The Cliffs of Moher and so much more...(I know, that was pretty terrible!) =)

Hey ya'll (yes, I've still got a little of that Southern twang in me even though practically every time that I am about to speak a sentence I think about it in my head and it goes through this Irish filter that says my words in Irish. Here's the sad thing though, when I say it in my head, it sounds perfect and great, but when it comes out of my mouth, it doesn't sound right at all! Haha!) Anyway, enough of that! I hope you all are well! I am doing pretty good, just adjusting to life here! Sunday we got to go to church to a place called Discovery Church. It was a good service but I was still super jet-lagged from the flight. Then we went to lunch in town (Galway) with our new friend Maren. Maren is in her second year as an intern here and is a graduate of Asbury College. She was so great. She took us around town to the places we needed to go and helped us out in many ways. Then later that evening, we went to some of the interns house in Salt Hill (a part of Galway about a mile away from the coffee shop) and watched The Princess Bride and ordered pizza. It was really nice because it gave us a chance to not only get out of our rooms but get to know other people, especially people that we will be working with every day. It was definitely overwhelming but good because it made me feel a little bit more settled.

So anyway, one of the friends of the interns, John, is Irish and is going to be leaving this Friday to work in the states. So Maren and this other intern Scott (he's 19 and an intern from Texas) wanted to go to the cliffs for the day with John. Now the cliffs they are referring to are the Cliffs of Moher. For those of you who have seen the Princess Bride, they are the Cliffs of Insanity! Inconceivable! Haha! Anyway, Maren asked us if we wanted to go along! Why would you turn down an offer like that!! So we went and it was the perfect day! The sun was out (which doesn't happen that often here) and the weather was just perfect. (sorry Mom and Dad...the time we went it was rainy, cloudy, and cold...better luck next time?!) =) If you check on my dropshots page, I uploaded a video and some pictures from the day. Plus I loaded a few pictures of Galway and the coffee shop. Hopefully I can get some more up soon. Anyway, the day was incredible at the cliffs! CJ found out that they are 702 feet high! We ended up hiking around the cliffs. (a little scary at times but amazing!) So that was Monday. And once we got back, we had dinner with the Autreys. Arden and June Autrey are missionaries here and Arden is a Bible teacher (plus our teacher while we're here). They are incredible people (and made us some incredible food)! So yeah, that was our Monday! By the way, the coffee shop is not open on Mondays. They are open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10:30-5:00. Kind of nice having Monday off. =)

So Tuesdsay we had staff devotions at 9AM which went well. Then Kelly Curry, the founder of An Tobar Nua and Foundation in Christ ministries, wanted to talk to us about theologies and stuff. So we met for like an hour and a half and discussed the different theologies and what people believe and where in Scripture it is found. He talked a lot about the Catholics and what they believed too (since Galway is a highly Catholic town). It was actually really interesting and I learned a lot from it. After that, we just went and hung out in the cafe. I got talking to two girls and they had me sit down with them! It was really wonderful because I felt like I was starting to connect with the youth already! We talked about all sorts of things! Then, it was time for lunch and I ate in the cafe (which was incredible! had the best grilled cheese ever). We get one meal a day and we have a lot of great selections! Seriously, every one of you should come over to Galway, Ireland to have some scones and tea at this coffee shop, plus whatever other things they have there! Haha! Anyway, after lunch, we just hung out around here and relaxed. And then, since we didn't have much to do, we watched High School Musical! Ha! Good times! If you haven't seen it, you should watch it. So cute!

Anyway, then we got together today. We met with Susan (Kelly's wife) and she told us about how the ministry was started and where God has brought them over theyears. It really is phenomenal all that God has done in their lives! We had lunch again in the cafe and this time it was during the busy hour when all of the school kids come in. It was neat just sitting there and observing them (makes me glad I'm not in junior high and high school anymore). =) After lunch, we went next door to the bookstore that is owned by An Tobar Nua. They wanted us to start getting training because we will be helping out there as well. I am so excited about working there! I think it will be a lot of fun! We had a chance to help the woman who runs the shop with some little things here and there. It actually felt good to do some work and get things done. I think I'm just ready to get in on the action. =)

And now I'm here, sitting in my room, starving cause I haven't had dinner and it's already 9:17pm, which would be about 4:17pm your time. Personally, I am doing well and just ready to start work. I have been having some struggles since I got here, but I am trusting in the Lord and seeking His direction and strength in it all. God has just been incredible. I feel like I am growing little by little each day in my relationship with Him. It is still super tough with all the other things going on, BUT God is faithful! God is amazing! And I really believe He is becoming my everything. I can't make this life without Him. I can't make this trip without Him. I can't make this day without Him. He is my source of strength, my energy, and my guide! And in the hard and crazy times, I know He will always be with me. So I guess just please keep praying for me! Pray that I will get settled in and be prepared for the work ahead. Classes start next week and work in the coffee shop starts tomorrow. So please pray!! But God bless each one of you and I hope you are doing well! Please let me know what is going on in your lives! Give me updates!! My email is michelle_cravens@tayloru.edu if you ever want to email me or fill free to leave comments on my webpage or dropshots page or even snail mail (address is down below). I'd love to hear how you all are doing and know how I can be praying for you!! God bless and I will leave you with some verses from Psalms that have been encouraging to me over the past month!

"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besdies you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever....But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your good deeds." -Psalms 73:23-26,28

I love you all and thanks for your support and prayers!

~Michelle~