Dy bannee diu as Failt royd...

Now if I have read it right, the above phrase should say, Hello and Welcome in Manx!

I have taken the opportunity of being back in the UK to pop over to the Isle of Man for a few days to visit my friend Simon.  He is currently working for one of the local church as Youth Worker and is have a 'fantastic' time!

I have never been to the island before, though I have flown over it many times on my trips to Belfast.  It really is a lovely place and so peaceful and relaxing.  I arrived on Wednesday and we went straight back to the office so that Simon could finish off one or two things before going on leave for a couple for days.

The church buildings are amazing and are well used by a variety of ministries.  The youth ministry has contact with between 50 and 70 young people every week in the church buliding and up to about 500 through the schools work.

From the office we came back to the cottage.  This is a real blessing to Simon and his housemate Darren as it is newly fitted holiday cottage which members of the church have allowed them to rent on a permanant basis.  Both bedrooms are en suite and they have Sky television and internet included in their rent!

Thursday we hired a car and made a tour around the island.  The island is much bigger than you think and is very beautiful and peaceful.  The weather was cool but clear and it was a strange feeling to be wearing both a jumper and a coat!  

In the evening we went along to The Key which is the youth group for 14-18 year olds and I was asked to contribute to the discussion they were having about being an Ambassador for Christ.  The young people were great and I even received the gift of a Urdu bible from one of them!


Friday was a more gentle day with coffee and cheese on toast at the Velvet Lobster in the morning and a trip to the National Sports Centre in the afternoon for a swim and lounge in the jacuzzi!


This was followed by dinner at Alessandro where the food was delicious, particularly, the Duck and Orange Pate to start and the Lemon Sorbet with Limoncello for dessert!


I will be flying back to the mainland this evening and it has been wonderful to spend these few days with Simon.  It has been great to catch up, talk and just to be together.  It has also been great seeing Simon so happy and enjoying his life and work here so much.  We have also been making plans for Simon to come out and visit me next Easter, Inshallah!


So for now I will say goodbye, Slane lhiat...