Today was one of the most beautiful days I’ve ever experienced in Northern Ireland.  It was sunny and warm.  Not hot by a long stretch.  More like I-think-I’m-not-cold-quite-yet warm.  But I got to wear a t-shirt and that felt great!  Mark and I went for a walk in the morning.  Not too far, but the hills made it feel like a bit of a work out.  Some day I’ll get over walking hills.  It’s just still so shocking for an Indiana girl!

Campbell to us to Newry this afternoon to get a mobile phone.  It’s maybe a 30-40 minute drive on some back roads through some breathtakingly beautiful scenery.

driving to newry

driving to newry

We had no luck with the phone, as we have to have a bank statement or debit card.  The letter from the bank with our numbers all on it wasn’t enough, it seems.  So we likely have to wait another week before we get a phone.  Campbell had some luck, though, and got a phone with a good camera and GPS.  We stopped into Grounded, a great espresso bar, for some lunch.  The boys had fun playing with the new phone while I enjoyed a delicious roasted chicken sandwich.  (It really was SO good!)  And on the way back to the car, we saw a big Sally (Beauty Supply, but with a slightly different name) and I got a really good straightening iron for nearly 60% off.  Even without the phone, I got to go home with a toy.

campbell playing with his new phone

campbell playing with his new phone

mark loves his coffee

mark loves his coffee

Mark and I decided to have a few date hours this evening.  We had plans with Campbell and Kristy to get Kebabs, one of our favorite Irish fast-foods, tonight after Kristy got off work.  So around 6, Mark and I walked down to the town to sit by the water.  We took a book we’re reading together, but never got around to it.  We sat on a bench talking for a while.  The tide was low, so there was a lot of beach to walk on.  When we were chilly enough to need it, we stopped into Maud’s for a pot of tea (and a cookie that tasted mostly like flour).  It was a pretty magical way to spend the evening, and Mark and I were thanking the Lord over and over for letting us live in such a beautiful country.
near the promenade

near the promenade

having a cuppa

having a cuppa

Mark and I have been reading a chapter of Proverbs together every day.  It’s been really fun seeing what themes we’re struck by.  And seeing how many times it says something like “lying tongues don’t tell the truth”.  We’re after the heart and wisdom of the Lord.  It’s fun to search Him out this way.

We’re hoping to get to move into our townhouse in a couple of days.  And we’ll be picking up our car.  And paying for it.  Less fun, but it’s got to happen.  I start my upholtery/textile class on Thursday.  It’s been draining, believe it or not, for me to have so much down time.  We’re trying to be with people, meeting themand learning about this place we live.  But it’s been hard knowing quite where to start.  When I look at “the list” (as if there really was one), I feel like we’re doing a good job for the amount of time we’ve spent here.  Even so, I’m excited to get to nest.  I love making space into a home and am chomping at the bit to create a place for Mark and I to Live together.  I can’t wait to have a space to invite people into.  And to be able to accomplish practical things during the day – what joy!

I’ll leave you with one more lovely picture for the day.  The country lends itself to beautiful photos, but I’m excited to learn to use my camera better!

the kingdom of mourne

the kingdom of mourne