I've been in Belfast for a few days now and I have to say that things are so overwhelming I bearly know what to post. I live with 3 other volunteers in a house in North Belfast between a majority Catholic/Nationalist area and a mixed area. It is an amazing house, traditional red brick row housing. It is very much an urban setting. There is something that I precieve as very strange about the area that I can't quite put words to yet. Overall I am well but generally dumbfounded as to what I am taking in and seeing. Dispite the recent news of progress in the peace process here these divisions are very very deep. The word I have been thinking about most as I see the city is stark. The more I type the more mixed up I feel. I can't really articulate anything yet. Just know that I am well and covet your prayers.
ALEX
4 comments:
I wish I could live in those cute houses.
you are missed, love.
Alex
This is all very much IMHO.....(Old men tend to be full of advice and long-winded, but here goes).
This is an excellent time/experience for reflection and learning. Our heritage, which I am proud of, is American. As such we are defined not by any race or ethnicity or religion but by allegiance to a set of values. ("We hold these truths to be self-evident, that..", etc.). In that sense, we generally acept anyone who can join us in affirming those values (There have been exceptions, but then those were when we were not acting as true Americans should).
Now you are in a situation where there have been decades (centuries?) of religious/ethnic strife, of wrongs on both sides, and little acceptance of common values (like religious tolerance) and you may naturally feel like "a fish out of water". In a sense you are, and I think any American in this situation will have to rapidly adjust their cultural assumptions and expectations. But that is something that you can do, and it helps that you have become aware of the beginning of the process. I think it will teach you a lot about yourself and others....
Keep posting - they are very interesting - we will keep praying for you.
Reggie
Hey Dude,
Sounds like you need bike in the land of the Blarney Stone. I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and God's mission for the next year of your life.
Keep us updated about what you are experiencing and if you have some time send some pics.
Take care.
Blessings,
Gerald
Hey Alex,
Glad you are settled in and doing well. The setting you described sounds amazing. Hope this finds you well.
Know that you're in our prayers.
Good luck.
Cameron
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