Day 7 - Irish Studies & Service

There is a story that when incoming jets throttle back for the approach to Belfast's Aldergrove Airport, the pilots tell their passengers to put their watches back to local time - 1690. ~ Russell Miller

Our correspondent today is Kurt Eicher:

The day began with a stretch and a deep breath of Belfast air, followed shortly by the thought of a full day ahead. After the usual morning rituals and a brief breakfast at the Student Center, the nine of us took a brisk walk down the posh Malone Road to the Irish Studies building at Queen’s where we attended a lecture by Dr. Katy Hayward. Her class was entitled, Introduction to Contemporary Politics. Dr. Hayward focuses her academic research and writing on current political science; particularly in Northern Ireland. Her lecture started with civil rights movement in Northern Ireland and the complete political breakdown in the early 1970’s. She explained turbulent period from 1968 to the mid 1990’s. The points she made on the events that occurred were particularly informative because of her attention to facts. I enjoyed her unbiased stance; she would present points and counterpoints to underscore her objectivity.

After the lecture, we had a bite to eat for lunch at the Student Union building and then split into groups for the afternoon service projects. While on the way to the service center, my group of three winded through the busy streets of West Belfast in a cab, which passed a huge mass of lumber and trash. I hesitated for a moment, but then asked my driver, “What the giant pile was for?” Taxi drivers in Belfast are typically quite talkative and give one a very informal perspective on history, politics, and culture. He was quick to reply that it was for the upcoming Orange Bonfires. The bonfires are the central “sacrament” for the Protestant/Loyalist communities in Northern Ireland. The bonfires, held on the eve of the 12^th of July, celebrate the Protestant victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. At the battle, Protestant King William (Billy) finally defeated the Catholic King James – ensuring Protestant domination in Ireland for centuries. Protestants believe that the battle gained for them “civil and religious liberty.” He continued to tell us about it and said there is a suspected 50 bonfires in the city this year, most towering over 3 stories high! This was a stark reminder the blatant sectarian division in Belfast; it is the bedrock upon which communities are built.

Once at the service center we were told of our task for the day. Jacob, Sarah, and I were to help set up a music recording studio to help create opportunities for kids and young adults to find alternative sources of entertainment and activity; other than wandering the streets causing trouble for law enforcement. This was especially gratifying because of my personal connection with music and that I can take this and apply it to the benefit of underprivileged children in poorer areas of town. While working there, we talked with the administrators behind the project, along with three kids who were eager to see the project begin. The administrators also were eager to gain insight in our views on the American Presidential election as well. I found my time there to be a great experience and know that it helped me better understand what the city needs; different outlets that the up and coming generation can use to channel their energy and time, rather than continue in the footsteps of their ancestors in sectarian violence.

After working for a number of hours, we went back to the dorm, showered up, and donned our finest outfits for a goodbye dinner in the name of the revered English teacher, Mrs. Varnish. As sad as we were to say goodbye, we were grateful to spend an exciting week with her, and ended it with a spectacular dinner at the Chinese restaurant called Welcome. The Chinese community is the oldest “foreign” immigrant group in Belfast. They settled here before and stayed through the troubles. The owner of the restaurant was named an OBE – Order of the British Empire – by the Queen to acknowledge his supreme culinary skills. The food was indeed fit for a Queen and the orange chicken, the leftovers of which I’m snacking on now, was especially delicious. The day was then closed with my favorite part of the trip, a moment of reflection, prayer and meditation.

Kurt

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