July 4th...in Ireland

Happy Fourth of July everybody!!!! It feels kind of weird not having anything over here to celebrate with in Ireland, seeing that fireworks can't be found at any time except Halloween.

All of us except Ann had an easy going day. Here mind was so busy, she had no clue what she was saying. No lie, at one time she said "Whoever's lunch is in the dishwasher, your laundry is done." I did not exaggerate those words, she said them word for word. (It's true...I did actually say that exact sentence when trying to tell Matt that his clothes were done. Would it help if I told you that the washing machine is under the sink in the kitchen and it looks like a dishwasher? :)

This morning felt a little awkward not going to Kid's Club, we ended up meeting here at 9:00 and practiced for the concert for the Ladies retreat on Saturday night. After practicing, we had lunch, but had a little scare. The goulash we were having had green peppers in it, and I am allergic to them. I did not know there were any in the goulash until I was done eating. Ann spoke up and said she could taste them, so at that moment everyone prayed for me, and that nothing bad would happen. And PTL, nothing did!!!!

After lunch we took Linda, Ann, and Ruth to Navan for the Ladies Retreat. We arrived and helped them get set up. Navan is a beautiful town. When we left, us guys went to the town of Trim, to visit Ireland's largest medieval castle, Trim Castle. It was huge!!! The rich history behind the castle was fascinating. One thing occurred at the castle in 1994 though. I always knew that Mel Gibson's movie "Braveheart" was filmed in Ireland, but I never knew that Trim Castle was the castle in the movie. I knew it looked somewhat familiar. The execution scene of William Wallace (Gibson's character) was filmed near the west tower of Trim Castle.

All that I can ask for you guys now is to pray for the lady's retreat to go well, and to calm Ann's nerves. Also pray for the team to stay united even though we are separated by about 40 miles of country road. Hope you guys are having fun tonight, be safe and God Bless!!

Love,Michael and the 2008 Ireland team