Me at our Staff Christmas Party
Me and my roomie 
Me and my neighbor decorating her tree!
The town of Roscommon at Christmas...a little blury...but you get the idea
This says it all...this was on the side of Santa's SleighNollag Shona...or Merry Christmas as they say in Irish. I pray as you read this letter that you and your family find the Grace and Love our Lord Jesus abundantly in your lives. Wow, as I sit and write this letter and think back to this time last year…I am amazed by what all has happened. It has been a world wind of events…that is for sure. As many of you know…since August of this year I have been working with a Christian Organization called Operation Mobilization in Ireland. Currently I am serving as their event coordinator for a 2-year commitment. It is a busy time with such a pioneering ministry where we just recently had our Grand Opening in November. It has also been a time of great blessings, culture learning experiences, and a unique time with my Lord. When you are away from family and friends and everything that you know and love…you learn quick how to lean into your heavenly Father!
Today I woke up to a new day…my birthday… a “young and fresh” 33-year-old woman. It was so sweet to receive mail this morning from the former Church staff and warm wishes from across the pond. As I read one of the cards I became very reflective. The card was written from my singles pastor…reminding of how God has placed me here for a reason. I instantly was taken back to this morning at the local card shop, O'Reileys.
As I was looking for the perfect Christmas card (in English and Irish) a lady walked in who caught my attention. Looking very shy and worried she politely went up to the counter and explained her predicament to the shop owner. She said “My aunt has passed away and I would like to purchase a mass card…but I am unsure of how much money to place in it for the priest”. My heart instantly sank as I could see her concerned face…worry had enveloped her. You see many of the people here believe that in order for a person to get to Heaven after their death…the friends and family of the deceased should give a monetary gift to the local priest and ask him to pray for them. Then…in return for the money, he will pray for the deceased family member/friend…to get into Heaven. How sad. So even though it is my birthday…my heart is heavy …and I turn to Jesus and say…THANK YOU for being born. Your birthday is the ultimate Birthday and the ONLY one that is truly precious!!!! The only way we can get to Heaven is through Jesus!
Even though it has been a very “heavy” and eye opening experience for me over the past few months…I would not change it for anything. I believe the Lord is breaking my heart for what breaks His…His lost and dying people here in Ireland. And…there have been so many nuggets of hope that He has shown me as well. Just last night, as I was sitting in a Christmas service of a local church plant…who walked in…but my neighbor! See she and I have had such a sweet relationship. She has been so adamant about making sure I acclimate to Ireland…and in her concerned and loving heart…she has won me over. I pray for her daily that she will know the true HOPE that I know…and little by little she has been showing interest. Then last night…not only did she come…but she also brought her family! It was a special gift from the Lord! Last night I was able to give her a Bible that my Sunday school class had sent over from the States…it is a Women’s Daily Devotional book. She was very happy to receive it and I pray that the TRUE word will penetrate her heart and change her…I definitely I want to see her in Heaven again!
What does the New Year hold for me? Well I am so excited to start traveling across Ireland and some of Europe. In January I will be visiting our new ship Logos Hope in Denmark. My main purpose will be to plan for the ship’s upcoming arrival to Ireland. But I have a sneaking suspicion I will get to reunite with my friends (who started this journey into OM with me)…and have some fun! Also on the travel note I hope to visit some friends in London in March. I am very excited and blessed to have these opportunities.
So to end…as I look over this past year I see a year of “New Beginnings”. And as I look to the upcoming year…I look with anticipation and HOPEFULNESS. I can’t wait to see what God is going to be up to over here in the Emerald Isle!
May God richly bless you and send you special moments that only you and Him can enjoy! And remember…Jesus is the reason for the season! “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
