Hello again. I’m sorry I’ve been rather quiet the past couple of weeks, but life is a little crazy at the moment.

Last weekend was full of farewells and singing opportunities and celebrating the incredible season of my life this time in Ireland has been. As I chatted with people at the various events over the weekend, (and look forward to seeing others during the next week), I was struck by how many circles within the community I’ve connected with. Numerous churches, the gospel choir, the parent/toddler group, prayer gatherings, various conferences and outreaches, and even connections made during the time of “exile” in Northern Ireland are represented in the people I’ve seen and will see as I wrap up this season of my life.

When I first began praying about moving here just over four years ago, I felt God told me that He had something for me in Ireland. The first response I received when I emailed about volunteering in Sligo was that the program I was applying to work with wasn’t happening. After praying again and feeling again that God had something for me in this place, I wrote back and asked if I could work in the kitchen or watch children or anything else just to come and see what God would do. I had no idea why, but I knew I needed to come to this land I’d never even seen before.

Six months later, I arrived in Ireland on a one-way ticket with two bags, no friends (only a vague acquaintance with the people I’d be working with), and absolutely no idea how much my life would change as a result of my time here. God wasn’t kidding when He said He had something for me here.

I will take so much away from this place. I’m leaving with those same two bags, a guitar, and a heart full of so much more. It will take a long time to fully unpack everything I’m carrying away from here. I have discovered and embraced new depths of who I am and Whose I am. I’ve found and used talents I was only vaguely aware of before. I’ve stepped “out of the boat” and been places I never dreamed I could go, and I’ve seen repeatedly that despite my lack of faith and the times I lose focus and begin to sink, my Lord is always there to take my hand and save me. I have learned (and am still learning) to trust when nothing makes sense, to hope in the face of the impossible, to love in ways I’d never have imagined, and to allow that trust, hope and love to remain in the midst of doubt, disappointment and heartbreak.

This past week was filled with many gifts. I collected numerous cards I look forward to reading when I arrive back in the States, received a beautiful photo of one of my favorite beaches which (provided it fits in my luggage) will be lovely to see when the nearest ocean is hundreds of miles away, spent time with many people who have become special to me during the past three years, had the opportunity to sing for two final services here, and so much more.

My heart is so full, and there are still ten days to enjoy and celebrate life in Ireland before this chapter closes and I find out what God has in store for the next one. This season will always be a special one: one where I discovered, accepted and became Stephanie Hall more deeply than before. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this chapter of my story.