I've made it back safe and sound. The trip to Ireland was...indescribable. One of the most rewarding and life-changing events I have ever experienced. It has given me a new understanding of just how large the family of God is. It's one of those things that you hear about through sermons and missionary talks, but until you see and interact with the people yourself, you just don't get the full effect. There are thousands of Christians in Northern and Southern Ireland that love God and are pleading for ministry. The choir has rarely sang to a more receptive and hungry people. They had been praying for months preceeding our visit, and they came with a spirit of expectation, ready for God to pour out his blessing, conviction, and presence; and God was faithful. His presence was so tangibly evident not only on the faces of my fellow choir members, but by the congregation as they enterd into worship with us. The people of Northern Ireland are often very stoic, they are the first to tell you that, but you often never would have known it. You could see by the joy they expressed that Jesus was not merely an ideal, not just a religion, but a vivavcious and living relationship with their personal Savior.

It is often called the Emerald Isle, and it definitely lived up to its name. Everything was lush green. I have never seen so much beauty in so short a time. Just when you thought you had seen the most beautiful place possible, they take you somewhere new, and you are once again amazed at just how creative God is. I took thousands of pictures, but they all fall short of capturing just how magnificent it was. I have put quite a few pictures on the New Photos page.

I will never forget the many friends and memories that I made on that trip. I continue to be in contact with some of the people that I met over there. Perhaps in the future I will create a day-by-day account of our experiences, but, for now, enjoy the pictures

- Ryan

Tags: fun, Photography, Ireland, Friends

We arrived safely in Dublin this afternoon, and spent a very fun afternoon downtown shopping/touring. So much fun! We fly out tomorrow at 2:00pm. Kinda sad... I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here! Well, it's nearly 3am here, and I better get some sleep. I will update more soon.

- Ryan

Tags: Ireland, fun, Friends

I write this as I sit in a train station in Northern Ireland. It's our last day it this beautiful country. We are now headed down to Dublin, and one more service before flying out tomorrow morning. We're all a little sad. It was hard to leave all of our friends here. I can't remember a time when I've had more fun than these past eight days. I certainly took a lot of pictures, but you really can't capture the beauty here. It's something you have to experience yourself. But it's not only the sights, it's the people. They are some of the friendliest that I've ever met.

Tags: fun, Photography, Friends, Ireland

I can't believe I'm leaving for Ireland tomorrow! It's really crept up on me. In fact, it crept up so fast that I'm just now starting to pack Oh well, it'll get done. I'm trying to stay up late tonight so I will sleep on the plane tomorrow, and thus reduce some jet lag. The flight leaves at 4:00pm tomorrow, and it will be 8:00am when we arrive. Fun stuff! I'm really looking forward to it. I'm going to take a ton of pictures, that's for sure. I will try and update when I'm over there. We'll see how it goes. Well, back to packing.

- Ryan

Tags: Ireland, fun, Friends