Day 1 - Arrival in Dublin, Waterford, Lismore, and finally settled in Mallow

Mark 6:34 - "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things."

Hebrews 2:17 - "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."

Arrival in Dublin

• It's good to be out of the sky! We had a few minor issues along the way, but God's grace and mercy paved the way for us. What seemed to be an inconvenient 10 hour layover in Atlanta turned out to be a blessing to each of us. Some of us were able to rest and relax with some much needed downtime, others were able to bond more by spending some quality time together at the Atlanta aquarium (http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/). All in all, everything was very smooth... well, except for leaving one of our luggage items in the terminal and realizing it once we were all ready to leave on the small charter bus (it was successfully recovered!).

Waterford (http://www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com/)

• Traveling from Dublin to Waterford, we were able to grab some lunch at Eddie Rocket (Bob described it as a kind of "Red Robin", and the inside looked like a Steak and Shake). You simply cannot turn down a good burger! After lunch we went on a tour of the Waterford Crystal factory, and most of the workers still craft everything by hand. Needless to say, the crystal making/crafting was amazing to see first hand, and now we know why it is some of the most expensive and highest quality on the market!

Lismore (http://www.lismorecastle.com/)

• Traveling from Waterford to Mallow, we made a stop in Lismore to see the Lismore castle, which is still occupied. Typical to Ireland towns, landscapes, and castles, everything was beautiful and full of rich architecture... and the grass and vegetation seems to be a shade of vibrant green that seems as if it is only found in Ireland. The pictures we've taken of the beautiful land simply do not give the same story as what you behold with your eyes! God's creative handiwork is clearly seen by the things he has made (Romans 1:20).

Mallow - Preparing for some rest at Annabella B&B (http://www.annabellalodge.com/)

• 32 hours after arriving at the Akron / Canton airport... we finally were able to settle in to our temporary home! Sean and Margaret O'Shea (the B&B owners and operators) welcomed us and made us feel right at home. We have a great opportunity with Sean and Margaret to share the gospel through our actions, attitudes, and words this week. Please pray for us!

Specific Prayer Requests for Tomorrow:

• Please pray for Doug Kilchenman as he preaches the message tomorrow morning during church. His message is titled "He is Worthy", and will really be a charge to give our all in the service to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for Jesus is worthy of all we have to give!

• Continue to pray concerning the Holiday Bible Club (HBC)... pray for our mental, spiritual, and emotional preparation, the hearts of the children that will attend, the opportunities we will have with each child's parent(s), and the opportunity for a few of the members of Mallow Bible Fellowship (the church Bob started - http://www.mallowbiblefellowship.com/)