From the Emerald Isle

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Springtime in Northern Ireland

One day we decided to go on an outing with the McBrides. We met at Carrickfurgus and headed to Whitepoint. It was a beautiful spring day.


We stopped at Elder McBrides favorite bakery, bought some yummy things and had a little picnic by the beach.



We walked along the promenade to the lighthouse for a while, then headed to Elder McBrides sister's home, a cottage, 100 years old on the Island Magee.





It was a pretty fun cottage. The staircase going upstairs was about two feet wide and Elder Holt had to duck going through all the rooms....but Sister Garrett has it so cute and we enjoyed being there.






It was lambing season! We went to the barn and it was filled with ewes waiting the arrivals of their little lambs.









This little guy was just one day old. They are kept in the barn for about 3 days before putting them out to pasture.












Some of these moms were actually in labor, about 3 hours after we left, two sets of twins were born!













Two days old....















The boys also raise chickens and were excited to show us the chicken coop!
















They have a beautiful farm and we were glad we could be a part of lambing season this year! Although I think it's more fun to see the little lambs frolicking in the green fields of Ireland than in the barn!




















View of Island Magee.





















Our district leader Elder Jefferies was transferred to Scotland. We will miss Elder Jefferies. He was a great leader and is a great missionary.























The Belfast district. Elders Evans, Matthews, Drewery and Jefferies.....Sisters Fisher and Chichoni, along with us.













We have had two recent YSA baptisms. Steven Fox was baptized and about 4 weeks later, Steven baptized Kelly Hughes! They are both great young people and we really enjoy having them at the centre with us!







































Good things are happening in the Belfast Stake in Northern Ireland!!!




























Monday, April 18, 2011

St. Patricks Day in Dublin

On Saint Patrick's Day this year all the senior couples in Ireland met in Dublin for a fun day together. We traveled to Dublin with the McBrides and Sister Nolan and Sister Joins.






We met at the Finglas Chapel. Then we rode the bus to downtown Dublin.











Sister Hancock and Clarissa were ready for the day! Clarissa is a Dublin YSA and she was a great tour guide since she knows her way around Dublin.










Downtown Dublin, the spire.....






























Fun face painting!























Sister McBride putting a tattoo on Elder McBride, getting ready for the big parade!


























These cute wee girls were standing next to me while we were waiting for the parade. They were excited they were going to be on a American blog!














There was a good crowd, all wearing green!










Saint Patrick led the parade.










Cool band....










Bagpipes!








Colorful costumes!








All the floats were moving manually, no cars!









Lovely ladies!

















































It certainly was an interesting parade!














Definitely not your traditional Irish parade!





















































Sister Neely......









The Geilmans.......









Sister Nolan and Sister Joins........











After the parade.










Riding the bus back to the church.



















Some of the doors of Dublin!







The Meriva convention.....







Elder and Sister Richins were celebratinng their 50th wedding anniversary so we had a little party.








Lots of good food.








Wee lepracauns.......








Better than kissing the Blarney stone!




We had a really fun day and enjoy being with the other senior missionaries. After we ate, the Finglas ward put on a wonderful cultural event with Irish music and dancing. We stayed for that, and then headed back to Belfast.