An early start to the morning as 5am rolled around bright and early. Although the alarm wasn't welcome the occasion certainly was. Celebrating the resurrection of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Galway City Baptist Church held a sunrise service at 6am on Galway Bay. Watching the rising sun as we sang in worship and gratitude the ocean wind swept across the bay.
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| Meeting on Galway Bay for sunrise service |
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| Our little peak at the sunrise |
Thankfully Villy was kind enough to offer us a lift to the Bay and back to church for breakfast. Following the service breakfast was served at church. Helping to prepare food Saturday evening Abby C. made caramel rolls.
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| A bit gooey |
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| yes!! |
Most of the Irish did not take them because they're not used to seeing such a thing. Apparently they don't eat caramel rolls, however, all of the Americans quickly snatched them up. It was humorous to note the faces of Joan and Sandlin, the pastors wives from the states. At the sight of caramel rolls their eyes widened as they exclaimed, "Who brought those?!? We need more of those around here!" Brunch was great, offering a wide variety of tasty dishes. With full bellies we had 3 hours to wait until the service began. Plenty of tearing down tables and setting up chairs was required before the service, however certainly not 3 hours worth. Sitting around the table we exchanged stories of brunches back home and our bucket lists. I wish I had more time with Villy, his stories from South Africa are absolutely nuts and entertaining to say the least.
An eggstravaganza was planned for the young children upstairs. Chocolate eggs, coins, pencils and fluffy chicks spread up and down the hallway allowing the children to collect them in their newly constructed Easter baskets.
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| I thought I might get run over by the boys. |
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| Travis having way too much fun. |
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| Beautiful girls in beautiful dresses |
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| Never too early to start eating your candy! |
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| Do you really think I'd turn down bunny ears and chocolate? |
It was finally time for the service. Singing worship songs Kirk then gave a sermon on The 5 Ways God wants Jesus' Rising of 33 A.D. To Influence My Easter Rising of 2011 A.D.
God wants Jesus' Easter Rising to influence me by having...
1....my searching to begin with Jesus.
Who or what am I searching for?
2. ...my doubts dispelled and replaced with faith in Jesus.
Who or what am I trusting in?
3....my searching to end in worship of Jesus.
Who or what am I worshipping?
4....me align my world view and that of Jesus' world view (Scripture).
Who or what shapes my world view?
5....my message and story to be Jesus' message and story.
Whose story or what story am I telling?
It was time for the congregation to say goodbye to Kirk and Sandlin as they head back to the states for their daughters wedding and time off to see family and friends. It was a bittersweet goodbye as they have done so much for me with their incredible generosity of time, service and love.
After the service we all pitched in to help wash teacups, stack chairs and roll away tables. Graciously Kirk and Sandlin invited Sarah (visiting for the week), Sinead, Abby C. and I to their house for dinner as we were without family.
What a memorable Easter. Our dinner with the Poths not only tasted delicious, but was sweet with friendship and laughter. Enjoying a fresh salad for dinner and rice krispie and seven layer bars for dessert it was a perfect meal! After dinner we sat around the table sharing stories for 3 hours. Hearing the story of how Kirk and Sandlin met just about sent tears of laughter streaming down my cheeks. So many entertaining tales were shared. How wonderful it is to rejoice in worship and fellowship with my church family celebrating our Saviors resurrection. He is risen indeed!
With Love from Galway
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