Hello again,
Things haven’t been as hectic over the past three weeks. So, besides playing a few gigs my parents and I have been able to relax and get to see some of this beautiful country!
The new friends we’ve made here are quickly becoming more like family to us and that makes it all the more special.
One of the families we stayed with, it turns out, we are distantly related to through my mom! The De Paor’s, It’s Irish for the surname Powers.
As Leigh, the husband, explained, it comes from an old Norman family of Nobility who converted to Christianity and sold their possessions and gave to the poor. They also changed their Surname to “Le Paor”… meaning, “The Poor” to identify with the poor to whom they were ministering. Later this Norman spelling changed to “De Paor”.
That was a really neat connection as we are missionaries and we pretty much sold what we had and gave to the poor 17 years ago and now we find out that our ancestors did the same thing! Not just coincidence I think!
Over time the Spelling has been Anglicized and the most common spellings are “Power” or “Powers”… the latter being my mother’s maiden name!
In fact one Sunday after Church, Leigh took us to see Fern’s Castle. We got their just before they closed it down for the day, and got the last tour! It is incredible how they could build these castles the way they did! The tour was very interesting as to how they built the castle and the varied uses of the sections and how they could protect themselves during an attack.
It turns out that one of the guides is also a Powers… so… we got a nice photo of the four “Powers” together! I even had the privilege of locking up the tower gate! Who says it doesn’t pay to come in last! 🙂
We’ve also been to Dublin a few times and on one occasion, there was an evangelistic group trying to draw a crowd on the main walking section of downtown Dublin.
So, after my parents and I had lunch my Mom suggested that I offer to play for them in order to draw a crowd… so… we went and offered, and as I played, the people started to gather in a half moon line surrounding the area they were set up at.
After I finished playing a few tunes they had a “captive” audience to hear the Gospel!
It was a nice experience and it was a pleasure to be part of it!
We spoke with Michelle, a lady who was working with this same group for quite a while, and it turned out that a week or so later we ended up staying at a Bible Helps Ministry that she works at but didn’t realize it was the same one until after we arrived there… such a small world!
My parents and I took a free “Bicycle Taxi’s” tour near the Spire, center of Dublin, and except for the power being from a bicycle instead of feet… kind of like a rickshaw.
It was a great way to see the city. We also went over to the Dublin Castle where we walked around for a little while and took some great pictures.
After a long day we headed back to Arklow where we were staying with the De Paor’s for a nice hot meal and a warm bed!
My parents are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary today! It is a special day for my Mom because of her Grandmother coming from Ireland! For my Mom to be here for the first time in her life, and on her wedding anniversary was the perfect gift to her!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Mom and Dad, I love you!
I need to go for now…
Take care,
Buddy
Click here to return to the Buddy’s BITS Index!
