Loved ones, here are the details of my trip itself. I think you will see God's hand in these events the way I have. All glory to Him! Love you all!
-Abbi
Saturday:
I woke up frantically after a long, busy week, rushing to get a few last-minute things done. My sweet friend Cortni waited patiently in her car for at least 10 minutes to give me a ride to LAX. When I got in the car she calmed me down, made me laugh, bought me coffee, and drove me to the airport. If you think she sounds like a good friend, you are right! I had barely walked through security when she sent me this text:
“Today's morning devotional I think was meant for me to share with you:
"I will rejoice over them to do them good."
Jeremiah 32:41
How heart-cheering to the believer is the delight which God has in his saints! We cannot see any reason in ourselves why the Lord should take pleasure in us; we cannot take delight in ourselves, for we often have to groan, being burdened; conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring our unfaithfulness; and we fear that God's people cannot take much delight in us, for they must perceive so much of our imperfections and our follies, that they may rather lament our infirmities than admire our graces. But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery: that as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so does the Lord rejoice over us. We do not read anywhere that God delighteth in the cloud-capped mountains, or the sparkling stars, but we do read that he delighteth in the habitable parts of the earth, and that his delights are with the sons of men. We do not find it written that even angels give his soul delight; nor doth he say, concerning cherubim and seraphim, "Thou shalt be called Hephzibah, for the Lord delighteth in thee"; but he does say all that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves, debased and depraved by sin, but saved, exalted, and glorified by his grace. In what strong language he expresses his delight in his people! Who could have conceived of the eternal One as bursting forth into a song? Yet it is written, "He will rejoice over thee with joy, he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." As he looked upon the world he had made, he said, "It is very good"; but when he beheld those who are the purchase of Jesus' blood, his own chosen ones, it seemed as if the great heart of the Infinite could restrain itself no longer, but overflowed in divine exclamations of joy. Should not we utter our grateful response to such a marvellous declaration of his love, and sing, "I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation?"
Abigail, since the beginning of the ages you have wanted to go to Ireland and praise God!, you are finally on your way. You have been a faithful servant and I can't help but feel like this trip is, in a way, God delighting over you by providing a desire of your heart. As you travel and go about your week, I encourage you to remember "God freaking DELIGHTS in you and thinks YOU are a BIG DEAL". He loves you so much and I want you to revel in THAT truth like a love struck fool and in return delight yourself in Him and all the one on one time you get to spend with Him this week. I am blissfully happy for you, friend.”
Needless to say, my heart was encouraged and my perspective was nudged in the right direction. My trip to Dublin was broken into two phases: Los Angeles-Philadelphia, Philadelphia-Dublin. The flight from LA to Philly was uneventful and calm…C.S. Lewis kept me company. When I got to Philadelphia, however, it was a whole different ballgame. The airline my flight was on had a lot of difficulties that day, and several of their flights were overbooked, mine included. The gate attendant asked for volunteers to go on a flight that was leaving a half-hour earlier with a layover in London in exchange for a travel voucher good for a round-trip domestic flight. I was flexible, since traveling alone, so I walked to the counter. I asked the woman if I was guaranteed to be on that flight and if I would be to Dublin by 12, and for sure get my luggage, etc. I also asked “The flight is leaving in 10 minutes…will I be on time?” She answered that I would and that she was setting it up in the computer, I just needed to take the form she printed out and walk down to the next gate. Weeeeeeell (and my mom hasn’t heard this part, haha) when I got to the gate and handed the new attendant my form she had a stressed expression on her face. She told me that another flight had been overbooked and they had sent people to her gate without putting the changes into the computer. There was not ONE seat left. In addition, she told me that there was no way I could get back on the flight from which I had just given my seat up. Of course, being exhausted, alone, and slightly panicked I started to tear up. I would get no compassion from her! Haha. She told me to go to the Special Services desk and explain everything to them. While I was standing in line, there was a gentleman in front of me who spoke a language neither I or the Special Services clerks could understand. He was in earnest trying to explain himself, and I started trying to help. I asked him if there were any other languages that he spoke. He just looked at me, so I asked “Français? Deutsch? I don’t know why I asked that…if he had said “Ja” I’d be in trouble! But when I said “Español?” He said “Si! Español! Español!” I began in a very choppy mixture of Spanish, English and Hand gestures to translate between him and the clerks. We finally worked out what he was saying. Maybe the Lord had me there just to make my poor fellow traveler feel a little less lost, but I think it was mostly to remind me that He was in control and I could trust Him with every part of my trip. The clerk was able to put me on a flight that left an hour later, with a layover in London that arrived in Dublin around 2 in the afternoon. All was well in the end, and I now had a travel voucher to visit my friend in North Carolina for Thanksgiving (another answer to a seemingly impossible prayer!)
Sunday:
The times of my flights worked really well with the time difference…I was able to sleep a bit on my flight, and I arrived in London at 10am. In London I found coffee, a table, and a few minutes to think. This is when I realized that I forgot exactly what my mom told me not to forget. My phone charger. Oops. I left the bag with my phone charger and computer charger sitting on my counter “ready to go.” Such is my life. I enjoyed my tiny stay in London listening to everyone’s posh accents, but at this point I found myself desiring more and more to finally get to Ireland! The flight to Dublin from London/Heathrow was about an hour, and as we descended toward Dublin airport I could see soccer and Gaelic football games going on in fields below us.
I found-much to my relief-that my luggage had made it to Dublin after all. I took a cab to my hostel, and on the way had a pleasant chat with the driver. He explained to me that I had arrived the day of the all-Ireland Gaelic football final. It was Dublin v. Mayo, and they were playing on Dublin’s home field. As I looked out the window I saw group after group of people in Dublin jerseys crowded around TVs outside of bars and restaurants…every now and then a brave soul in a Mayo shirt. I was dropped off at my hostel, and after I checked in and put away my things I went in search of a quick dinner. I walked into a noodle shop and after I ordered I asked the waiter if he knew where I could buy an iPhone charger since I had left mine in California. He immediately replied that I could use his while I was there, so I wouldn’t have to buy one. A little bit later, another person walked in asking for directions. He very slowly and patiently walked them through directions on a map hanging on the wall. I was amazed to find such great hospitality in a tiny Dublin noodle shop! It was a blessing to be shown kindness and to see the character of God in someone when I was so weary and out of it from my trip. I went back to the hostel after an hour or so, and fell asleep till midnight. Since Dublin had won earlier that night, there was great rejoicing outside my window. We’re talking singing, yelling, and dancing in the streets till at least 2am. I didn’t mind at all, and really enjoyed the singing. I finally fell back asleep around 3, and slept till 8.
Monday:
When I got up Monday morning I went in search of coffee. I walked in to the first place I found, but it was obviously not “accidental”, but Divine providence that led me there. Not only was it one of the best coffee shops in Dublin, Roasted Brown (Above Filmbase school) was also a place that I met and spoke with some very interesting people. I met one of the Baristas, Rob, who was a Christian and actually knew of the people I’d be staying with in Waterford. He invited me to a dinner/discussion on creativity that he and his roommates were hosting that night. I also met a girl from Cork in the coffee shop, and she and I had a nice long chat. That day I transferred to Abigail’s Hostel…I figured I should spend at least one night there, for obvious reasons, and walked along the river Liffey and explored the Temple Bar neighborhood. That night I went to the aforementioned discussion, and Rob’s roommate explained to me that the group was modeled after Francis Schaeffer’s “L’abri Fellowship”. I had just read Schaeffer’s biography a few months prior, so I was excited to see how his life continued to have an impact on believers around the world. The fellowship was really sweet. Definitely a mix of personalities and even theological beliefs, but it was so encouraging to be with Christians in a different country and be reminded that the church is my family worldwide.
Tuesday:
Tuesday I woke up early and caught a train to Waterford, where I met Janelle Worrell, her husband, and their sweet baby girl. I invaded their house in a very busy time for them, with a second baby due any day, and a lot going on logistically with the church they serve. In spite of their crazy season, they were incredibly hospitable and welcoming. I met them at the church office, and met a few people on staff for Calvary Waterford, as well as the Bible College that is affiliated with it. The Worrells showed me around Waterford and talked about their work and what God is doing in Waterford, as well as Ireland as a whole. I was encouraged by their wisdom and knowledge, but more than anything by their persevering, faithful, generous hearts. Not to mention they’re great company, and their little daughter was a lot of fun to play with. I loved hearing about their practical vision to grow and strengthen the church…even down to possibly opening a coffee shop as part of their ministry. You know I can get behind coffee for Jesus. ;) I was also blessed to hear about the things that were difficult for them, and to hear about the things they have learned and how they continue to press on. I think it is really easy to glamorize missions work when you’re not over there seeing what their day-to-day lives are actually like. There are difficulties and roadblocks you wouldn’t expect, but also joys and encouragements along the way. I was so blessed by their hearts, and by knowing that people are in Ireland faithfully, wisely, and patiently serving Jesus. I was sad to have only one day with them, but I hope I will get to see them again in the future, and now I have several new names, faces, and circumstances to pray for.
Wednesday:
Wednesday morning I took the bus to Cork looking out the window at the beautiful scenery I started to pray. Certain verses were on my heart and I began to pray that God would “open a door that no man can shut” for me to be in Ireland again in the future. The trip wasn’t long, and I found myself at last in the city I had prayed about for so long! I checked into my hostel at the top of hill in Cork City, and immediately walked to the train station where my friend Hannah, who flew in for the day from London was meeting me. It was so good to see her. My heart felt overwhelmed with joy and excitement to be in IRELAND with a friend who had so sweetly prayed about it with and for me for so long…not to mention Hannah is dear to my heart and makes me laugh as well as encourages me in the Lord. We walked around a little bit and stepped quietly into a couple of churches. One of the churches blew me away with the tangible presence of God. I think I could have sat there for a week, but the Lord is with us wherever we go, so that wasn’t necessary. ☺ We had lunch and then found a coffee shop where we proceeded to spend the afternoon talking about the Lord and what He was doing in our lives. It was amazing to swap stories from California and London and to see how unchanging God is. After Hannah left again for the airport, I looked on a map for the location for Calvary Cork, who were having a bible study that night. I was excited to go and be with believers in Cork, but I was also a bit nervous. I feel like a fish out of water in new situations, and get a bit shy and awkward around new people. Everyone was so kind, however, that I quickly felt at ease. I met Rachel, Mike Neglia’s wife just before the study. She was so kind and welcoming. I know I keep using those words, but they keep being true. The study itself was extremely encouraging, out of 1 Samuel 14. I could go on for a while about that, but should save it for another time. After the study I chatted with Rachel and a few other girls for a bit and then headed home. I gave Rachel my email, but didn’t expect her to have time to get together, because I showed up fairly unannounced and I know working for a church is a busy life. I was surprised to get an email from Rachel that night asking if I would like to meet up with her and Mike on the following morning. They took me to breakfast and graciously gave of their time to share about the church in Ireland and Cork specifically. I was encouraged to hear their wise perspective, and their heart for ministry. As we spoke, several things were welling up in my heart, and I felt overwhelmed, but so encouraged and thankful to the Lord for His work. As they come to your mind, please pray for the Neglia family and church as they have been and continue to serve God in Cork.
Thursday:
I was originally going to leave Cork on Thursday, to get back to Dublin on Friday, and spend a day there before I left. When I went to the bible study at Calvary Cork, however, I found out they were doing their bi-weekly outreach on Friday night. My heart was already stirred about possibly coming back to Cork sometime in the future, and I was excited to go to the outreach, as well as to have another day to walk around/pray in Cork City, so I stayed Thursday night.
Friday:
Friday morning I went to the bus station and then the train station. I was disappointed to find out that the latest of either heading back to Dublin was at 6:30pm. There was no way I could go to the outreach, but like so many things pertaining to this trip, I knew God was at work, and I gave it to Him. I spent another afternoon walking and praying. I was fascinated by all the beauty around me. The air was damp and cold, and the bright colors covered houses and doors everywhere I looked. I sat in Cork Coffee Roasters for a while, reading and thinking about my trip so far. It was a very pleasant wind-down from the busy week. I left Cork regretfully, yet I was thankful to get back to Dublin, have a quick international FaceTime with my sister, and sleep for a bit before starting my journey back to the states.
Saturday:
Saturday was a sweet and calm day. I sat next to very kind people on each flight: one from Bolivia, one from Australia, and at the JFK airport I made friends with a family of retirees from South Korea. We chatted as best we could, using lots of gestures. In the end they invited me to visit their home any time I am in South Korea! I have to say, that alone made me wish I could take a trip there! ☺ I told my mom in hindsight, it was as if God put a signal in the air instructing everyone around me to watch out for me, take care of me, be kind to me. He truly showed me how loving His heart is, and how He is a protector, provider, and a Father who gives good gifts to His children.
My heart was overwhelmed with thankfulness and awe over every aspect of this trip. I have a feeling that I will be back in Ireland at some point, but only God knows if that is true, and if so, only He knows the when an the how. This trip taught me through many, many circumstances to joyfully leave the ifs, whens, and hows with Him. He knows best what and when I need it. I’m so thankful to be His daughter.
