VIM BELFAST PEACE PROJECT 2016: Wednesday, April 27: Gate at Forthspring, Homeless Shelter, Tour of Belfast with Judy

Another sunny day in Belfast and less windy. While this area is known for much rain, we have seen virtually none during this part of the trip. This is our last day here before moving on to Corrymeela. It has been a very special part of our trip with so many relationships developed in a week's time. Many of the people we met witnessed the religious conflicts and shared stories that were fascinating accounts of a time when bombing was common place . While barriers are still abundant throughout the city, it is evident that people appreciate living in peace. It has been a pleasure to be in dialogue and break bread with people that exude warmth and are striving to make Belfast a better place.

Today the VIM team split into two groups after Debbie Whitehead led devotions based on Philippians 2:4 and focused on looking at the needs and interests of others and noting that to one person you may be the world. The men returned to Forthspring to complete the relocation of a gate toward the front of the building to deter kids from smoking in an alley way. This project involved attaching hinge plates to one wall and a new post to another. In the process there were two road trips to the local hardware known as Homefit and a meeting with the "Sweed". At 11 am, a tea break was taken with an elderly ladies dance group, before returning to work. After the gate was in place, a mural that had been taken down to do the work was returned to its place on the wall.

The VIM women returned to Skainos to tour and help in a homeless center. The center has a step system whereby homeless people are taken and given a small space to live. Improved living conditions require learning how to care for themselves and become responsible. After helping at the center, the women rejoined the men at Forthspring and met with the Director, Chris, to receive gifts of thanks for the work and relationships fostered this week.

After farewells, all but Rod and Jack returned to the Farset hotel to pack for the next leg of our journey. The Rod/Jack team visited with Sister Gillian to help her create a nameless file for her computer. The list was a paired down version of a master list to be used for sending e-mails to contacts within the Diocese. After this help Rod and Jack returned to Farset.

The evening then began with dinner at Failte, a restaurant we visited early in the week. We had a great time sharing thoughts of the day. To close the evening, we met Judy Crawford for a Pub and City tour stoping at the Crown, Kelly's Cellar and Morning Star historic Pubs before retuning to Farset. While the walk in downtown was a bit chilly, Judy shared much history about the city.

There are many memories of this part of the journey that will not be forgotten. The many people we met will be missed for their kindness and smiles.

Thoughts on this day provided by Jack Whitehead

Working at the Homeless Shelter