Ireland isn't exactly as romantic as it sounds. Oddly enough, its quite opposite the beautiful nature that surrounds. The land is pretty, but for the youth at least, many of them really struggle. (At least is the case in the town I'm in.) The people are friendly, and as one girl put it, "At least we have each other." The reality is such: This town has never had much of any organization for the youth. The youth don't do much but hang out outside, and drink/smoke/whatever fills the time. Many of them hang around outside with no direction, discipline, or anywhere to go. Most of the teens tell me they hate this town, they can't wait to leave, and their so bored they resort to destructive behaviors to fill the time.

While this isn't the typical beginning to a mission trip story, it's an honest one.

So, in the beautiful and intricate way that God brings people together, this AIM group has come to help run a drop in center for the youth (12-18 in the afternoon, 14-18 at night.) What's amazing is this: everyone in this group has such amazing passion and varied talents, that we make a good mix. God is working through each and every one of us to run this center, and reach the different youth and traverse in and out.

It's a tiring task to bring light where there is so much darkness. It can be overwhelming, confusing, and bewildering. But as of 2 days in the center, Christ can be seen in the small things. The questions about why we pray, and curiosity of why we came to Ireland from America, why we are different, how does one stop drinking, what is love really about........All this questions are the beginning of a quest, a search for the truth.

As a little background... Ireland is mostly Catholic. There is a lot of anger towards "Protestants" (Those who are different) and anger towards religion in general. A lot of people are Catholic because of tradition. There seems to be a lack of real relationships with God, and there seems to be a lot of misunderstandings about who Christ really is. After the potato famine, it was considered "selling out" if someone decided to not be Catholic. So, about 90% are catholic, 5% Protestant/Church of Ireland, and the rest "Other."

Anyway, what the get at point is... There is a lot of darkness in Ireland, and in this town. And it takes a lot to reach the youth, and to have them feel fulfilled.

SO, that's what we're here for! We've already heard good things from the youth saying they enjoy when we're here, and are glad to be around us. I'm really excited to see what God has in store for the rest of our trip!

Pray continually for the youth of Ireland, for direction and truth! And pray for missionaries who are over in Ireland for strength, rest, and perseverance! It is always needed!

God is ALWAYS good.

Natalie Kroll