NORTHERN IRELAND (My First Full Month in Derry/Londonderry!) 🇬🇧
- CamCam
- Nov 17, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 18, 2022
Today marks my first full month in Northern Ireland, specifically in Derry/Londonderry.
I am working here as a Missionary (Global Mission Fellow of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church).
My work is in a Homeless Shelter for Women and Children- the Ashmore House a.k.a Clarendon Shelter which is owned by the North West Methodist Mission of the Methodist Church of Ireland.
Transitioning from a warm culture to cold culture was a bit difficult for me. Although I have lived in the United States before it still shocked me to the core that people are quite distant and cold at first because I'm a stranger to them. The first few weeks in here was basically rough and challenging because I really had to adjust with the weather and most especially with the people.
Coming from a warm culture wherein people are very hospitable and welcoming was a big aspect of how culture shock really "shocked" me. 😅
I didn't have any challenges as to understanding my line of work although "Homelessness" is not my forte because my passion really involves working with Immigrants, Indigenous Peoples Community, Fishermen, Farmers, People living with Hansenites Disease, Out of School Youths and the LGBTQIA+ Community still it was an easy route for me as it involves the same skills required for my other passions which was to be open, honest, transparent, and understanding. Basically, it requires for me to really become an open learner.
Working with social injustices requires a piece of our hearts. It seeks love that is beyond border or language and that's the reason why I accepted this placement because I know God's going to help me learn more and He'll also make me valuable in the shelter.
I have already learned a lot just by sitting, listening, observing, and working with the residents and staff of the shelter.
There is and will always be a room for improvement. I am excited to learn more and I am happy to learn more. I am a firm believer that my work as a Missionary is not to bring change but to cultivate the seed for growing, glowing, and going for Christ through the work of the shelter.
Aside from working in the shelter I am also involved with the Methodist Churches in the City. I have been to Limavady Methodist Church, New Buildings Methodist Church, Strabane Methodist Church, Clooney Hall Methodist Church, and Carlisle Road Methodist Church.
My Missionary service has become more meaningful because I also have my fellow Missionaries with me although they are working in Portrush. We get to talk with each other from time to time and we understand the circumstances that we are individually facing. We are each other's prayer partners!
To end, my first full month in Derry/Londonderry has been very fruitful! God is indeed at work. I know God is with me through all that has transpired and that is about to happen.
Thank you Lord for a blessed and victorious first month in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland!
Lagi't lagi... PARA KAY KRISTO!
#globalmissionfellows
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