I'd like to introduce you to Kelsie. She is spending 6 months with us in Dublin to help us in the beginning stages of our ministry. She's already be a great blessing to us. We're excited about the coming months! Here are a few words from Kelsie:

Being here for only a week, I have not found some great revelation to understanding the Irish culture, but I have found that it is the simple things that mean the most. It is the way in which a question is asked, a gesture of introduction is given, or the response between two strangers as one passes on their way to the grocery store that gives true insight into the people of Dublin. It becomes overwhelming to be surrounded by a city of people who know the cultural norms and you feel, in a sense, “underdressed for the party.”

Today was one of those overwhelming days that I began to get homesick. I had a longing to fit into a cultural mold again and felt as if I stuck out everywhere I went (and though I do realize this is illogical, I digress). I passed a man on my walk tonight that, though he doesn’t realize it, changed my outlook on this journey. As I rounded the corner to head home, an elderly man saw me headed his way. He stopped, took off his hat, and put his hand out to his side as if to say “the sidewalk is all yours.” I was taken back by this gentleman’s gesture, something so unexpected from a complete stranger had made me feel so welcome.

I came to realize that it isn’t the big events or the greatest graphics that will make people want to know Jesus, but the most effective ministry is in how you handle the simple things. Whether you use kind words, walk past someone with a smile, or take off your hat as a token of friendship, do it all for the glory of God, because that gesture might just make someone not feel so alone anymore.
Kelsie