Living for the weekend...

Saturday 'The big kid day'-
Saturday morning saw all the interns rolling onto a real American, yellow school bus in our attempts at wearing 'outdoor gear'. I sat of the back of the bus because it seemed cool to do. Also, like Judi, I wanted to sleep. This did not happen. I was slightly too excited to sleep and I will be honest- slightly nervous. We were heading to Hemlock Outdoor Activity Centre and I had visions of me stuck at the top of a tree.
On arrival, after coating ourselves in several layers of bug spray and sun lotion, we were greeted by Laura and Laura (easy to remember) who split us up into groups for the day. I am not being biased but I most definitely got put in the best group EVER. We were able to complete all our tasks without killing each other or getting stuck in trees (I was relieved!). One of our tasks involved completing a blind maze, which was challenging to say the least! It really made me think about how difficult it must be to be blind, especially in somewhere as busy as DC. The day before I had tried to help a blind lady who I thought was lost but she actually knew exactly where she was in the metro station and she actually knew a lot more than I did about where things were and I was the one who could see. Also we went zip wiring!

In the afternoon our group and another group merged. This is where group dynamics and leadership skills were definitely tested. In a group of 20 leaders people usually take two stances- let others lead and give no input or else they take over the world. Well, not quite these extremes but tension was evident. Cliona nominated me to lead the group. This was slightly scary as I was forced to make a decision which I knew wouldn't please everyone and 'postpone' trying to complete one of the tasks as there were a variety of factors mitigating against it's completion (my vocabulary scares me sometimes). The next task, however, we absolutely aced- there was still wild tension but completing it lifted the mood and showed how the two groups could work together.

Hemlock was a fabulous, sticky and eye-opening experience- some of us finished by playing a bit of volleyball (my first touch of the ball ended with me lying flat out after scraping my back on the gravel- I think I improved after this though!)

That evening we went to the O'Hara's for a BBQ/Pool Party/well needed showers! Thank you so much to the O'Hara's- the food was amazing (that desert was unbelievable!) and it was so generous of you to open your house to some very muddy kids! Just to set the scene for those back home: this house was huge, situated on masses of land which not only a pool but a mini lake too. Upstairs they had a beautiful conservatory area and the decking had two rocking chairs, which over looked the grounds. Amazing.

It was during the group picture that I had one of my reflective moments. If this event were in a movie it would go something like this:

Everyone scrambles around to get into the photo- the camera focuses on the adults lifting the children, WIPpers joking around, the dog sauntering into the photo, a few shots of the sky and sunshine for good measure. Then the screen would pan out to show everyone with a few little snippets showing close ups of peoples faces. We would all say cheese and then the picture would appear on screen and my voice would start talking about my experience of the summer.

Very retrospective but it was at this point I realised that I was part of The Washington Ireland Program Class of 2008.



On the way back we hit a horrendously loud thunder and lightening storm. I would describe the noise of it but I can't, anyone on the roads would not have been able to hear anything other than the voices of WIP and SAWIP belting out some singing. This point defined the weekend for me. There is something about a bus sing song that really builds a group up. It reminded me of being at home on New Years Eve with the guitar singing the classics such as 'Sweet Caroline' and 'Brown Eyed Girl'

The bus dropped 40 rather chlorine and sweat soaked interns off at a rainy Dupont Circle where I was able to meet up with my dearest cousin Rusty! It was great to see a face from home and get to catch up with him. I have only one complaint- Rusty has a full American accent that is miles away from his native Braniel enunciation!

Saturday was Vuyo's Birthday! Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoyed your day in Hemlock!

Sunday- The day of rest? Ha! Not with WIP!

On Sunday we went to Mount Lebanon Baptist Church. MLBC is miles away from the typical Norn Iron Baptist church! The service started with a type of gospel choir- it was fabulous both to watch and join in with. The pastor asked one guy to sing and it was by far one of the most emotional moments of this trip for me. He sang 'How Great Thou Art' and it was so genuine and heartfelt. It left me quite emotional because as he was singing one single tear rolled down his cheek and it was clear to see that God was working through him.

The sermon was really good- it was about escaping labels. There were a few jibes at John McCain, which were amusing (not for Mr Allister though!). The Pastor asked the choir to mix among us- he said we looked too much like an 'Oreo Cookie'. I shall leave that comment there!

After the service the congregation hosted us for lunch. Fried Chicken and Sweet Potatoes that were almost dripping with pure sugar and caramel! It was brilliant food and the interns provided entertainment. Some WIPpers sang 'Brown Eyed Girl' and the SAWIPpers sang a rendition of 'In the Jungle'. Kudos to Elaine and Matthew for their solos! Elaine- you have a beautiful voice! Matthew- song choice was super and, as usual, your performance was super!

That afternoon I went round to my former host brothers Chris and Phil's house to watch the football but Lenore offered to teach me how to make Monkey Bread, which I am sure is an offer no one would ever refuse! Thank you for letting me in on the secret Lenore!

Sunday was also Aoibhin's 21st! Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoyed your day (and night!)!

I have a bit of an entry to write about Monday's classes but the Mothership wants a blog update now so it will have to wait!