Yes, it is wet, very wet. It has been wet, very wet for quite some time now here in Dublin. It's been so wet that there's been extensive flooding in some areas as we've experienced record rains here lately. Thankfully our family and area has escaped the flooding thus far. Yes, I know, "It's Ireland, what do you expect?" True, but even the Irish haven't seen anything like this in years, so they say. The temperatures have cooled a bit as well as we've entered the autumn season now.

Tomorrow I'll be speaking again with the Jamestown Rd. church. I'm excited because I'm going to be speaking on something that is very dear to me - the Church, as defined and described by Jesus. We just got a text too from Aisling saying that she wants to go with us to Jamestown Rd. which is exciting! Following being with the church we'll begin to put preparations (i.e. packing) in motion for our  five day family holiday (vacation) which we'll be taking next week down to county Wexford, Ireland's "sunny south-east". All of us are really excited about the trip. The boys can hardly wait! It's been over a year since we've taken any extensive family time away so this will be good for us. Thankfully Lisa, one of our cell mates who lives close, has agreed to mind the gerbils which we've been caring for this summer for another friend. Upon our return life cranks back into gear as school begins and the weeks fill up with appointments, preparation for cell and preaching opportunities, times of discipleship, meeting with neighbors, community meetings, and more.

Once school begins we're hoping to be involved more with our local community centre to build Kingdom relationships and to be visible amongst our community hoping to earn their respect creating a willingness to listen when opportunities for the gospel arise. Andrea and I have talked about joining the Monday badminton club at the centre which we think would be fun. I think Andrea is also going to join the moms & tots group that meets on Thursdays. We also are going to try to get the boys into music lessons or maybe karate which is offered there as well. We really enjoy living in our community and want to show our support and bring as much light and hope as we can while we're here. We do have to be careful though not to over involve ourselves as we know that the 'spontaneous' hospitality that has been such an avenue for ministry this past year will continue so we want to make sure we're available for those moments too.

Speaking of badminton...the boys and I were watching some Olympic badminton today and man it was incredible!! That shuttlecock (also known as a 'birdie') was flying back and forth so fast I couldn't keep up with it! And the reflexes of the competitors? Amazing! I have to admit it got me excited and nervous about joining the badminton club this fall.

Well, I'm not sure how much internet I'll have next week while we're away on holiday so I can't promise any entries. I hope to maybe get at least one in if possible.

Thanks again so much for joining the journey and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers! You mean much to us!

(Baby Kate)

Hi Andrea! It has been forever since I have talked with you. I found you through Ericka Gordon. I love your website. Are you on facebook? OUr
family website is www.thekingsroad.blogspot.com
Take care and Blessings! Mariah