New Lending Library at Church

This last Sunday we officially launched our new Lending Library at church. Though the number of books is small at this point, we have had a few very good ones donated. We saw the need for this new resource last year as some coming to or visiting the church asked some great questions and though I was able to answer them, it would have been very helpful to have certain books available for them to take and read more. That is one reason why we are focusing our resources primarily on apologetic books and Bible studies.

If you would like to donate towards our new lending library, we have a list of a few of the books that we’re hoping to add, click here or visit our Wish List by clicking Support at the top menu bar of our blog.

Lately Around Ireland

• Property prices in Ireland fell 20% last year; tourism to Ireland is at its lowest point since 2004, with revenue dropping 17% compared to last year
• Young adults are continuing to seek permanent employment in Australia (numbers are up 25%) and now interest in Canada is growing; the numbers of non-EU workers in Ireland dropped by 41% last year
• An autobiography by the fictional potato chip mascot, Mr. Tayto, has recently topped bestseller lists
• Ireland is still recovering from damages due to the recent snowfall with leaking pipes still causing water shortages in many areas; many properties’ pipes were not buried low enough to avoid freezing. €300 million will need to be invested in the water infrastructure.
• Drug gang violence is on the increase and gardaí are concerned with the sudden increase in violence and murders; five prisoners have not returned from their “Christmas Parole,” which is a temporary release in the middle of their jail sentence
• “Matthew” and “Lucy” were the most popular baby names in 2009; “Jack” and “Ava” were last year’s winners
• The new Lonely Planet guidebook describes Ireland today as “a land of motorways and multiculturalism, planned and developed in between double decaf lattes and time out at the latest spa for a thermal mud treatment”
• Suicides among young adult males are unfortunately on the rise again, with the recession thought to be a contributing factor
• It’s estimated that four business close for good each day; the SPCA report that, in addition to a rise in the number of cats and dogs being abandoned, horses of all qualities are being abandoned in public fields due to the recession
• The President of Ireland wants the Queen to visit in 2010
• Ten rhinocerous horns were recently confiscated at Dublin airport

The Big Thaw

We’re happy to report that we’re completely thawed out from the snow.  Last Friday was when we saw real change in the environment (green grass and blue sky instead of all white!), and the weather has warmed up to 50 degrees F, which is a bit warm for this time of year.  The church boiler has finally been restored to normal use, and the two radiators in the small hall have been repaired.  Yesterday’s service went back to normal, and we had a great turnout as the roads were much safer.  We were very blessed that all utilities kept going for us, but this is not the case in many areas.

This last weekend we received gale force winds which blew down many power lines in areas.  With these winds came some significant rain.  Since some areas are pretty soaked from the November rains, they have simply re-flooded; the River Avoca burst its banks in County Wicklow.  Numerous, deep potholes have appeared on roads and councils have no funds to fix them.  And some counties, including Dublin, have residents who have had no running water to their houses for upwards of three weeks, due to burst pipes and increased water demand.  Please keep in prayer the thousands of people still dealing with these difficult issues to everyday life.

Snow Day at Church

Click photo for more pictures from today.

Despite the snow, we still had services today. It just had to be moved to our small hall behind the church because of heating problems. Since last Sunday, the main boiler won’t stay on and we’re waiting for a repair man to come out and fix it. (They’re in high demand at the moment!)

This morning we discovered that two of the three radiators in the small hall had frozen and busted, so more repairs to be done once we get through the freeze!

But despite all the difficulty, it was a beautiful day, we had a better turnout than expected with the weather, and we had a bit of fun in the snow after the service.

First Floods, Then Snow, Now an Earthquake

In November Ireland had record floods, then we’ve had an extended and unusual cold snap that’s led to snow, now we hear that there was a minor earthquake in County Donegal (furthest north part of the Republic).  Though it was only a 1.6, this surprised a lot of people.  As native Californians, 1.6 isn’t too upsetting to us.   Meanwhile, the icy conditions continue with a Siberian wind pushing snow towards us.  Forecasts keep saying another 10 days (they said that 3 days ago…) and expect snowfalls of an additional 4 inches (on top of what hasn’t melted yet) on Sunday, perhaps through Tuesday.  Schools have been ordered to stay closed until at least next Thursday, and the military have been called out to help clear the roads.  Salt and grit supplies are running out, meaning roads may have to be closed.  If you think it sounds like we have it bad, remember that the UK to our east has it considerably worse; last night Scotland received a low of -8 degrees F.

It’s gotten down to 11 degrees F here at night in our area, the coldest either of us have ever been or lived in.  In County Carlow, not too far from us, they received the “Coldest Place in Ireland” designation the other night; the temp is falling faster and lower right now.  We’re staying warm, wearing our wool sweaters (thanks, Uncle Sonny!), our snow boots (thanks, Sham!) and are very stocked with food, etc.  We ventured out today to bolster supplies as there was a break in the weather and the sun melted much of the road to the store (see above photo).  Yesterday Mark decided to make his second-ever snowman while I observed from inside with a nice cup of tea.

Here’s a report from last night’s evening news if you’re curious.  Please keep in prayer the protection of those on the roads and that the utilities (gas, electric, water, phone) and food supplies are uninterrupted.