Belfast by Ryan
Departing from Ballycastle early in the morning the pilgrims from St Albans, Washington DC, got to make a morning stop at Carrickfergus to see a local friend, a young N Irish man who is attending school in DC.
This historical town maintains a well preserved English castle as well as one of the oldest churches in Ireland. Throughout the morning the pilgrims spent time with their friend as he lovingly welcomed them into his home, showing them the same hospitality they have shown to him in America.
Afterward the pilgrims made the quick trip down to Belfast in order to make it in time to meet with our friends at 174 Trust. This organization is known world-wide as a standard of peace and reconciliation, and right upon our arrival the director, Bill Shaw, took the time to tour the pilgrims throughout the neighborhoods of Belfast explaining to them his own story of reconciliation as well as pointing out the many murals and history of the city.
In evening prayer the pilgrims took some dedicated time to reflect on their preconceived notions of Belfast and the harsh realities they were witnessing in just their short time there. All of a sudden the topic of reconciliation was taking on a whole new meaning.