Thursday, March 18, 2010

St. Patrick's Day


Today was a great fun day and a sad day. Today we had to say goodbye to our new dear friends the Hinrichs' family who so graciously let us stay with them in their home these last 2 & 1/2 months while in California. We SO enjoyed getting to stay with them and get to know their awesome family durning our time here. But we had to say our goodbyes for now. Ruth and I with the girls are taking a family bonding trip in Big Bear to take a break and enjoy time with my local family before leaving back to Indonesia for four year in less then a week!

Ruth and I on our drive up today were reminiscing on what an crazy time we've had in the States this last year while being in New Hampshire, Arizona, & California. From great sorrow and grief to amazing fellowship and memories. 'Thank You' to all of you that made that happen for us durning this year furlough. You will be missed!

Some history on St. Patrick's Day:

Little is known of Patrick's early life, though it is known that he was born in Roman Britain in the fifth century, into a wealthy Romano-British family. His father and grandfather were deacons in the Church. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave.[1] It is believed he was held somewhere on the west coast of Ireland, possibly Mayo, but the exact location is unknown. According to his Confession, he was told by God in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast, where he would board a ship and return to Britain. Upon returning, he quickly joined the Church in Auxerre in Gaul and studied to be a priest.[citation needed]
In 432, he again says that he was called back to Ireland, though as a bishop, to Christianize the Irish from their native polytheism. Irish folklore tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish people. After nearly thirty years ofproselytizing, he died on 17 March 461, and according to tradition, was buried at Downpatrick. Although there were other more successful missions to Ireland from Rome, Patrick endured as the principal champion of Irish Christianity and is held in esteem in the Irish Church

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Great picture :-)
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We are praying for you guys,
Emily

Anonymous said...

Look at Addie in a pair of jeans! Not that is funny and made me smile.

Love you,

Mamacita