Seek First
When everything's upside down
Seek First
When no answers exist
Seek First
When all there is is pain
Seek First
When every army's at your door
When you need hope
And are desperately looking for peace
Seek me first, Dear One
Pursue my Kingdom
And find that my rest follows
Ever again lay down your cares
Cast aside your worries and release your fears
Give me your burdens, Princess
Breathe in my Spirit as you expel all the rest
Seek First
Before you have a chance to doubt
Seek First
And you will find
Seek First
My promises are true
Seek First
There's no striving in my Kingdom
Capture my hear, Lord
Fill my mind
Show me how to seek
Teach me to find
Help me walk in your promises
May I light the way
*written October 8, 2014
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
2015: The Year of Truth
Here's some to get the year started. :)
Remember.
Remember you are mine and I never let you go.
(Have not, am not, will not. Not ever.)
Remember it's not over, I'm not done, you're not finished.
Remember the work of the cross is.
Remember I am faithful and I will complete my masterpiece.
Remember you are worth it.
Remember that I know you and care about your dreams.
Remember that I gave them to you.
Remember that you are valuable.
I have chosen you for amazing things.
Remember that I said "yes".
(say "yes" and will continue saying "yes". always.)
Remember I said, "Fly!"
Dare to dream, never look back, soar on my wings.
Remember I said, "Do not fear."
I am always with you and I never leave you.
Remember your path is different.
You wouldn't have it any other way and neither would I.
Remember life is good. I am good.
I AM Love and I love you.
written January 31, 2015
Remember.
Remember you are mine and I never let you go.
(Have not, am not, will not. Not ever.)
Remember it's not over, I'm not done, you're not finished.
Remember the work of the cross is.
Remember I am faithful and I will complete my masterpiece.
Remember you are worth it.
Remember that I know you and care about your dreams.
Remember that I gave them to you.
Remember that you are valuable.
I have chosen you for amazing things.
Remember that I said "yes".
(say "yes" and will continue saying "yes". always.)
Remember I said, "Fly!"
Dare to dream, never look back, soar on my wings.
Remember I said, "Do not fear."
I am always with you and I never leave you.
Remember your path is different.
You wouldn't have it any other way and neither would I.
Remember life is good. I am good.
I AM Love and I love you.
written January 31, 2015
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Never Stop Learning
My God redeems everything. I love seeing how He weaves the crap that we've made of life into a beautiful tapestry of glory. It's fascinating really when you look for it. And today, I see it once again.
Today I went back to school.
And I was excited about it.
Brief backstory... I went to an amazing high school, but mix the fact that it was a academically rigorous college prep school with highly passionate and demanding professors (all good and appreciated elements when pursuing quality education) with my unhealthy perfectionist drive and fear of being a disappointment (to ....anyone) and after four years of overachieving you're left with....not much. My English teacher got it right when she said, "You are all wound up so tightly, you're just going to SNAP!" Yeaaahh, balance is a good thing. And giving yourself permission to relax and not "do it all" is good. Even though I was running on fumes after graduation I decided to still go on to college. I knew if I took a break it would be next to impossible to make myself go back. So I started university already "done" with school but in order to eek out a little more motivation I promise myself to finish in three years, which I did...with two majors. I mean if I'm going to it, I want to do it well... or at least more, cuz "more" = "well" right? Meh, may still have some of that "perfectionist thing" to work out.
So yeah, with all that junk, it was super exciting to be done with school though I knew at some point I would go back. There's always the Masters or PhD or something. At heart, I am a student. I love learning. I love discovering new things. I want to know everything. And today, I got to experience something new.
Obviously, as a tourist in Europe I am not enrolled in a study program at the moment (though some friends along the way have strongly encouraged/tempted me to consider doing just that), but my friend, Malte, is currently studying European Health at the University of Maastricht and because we didn't have any touristy plans today, he invited me to sit in on the lecture of the day. So yes, I voluntarily woke up early on my holiday to go to school and sit in on a two hour lecture. #nerdalert
Today's topic: Values in the European Healthcare Systems. The professor is an ethicist and challenged the class to really consider: what are values? how are value systems established? are healthcare value systems universal? and do different systems/countries value similar or different things?
It gets my brain spinning. What do we value? And how is that different from what I feel we should value? Because we can spend all day writing policy and creating affluent sounding values but until there is action behind them they still aren't really a part of our culture.
While assessing the four values the European Commission has decided should be at the crux of the EU healthcare system one finds them great on paper but incredibly empty without implementation. This happens in more than just the healthcare sector; there are some truly innovative ideas and beneficial policies but without the proper implementation it all falls flat...and sometimes (sadly) makes more of a mess than there was to start.
So, see a problem and have a solution? Or have a great idea that will make something better? Great. Please, don't just stand on a mountain and preach it, sending those inspirational words over the edge without a parachute. Instead, go build a team and sweat it out together. Take the dream and give it wings. Words demand action, and we need each other.
Carpe diem.
Today I went back to school.
And I was excited about it.
Brief backstory... I went to an amazing high school, but mix the fact that it was a academically rigorous college prep school with highly passionate and demanding professors (all good and appreciated elements when pursuing quality education) with my unhealthy perfectionist drive and fear of being a disappointment (to ....anyone) and after four years of overachieving you're left with....not much. My English teacher got it right when she said, "You are all wound up so tightly, you're just going to SNAP!" Yeaaahh, balance is a good thing. And giving yourself permission to relax and not "do it all" is good. Even though I was running on fumes after graduation I decided to still go on to college. I knew if I took a break it would be next to impossible to make myself go back. So I started university already "done" with school but in order to eek out a little more motivation I promise myself to finish in three years, which I did...with two majors. I mean if I'm going to it, I want to do it well... or at least more, cuz "more" = "well" right? Meh, may still have some of that "perfectionist thing" to work out.
So yeah, with all that junk, it was super exciting to be done with school though I knew at some point I would go back. There's always the Masters or PhD or something. At heart, I am a student. I love learning. I love discovering new things. I want to know everything. And today, I got to experience something new.
Obviously, as a tourist in Europe I am not enrolled in a study program at the moment (though some friends along the way have strongly encouraged/tempted me to consider doing just that), but my friend, Malte, is currently studying European Health at the University of Maastricht and because we didn't have any touristy plans today, he invited me to sit in on the lecture of the day. So yes, I voluntarily woke up early on my holiday to go to school and sit in on a two hour lecture. #nerdalert
Today's topic: Values in the European Healthcare Systems. The professor is an ethicist and challenged the class to really consider: what are values? how are value systems established? are healthcare value systems universal? and do different systems/countries value similar or different things?
It gets my brain spinning. What do we value? And how is that different from what I feel we should value? Because we can spend all day writing policy and creating affluent sounding values but until there is action behind them they still aren't really a part of our culture.
While assessing the four values the European Commission has decided should be at the crux of the EU healthcare system one finds them great on paper but incredibly empty without implementation. This happens in more than just the healthcare sector; there are some truly innovative ideas and beneficial policies but without the proper implementation it all falls flat...and sometimes (sadly) makes more of a mess than there was to start.
So, see a problem and have a solution? Or have a great idea that will make something better? Great. Please, don't just stand on a mountain and preach it, sending those inspirational words over the edge without a parachute. Instead, go build a team and sweat it out together. Take the dream and give it wings. Words demand action, and we need each other.
Carpe diem.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Guten Tag
Don't worry, Mom, we are not starving.
Staying with friends is the whole point of this trip and has been incredible thus far. Everyone has blessed us so much and one consequence of that is that there is a definite non-lack of food. lol. We might just stay here for the food. European cheese. I mean that's really all I should have to say, but there's the bread, and gelato, and just.... everything!!!!
A couple days ago we were surprised by a SOM friend we weren't expecting to see and she so graciously took us around on Thursday which meant visiting the Ritter Sport chocolate factory. They have an exhibition where you can learn about their chocolate-making processes and the history of the company. And of course there is a gift shop downstairs. At first I was thinking it was like other specialty shops where it would be more expensive than your neighborhood Müller shop, but we were corrected. This was more of an outlet and they even had broken or tester products for even cheaper. Aaaahhhh, what is a chocolate-loving tourist to do when there is limited luggage weight and space?!?!?!!!! Ok, fine I'll just get the ones that look good to me. Haha, it was ridiculous, but I got to the counter and the lady said it was 5.22euros. Whhaaaaaa?! OMG, wait a second, I think I must buy more. Just kidding, I really don't have that much space in my case, but wow, what a deal. Next time I think I'll leave the clothes at home so I can fill my bags with goodies. I guess that's what real/smart tourists do but w/e. Some of my clothes may not be making the return trip. Either that our my backpack will weigh 100lbs. Probably the latter.
So yeah, it's been a delicious trip. Everyone, travel to Europe at some point, it's amazing and not just for the food. The culture and the beauty and seeing Roman things everywhere; it's all fantastic...and typically, all really old.
Today we're going to explore a bit more nature, the oldest and newest art piece of all. And it's my favorite. :)
Auf Wiedersehen!
Staying with friends is the whole point of this trip and has been incredible thus far. Everyone has blessed us so much and one consequence of that is that there is a definite non-lack of food. lol. We might just stay here for the food. European cheese. I mean that's really all I should have to say, but there's the bread, and gelato, and just.... everything!!!!
A couple days ago we were surprised by a SOM friend we weren't expecting to see and she so graciously took us around on Thursday which meant visiting the Ritter Sport chocolate factory. They have an exhibition where you can learn about their chocolate-making processes and the history of the company. And of course there is a gift shop downstairs. At first I was thinking it was like other specialty shops where it would be more expensive than your neighborhood Müller shop, but we were corrected. This was more of an outlet and they even had broken or tester products for even cheaper. Aaaahhhh, what is a chocolate-loving tourist to do when there is limited luggage weight and space?!?!?!!!! Ok, fine I'll just get the ones that look good to me. Haha, it was ridiculous, but I got to the counter and the lady said it was 5.22euros. Whhaaaaaa?! OMG, wait a second, I think I must buy more. Just kidding, I really don't have that much space in my case, but wow, what a deal. Next time I think I'll leave the clothes at home so I can fill my bags with goodies. I guess that's what real/smart tourists do but w/e. Some of my clothes may not be making the return trip. Either that our my backpack will weigh 100lbs. Probably the latter.
So yeah, it's been a delicious trip. Everyone, travel to Europe at some point, it's amazing and not just for the food. The culture and the beauty and seeing Roman things everywhere; it's all fantastic...and typically, all really old.
Today we're going to explore a bit more nature, the oldest and newest art piece of all. And it's my favorite. :)
Auf Wiedersehen!
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Spanish Siesta...It's a real thing
I'm pretty sure that I have slept more in Spain this past week and a half than a Grizzly bear in hibernation. It has been lovely.
Our bodies are amazing and take a lot of abuse through the daily living and stress of lo que sea*. I hope that mine has accepted my apology and has recuperated at least a smidge over our stay in beautiful España. It's also my wish that I learn to be nicer to it whenever routine stress returns to my life**.
May we just talk about how 'time' can look soooo different depending on the country/culture/etc.?! Ohmigoodness. Of course I remember the schedule differences from that last time I was here but that was for two months so I more or less adapted. This stint was just a week and a half so I didn't feel like we assimilated entirely.
Here's the timeline...
Most people do have jobs/school/lo que sea* so some do leave the house at 6/7/8/9 etc. There's breakfast if they take it then. Lunch is not til 2:30 or 3 so if you're the Sevillanos that tourists see on the streets you'll take una tostada y cafe at a corner bar around 11 or so. If not, I have no idea how you last that long. Kristen and I didn't wake up til 10 most days so we had breakfast then ;) a simple toast or cereal. By lunch time, though I was pretty hungry. Dinner is not til 8:30/9pm sooo....yeah. Here's where the classic 'siesta' comes in because 3-5pm is the hottest part of the day, so take a rest. Also, most of the small shops close during this time so there's no point to be out.*** Some do partake in another coffee and/or tapas to tide them over til dinner but there's really no 'rule' for this. Like I mentioned, dinner is late and they like it this way. I've had la cena at 10pm or later (last night we had a multi-course dinner that lasted well past 12am!). Mi mama española says it's not good to go to bed on an empty stomach so why would you do it any other way? I, on the other hand, find it's hard to go to bed early when you eat so late. lol.
All in all, I'm a tourist (as much as I try NOT to look like one!) and I love encountering and living amongst different cultures. Even the stretching parts are good for you.
Kristen and I are coming away from this pequeño viaje**** with a new family, lots of recipes to try, and a wedding invite to come back next year! I wasn't sure how my rusty Spanish skills were going to fare but I was really impressed that they were fine. I won't say 'spectacular' but they were 'fine'...what I call "survival Spanish". It was definitely good practice. Our family was easy to understand and very patient and willing to teach; all of which was helpful and appreciated. Other locals on the other hand....haha. Languages are hard, ya know! Won't it be nice when we all speak the same one again? :)
Well, it's time to pack again. Buena noche!
Paz y Amor.
*In English = whatever
**Cuz I'm believing God has an amazing plan for my life that includes a great job when I get back to the States as I will need to generate income otra vez/again.
***Unless you're a tourist of course and this schedule doesn't necessarily apply to you, or if you're like I and you want to squeeze every bit out of your trip as you possibly can, then at least find a park and sit in the shade for awhile and enjoy Heaven on Earth in the form of palm tree gazing.
****In English = little trip
Our bodies are amazing and take a lot of abuse through the daily living and stress of lo que sea*. I hope that mine has accepted my apology and has recuperated at least a smidge over our stay in beautiful España. It's also my wish that I learn to be nicer to it whenever routine stress returns to my life**.
May we just talk about how 'time' can look soooo different depending on the country/culture/etc.?! Ohmigoodness. Of course I remember the schedule differences from that last time I was here but that was for two months so I more or less adapted. This stint was just a week and a half so I didn't feel like we assimilated entirely.
Here's the timeline...
Most people do have jobs/school/lo que sea* so some do leave the house at 6/7/8/9 etc. There's breakfast if they take it then. Lunch is not til 2:30 or 3 so if you're the Sevillanos that tourists see on the streets you'll take una tostada y cafe at a corner bar around 11 or so. If not, I have no idea how you last that long. Kristen and I didn't wake up til 10 most days so we had breakfast then ;) a simple toast or cereal. By lunch time, though I was pretty hungry. Dinner is not til 8:30/9pm sooo....yeah. Here's where the classic 'siesta' comes in because 3-5pm is the hottest part of the day, so take a rest. Also, most of the small shops close during this time so there's no point to be out.*** Some do partake in another coffee and/or tapas to tide them over til dinner but there's really no 'rule' for this. Like I mentioned, dinner is late and they like it this way. I've had la cena at 10pm or later (last night we had a multi-course dinner that lasted well past 12am!). Mi mama española says it's not good to go to bed on an empty stomach so why would you do it any other way? I, on the other hand, find it's hard to go to bed early when you eat so late. lol.
All in all, I'm a tourist (as much as I try NOT to look like one!) and I love encountering and living amongst different cultures. Even the stretching parts are good for you.
Kristen and I are coming away from this pequeño viaje**** with a new family, lots of recipes to try, and a wedding invite to come back next year! I wasn't sure how my rusty Spanish skills were going to fare but I was really impressed that they were fine. I won't say 'spectacular' but they were 'fine'...what I call "survival Spanish". It was definitely good practice. Our family was easy to understand and very patient and willing to teach; all of which was helpful and appreciated. Other locals on the other hand....haha. Languages are hard, ya know! Won't it be nice when we all speak the same one again? :)
Well, it's time to pack again. Buena noche!
Paz y Amor.
*In English = whatever
**Cuz I'm believing God has an amazing plan for my life that includes a great job when I get back to the States as I will need to generate income otra vez/again.
***Unless you're a tourist of course and this schedule doesn't necessarily apply to you, or if you're like I and you want to squeeze every bit out of your trip as you possibly can, then at least find a park and sit in the shade for awhile and enjoy Heaven on Earth in the form of palm tree gazing.
****In English = little trip
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Bienvenido a Espana!
Welcome to Spain! After three flights in one day from Belfast to London to Lisbon to Seville plus the last one being delayed and miscommunication on the pick up, I made it! My hosts are amazing - it's a long story but I didn't know them prior to this and they have so graciously welcomed me into their home at the request of some of our fabulous mutual friends. Yesterday morning they asked if I wanted coffee and figuring I'd take a risk that they didn't use the same instant coffee that is quite prevalent in the UK, I said yes. Not only was it real coffee but they topped it with hot frothy milk and cinnamon. omg. I was so excited. I have been feeling that this visit to Sevilla will be redemptive in some ways; the people are different, I'll be touring with my best friend, I don't have to take classes or work, we're staying with awesome Christians, aannnnddd this go-round I actually like coffee and can truly enjoy when they offer me fresh coffee with hot, steamed milk! Yes, totally redemptive. Thank you, Jesus.
One thing I have been learning (through experience for sure) the past couple weeks is true hospitality. Wowzers, have we been blessed by incredible people opening up their homes with no complaint and being so accommodating to their American tourist boarders. They have made sure we've seen, tasted, and experienced what makes their corner of the world special and unique, and above all have made us feel welcome and loved. I'm amazed and now deeply convicted regarding my apparent lack of hospitality skills. My apologies to all my friends who have stayed with me! Next time I promise to be much better.
Cheers!
One thing I have been learning (through experience for sure) the past couple weeks is true hospitality. Wowzers, have we been blessed by incredible people opening up their homes with no complaint and being so accommodating to their American tourist boarders. They have made sure we've seen, tasted, and experienced what makes their corner of the world special and unique, and above all have made us feel welcome and loved. I'm amazed and now deeply convicted regarding my apparent lack of hospitality skills. My apologies to all my friends who have stayed with me! Next time I promise to be much better.
Cheers!
Friday, October 10, 2014
Life with Humans
Interesting the power of words, yeah? Be careful, little mouths, what you say. Words have power and even muttered ones are heard. When I was finishing up my time in Spain, I voiced that I never wanted to travel by myself again. My time there was great in so many ways, some hard to explain, but it was also extremely difficult mainly going about on my own.
Then I start planning this venture and while most of my stops are with people I know and love the traveling bit was going to be by myself, which when noticed I wondered why I was putting myself through that again. Buuuuuttt, then Mom joined two weeks of my trip and Kristen is about to jump on the last part. Yay, God! Thank you for listening to my mutters and for orchestrating traveling companions when I didn't even ask! He knows us better than we know ourselves. And people are a good thing to have around. :)
Which brings us to now. Because of schedules I have a couple days to myself... not too bad in the grand scheme, and being a cautious (when traveling) introvert (when not around those I already know) I was curious to know how things were going to play out aka how bored of myself I was going to get.
My first stop in Belfast (after dropping the luggage) was the City Hall where there was a quote from Bill Clinton and many by the city itself touting how friendly and warm the people of Belfast are. At the end of a guided tour of the Hall, the amusing chap leading the group said that if we had a lousy time in Belfast it was all our fault because the people are friendly and grand. lol. I found all this especially interesting because as I was first walking about - and trying to exercise my discernment gift - I felt like the city was a little drab, as if there was a slight heaviness hanging about.
So what were my findings? Well! Let me tell you this has been one of the most interactive days I've had with locals (that I didn't already know) that I think I've ever had. *cue applause please* Now that might not be saying much for some, but as mentioned before I'm a rather introverted traveler... quite unlike my mother who will chat to anyone. Crazy, if you know her but it's true, but for another time. :)
Encounter 1: Walking around the City Hall I was snapping pictures like a good tourist with a camera does and I see another camera toting pedestrian. I'm expecting a nice head nod of recognition between photographers but instead he stops me and asks if I'm a tourist. How could you tell?! lol. Of course I said yes and he said he was with "Humans of Belfast" quite like "Humans of New York" which is huge (if you don't know it, go look it up and be amazed again at God's diverse creation), but in Northern Ireland. Anyway, I went with it and we chatted and he finally asked what advice I'd give to the world. "When it gets down to it, it's all about people. Take time just to be and don't find your identity in what you do. It's about being who you are. It's hard but we need to learn to give ourselves the permission to just sit. Be with people, and be yourself."
So be on the lookout, I may just get famous by getting posted on "Humans of Belfast" courtesy of Alastair. haha
Encounter 2: Wandering around and figuring out if there were any streets more enticing than another I saw a church that had nice architecture so I headed that way. I pass a security guard in front of a drive and he gives the standard, "Hello" of Northern Ireland - because not many people do the head nod here. They actually greet you. Crazy, this thing called manners! - but then he starts asking all these questions. Touring? Yes. Where from? The States. Oh, my cousin owns a lot of land in New York and is a millionaire and held office. Have you visited? Yeah, and he owns a horse ranch, and my other cousin lives in California and ..... Have a great trip!
Fabulous chap. When I passed he was singing to himself. Glad I could give him someone to talk to if only briefly.
Encounter 3: I walked to the TItanic Quarter and saw the Nomadic (fitting name for me to see) and then was going to check the times to the TItanic museum but got stopped by a guy who asked if I was a tourist and if I would help him with a survey. Suuuuurre, what else do I have going on? Humorously, it was mainly about shopping, of which Belfast has a lot, but also of which I have not partaken of, nor do I have the inclination or means to do so. Whenever I do surveys like this I always feel like I'm screwing the results cuz I'm not quite like the "typical" population, whatever that is. But aside from the survey we had a nice chat about America (he's been to 30 states), its enormity, and travel in general. He grew up going to Virginia Beach about every year and likes the East Coast, but his upcoming honeymoon will be a two week venture throughout California.
I'm about to start feeling like I host "Humans of Belfast".
Encounter 4: Heading back to town, I stop at The Dock Cafe, which is one of those that doesn't have prices and you just drop what you think you ought to pay in the "honesty box". The lovely lady we stayed with in Castlerock this week told us about the minister that started the cafe and said I should pop in if I got the chance. I asked for a coffee, a nice cup of Ethiopian drip coffee, a beautiful not-from-granules cup of coffee. Praise Jesus! It was delicious. I grabbed a chair and noticed some flyers about their "chat with someone" program and the lady at the table across had a name badge. Their slogan was "don't sit alone" and while I didn't need to talk about suicide or abuse which is totally optional I figured I'd take her up on the offer. I asked if she was a "chatter" (lol) and we had a wee chat about the place and my travel and how she got involved with The Dock etc. Though I only learned a little of Miss Diane's story I know she is an admirable woman, one that I'd love to learn from. She also introduced me to a few others in the cafe and I learned about a market going on tomorrow I think I'll check out.
Each encounter was a nice interruption to my endless walking and left me with a smile on my face. Just talking with people! Life is about others, and others are what makes it fun, worthwhile, and exciting. Thus, I have concluded I must agree with the City Hall of Belfast and Mr. Bill Clinton that the people of Belfast are some of the friendliest around.
Cheers!
Then I start planning this venture and while most of my stops are with people I know and love the traveling bit was going to be by myself, which when noticed I wondered why I was putting myself through that again. Buuuuuttt, then Mom joined two weeks of my trip and Kristen is about to jump on the last part. Yay, God! Thank you for listening to my mutters and for orchestrating traveling companions when I didn't even ask! He knows us better than we know ourselves. And people are a good thing to have around. :)
Which brings us to now. Because of schedules I have a couple days to myself... not too bad in the grand scheme, and being a cautious (when traveling) introvert (when not around those I already know) I was curious to know how things were going to play out aka how bored of myself I was going to get.
My first stop in Belfast (after dropping the luggage) was the City Hall where there was a quote from Bill Clinton and many by the city itself touting how friendly and warm the people of Belfast are. At the end of a guided tour of the Hall, the amusing chap leading the group said that if we had a lousy time in Belfast it was all our fault because the people are friendly and grand. lol. I found all this especially interesting because as I was first walking about - and trying to exercise my discernment gift - I felt like the city was a little drab, as if there was a slight heaviness hanging about.
So what were my findings? Well! Let me tell you this has been one of the most interactive days I've had with locals (that I didn't already know) that I think I've ever had. *cue applause please* Now that might not be saying much for some, but as mentioned before I'm a rather introverted traveler... quite unlike my mother who will chat to anyone. Crazy, if you know her but it's true, but for another time. :)
Encounter 1: Walking around the City Hall I was snapping pictures like a good tourist with a camera does and I see another camera toting pedestrian. I'm expecting a nice head nod of recognition between photographers but instead he stops me and asks if I'm a tourist. How could you tell?! lol. Of course I said yes and he said he was with "Humans of Belfast" quite like "Humans of New York" which is huge (if you don't know it, go look it up and be amazed again at God's diverse creation), but in Northern Ireland. Anyway, I went with it and we chatted and he finally asked what advice I'd give to the world. "When it gets down to it, it's all about people. Take time just to be and don't find your identity in what you do. It's about being who you are. It's hard but we need to learn to give ourselves the permission to just sit. Be with people, and be yourself."
So be on the lookout, I may just get famous by getting posted on "Humans of Belfast" courtesy of Alastair. haha
Encounter 2: Wandering around and figuring out if there were any streets more enticing than another I saw a church that had nice architecture so I headed that way. I pass a security guard in front of a drive and he gives the standard, "Hello" of Northern Ireland - because not many people do the head nod here. They actually greet you. Crazy, this thing called manners! - but then he starts asking all these questions. Touring? Yes. Where from? The States. Oh, my cousin owns a lot of land in New York and is a millionaire and held office. Have you visited? Yeah, and he owns a horse ranch, and my other cousin lives in California and ..... Have a great trip!
Fabulous chap. When I passed he was singing to himself. Glad I could give him someone to talk to if only briefly.
Encounter 3: I walked to the TItanic Quarter and saw the Nomadic (fitting name for me to see) and then was going to check the times to the TItanic museum but got stopped by a guy who asked if I was a tourist and if I would help him with a survey. Suuuuurre, what else do I have going on? Humorously, it was mainly about shopping, of which Belfast has a lot, but also of which I have not partaken of, nor do I have the inclination or means to do so. Whenever I do surveys like this I always feel like I'm screwing the results cuz I'm not quite like the "typical" population, whatever that is. But aside from the survey we had a nice chat about America (he's been to 30 states), its enormity, and travel in general. He grew up going to Virginia Beach about every year and likes the East Coast, but his upcoming honeymoon will be a two week venture throughout California.
I'm about to start feeling like I host "Humans of Belfast".
Encounter 4: Heading back to town, I stop at The Dock Cafe, which is one of those that doesn't have prices and you just drop what you think you ought to pay in the "honesty box". The lovely lady we stayed with in Castlerock this week told us about the minister that started the cafe and said I should pop in if I got the chance. I asked for a coffee, a nice cup of Ethiopian drip coffee, a beautiful not-from-granules cup of coffee. Praise Jesus! It was delicious. I grabbed a chair and noticed some flyers about their "chat with someone" program and the lady at the table across had a name badge. Their slogan was "don't sit alone" and while I didn't need to talk about suicide or abuse which is totally optional I figured I'd take her up on the offer. I asked if she was a "chatter" (lol) and we had a wee chat about the place and my travel and how she got involved with The Dock etc. Though I only learned a little of Miss Diane's story I know she is an admirable woman, one that I'd love to learn from. She also introduced me to a few others in the cafe and I learned about a market going on tomorrow I think I'll check out.
Each encounter was a nice interruption to my endless walking and left me with a smile on my face. Just talking with people! Life is about others, and others are what makes it fun, worthwhile, and exciting. Thus, I have concluded I must agree with the City Hall of Belfast and Mr. Bill Clinton that the people of Belfast are some of the friendliest around.
Cheers!
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