try it again

i've uploaded all 3 of the videos i posted previously through Google video, so please try them again and see if they work! i just kept them in their original posts, so you'll have to scroll down a bit to find them. hope they work!!

in other news, i went to a Presbyterian church this morning in Ballynure. while i was walking to church, i met up with an older grandpa-type man dressed in a white suit. i figured he must be on his way to church and so i asked him where he was going. he replied he was going to church and away we walked together! we talked along the way, and i told him what i was doing in Northern Ireland. we got to the church, just a short walk, and he introduced me to 2 of his buddies. we had a talk about living in Canada and the cold winters and i had to laugh at myself! there i was, first time at church and chatting to some lovely old Irishmen! my friend invited me to sit with him and told me his name was Sam Bell. the church was old and the pews were quite upright and uncomfortable! there were not a lot of people there, mostly older, and then quite a few families with children. i didn't see anyone else my own age. they sang 3 songs, with piano and an old man on bass guitar! the pastor spoke on Stephen in Acts, and how he was stoned. he told some jokes and was basically a fine speaker. the couple in the pew ahead of me introduced themselves to me, they were probably mid-thirties with young children. they were so kind and nice and invited me back next week. everyone that i've met in Northern Ireland have been welcoming and familiar with me, such a wonderful thing to experience when i don't know anyone! i also spoke with the pastor, who was also very welcoming and interested in what i was doing in Ballynure. i'm not sure if i will go back, i would like to find a church that has a younger population.

on Friday night i met some of Joanne's friends, Julie (also her cousin) and Claire. we had a lovely evening just talking. Claire is a church going, single girl, and i am very pleased to know her. she goes to a Presbyterian church, and has invited me to come one Sunday, so i am really hoping to do that.

also, Hillary has a friend, Jayne, whom she met in Toronto through UrbanPromise, and who is from Northern Ireland. we have exchanged some emails and are going to meet sometime this week, i think. i am excited to meet her..i know that if Hillary loves her, so will i! i can't believe i have only been here 6 days and have already gone to church, met some old men, and found some potential friends. what a blessing it has been.

on Saturday afternoon, Joanne and i took the girls to her mum's house, where they meet every Saturday for tea and a visit. joanne's family is very nice and welcoming, asking questions and accepting me! her aunties remind me of my own, talking about food and friends. also, Joanne's granny was there, she just sat and listened and was a granny. i am very pleased to get along with her family, as i know they are an important part of Joanne's life, so therefore will be a part of mine.

all in all, i feel i've accomplished quite a bit since arriving here only a few short (and so long) days ago...i've been driving and not running into anything! success!!!