It Is Finished

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16

Good Friday. 

I really don't have the words to say. I sit at my computer with a heart heavy from grief, pain, and heartache. So many of my friends are hurting by loss, and I hurt with them. These past few days have been emotionally draining and tough. We lost a friend, fellow student, and incredible follower of Christ. 

I also don't have words to express how I feel about the death of my Savior. I read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John with a heavy heart. He took so much for me. It was my sins that were nailed to that cross. When He told the Father "Let your will be done" it was me He was thinking of. And every day that I sin, every harsh word, every mean thought, I am putting myself into the story. I am a part of the crowd of mockers, of the ones who tortured my Savior. It is me who nailed Him to the cross, every day. 

Belfast

At the end of February we took a trip to Northern Ireland. For those who don't know, Northern Ireland is actually a different country. It is under control of the United Kingdom, and therefore the currency is different. They use pounds as opposed to euros. 

One of the most heart-wrenching stops on the trip was to the city of Belfast. This beautiful city is torn apart by the Troubles. The Peace Walls were especially saddening. I am happy that they keep the residents safe, but it sad that they are necessary. 

Murals are also very common in Belfast. Most are political, discussing issues common to the Troubles. Others are different, like this tourist one. 

Howth

One weekend, a few members of our group got together and headed to the fishing town of Howth. It was incredible! The scenery is gorgeous, and we had a blast hiking around. We hiked for a few hours, then stopped at a pub to catch the rugby game. 

Sunday, it was market time! Howth has a wonderful farmers market on Sunday. We had a great time wondering around and munching on all the different foods. I finally tried black current jam and it was yummy! 

Glendalough

A few weeks ago we took a group field trip to the monastic sight of Glendalough. This is located in the incredibly beautiful Wicklow Mountains. This is a collection of amazing hiking trails and an old monastic community.

The museum 

A replica of the monastic sigh 

That is actually the door, not a window :)