Our connection with the Batemans dates back to 2016, when they came to St. Louis to serve as the Missouri, St. Louis Mission Leaders for a three-year period. We had the great privilege of working closely with them in the mission and grew to love them more than we could have imagined.
We remember meeting them for the first time and thinking, "We feel like we've been friends forever." We might have been manifesting at the time, because it's almost like we wished it into reality. We may only have known them for 8 years now, but they came into our lives just in time! Right when we needed them! And over the years, they seem to keep showing up just in time.
When we learned that Mike and Cheryl were planning a trip to Ireland, we were thrilled. We started planning our itinerary together and tried to include as many historical highlights as we could with a healthy dose of hiking trails. The day they arrived, we informed them that it had been raining for the past 10 days and the day they arrived, was the first sunny day in over two weeks. True to their style, they got here just in time!
Each day spent together was a new adventure of learning and loving--both the culture and the company. Some of our favorite exploring memories together are: Castles, Cemeteries, Cathedrals, Cliffs, Cafes, and CONVERSATIONS! Because of the creative questions Shannon came up with, we learned more about the Batemans in a week than we had learned about them in three years of working together!!
i.e. "What is your spirit animal?" (Do NOT ask Mike that question)
"If you could meet anyone from any period of time, who would
it be and what would you ask them?"
"Would you rather go back in time, or jump to the future? Why?"
"How will you be remembered?"
One of our favorite days spent together was in a little fishing village across the bay from our home in Blackrock. Shannon talked George into taking us out along Howth Head and Ireland's Eye even though there was a storm brewing. He was the perfect guide and even allowed Cheryl to be the captain and drive the boat for a good portion of the cruise.
After the amazing boat excursion, we toured the grounds of the Historic Howth Castle , and had the pleasure of bumping into a true princess (not from these parts) who was the most accommodating and pleasant princess you'll every meet. She even agreed to pose for photos-- "only if you don't vote for Biden!" she said, tongue-in-cheek.
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We spent a day in Dublin and explored the Dublin Castle , St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Historical Marsh Library, and perhaps the most important stop of all... The Harley-Davidson Shop in downtown Dublin.
On our way to the west coast, we took a detour to visit the Rock of Dunamase , the extraordinary ruins of a 12th century castle with a rich history of Celtic fortification and Viking invasion.
Galway and County Clare did not disappoint. Our experience together was enhanced by good food, inside jokes, deep conversations, and a few embarrassing moments along the way. We can laugh about them now, but I won't ever suggest that anyone use the "pay toilets" again! (Sometimes they glitch) - your imagination can fill in the blanks!
At the Cliff's of Moher, Mike and Cheryl put us to shame by hiking all the way to the second castle and back in just over 2 hours. That's 8 miles of rigorous hiking along the cliffs. Shan and I, on the other hand, hiked about 3 miles and found a comfortable spot to sit and call the kids while watching the activity around the birds nests on the facer of the cliffs.
On Saturday, we had the privilege of participating in a youth conference which included Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Mike and Cheryl were able to be guest speakers during the conference and it was amazing to be taught The Doctrine of Christ by this power couple.
All-in-all, it was a fabulous trip. They gave us something we didn't even know we were hungry for; friendship, love, companionship, laughter, inspiration, and quite a few shenanigans! We will forever be grateful for their sacrifices to make this trip to the Emerald Isle. We talked about having them return next month. But whether it's next month or next year... they will get here just in time!
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