July 13, 2018:  Day 1 of our Pilgrimage

We awoke around 9:00.  I got a really good night sleep, Kate not so much, unfortunately.  We had time to shower, go down to breakfast and get packed up ready to leave to catch a bus at 12:30 at the airport.  The shuttle driver was very helpful, giving us information on the right bus to take. I was a little worried about how we would find our B&B once we arrived in Dundalk, a town about 50 minutes north of Dublin, but upon arrivng in town, we stopped at a red light and there it was. The bus driver gladly pulled over and let of off, rather than making us go to the bus station.

We spent the next couple of hours wondering around town taking in the local flavor and visiting a few beautiful churches.  We found St. Patrick's which was grand and beautiful.  I took pictures, because I do love St. Patrick.  And if you look carefully at the stained glass windows you will see St. Patrick and St. Brigid.

After our  look around town we came back to the B&B to get ready to meet with our group and go out to dinner with everyone.  We met at the Glengat, The B&B just up the street.  It was fun to meet the other pilgrims from Ireland, Austrailia, Canada and the US. We received a booklet telling us about where we would be each day and what we would do. We also received Brigid's Way passport to carry with us. Dinner was delicious and the company was charming as  we began to learn what drew everyone here. We all had our own path, and many of us had been yearning to come for the past few years.

Today it felt like the journey is ready to begin.  It was wonderful to be able to settle into the Irish country, meet new people and sit in the great cathedral filled with lighted candles, hopes and prayers.

And finally, it is time to go back to our B&B to rest. We are the last room on the 5th floor.  There is a beautiful view of  the city and we can see 3 churches out of our window.  One of them is the Church of Ireland, that is an Episcopal church here. There is a cool breeze coming though the windows.  Voices can be heard below.  The sun is just now setting and it is 10:21 p.m. My soul and my body are at peace.  I am ready to begin this journey.

Prayer:

The sun is setting and day is done.  There are still a few voices raising up from the darkness below, but the birds have stopped singing and the earth is resting.  Thank you God of all creation, for the beauty of this day and of this night.  Thank you for bringing together fellow seekers yearning to know you.  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to meet you through new eyes.  Give us ears to hear and eyes to see you as we begin our journey tomorrow. And give us rest this night that will prepare and sustain us in our travels tomorrow. Amen













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