stories of hardship, fear and the freedom they have in Ireland. Truly inspiring men.

From this point, Mikkee, our group leader wants to walk us around Dublin - to take in the sights and keep us awake so that we can sleep through the night. I see many great sights, but am really to tired to enjoy much. So, I take lots of pictures instead. Hopefully, we'll make it back to some of these places during free tim, later this week.

We return to our B&B late on Sunday night, exhausted. Sleep calls after 39 hours without it. St. Pats is tomorrow and we have lots to do...

Gearing up for Seven Nights in Eire

2008-03-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, kids, here iit is, hot off the press, my long overdue Ireland Blog. Now, I know what you are thinking (especially my mother) is that I have pulled a Flood and just delayed this thru procrastination. But you would be wrong!!! Actually, our wi-fi at the B&B has been down for 3 days...so there!

Anyway, I just will start over at the begining, as if I were writing on Day 1. We started our morning in a downpour, which of course, contributed to me being late to the rendevous point. Big surprise there, I know. However, we had a ton of time because...American Airlines never notified us that there is no direct flight to JFK on the weekend. So, we were re-routed to LaGuardia. But, due to this, we were upgraded to First Class! Yeah-baby. Taylor, I know you are digging that since its the only way you want to fly. Well, back on with the saga. We land in LaGuardia, get our bags from baggage claim and then have to go and look for a shuttle. Since the boys weekend in NYC for Brad's bachelor party, there was NO WAY I was going to attempt the subway over to JFK. We didn't quite find a shuttle however. But we DID land a stretch limo. Giddy up. I should go on missions trips more often. :)

Well, skip ahead to save the boring details. After an eternity waiting in JFk, we finally board Aer Lingus at 7:00 pm for an all-nite flight to Dublin (by way of Shannon). The flight was long and uncomfortable, but we made it in in one piece landing in Shannon at 5:30 am (11:30 pm Nashville time), about the time some of you were just getting rolling at the Green House, I'm sure. By the time we hit Dublin, it was 7:00 and U2 was blaring in my iPod. I was tired and ready for sleep, but we had a lot to do that day. More on that in the next blog.

Warning: Objects entering stands at rapid rate and may be dangerous to your health

2008-03-14T10:51:00.001-07:00

Ok, well I'm one day from leaving on my trip to Ireland and pumped up. You can read more about that tomorrow. However, today I wanted to touch on the dangers of hockey pucks entering the seats at the Sommet Center.

At last night's game, my good friend Layne, was hit by a puck...and hyperextended her thumb. Not that this is the least bit funny, but I need to point out the irony of the whole thing. For starters, Layne is a Predators FANATIC. Seriously, she LOVES the team more than anything in this life. If they lose, you best not talk to her the next day, if you value your life that is. So, when she was able to get 4th row seats for last night's game, she was very happy to say the least. She even had to point out to my buddy Taylor and I that her seats were better than our 7th row seats. Well, she should have taken us up on the offer to sit up with us, because...

At the start of the 2nd period, 12 oz of hard vulcanised rubber came flying over the glass straight at her face. She did what most anyone would do at that point, put her hand up to protect herself. The puck deflected off her and into the lap of some rednecks behind her, who of course, kept the puck for themselves. Nice. Layne's in pain, off to first aid, but by gosh, Bubba and Ellie May got dem a nice puck...

Anyway, that's not the funny part of the story. The funny part is that Layne wouldn't LEAVE the game because, she is a FAN. I felt so bad for her, I even let her have my beer. She needed something to numb the pain. And the way the team choked in the 3rd period, well you have to give her props for being a trouper. Taylor and I had long split before the game got out of hand. But not Layne...she's in a lot of pain but she took one for the team... And is now an inspiration for a new Bud Light real (wo)men of genius commercial. We salute you, die hard hockey fanatic...

Hope you feel better soon.

3 Days to go...

2008-03-12T12:13:00.001-07:00

Well, the time is almost here for my Irish excursion and I can hardly wait. In three days I hop a plane for Dublin and still feel like I'm not even close to getting everything ready to go.

I know I should relax and just get ready for the trip. However, that's much easier said than done. Right now, it seems like everyone needs something done, something faxed, something prepared...I just feel like I'm up against the preverbial 8-ball.

As with most things in life, this too shall pass - right Mom :-)

Anyway, please feel free to check back as the next week passes as I hope to upload pix and commentary as I journey to the Emerald Isle. Who knows what great adventures (and trouble) I may get into along the way.

I will check back in in a couple of days.

Slainte' ( That's cheers in Gaelic, dontcha know)

Kevin