Days 7 and 8! We have continued to keep busy, and we're all tired but happy. Yesterday was a game day. The boys played Glentoran U-19 team in Belfast. This team is the oldest established "football" team in the country, perhaps even beyond (I don't completely remember!). It was founded in the 1860s (I think) and has had success in the past, but now is struggling along with N. Ireland's economy. We got to play in the stadium, which was a real thrill for the guys. It was huge! We were almost the only fans, so we felt pretty tiny in that huge place. The guys tied with Glentoran, which was a result all were pleased with. The Irish boys were pretty rough! But our boys worked hard. We were able to get a tour afterwards around the VIP rooms and lounges. There were lots of pictures of the teams in years past.
This is one of my favorite building styles I've seen in Belfast. I love the black and white!
This morning we were able to go to St. Mark's Church, where CS Lewis attended as a child while his grandfather was the rector there. It was so neat to anticipate what this church would be like!
The team all looked so nice dressed up for church!
This is an Anglican church, so the service had all of the liturgy and formality one would expect. Having the service read with an Irish accent was a treat! Thankfully most of what was read was written in our program, so the kids could follow along a little. John Marshall leaned over to me at one point and said, "I can't understand a single word he's saying!" The sermon was short, working through the reading that was already scheduled for this particular Sunday, which was when Nathan confronted David concerning his adultery and murder. The kids already know the story, so that was helpful. The female pastor obviously understands the gospel, as one of her main points was that there is nothing we can do to make the Lord love us any more or any less than He already does. I noticed some nodding among the guys sitting in front of us. Love these boys!
The church itself is so beautiful inside. It was difficult for me to catch all of the detail on my phone.
After the service a very kind gentleman offered to give us a tour of the church. The building was full of beautiful stained-glass windows telling multiple stories from scripture and church history. He walked us through each one (which took a little bit of time), but was so kind and glad to answer our questions.
After our tour inside we were able to go outside to find the rectory where CS Lewis' grandfather lived while he was the rector. This is where Lewis came to visit him...
and where he first saw...
as my very excited children saw today...
(along with a few very excited grown-up kids)
ASLAN
Doesn't this face look so human-like in it's expression? Tender, compassionate, understanding, good. It's so easy to imagine how CS Lewis could remember this image from his childhood when he imagined Aslan!
She REALLY loved him - she was wishing Aslan really was God and I was able to explain that all the characteristics we love about Aslan are really who God is. She's still trying to grasp that one!
I can imagine a young Lewis running among these trees. Of course, a bit smaller in his day.
After church we returned to Lakeside to make sandwiches and change clothes. We ended up spending the rest of the day in a little coastal town called Carlingford. I must say, this has been a favorite place so far for everyone, especially my husband. He was absolutely in heaven!
Kindly notice that the picture is being taken from below, hence the accentuated belly and chin(s)!
This is the castle from down below, by the waterside.
They should also have a sign with a child on it instead of a car...
We both enjoyed the flowers so much!
This was at a pub that we considered eating at, but it was just a little too loud. Wonderful music, though!
Goodbye, Carlingford!
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