a few last pictures . . .

Katie and Maggie at the market.

Great games at Friday Fusion.

Friday Fusion crafts, fun!


Sarah by the sea.

Sara loving the library.

Britnee finds a friend.

Sarah sitting. & smiling.

Katie at the Causeway.


. . . & Harriet and Andrew, down to their last potato. So sad . . .

Home sweet home

We finally made it back to Orange City today at 8:30 pm. The last little surprise was a 12 passenger van, not a 15. With four to a bench seat, and Chris in the back piled in with the luggage, we finally arrived home about 40 hours after we began our trip home. Thanks for your concern, prayers and support. I think that everyone had an engaging and meaningful experience in Belfast; I'm sure you'll be hearing more.

sweet home . . . Chicago?!

We've made it to Chicago, our Sioux Falls flight is 'on time' at 5:10. . . hopefully our last flight will be problem free :) . . .

Update from London

We were able to work out a deal with BMI airlines which basically was that they covered our room in a quite nice Hotel 10 minutes from Heathrow. We had a fantastic complimentary dinner, with complimentary breakfast to follow tomorrow, plus free bus transportation. We are weary but happy (as is the SSP budget. . . !) We will be up early tomorrow to get checked in at Hearthrow. If you are ever in London and an airline is paying, we recommend the Park Inn. . .

Flight Troubles, part II

Unfortunately, weather in London is severe. Our flight was canceled. With the re-booking, it looks at this point like we'll be spending the night in Heathrow as all hotel rooms are booked (again due to the weather). . . here is our updated flight info (as of now):

London - Chicago
United 929
11 Mar
9:25 - 1:17 pm

Chicago - Sioux Falls
United 5919
5:10 pm - 6:51

We'll try to update you when we know anything new. Otherwise, we are hanging in there.

We've had a great last couple days, more on that later.

--mk

Clonard Monastery

Clonard monastery in Catholic West Belfast.
We felt very welcomed by the church members who applauded graciously for us when we were introduced at mass and we had a delightful tour from Fr. Eagan. This church, because it is a part of the Redemptorist monastic order which is interested in helping the marginalized and excluded, was the site of many secret meetings during the peace process.

pics

Dinnertime, or "tea," Paul, Blaine, Mitch

Blaine in the pulpit of the church built on the site of the
first church founded in Ireland, by St. Patrick, of course.