I am on a ferry crossing from Dublin, Ireland, and heading to Holyfield, Wales where I will catch a train south to visit a friend in Abergavenny, Wales. From her home, I plan to travel south to revisit the Bible School of Wales where I had spent a couple of weeks several years ago. I am also hoping to go to a retreat center called Ffaldybrenin to spend a day or two. This week I am on my own which has added a whole new dynamic to my trip! I love to travel and have been to many places by myself or meeting a team at a predetermined location but it has been a while and as technology has advanced, I realize my skills have not! I have had to meet some new challenges that I was only partially prepared for!

Thankfully there are good and helpful people all over this globe and Ireland has been no exception. My taxi driver this morning is my age but has chosen to keep on working because of his love for helping people. Exactly what I needed this morning. He not only delivered me to the proper ferry but to a very compassionate man who walked me through the boarding process and then personally carried my luggage (which seems to get heavier each time I have to move!)

Yesterday I took a side trip to the Hill of Tara. This site was on my “bucket list.” I am over 50% Irish and even though the history of the Hill is not Christian, I had a unique experience. Upon arriving at the historic Stone of Destiny, where kings were crowned, a young Irish man was explaining some of the history, folklore, and traditions of the area. I certainly wish I could have purchased several books to enhance my knowledge but I have no extra space in my luggage! I was packed to the max when I left Thomasville several weeks ago. As he was explaining to his friend about the tradition of the stone and that they were still waiting for the next king that would cause the stone to “scream” (which hasn’t happened in 2000 years) I said to him, “I know who that King is!”  He raised his eyebrows and waited for me to say, “It is the High King of Heaven, Jesus Christ.” I felt his surprised reaction (certainly not agreeing with me). As is true throughout much of Ireland, the church is not well thought of generally speaking. In fact, many are so bitter they want nothing to do with “religion.” Others take His name in such a dishonorable way, it has grieved my heart and could have offended me if I allowed the words to be taken into my heart.

I had taken a taxi up to Hill of Tara which cost me over $100 (it was 45 kilometers from my hotel) and decided a bus trip back would be more equitable (much longer but a chance to see more of the city). I had to walk over a mile to the bus pickup and of course, it started raining (which it has done off and on most of the time we were in Scotland and Ireland). I pulled out my trusty $2 plastic poncho – like a mini tent)  and managed to keep from getting totally soaked! It was a lovely downhill walk and I was thanking the Lord all the way down that I did not have to do the uphill part on the way in!

As a matter of fact, the hills and steps have been one of my biggest challenges! Most of the shops and restaurants we have been in had challenging second-story steps (where most of the bathrooms are)! So have some of the Air BnBs. Tiny spiral staircases that the kids would probably love but challenged me most every time. I walked up over 100 (I counted) steps to see the castle in Edinburgh! I had to stop several times and catch my breath! I am staying in the third-story bedroom of my friend’s home so I ought to come home in good physical condition from all the climbing I have been doing!

I am very aware that most of the countries we are visiting, although their roots are Christian, have very little evidence of people who have a personal relationship with the Lord. One of the purposes of this trip is to identify believers who have a desire to reach their fellow countrymen and share with them that it is possible to live from a place of knowing a loving heavenly Father who desires for each one of us to live our lives from the fullness of who He has created each one of us to be. We are His ambassadors at large and are representing the High King of Heaven and His forever Kingdom. Jesus’ model prayer states “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We are to bring the reality of Heaven to this Earth by our actions. We are preparing the way, as John the Baptist did for His first coming, for His second return to this Earth, where He will rule as the High King of Heaven. He came as a Lamb to be slain the first time, but when He comes back it will be to rule and reign as the Lion of Judah. He is the King of love and perfect love will bring forth perfect justice.

The more I travel, the more I have come to appreciate the uniqueness of each country and people group. Certain quality traits can be seen in every culture and reveal a different aspect of God’s overall character and personality. I have certainly seen this on an individual level and now experiencing it from a national level. What an amazing God – I marvel at the variety of fauna and flora in each country or region. I also believe each country has a unique God design and destiny which was twisted and perverted as a result of the fall.

Having just left Ireland, several things that we noted from our research are that they are known for hospitality and a strong sense of community. As we traveled around the country, that seemed to be notable. The home in which we stayed had warm homemade soup (potatoes and leeks) awaiting us when we arrived. The gathering held in their home included more food and extended fellowship (no one wanted to leave as the night extended to individual and smaller groups sharing with one another). Before our stay with the family, we spent the night in Dublin and decided to visit four different “pubs” to capture the strong connection of celebration (drinking and dancing and good food). One was jammed wall to wall with young people (loud, happy, etc.) Another was mostly older adults and had a quiet and more subdued atmosphere (the two-man band reminded me of our country singing and traditions). We ate at another one that had enjoyable Irish Stew and Fish and Chips!

The overall lack of spirituality was very notable even though the people were very friendly. Like every other country, they need a spiritual awakening so that they can experience the true joy and freedom that only comes through Christ and fulfill God’s unique plan for that country.