Ireland Odyssey 2, continued

Mission Complete:  Mother's talents have returned to the  land of her Irish ancestors.  Yesterday we were warmly welcomed by the staff and a student at Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana, County Donegal, Ireland.

Principal Rosaleen Grant took this photo as we laid out the notecards created by my mother (and one by my brother Jim). The cards and the books she illustrated are now property of the school to keep and to enjoy.

Our visit to Scoil Mhuire led us to meet Sarah, a gifted writer, lover of language, talented dancer and all-around charming young lady.

After the formalities and more photos, some taken by instructor Seamus who's getting married next week, Sarah walked us to the newly completed viewpoint where one can look out to the spot that inspired English minister John Newton to write the lyrics to "Amazing Grace."

Buncrana is a beautiful town, and we were sad to learn that we missed the Amazing Grace festival by one day.

Looking over the countryside and experiencing some memorable moments with its residents, I would say that our mother would be beyond thrilled to have seen the homeland of her Irish ancestors.

In my mind, Buncrana begs a return trip some day.  As for now, knowing that Mother's artwork now resides there is truly satisfying.  I think she would be very proud. 

Soon after leaving Buncrana, we crossed the border into Northern Ireland, the city of Derry, once known as Londonderry.  This city has suffered from sieges and much sadness in its struggles over the centuries.

There's an air of significant history with virtually every step taken through the walled city which could only be entered by huge gates for centuries.  Derry is known as the city of cannons because of the many that can be seen while walking the wall that surrounds much of it.

Evidence of intense conflict and a rebellious nature is ubiquitous, to say the least.  In spite of that, there is beauty everywhere too. One of the beautiful moments for us came just as we were taking our suitcases into the hotel.

A wedding party was arriving.  We stood as they were greeted at the door with champagne.  Most had entered when a kind gentleman grabbed my cell phone and said, "Let's take a picture of you."

So, Bill and I have a quick portrait outside our hotel, which appears on my Facebook wall.

We visited a huge cathedral (stain glass photos and Madonna) where this weekend a new bishop of Derry will be ordained.  As we walked through the doors, final touches for the big event could be seen as a gentleman was painting the interior walls.

Later, Bill was pleased to see the size of the Derry First Presbyterian Church.  The walk up and down the bright green hills and sidewalks of Derry offered a true kaleidoscope of a Northern Ireland town with great and poignant stories to tell.

Again, we experienced the "buffet" where the offerings were both abundant and inspiring wishes that we had just a little more time to take it ALL in.

Today we go to the Giant's Causeway, a truly magnificent geological phenomenon in Northern Ireland.

So, it's on the road again, and another full day's workout for our cameras.

Fun stuff; happy Saturday. 

Geocaching find in Derry