The Indiana Wesleyan University women's basketball team is on a mission trip in Ireland. Wildcat players will blog about their experiences and what they are doing while across the Atlantic Ocean.

Check back often for daily blogs from the Wildcats! 

 

    

 

 

Ten days ago, 17 members of an American sports team embarked on a mission; to bring the Gospel message to Ireland, specifically in the outskirts of Dublin in a city called Ballymun. The mission of this group was to build relationships with local children throughout the week using sports as a gateway. The mission was to plant seeds; to leave behind a message of hope, love, and encouragement, and to touch as many lives in Ballymun as possible. Little did this group of Americans know that as they packed up their bags and returned home, the children of Ballymun would have left an outstanding impact on the hearts of the Americans as well. For instance, last night the Wildcats played a match against Dublin City University; a very talented group, yet with only five bodies. There wasn't a single Wildcat that was not frustrated with the outcome of that game. The buzzer sounded and our undeafeated European tour halted. Not a single girl could smile, not to mention the embarrassment we felt for losing in front of the dozens of campers and parents who had come out to support us inthe Ballymun gym. However, as our team gathered at center court for post-game prayer with DCU and linked hands, the Lady Wildcats certainly felt a surprising change of heart. Our campers bombarded us with hugs, high-fives, and great words of encouragement. I can honestly say that the children of Ballymun humbled myself and many of my teammates at that moment. How could we look around the gym with anger and disdain as achild stared into our eyes with smiles and cheers as if we had just played the most remarkable game ever? Surely an ironic shift from the attitudes and behavior we had witnessed through part of camp earlier that week.

I believe that it was in those moments that many of us realized what our mission in Ballymun was all about. It wasn't about winning and losing on the court, it was about winning and losing in life. It was about how you respond to what life throws at you. It was about bouncing back, holding on, never giving up and never giving in. It was about failing, but fighting to get back in. The kids looked up to us, their hearts asked us how would we respond? I can honeslty say that we were shocked at the thrill and excitement and encouragement of our campers even after our defeat. It forced us to look at their life challenges, difficult home situations, and lack of opportunity that was still covered with a smile. The struggles that many of these children face each and everyday reach far beyond that ofa loss on the basketball court or futbal pitch. Hearing their laughter and receiving their hugs was not the expected response. As we put our heads down, the children were the ones that raised them back up. A very surprising ending considering the fights, attitudes, and troubles we had experienced during camp. We each may have held onto a lack of assurance, fearing that we had not made a dent in the lives of these kids but it became clearer and clearer that relationships had been established, seeds were planted, hope did penetrate, and love reciprocated through these cultural lines.

Realizing that we had made a difference in the lives of some who reside in Ballymun this week made today, the last day of camp as well as this trip, so difficult. Because today was the last day that Gavin could mock an American accent. It was the last day little Jamie could accumulate fifteen Airheads and eat every one of them. It was the last time Kayla could break up the little kids from fighting and Rachel could fend off 100 soccer balls blasted by the teenage superstars of Ballymun at the goal.

Today camp ended early yet we still left the gym two hours later than any other day. We invited the campers and their parents to join us for a pizza and an end of camp celebration. The gym was filled with excitement, laughter, and lots of pizza as the week came to a close. Many Wildcats spoke to the crowd about how much the children meant to us this week and how thankful we were that the parents allowed their children to be a part of this camp. But no words could describe how greatly our time in Ballymun would be missed. It was just as hard for some of us to pack up and leave the gym one last time as it was for the campers. Many of them pleaded for us to return next year. The cameras flashed, autographs signed on shirts and balls for the campers, and the exchange of hugs lasted timelessly by the outer gates. Many of the campers, and even many of the Wildcats, struggled to say goodbye.

Ashley and I wandered by the gates with some of the kids from camp as they slowly made their way towards home. Eventually, we were stuck on the inside of the gate as the group was stuck on the outside. They reached through the bars for one more hug or high-five. As one boy reached out to shake my hand, he turned away and began walking, pulling my arm through. "You guys can't leave, I will take you with me." And at the soft sound of his voice, I knew that we had made a difference to Daragh.

After that, only two boys from the whole camp remained inside the gate with us, Daniel (age 9) and Luke (age 12). Both said goodbyes to the Wildcats, both gave hugs, high-fives, and good wishes, but neither could let go and neither could walk away. I truly believe that if daylight had allowed, they both would have stayed in that parking lot forever; talking, laughing, and hoping for a tomorrow just like the one they had today. As they finally headed out the gates and out of sight, we too piled into the vans to leave Ballymun. In the distance, as we began to pull away, we saw Luke running back towards us for one last goodbye. I knew that we had made a difference to Luke.

From the gym, we drove to the grocery to pick up some biscuits (cookies) and other goodies to bring back to the U.S. that we had munched on during the week. Each girl loaded up her favorites from the shelves and headed for the checkout. As I walked through the aisle, I turned to Bre and asked if she would miss them. With a long sigh, a yes, and a smile, she assured me that she would miss the children of Ballymun. Despite all of the obstacles, arguments, attitudes and mishaps, I knew that Ballymun had made a difference to each and every one of us.

There is a song on the radio in America called "Closing Time". A line sings "Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end". As I think about those few simple words here on our last night in Ireland, my heart pounds. This trip marks a lot of ends. It marks the end of summer. It marks the end of our core mission to Ireland. It marks the end of an eye-opening experience for some Lady Wildcats. It also puts an end to others who have questioned if a life of missionary or international service is in God's plan for them. But as the song says, every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end... the end of this trip also marks many great beginnings for some. God willing, this trip marks a beginning of hope and new life for those who were touched by this experience. We came here with a plan; a mission to instill a sense of hope, a message of love, and a bridge of communcation with Sports Across Ireland to the Ballymun community. The most important thing we brought with us was ourselves. Our humor, our love, our ears, our eyes, our hands and our hearts, we undoubtedly left behind a piece of ourselves in Ballymun. And likewise, we will each hold in our hearts a piece of Ballymun, and the children and families we interacted with, forever. The initial trip may be over, but God's work is just beginning.

May God bless Dan, Amy, and all those involved in SAI and the Ballymun community who have been involved in this project. You are making a difference not only in the hearts of many in Ballymun, but in the hearts of many Americans as well. Praise be to God, for you answered when He called. Thank you to everyone also who kept us in your prayers during this mission and we ask that you continue to keep the children of Ballymun and those who work with them always in your prayers.

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The fourth day of camp proved to be just as difficult as the day before, but still the progress we've been making showed. Right after camp, the team was able to take a tour of Ballymun and see just what these kids have to experience every single day. Personally, it was a rude awakening to see just how rough these campers really do have it in their everyday lives. The inside walls of the apartment buildings displayed nothing but graffiti and vandalism. As we walked through the city, children could be seen playing on broken down playgrounds with one another, making due with whatever it was they had. After seeing where these kids come from, my heart completely goes out to them. It is now more evident than ever before that these kids need the power of the Lord's love in their lives to help them get through each day.

Later this evening, the team took on the Dublin City University team in a tough battle right at our "home" hall where we've been having camp at this week. Even though the game ended in Dublin City's favor, the turnout for the game was quite the surprise. Many of this week's campers showed up to cheer on our Lady Wildcat team, even bringing homemade signs to display their Wildcat pride. This served as an encouragement to us and really showed us that (while it may not always seem like it) we have started to get through to them and have made some kind of influence in their lives, with their high-fives and encouraging words. Even after the game when the teams gathered to pray, campers were jumping in, begging to be a part of the prayer circle. They were all so encouraging and excited, I am anxious to see what tomorrow brings for the last day of camp.

As this trip is quickly coming to an end, I think many new things have been discovered. Through the games, we have learned that this team is not perfect right now in our play but we still have so much potential just waiting to shine through when this season comes. Relationships have been both built and made stronger through all of the struggles and celebrations that we have shared together here in Ireland. New knowledge has been gained not only about the cultures of this foreign country, but of each of the team members and their lives. I think this trip is a great way to start off the 2008-2009 year and I am already anxious to see what the year has in store for this great group of girls.

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As you might expect, day three of camp was stressful yet also encouraging. I was able to talk with some of the girls on the team throughout the day and they told me that their teams, specifically the older kids, were a little more rebellious than usual. It was very difficult getting the kids to follow instructions and complete drills. From lying on the field to cussing right and left, you could definitely say us coaches had our hands full today. I would have to say that respect is definitely something that the kids undermine here. I am helping work with the younger kids each day at camp and the thing that has surprised me the most is how physical the kids are with each other. For example, a kid airballed a shot and the other kids laughed at him, so he started pushing and kicking them. Being accepted is critical to these kids, so inevitably, there is a lot of disrespect and fighting.

Anyways, enough with the rough side of camp...being able to be around these kids each day and forming new relationships is an awesome experience! Some kids are more receptive to our personable interactions and some are completely shut off to interactions with us. Connecting with a child here is a feeling I cannot even begin to describe. Through all the disrespect and stressful situations, by the grace of God, we are still able to show the love of Christ each day with a smile on our faces. It is an amazing thing because God has brought us here to Dublin to show these kids the love and support they need. If a child is reluctant to Christ's love, he/she will see that same love sometime throughout the day among the interactions of other kids. No matter where you are at camp, God's love is shining down everywhere you look! To sum up day three of camp, I have to say that amidst the difficulties, Christ's love is being planted and the kids are responding. Please continue to pray for the safety and well-being of the kids here in Ireland.

After camp we went to Howth (rescheduled from Monday) where we ate dinner at a Mexican restaurant and walked around a harbor. It was a beautiful place and we were even able to see a seal swim up to the shore. There were sailboats everywhere you looked and the sun was setting as we were there...it was a scene I will never forget. After a long day at camp, it was nice to be able to have a fun time with my teammates and enjoy the things I'll never see in Indiana. The land here in Ireland looks just like it does in the movies, which means tons of pictures with the team!

 

 

Our second day of camp has come to its end and I can say it was nothing short of successful. When camp first started yesterday, it was crazy trying to get all of our kids together. They didn't know us and we didn't know them. We knew coming into this camp that it would be difficult for the children to form relationships but it seemed almost impossible after having them for one day. Today completely changed my outlook on this. When my kids showed up today, they were nothing but smiles and were so happy to be back at camp for another day. I did not have the opportunity to spend time with any of the other teams but I could tell a huge difference in the attitudes of the kids on my team today. Not only did they treat me with more respect but they treated each other with more respect. They gave out compliments and high fives! In fact, the best part of my day consisted of watching a boy on my team score a goal and having almost every other player on the team run up to him and pat him on the back telling him what a great job he did.

I think I can speak for every person on this team when I say that we know there will be struggles in the days to come at camp. It is difficult to see these kids because we know the pain and hardships they deal with on a daily basis. We have decided as a team to look at each day as a new day that God has given us and to use it to influence these kids in the best possible way. If nothing else, we know that we are giving these children four hours a day to be surrounded by good people and to be in a place that will keep them safe. I look forward to the next three days and can't wait to see my team tomorrow!

And here are a couple of more interesting Ireland facts:
- Sneakers ~ Runners
- Cleats ~ Boots
- Cookies ~ Biscuits
- Everything is really expensive. For example, gas costs around $8/gallon

P.S.-We won our game tonight! That puts us at 4-0 which means we are undefeated so far this season! Way to go Cats!

Today was the first day we helped run the basketball/football (soccer) camp here in Ireland. The location for the camp was at a local high school in Ballymun, Dublin. Ballymun would be the same as the projects for us in the U.S., which means it's a rough and repressed area. We could tell that the kids came from these difficult types of backgrounds because of the way they acted and the way they spoke. Cuss words seemed to come out of their mouths naturally for most of the kids even the young ones and respect for authority figures is hard to come by.

Erica and I gave our testimonies today for the kids in both the football and basketball camps and, to be honest, it was rough. I am praying that God's words came out of my mouth and that the kids' hearts soaked some of it up but it sure didn't seem like it. The kids were talking, cussing, fighting, and just not paying much attention to the words that were being spoken. I am sure God is working in their hearts more than I know but it's just hard to see them not paying attention to something that important.

We were supposed to go to the coast today named Howth and see some seals but it's raining like it does nearly everyday in Ireland so we decided not to go. Instead, we came back to one of the houses to hangout and eat the traditional Irish meal of Fish n' Chips followed by some ice cream cake. The bonding time for us is much needed so that we can hold strong during the tough times of the year ahead.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. We really need a lot of prayer for God to be moving through these kids because they are a rough bunch and without prayer, we are not going to get very far. Love and miss you all!

 

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Sunday, August 17, 2008

The fourth day of being in Ireland was once again a memorable one. We started our day playing two basketball games. Our first game was against a team named Meteors. They had some height for sure, one girl was maybe 6'3" and is trying to play professional ball. We played a decent game and pulled it out. The second game was against a different team, Waterford. They also had some good talent but we overcame some rough spots and pulled out our second win of the day and third of the trip. After each game, we were able to gather with the other team and pray. There was not much time for talking, but the little time we had we made it count.

After our games our team grabbed a quick meal at McDonald's before heading to church with Daniel. When we were all finished eating six of us headed to the church in Daniel's van while the other half of us walked to the nearest bus stop to catch the bus into the city where the church was located. Of course, we should have known that we would end up running after the bus and still missing it and to make things even more eventful, the wonderful Ireland rain decided to start. We all huddled under the bus stop to catch the next bus that came by. After about five minutes of waiting, the next bus came and then was gone...it drove right by us. So we waited another five minutes or so till the next one. This time we made sure we made it known that we wanted to get on. After the bus dropped us off, we still had about a two mile walk to the church. Needless to say we were a tad bit late to the evening service of St. Mark's (the church).

The church service started with worship songs that the majority of us knew and went onto a lesson given by the pastor of the church. He based his lesson on Matthew 6:16-18, which talked about fasting. He broke it down into three ideas: fasting for discernment, fasting for dedication, and fasting for desire. After the service, we hung around and had tea and biscuits (cookies) and talked to members of the church.

Once again, we all piled in Daniel's van and the "bus" that Amy has driven for us a couple of times and headed to Ballymun to look at the place where camp will be held for the coming week. It was exciting to see where we could potentially touch the lives of the kids from the troubled city of Ballymun. We then climbed back into the vehicles and headed to our separate houses. Elaine and I packed up all our luggage and moved into another one of the host houses for the week because one of the owners is coming back. After getting our luggage around a few of us helped Coach Dobrik and Amy shop for groceries, talk about a lot of food. :) After our purchases, we headed to the house to rest up for the night and coming week.

Our third day on the Emerald Isle started with the expected pitter of rain hitting the window pains. Although Ireland is reknowned for its rain, we had yet to experience it. In spite of the rain, we were excited to see the oldest standing castle in Ireland and the set for Brave Heart in the city of Trim. Our team met up and off we went on our wet adventure to the castle.

We were met with the cold grey stone of the castle that matched the weather. Walking through the gate of the castle was, in a way, like walking through a gateway to the ages past. I am still amazed that God has gifted man (and woman) with the ability, knowledge, and skill to construct such impressive buildings without the help of any modern machinary. The castle is over four stories and was quite magnificent in its day, since most buildings in Ireland at the time were rarely over 2 stories high. A few of us were brave enough to fight the elements and see the roof of the castle. Needless to say the view was quite breathe taking! We were able to see then entire city of Trim, along with the surrounding countryside.

After our soaked trip toTrim, we headed off for probably our most important part of the trip. Although the task may have seemed tedious and time consuming, the meeting with Dan and the rest of the Upward Dublin volunteers and staff to plan the dual basketball and futball (soccer) camp for the next week is crucial to our mission here. We decided many of the intricacies such as who would be working with which age group; if we would work just the basketball or the futball or both, and many other details of which you will be hearing the fruit of in the following week! It was interesting to hear through the meeting, as Dan was explaining the lay of the land, demographics, and the kids in general, that kids are kids no matter their background or culture. They want to have fun and have someone there who cares for them. Although we are far from Luckey Arena in Marion, IN, I know that the experience we seek to provide the youth of Dublin is the same: a Christ centered environment in which the campers can have fun and learn the game of basketball…and futball!

We next prepared for our first interaction with the Irish on the basketball court. We began the game trying to get used to the different rules and style of play here in Europe (if you really care to know them go to the FIBA website or watch the Olympics). This marked our first competition as a team. The game was tough at times, we never lost the lead or allowed the competition to get within 3 points. We also had some amazing glimpses at what an exciting year this 2008-09 season will be! We were able to pull out the win and go to our houses happy!

This week will be trying and stretching, but most of all it will be fun! As we go through the week, I look forward to what new and exciting adventures God will have for us! I am also eager to know how God will use us to build up the area of Ballymun and increase His territory in the city of Dublin. We know that with God all things are possible and that the effects of a youth camp can impact the spiritality of a nation! As we face the adventure that God has before us, please continue to pray for us; that we would seek to be God's hands and feet and that we would be vessels for His love, grace, and mercy! Oh and that we would have a dry week for the camp!

Is 58: 11-12

11I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places - firm muscles, strong bones. You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. 12You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.

Some Random Irish Information for your Not-So-Everyday Life:

Match~ game

Pitch~Playing field

Hall~ Basketball Gym

Garden~ Yard or lawn

And yes they drive on the left side of the street, which at times is quite terrifying!

 

 

After a much-needed night's rest, we were back up and ready for another full day.  Staying at three different houses, we all met back up before heading to our day's destination, Glendalough.  On our way upon leaving the city, we were met by beautiful scenery filled with amazingly green hills.  Just like a postcard of Ireland, roaming sheep and cattle covered the land.  While still recovering from the travel and lack of sleep, I had no problem staying awake to see the countryside...it was simply indescribable.

About an hour after our departure, our bus pulled into Glendalough, an old monastery.  Our group received a guided tour of the ruins.  The church and round tower were surrounded by numerous graves marked by beautiful white stone crosses and tombstones.  Once again, when looking at the ruins, I felt as though I was looking at a postcard of Ireland.  I do not think it has still really set in that we are actually getting this wonderful opportunity.

After the tour, we were able to venture out on the trails surrounding the monastery.  We saw the lush forests, a lake surrounded by beautiful hills and even a waterfall.  Of course, of cameras are now filled with amazing images and we have made memories that we will never forget!  It is a great reminder of God's perfection to see his wonderful creation.

The night came to a close as we all headed back to the main house where we made dinner, watched a movie, and enjoyed each other's company.  With three days down and seven to go I am looking forward to seeing what God has planned for this team.

 

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At around 3, my house rode the double decker bus to downtown Dublin, and along the way, we were able to see why people say Ireland is such a beautiful country.  Sitting on the second level of the bus, we were able to experience the beautiful countryside.  After arriving downtown, we walked all around, trying to take in as much as possible.  We, of course, hit up the souvenir shop where we all got gifts for our friends and families, as well as ourselves.  While our group was exploring, the other group of 13 were on their way on the bus.  Because their ride took so long we were not able to meet up with them during the day, but we tried our best.  Dublin is such a popular place with so many people, that is was nearly impossible to find them.  So we went on with our day.  We took lots of pictures and grew closer as teammates.  The other group was able to make it down to downtown Dublin, and from what I hear, they had just as much fun as we did.  Jena informed me that they were trying to get some food, but the two times they tried to eat at Burger King, they were unable to get any of the food because they wouldn't accept a credit card.

 

So we were never able to meet up for dinner, but at 10 P.M., Daniel picked us up from our house to take us to watch the riverdance downtown where we finally were able to meet up with the rest of the team.  Watching this style of dancing opened up our eyes to more of the Irish culture.  It was great to watch and a fun way to end our first day in Ireland.  We headed back to our homes once the dance ended, and everyone is now in bed getting ready for another exciting day in Ireland as we get to tour the gorgeous countryside even more.

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