Northern Ireland

I've been overwhelmed by the near tangible quality of social division in Northern Ireland. Growing up, I had the inaccurate impression that the conflict was undertaken by a secretive segment of the Catholic population against the British structure. For the most part, I believed that the average man and woman was fairly divorced from the larger conflict on a day to day basis. Therefore, it was rather shocking for me to become aware how this conflict divided (and still divides to a large degree) Catholic and Protestants on nearly every level of society. While it's fairly difficult to properly articulate the depth of the schism; it's become apparent that the Troubles were the most important entity in the lives of the majority of the people from Northern Ireland.

Learning things!

Hi all,

We have been absorbing all sorts of new information.  In Washington, D.C., we had a full schedule of meetings:  Fair Housing Authority, Mitch McConnell's office, Newseum, etc.  Of course, one of my favorite things was just being in the nation's capital and having the opportunity to show our visitors some of the American spirit on July the 4th.  I also particularly enjoyed visiting the National Gallery of Art (they had some Matisse cut-outs from the Jazz series in the Modern Wing).  Several of us had luggage lost in Memphis, Tennessee, and then again in Belfast!  I have now received all my bags and am truly hoping that they actually arrive in South Africa next week!  We had a small delay on the  plane to Amsterdam; actually, we had a 2.5 hour delay, with a problem first with the door, then the engine starter.  I'm not the greatest flyer, so a problem with the engine doesn't inspire great confidence before a flight across the ocean.  However, once we were in the air, all went reasonably smoothly.  I think we have all truly enjoyed our time in Dublin.  We took a bus tour yesterday to get some of the history of the city, and have been walking and sight-seeing.  

The Orange Order parade in Belfast was the most educational event thus far on the European leg of the trip.  The tension in the air was palpable to me; the pride, also, in a cause that the people believed in, could also be sensed.  Nonetheless, there seemed to be an oppressed spirit in many of the people.  Most seemed to be lower-middle class, carrying a great deal of anger, and drinking a great deal of alcohol (not the best combination).  We were a bit worried about some of our South African friends, as there is more blatant racism in Northern Ireland than in the other places we've visited.  At one point, a angry-looking young man pushed into two of my friends, but they wisely moved aside and didn't provoke an argument.  The community still seems closed and not the most welcoming place for any foreigner to live / visit.  However, I'm looking forward to experiencing Belfast from Friday till Monday, without the tension and drama surrounding the parade.  

Ireland

A double decker bus tour of Dublin, July 13.

A brief stop on the way to Dublin from Belfast, July 12.

A shot of the Orange Order marching in the Orange Day Parade. For those unfamilar with the history of the Orange Day Parade and the events surrounding Orange Day, I would strongly suggest researching its history. It was a very informative experience that put the Troubles into much better perspective for those unfamiliar with the history of conflict in Northern Ireland.

pictures

Hey everybody,

I have a few pictures that I know some other people wanted to get from me. I have posted them on my blog site that you can get to from my profile, which you can view by clicking on my picture. I will post any further share-able pictures on that blog site also. =)

Ireland

The "summer" in Belfast is MUCH colder than Oxford's summer. We stop to get coffee to warm up on the way to the Orange Day Parade.

Yet another bus ride, this time to see the Orange Day Parade in Belfast on July 12.

Upon arriving to Belfast, we went directly to Stormont, home of Northern Ireland's Parliament.

We got very familiar with the inside of the bus during our trips to the Mississippi Delta, Memphis, Oxford, and Jackson.

After a long flight and lots of delays, the groups meet for the first time on July 2.

July 8 in Jackson

July 8 - Incredible discussion on the bus drive to Jackson, MS...thinking about the visits to the Delta on the 7th

In the morning we met with Governor William Winter. He then joined us for lunch at the Two Sister's Kitchen...Southern cooking at its absolute best. We were extremely honored to meet with him and equally inspired by his vision and hope.His persistence and work to ensure that all people have ecual access to education continues to inspire me...even though I'm no longer a teacher!


After lunch we met with Dr. Dolphus Weary of Mission Mississippi in the facilities of Voice of Calvary...and then stopped for coffee at the new cafe - Koinonia (Greek for brotherly love / fellowship).


















The day wasn't yet finished! We then were honored by time to meet with Judge Wingate. He shared with us what it was like growing up in Jackson during Segregation - the difficulties, yes, but also how his vision and family support encouraged him to strive for excellence - and to pursue justice for all people. What an honor!!

The group is currently on their way (in the air) to Northern Ireland! Have a wonderful and safe trip.