Refueling and Remembering in February

This post is the third in a string of posts that I will be writing to make up for my delinquent curation of this blog. That's why I'm talking about February in May.

The Glens of Antrim from Knocklayde

 One of the many cool aspects of serving as a YAV in Northern Ireland is the periodic group retreat. On a couple different occasions we(the 7 NI YAVS) head out for a retreat with our fearless leader, Doug Baker. Our first retreat was across the border in lovely Donegal back in November and in February we stayed a little closer to home with 3 days on the picturesque Antrim coast. While on retreat we spend time together in prayer reflection and focus on strengthening our community. These retreats do wonders for group morale and always seem to be planned right when we need them the most. One aspect of YAV life is learning to take care of yourself so that you can serve when needed. We were told that February is usually the hardest months for NI YAVs. I don't know precisely why this is but if I had to guess I would blame it on the mysterious disappearance of the sun and the ubiquitous greyness of the month. That being said, none of us were really feeling the February blues so we took this retreat as a chance to gear up for the busy months to come and to reflect on all the wonderful experiences we had shared within our workplaces and worshipping communities. We toured around the north of country Antrim and then spent the day in Derry learning more about the beautiful walled city that has been center stage for many of the most important events in the history of the conflict here in Northern Ireland. 

Free Derry Corner, the gateway to the Nationalist Bogside community.

Derry was home to some of the worst violence to have taken place during the Troubles and many of the sites serve as a reminder of the lasting effects of violence on a community. There was a very lighthearted tone to most of the retreat(as their normally is with our group) but Derry was a sobering place. When we gathered for worship that evening we took time to remember the pain of those who've encountered violence during the Troubles here and those who still bear the scars. There is certainly a lasting legacy of conflict though now, thanks to the tireless efforts of those interested in peace, it seems to take the form of political debate. The church in Northern Ireland has made great strides to speak on behalf of the Gospel of Peace and Reconciliation. 

"A church that has nothing to say about reconciliation really has nothing to say at all.” - David Armstrong

I look forward to reading in years to come about the kids I've met here and the role they will play in the peace process. One reason I enjoy working with the kids here so much is because it feels like we're helping to write a peace future for this beautiful country and it's wonderful people. When you give to the work of the YAV program in Northern Ireland you help to write this future as well. Thank you to all who've helped so far.