CPD in Belfast: September 2005

Beautiful Weather...For Now

Belfast, on a clear day, seen from Cave Hill. Although clear days are uncommon here, we've had extraordinary weather so far. We have been warned that once winter comes, the dreariness will set in- overcast, sharp wind, freezing rain (but hardly ever snow). But at the moment I'm thankful for the beautiful skies and countryside, which have helped the transition from sunny Florida. I don't think we realize how much the weather can affect our moods, but I am sure to find out as we get further into Belfast's famously depressing winter. I just hope when it comes I will be able to maintain proper perspective. I must learn to find my joy in the love of the Lord and in his promises, for nothing else is lasting (particularly the weather). Perhaps this will help me do that.

One of the Guys

We have been told repeatedly that we should be prepared for a different sense of humor in Belfast. Conversational banter here often revolves around sarcastically poking fun at others (particularly, say, their enormous height, American accent, resemblence to certain members of the royal family, etc.). If we get made fun of, we were told, we should take it as encouragement- it means that people here feel like they can relate to you. Thus, it has been with much satisfaction that I endured some good natured teasing last night from the guys at The 174 Trust, as we played football on a wet pitch (field) off the Falls Road. "That's right, fix your hair, Princey!" one yelled when I ran my hand through my hair in preparation for a penalty kick. "Trying to draw a penalty, eh? Nice dive!" they teased as I fell flat on my face trying to control an incoming pass. Although I'm still a little slow with the comebacks, I have learned to simply laugh at myself, and enjoy it.

It was also with much laughter that I received the following picture and caption in an email conversation amongst all of the youth leaders at the church, referencing the upcoming youth retreat to go surfing on the north coast (no joke), and one youth leader's "real job" at Ernst & Young downtown:

BUSH SENDS TOP MAN TO ULSTER
President Bush today announced that Top US sport star Chris Pratt-Dannals was being sent to
war torn North Belfast. "I'm sure Chris can show my good friends in Scotland that we want to help with all their trouble. It warms my heart when I imagine Chris and all those little stone throwers surfing in the tropical winter waters of Portrush. No doubt Chris can teach them how to throw properly." Ernst & Young welcomed the president's initiative. "We welcome any assistance, as all our staff are currently busy typing non-sensical emails to the youth leaders of their various church congregations."

Thus, at both The 174 and Whitehouse Church, things seem to be going quite well. Much sooner than expected, I am starting to feel like one of the guys, and its hilarious.

The Church's Response?

Today I accompanied our site coordinator, Doug Baker, to a conference hosted by the Church of Ireland focusing on the church's role in peace and reconciliation. The event brought in Antoine Rutayisire, a pastor from Rwanda, to discuss his experience with reconciliation after his country's horrifying experience with genocide. Priests and pastors struggled with tough questions—what exactly should the church do in its current situation in Northern Ireland? Should reconciliation be left up to the government? What responsibility do they have as Christian leaders living in such a divided society? How exactly should the church practice peacemaking in the local community? What did Jesus mean when he said "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"? It was a privilege to be a part of such an event, to witness genuine concern growing out of a commitment to the work and Word of Christ. I know now that despite the violence over the past week, there are still many who struggle against the tide to bring peace to their society. I hope that I can help them in some small way while I'm here, and that maybe I will learn more of their depth of faith in the face of situations that, at times, can seem so hopeless.

Welcome to Belfast

From the living room window we can see smoke rising against the night sky. Helicopters provide constant background noise, reminding us of the violence happening less than a quarter-mile away. There have been riots each of the past two nights, after a Loyalist/ Unionist/ Protestant march was rerouted on Saturday, and there was a confrontation with police (see the BBC for more info). Dozens of cars--even a bus--have been hijacked and set ablaze to block key motorways. Paramilitary gangs took advantage of the riots to fire live rounds at the police from the crowds. Of course the situation is more complicated-- the march was only a precipating event, a spark to ignite anger stemming from deeper grievances, both personal or communal. There is so much history behind every sign and symbol, so much that I don't understand. Many locals admit that they don't quite understand either.

Our quiet neighborhood sits in stark contrast to the flooded streets only a short walk away, where police and rioters face off with bricks and plastic bullets. Only last weekend, the streets were flooded by a different phenomena--the sidewalks of the city center full to the brim with shoppers and young couples, Catholic and Protestant alike, enjoying a sunny Saturday afternoon. Now half the city is shut down. I never saw this coming, which shows just little I know about these people and their reality. There is hatred and frustration just beneath the surface of this society--one scratch and it is exposed. The worst part about it all is that I can do nothing about the violence, but sit here in the living room and watch things unfold on tv.

The Whiterock Parade, a march of the Orange Order, the rerouting of which provided a pretext for multiple nights of communal violence. Note the white police vehicles in the picture, ready for any conflict that may occur, but probably not expecting anything on the scale of the riots that ensued.

A Fiery Roadblock on the Shankill Road

Rioting in North Belfast

The Aftermath of the Violence

Thorndale Avenue, north Belfast

We've finally settled in to our house on Thorndale Avenue, in a Nationalist neighborhood north of Belfast's city center. The house is more spacious than it looks from the outside, and is just down the street from the community center at which I'll be spending much of my time. (see the pictures of Thorndale House and my roommates). My fellow volunteers and I were introduced to our placement sites this week, which usually include a church and a community center. I'm focusing on teenage youth ministry at Whitehouse Presbyterian Church with Rev. Liz Hughes and at The 174 Trust with Rev. Bill Shaw.

Already I have found people here to be incredibly welcoming and hospitable. The "banter," as they call it, is quite entertaining, and is carries an important place in social interactions. Almost everyone I've met seems to greatly appreciate quick-witted jokes and lively conversation. I feel a bit slow sometimes, only being able to understand about half of what they say, but its getting easier with each day. People like Pat (a staff person at 174 Trust) have helped tremendously, happily repeating hilarious expressions and explaining local slang. I've also had some education in the not-so-nice slang of inner-city Belfast after playing football (soccer) with local teens.

I realize this first post is a bit incomplete- it is meant only to provide a basic context for subsequent posts, in which I will reflect more specifically on my experience here and the relationships the Lord is building all around me. Please let me know if there's anything you'd like to know more about, and I'll do my best to elaborate (use the "comment" link below each post). Thanks for visiting, and enjoy!