Unlike most of the group who (in the spirit of competition) sprinted up Croagh Patrick, Brooke, Libby, and I decided to take it slow. Even before we arrived at the extremely steep and incredibly unstable part of the hike, we were really, really tired. But I am glad that we took the hike slowly, since every time we stopped for a break, we could look back on the beautiful views all around. (Even if the reason we stopped was not the living-in-the-moment attitude but the fact that we were all really, really tired). The part of the hike before we could see the top of the mountain was the hardest, since it was hot and it felt like we would have to walk forever before we could even start the real “climb”. Brooke and I, as slightly dehydrated, sleep-deprived teenagers, decided it would be a good idea to drink the water from the small stream that was running down the side of the mountain. So we cupped our hands underneath water dripping from the ferns on the side of the hill and drank it. (It tasted like moss, but it was so cold and we were so tired that we did not care). After a brief celebration in the name of the power of nature, we continued to struggle up the mountainside.
By far the best part of hiking, in my opinion, is when you are not hiking. Stopping and looking out on the aggressively green land and the water almost the same color as the sky is the best part of hiking. When you actually walk up Croagh Patrick, you can’t look at the views. You have to look at the rocks and the gravel because if you don’t, you will definitely fall down the mountainside like Brooke. (She fell five times, but only her dignity was injured). The other best part of hiking, at least in Ireland, is the multitude of kind people you will meet along the trail. In the last stretch of the hike, every person coming down the other way encouraged us and told us things like “You can do it!” and “You’re almost there!” When we arrived at the top of the mountain, I had never felt more like a paper doll, about to be blown away by the wind. As we sat at the top surrounded by incredible views and a feeling of accomplishment, we heard singing. A group of older Irish people were singing traditional Irish songs, our background music as we struggled down the mountain. I even knew one of the songs from a chorus concert during the year. The hike up Croagh Patrick was exhausting and intimidating. But it was also proof of the kindness of strangers, the strength of our pilgrimage group, and the invigorating effects of 100% organic Irish stream water. Peace, Molly Sayles
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As we heard the door (to our hostel room) slam shut, we shot out of our beds to the shrills and awkward sounds coming from Keith. We have come to know each other so well that this was a routine type of thing. More energetic than the day before, we bolted out the doors, thrilled for the long day ahead.
Croagh Patrick was beautiful, yet it didn't look intimidating. Christian, Cole, Dillon, and I underestimated the hike as we sprinted up the first half with jolts of energy. Once halfway, we looked up the other half and shuddered. This was intimidating, but another challenge that we knew God would help us through. The rocks were loose, the hike was hard and windy, yet everyone on the trail had nothing but joy to spread to everyone. It almost seemed as if everyone we talked to — we didn't have to really get to know them to enjoy a long conversation. Even if you didn't intend to take a break, you would sometimes be standing in place for 10 minutes as you talked about anything on our minds. The top of the mountain was exhilarating. As we all saw the gate ahead signaling the last 20 feet, we became somewhat weak as our minds were already focused on the top. We were drained, but so alive at the realization that we made it to the top. Although that realization was awesome, nothing beat the unique and never-ending view that we saw as we looked over the rocky cliffs of Croagh Patrick. The last stretch of the day really helped me reflect on the people in this group that we all love so much. As Shelby reached the bottom of Croagh Patrick and walked into the coffee shop, she immediately asked for assistance as Cole and I grabbed some food to deliver to Father Bob who was still on the trail. As we finished our sprint to meet him, he said making it to the top was “definitely worth it,” even though his blood sugar was low, he was dehydrated, and was getting assistance from kind strangers who he asked to help him down cause he couldn't feel his legs. Taking the rest of the hike down step by step, almost all the guys from our group hiked back up just to make sure he was alright. That was when I realized that the love we have for God is the same that we have for each other. God definitely gave us a great challenge today, but it wasn't a challenge that we couldn’t overcome. Arriving in our American weather oriented clothes to the beautiful sight of castles and churches from the twelfth century, we were excited and exhausted all at the same time. Although we have only been in Ireland a short time, I feel as though my world view has already expanded.
It is not as though you cross the border out of the United States onto an unrecognizable alternate universe. Culture varies from place to place but humanity remains the same. I believe this is an essential realization on the path to maturity. Too often diversity is cited as a reason for conflict, yet thousands of miles away from the only country I have ever known, I find more similarities than expected. Perhaps we are not as different as we think. No matter where you are, amazing, kind people can be found. Many of the pilgrims agreed that the highlight of our day was when an Irish tour guide found out we were American pilgrims and offered to give us a special tour in a historic church and tell some highlights in Irish history. His own pride in his nation and his genuine desire to make our visit great was refreshing and inspiring. I am grateful for the opportunity to see that my Christian community does not stop at Old Donation but extends to all ends of the earth. Even those who have lives incomparable to my own have reached the same spiritual conclusions. How is it that the story of Jesus Christ remains untouched, identical from culture to culture everywhere? It must be a powerful thing we are apart of. Little did we know as children being baptized we were being inducted into an international society of people who will always understand at least one part of us, no matter where we are. After we departed from Virginia Beach a little after 9:00 we got aboard the bus and began our trip to Dulles International Airport just out outside of DC. Now its 4:00 and we’ve just gone through security, baggage check, filled up on smoothies and Chinese food and we are waiting to board our flight to Dublin. Can’t wait to begin my first flight ever and start our pilgrimage off in Ireland! Also Grandma, I’m safe, and I haven’t run into any Kelley’s yet.
Kyle Long We are 5 days from departure. One of our members who shares a love of Ireland sent me this picture to "whet our appetites." This is Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain we will try to ascend on our first full day. Jim Need took the photo and advises us to look very closely at the summit. There is a chapel on top that about 2/3 our group made it to in 2014. Having personally made it to the landing to the left of the steep climb, I can tell you that the rocky path and continual climb is quite challenging. Prayers requested. Bob+
Today we will get a lot of details documented and put in our folders. Also the journal samples should arrive for us to choose from for the pilgrims...
Here's to hope. We have 10 days and will use three hub cities. Westport will be our first home. It is known for "trad" music with O'Malley's leading the way. It is also home to Croagh Patrick, the legendary mountain that Patrick climbed to begin 40 days of fasting and prayer. We will begin our pilgrimage with the same challenging and inspiring trek. The next day we will spend time in the Ulster-American Folk Park learning about the massive exodus of Irish to America and other places around the world. Our second hub city will be Portrush, which is a seaside resort town. We will drive to Londonderry (or Derry, depending on who you ask). The cathedral of Saint Columba, the walls of Derry, the Peace Bridge will all be part of our time in that vibrant city that has been working to build peace where the "Troubles" were such a part of their history. Another area of exploration will be "The Giant's Causeway" with its raw beauty. Our third hub will be Dublin. While there we will visit Christchurch and Saint Patrick's Cathedrals. Excursions to Glendalough and Kildare will give us insights into St. Kevin and Brigit. From there we head back home.
Yesterday at the annual parish picnic, Libby Putzig spoke what was right on my mind: "We only have two weeks left!" Two weeks will fly past and we will be making our way onto the Old Donation bus for the ride to Dulles airport and on to Dubin. We are "almost gone" and before we know it, we will truly be walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick and Brigit.
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Old Donation Episcopal Church
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