FIVE YEARS!

I can't believe it's been five years! 

On St. Patrick's Day 2012, we landed in Dublin City with dreams in our hearts and naivety in our vision. We had no idea what we were getting into, but we haven't regretted it one single day. Our time so far in Ireland has given us the most exciting and, without a doubt, the toughest years of our lives.

I can't describe with few words the tough moments we've had here. A miscarriage, loss of family members, cultural adjustment, discovering hidden weaknesses, finding our identity, searching for purpose...it is a long list.

But the list of beautiful moments is much longer. The birth of our two amazing boys, new friends, students connected to Christ, seeing God use us, contributing to our home church (St. Mark's), contributing to the national movement of CCI, discovering hidden strengths, finding our identity/purpose, etc.

We are so blessed to call Ireland our home. We are blessed because of the people here who have taken us in as their own. We are blessed because of the beautiful people here God has called us to reach. We are blessed because of the opportunities God has given us. And we are so very blessed because of you.

Without you, people praying and supporting us, we would not be able to live this dream. Together we are a team of people committed to seeing God move in the lives of students and people of Ireland. Thank you for making the past five years possible. Thank you and well done to you for all that God has done through your generosity.

Here's the next five years in Ireland.

History Made

Since we got to Ireland five years ago, we could sense and see God moving in the area of university ministry. We've seen ministries launched and students reached. Not just through our ministry, but through many churches and ministries around the country. God is moving.

This past weekend, history was made. The first young adult conference of it's kind, Chapel Conference, was held at St. Mark's Church (SMC) in Dublin. Over 400 young people gathered to lift up the name of Jesus and pray for their nation. This generation will not be silent. They are determined to see God move in Ireland.

Chapel is the college/young adult ministry at SMC. Five years ago, they started with six students in a small upper room. Today they have over a hundred in their weekly meeting. Katy and I have seen them grow from a small group into a movement. They are an inspiration and blessing to us and this nation.

We want to give a special shout out to Daniel and Deborah Malone, who pastor Chapel. They are amazing in ministry, in life, and in friendship. Well done guys. Keep going. This is just the beginning!

Family Update

This week we want to share a few quick updates about the family.

Katy's eye is about the same. We are still waiting for the next doctor appointment to be scheduled. All-in-all she has a great attitude, and she is trusting in the Lord for her complete healing. She's busy with the mom & tot group she started, launching an Alpha Course for St. Mark's South, and mentoring students in Carlow.

I (Blake) have been busy with a few branding and behind the scenes projects for Students for Christ (SFC) Ireland and SFC Europe as well as usual responsibilities leading the St. Mark's Church worship team.

Eden is LOVING school. He is getting so tall, never ever ever stops to take a breath, and has an amazing imagination. He has just about got going "number 1" mastered. We're still waiting on "number 2", but he is "dooing" much better. (See what I did there?)

Eli is about to crawl! His personality is coming out more and more. He's such a relaxed baby. Very chill. Now, if we could just get him to sleep at night...that would be awesome.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Remember, you aren't just blessing Katy, myself, and the students of Ireland. You are making a tremendous difference in the lives of our boys. We can't thank you enough!