It seems since the last time we wrote the weather has
changed from summer to winter and then back to autumn. The daylight seems to be
disappearing fast. A few months ago it
was light until after 11 and now it is barely light at 6. But at least we are
now having the lovely weather that makes us want pumpkin, butternut squash and
parsnips! It is time to start baking
again (as soon as our oven if fixed!).
This weather makes us both miss those beautiful autumns in Goshen where
the leaves became a variety of brilliant colours. Here it either yellow or brown no beautiful
reds and oranges! If you are somewhere
with beautiful falls….take advantage and remember the beauty in it!
The 10th anniversary was a real success. Over 200 people met to celebrate the past 10
years of L’Arche Belfast through stories, songs and symbols. After celebrating the past, we took time to
look toward the future and the community leadership was handed over to
Scott. Everyone had a brilliant time and
Root Soup was the buzz around the tables.
It was amazing to see how many people have touched and been touched by L’Arche
Belfast. The day was filled with work
for the two of us. With Root Soup catering,
Micah and the crew were busy in the kitchen. Lucy helped Larry out throughout the day which
is a pretty easy job since he is one happy man!
After the main celebration, the past and current assistants gathered for
dinner at the Ark. It was lovely to see
the core members reconnecting with past assistants!
Two days after the 10th, Trent and Erin (Micah lived with them in Seattle during MVS) arrived in Belfast. We got to show them a bit of what we do before hitting the sights around Ireland. We were able to see the north coast (Giant’s Causeway), Dublin, Rock of Cashel, Dingle Penninsula, Galway and some traditional music. Sadly the day they were supposed to go to the Cliffs of Moher it was REALLY foggy and we couldn’t see a thing! The week provided Micah a great chance to reconnect with good friends and Lucy a chance to get to know them a bit better!
While Trent and Erin were here we got to celebrate Micah’s
26th birthday! YAY for Micah!
Today we had our Halloween party. Between charades, a New York theme and lots of good food, we had a great time! Lucy was a mouse and Micah was a mobster. Good fun with good friends sums up the day!
Other than the travels and celebrations, we have been working
away. Micah has worked hard at the
sustainability of Root Soup. The Root
Soup team had a planning day where they looked at how they are going to
accomplish their business plan. It was
helpful, but also showed how much work there is to be done in the next few
months. Lucy has been searching for 1
more volunteer and is preparing to hand over a few of her responsibilities with
volunteer coordination in preparation for our departure in 5 months. Hard to believe it is almost that time! Please be praying for us as we begin to look
toward the future. We desire God’s
wisdom in both our future plans as well as in ending well here. 5 months is still a lot of time, but we are
sure it will pass quickly, so please be praying!
