Sun parts, Ballycastle here we come

Our assembly went very well, Im not sure what Im measuring against in this statement, however feel personally the week conversation was lead by the Spirit and Im sure the Lord is watching over us as a whole congregation. 

It was expressed on the last day, that a cloud had been hanging over Larne, where the meeting took place. This cloud lifted the night before we left letting the shining light breath through the chapel as it danced around the stain glass windows and too within us all. Just like the Israelites who had a cloud over them when on the journey to the promise land, we too had that experience. 

I don’t wish to type too much about the conversation will pick up on small gems along the journey. Rather continue to write about the connecting with the roots of our community and congregation. 

This is called the Black Arch

Saturday, Brigid drove Maria-Therese and myself along the coast line up to Ballycastle. What a day. The sun shined so bright, we even got sunburnt. The journey took about two hours, we were meant to depart at nine however this turn into more like ten. Most of the Sisters were catching buses, taxis, different transport to airports, community houses, family and friends. The gathering place was full of a sense of joy in the time we had shared together and a rather anxious pacing of wanting to get the travelling journey over with. 

Setting off on the coastal road, we headed along travelling right next to the city. A small stone wall divided the sea and road, the stones been placed years before, now holding protected status. The coastal road travels in and out of small village sea side settlements. Each village having a different atmosphere, the witnessing of their competitor side in full swing with hanging baskets placed on the house fronts, green land crisp and inviting, no sight of human consumerism deposal, if anything recycling is in full display. The little houses built beside each other offering unity with every house now and again making a statement in been painted a bright red or deep purple, having a modern face or gates. 

After driving around the peaks of the coast we started to head inland towards Ballycastle. The hills enveloped around us, leaving a sense of smallest in the country side. Each hill naturally divided with shades of green balancing off each other, offering a glimpse at how the land is used. Yellow maze ran down the hill, while light green with white dots tended to be placed between a vertical deep forest board line, or a grey stone horizontal division. I can understand why it is told to kiwis when on OE (Overseas Experience) if homesick, first go to Ireland before you make the decision to return early!! 

Twisting and curling between the rolling hills we finial arrived to the little inland settlement of Ballycastle - much relieve to my stomach I have to admit. We seek out the Sisters who live there, not having a map we looked to the sky seeking the church and let it guide us. We arrived to a little street called Nun’s place in Irish - Gortanchlochair Park. 

It is a little house with a grand view of the mountains. Here we meet Maria and Marguerita - Now known as the M&M community. Their hospitality was heart warming, catching up on the happenings of everyone and telling us about their family, sisters and a few stories too. On departure we left to head to the Giant's Causeway, in which we asked for directions. Both Sisters kindly offered us different directions on the same road, leading to a somewhat joyful disagreement. Left me with a very familiar feeling of community living! As we departed in great laughter we headed inland more to get to the other coast. 

Arriving to see a sign saying car park 3, with what seemed like a big line like the All Blacks were about to arrive! Wisdom fall upon us to keep moving up the road, pasting the entrance to the Giant's Causeway, onwards towards BushMills where we discovered a cafe. Taking refugee in here, we settled for some Irish stew for lunch, delightful conversations about society construction, the experiences of dealing with different accents and so forth. After lunch and a short prayer to Elizabeth Prout we set about our mission of seeking to park the car. Coming to a cross section we took a detour towards a historical railway station where they were offering parking, at a cost of course. I protested to pay saying we could park back at the cafe and walk, however my protest was fallen upon deaf ears - or one might have argued wise ears at the end of the day!! 

Paying for the parking we hiked up a hill to the information centre. Heading towards it there was a sign of the fee for entrance, which we all grasp at 10.50 pound - which is nearly 20$ for us, to see the beauty of nature!! I know we are only here once or who knows if well return so need to embrace - yet really Ireland!! That is a little extreme even for you! Continuing to seek the entrance point firstly we walked around looking, logic telling us that you do not need to enter a building to seek the coast line finally I asked for help from a bus parker guide. He said we could walk across the lawn up to the red track which will take us along for great viewing!! 

We set upon the journey, looking down on what I can only describe as a driveway like path below with a lot of small colourful dots moving about, while we took the high road, offering amazing breath taking views. Not only could we see below us, we could see all the way to Scotland, what a sight. Along the track were so many Spanish speakers, given its only 2.5 hour flight no surprises there, a few Asians who I think were more impressed with the paddock of cows trying to feed them than the natural wonder before them! Travelling on the path we saw there was a point to go down bottom for an up close encounter with the stones. It was here we realised the path was steep, rocks helped aid the recline as humans cut into the hill to gain access. Talking it was decided Brigid and Maria - Therese would return via the upper track and I to run down bottom get photos and return. This I embraced, a little sad that I didn’t have the right footwear on, however very happy for a down  hill run - first in many months because of the eyes!! 

Arriving at the bottom, children played on the black rocks, bouncing over them and laughing. I continue until I merged with the crowds listening to the tour guides giving information. A few tourist walked in hazard spots only to be told to move. Walking through a divide to come up close in person with the rock formation, was amazing. It is so hard to believe that mother nature has formed this. What a sight to witness. 

I bent around the corner in anxious anticipation of seeing a step like formation of hexagon rocks, only to discover a multitude of tourist walking all over the rocks, putting their foot prints  on them, cutting through the grass and natural formation of life that was trying to break through. It was rather alarming that we - as humans - spend our time to earn funds to go witness mother natures beauty then walk all over it as if we own it! I felt uncomfortable and rather eager to be reunited with Brigid and Maria-Therese. 

Deciding to take a few shots on Brigid camera, I looked at the track before me and then a bus… what is a girl to do… talk to a tourist. I stood looking and deciding, reached out to an American to ask her opinion concluding faster to get the bus. Waiting in line, when it finally arrived time to abroad I realised I had to pay or show my entrance ticket… I turn to the American who could read my thoughts - I ran down the hill no money, no pass - she invited to me tell the driver I was on a tour with them. Fast thinking, I offered her to go before me so I would not have to lie to the driver - as I know he would have spotted me lying a mile away, if nothing else the red face would have given it away. Anyhow, jumped on the bus for a return trip up to be reunited.

After which we walked back to the car and head home to Larne, soaking in the landscape, taking up all the beauty around us. The Lord blessed us with a perfect day, a great escape from the rain and stretching of the legs. It was a pure joy, wonderful companionship and great Irish charm..