Céad míle fáilte

“A hundred thousand welcomes”.

Oh and it does feel good to be home!

Began the day with a search for ice-cream with Rebekah and Conor. Which was very successful - a little gelato place that Rebekah has been wanting to try since we came! Better late than never! And the best thing was no limit to the number of flavours in one tub (had to restrain myself not to go for all of them).

Rebekah had a few bits of admin to do, so Conor and I continued the search, this time for celebrities. With no success - even outside BBC studios! But it turned out it was for the best in the end, as I got to hear his thoughts on some of the deeper issues in life, as we walked.

Said our goodbyes to Rebekah - thankfully only for a couple of weeks, as she’s coming home to film a music video in August!

Sat beside a very friendly stranger Matt on our flight home. Was praying for an opportunity to share who Jesus is with him, when he started asking about the political/religious divides in Northern Ireland. Being asked “what side are you on” is just a wonderful wide open door into sharing what Christianity really means to me - a God who is passionate about reconciliation.

Mum and Dad are away in Scotland (they get back tomorrow!) so we had the joy of a lift home with Grandma! It’s hard not to be able to hug her...but a very worthwhile reason. We’ll just have to come up with new ways to express love!

Gratefuls:

- this time in England, from the day before lockdown - feels like it was a gift from God to get there.
- my one-of-a-kind Sister, who has shared her home with me for the past 6 weeks. There are few gifts more valuable than a loving family. Just being able to do life with her again - I’ve missed that! To have a Sister who is also a really good friend. Watching the growth that God has brought in her life and faith.
- Seeing Grandma again! For how much she cares. And for how God has protected her and given her company during this time.
- Getting to know my Brother better, and learn from the wisdom he has.
- such darn good ice-cream
- how God answers prayer.
- a safe journey (and not being charged for going 500g over the bag weight!!)
- being able to connect with strangers, and have more than small talk.
- the little things about home...wearing my own dressing gown! A dishwasher!! I did not realise I missed these things!