Queridos amigos,
Summer has come, and in Ireland, that means long days, lighter schedules, the smell of barbecues, vacations, and spending time outside whenever the sun is shining. Groups that meet weekly throughout the school year go on hiatus as everyone wants to be outdoors during daylight hours. Here are some highlights from the past months!
Little Friends Parent and Baby Group met from February to J une. This group had struggled to start up again after the lockdowns of COVID-19 (followed by deputation in 2021/2022, and surgeries and recoveries in 2023). It was wonderful to see this group take root, and in the last few weeks in June, we discussed the possibility of starting the “graduate” group again in the Fall. (We have to grow those babies into toddlers for that!)
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I remain part of the preaching team at the Nazarene Church. This means I get to preach about every six weeks. I enjoy that very much. I co-lead a Bible Study for young mums on Friday mornings (which has now paused for the summer).
In April I completed a graduate level certificate course for Trauma Informed Care. I began this course as part of my effort to go back into Social Work, however, it will be valuable for a life of service in Ireland (and in our world) where so many experience displacement, war, famine, and racial injustice. Related to that, I have begun to volunteer teaching English twice a week, for men who are currently in Ireland under “protection” visas and living locally.
I applied for and was accepted into a “Training for the Ministry of Spiritual Companioning” which is more commonly called “Spiritual Direction”. This is a two-year commitment here in Ireland, starting in October 2024, and I am looking forward to it! I feel that it will be a valuable way to connect with people, and I think I will enjoy it too.
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I’m leaving on Friday for camp! I will be in Northern Ireland July 5-12. I am the “Camp Hostess/Auntie”, a seminar leader, and a panel participant (answering anonymous questions that are placed in a box throughout the week). I have loved being at camp for the last 15 years, in various capacities, working alongside Irish Young Friends/Leaders. I feel really privileged to be able to interact with them, encourage them, and be loved and encouraged by them, as well.
I’m in my 23rd year in Ireland. That is more than a third of my life. I am so thankful for the faithful prayers and support that keep me here. It is your support that allows me to do this work that I love, for people I love, so that they would know that they are loved, known, and seen by God, who is more than we can imagine and cherishes us.
Kathi Perry
Spanish 
English (United States)