Adventure Two: Belfast, Northern Ireland

This weekend began with a quote from my dear friend Stephanie saying, "You know, I have all these plans for my future. But I feel like God is going to shake things up." Little did we know!

This weekend was exactly what I needed - Beautiful Irish country side, time spent with great friends, and a weekend with my absolutely amazing friend Ashley! What's funny is how stressful and painful it was getting to that point. We left Swansea for Ireland on Friday afternoon; we set out with four girls and only two, Stephanie and I, made it to Ireland. Lindsey missed her flight earlier that morning by only fifteen minutes and Hope left her passport back in England. Both made it to the airport, but were turned away. No refund. Nothing. It was the worst feeling! Stephanie and I were heartbroken that our two friends couldn't enjoy this experience with us. Just when we thought everything was settled, we started to board the plane when Ryanair informs us that we were supposed to have our boarding passes stamped ..... so Steph and I "Home Alone" it through the airport, sprinting, make it back downstairs, have our passes stamped, run back through security .... and of course .... I beep going through security this time. Therefore, I am awkwardly patted down and scanned, while Steph watches in amusement and horror. We finally make it back to the gate just in time, board the plane, sleep for a short thirty minute flight, and finally land in Belfast safely! Later that night, after experiencing some insanely tight security at Ashley's student village, Stephanie would have to climb a tree to jump over a huge wall, lined with barbed wire, surrounding the village in order to make it to Ashley's room safe and sound. It was quite the adventure getting to Ireland! But we are so thankful that God watched over us, and brought us there safely! "Whoever goes to the LORD for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to Him, "You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in You I trust." Psalm 91:1-2.

Despite all of this, we had such an amazing time! Belfast is loaded with history and old architecture. It was interesting to hear Ashley tell us of the separation between those that are Catholic and those that are Protestant. There are still neighborhoods throughout Belfast that are strictly Catholic or Protestant neighborhoods, and some are even surrounded by walls. We passed by one of these neighborhoods, and it had a huge mural on one of the buildings that read, "You are now entering Loyalist Sandy Row." So interesting. Stephanie and I went to the Giant's Causeway on Saturday which was beautiful. Huge rocks in the formation of hexagons towering over the ocean, unbelievable. We spent all of Saturday, once again, admiring the beauty of God's creation. I have done that several times since being overseas, and each time, God never ceases to amaze me.

After a long and delicious dinner in Ballymena at The Grouse spent chatting with a precious little seventy year old Irish man, we made it back to Belfast only to be reunited with Ashley over a jar of Nutella, bread, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, white chocolate bar, and milk ..... thank you Ashley for successfully making us gain 500 pounds in one night. Needless to say we spent the whole night, and even into the early hours of the morning, talking, laughing, "skype-ing" with friends back home, and enjoying each others company all while on an intense sugar high. It was the best moment of our lives.

Sunday was spent on a guided walking tour of Belfast, led by the one and only Ashley Shoemaker. We saw beautiful buildings, ate beautiful food, and met beautiful people. Did I mention I had a beautiful time in Belfast? We also wandered into The Welcome Center to pick up some souvenirs. And we might have bought some clothes, but that's really not important! It was so great to spend such an amazing weekend with one of my dearest friends Ashley; she is such an influence in my life, and I am so thankful for her friendship!

On the way back to Wales, Stephanie and I laughed over all the things we had encountered and endured this weekend. Then we realized how blessed we were! Despite running into so many problems, God gave us such a wonderful, fun weekend, while keeping us safe each and every time we hit a bump in the road. God had His loving and protecting arms around us each and every step of the way, and the weekend turned out to be one of the best! God showed me that not everything is going to go my way; I may have plans, but God does too. And His are perfect. I learned to find joy and laughter in the struggle, and hope in what is to come! There were many times that I asked God for guidance and safety, and He was there and graciously answered my prayer. I am so thankful for God's love and provision over me, and it brings me peace to know He will always be with me, and He will continue to guide my steps, even through the difficult times. He never fails to watch over me, to love me, and to guide me. "When they call to Me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them." Psalm 91:15

"In Christ alone, my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song. This Cornerstone, this Solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand."


Miss and love you all!