I'm In!! we are here!

What a mission!! I have been five days now without access into my blog due to technical issues!! However, we have got here, just when Im about to hit the road for more travelling!

Go to this link to see photos of the Sisters, I will explain more when have moment to sit and type...
http://augustgathering2017.thepassionistsisters.org/page/3/

The other night just after I arrived I wrote this blog post, so I will add here.

I am writing this a few days delay yet we are getting there. 

On Saturday we arrived safely into Ireland. It was a long bump flight, yet not too bad in terms of the jet lag so all systems go. It is strange to arrive into Ireland, first impressions that there is very little control at the board in terms of screening. Im very use to living on a Island that encourages people to bring no outside bugs, plants, food etc into it. 

Stepping out of the airport into the fresh Irish air felt confirming of our arrival. We headed to Clare road to meet Anne, Carmel and  

After a little tour of the house, we settled in for a few hours rest before Mass. 

Closing my eyes I was instantly away, waking to the alarm to remind me to make tracks. Opening my curtain to this beautiful view of the back yard, left me with the sense of been home - connected to the land just like in New Zealand. 

Walking around the corner to the church, entering into the grounds where I could just envision the day that people from all streets around the church responded to the calls of the bells flowing into the church.
There was a girl playing with her dog on the lawn, which the trees branched their arms across the path offering shelter and creating an arch for grand entrance. 

Look at this cute lawn

Upon walking into the church doors, it took my breath away. What a garniture church - corpus christi - the ceilings so tall, with a marble palace like around the tabernacle not to mention the angels on the arches. WOW. Im sure in its day the pews would have been full, the atmosphere alive with community, with sense of prayer together. NOW though, the pews sit awaiting warmth from those who enter through the doors. The echo of the priest voice that hits the ceiling coming down faster than his next word even leaving a fast speaking kiwi behind in his recite of prayers. Trying to keep up with him was like inflicting a purple face, empty lung mass attendant!! I have never heard Mass said with such speed before…. it is normal in our house on a Saturday night to have bake potatoes in which we place in the oven before mass so they are cooked on arrival home… this priest must have been very concern his baked potato was going to be burnt!! 

     

After a much need long night sleep we adventures out to the park to stretch the legs. It was down the road not too far from Clare Road. Along the way experience the closeness and character of the houses stacked side by side overflowing nearly to the footpath. 

  

The park was a busy little spot, with dog walkers, morning runners, people grabbing a moment in the fresh morning air before the rain sets in. It was a beautiful spot.  All the flowers are in bloom, they seem much wild than at home, in terms of the varieties, colours and random spots the seeds have been carried and dropped. 

After morning tea we hit the road to head towards Annes home stomping ground of Northern Ireland.... the journey to meet the wider congregation begins, with great anticipation and excitement....