We had to visit Ireland last week because Lorna’s mother was extremely poorly. We spent some good time with her and the rest of the family and I am pleased to say that she has recovered sufficiently to be out of immediate danger.

Because we thought we would be attending a funeral, our return flight was booked for the end of the week. Therefore the time afforded us the opportunity to take a couple of days of down time. We chose to visit Derry/Londonderry which for many of the wrong reasons made the headlines during “the troubles”. Visiting an area where the history has been so recent becomes poignant, standing in the midst of history.
Northern Ireland generally is known for its murals with their visual political statements. It is hard to be indifferent when you see such images, often depicting individuals killed during the conflict. Yet the peace wall which simply shows a dove with different blocks of colour behind is rightly non political. However, the pain suffered on that sight tells a different story, for it is the sight of “Bloody Sunday” where children and adults were killed with bullets from British Army guns.

We all know that the situation in Ireland was, and remains complex but to try and understand the problems from the context of the people of that city was most helpful, a fresh perspective was provided.
Our route to our accommodation was through the Bogside, which felt perfectly safe, even after dark. There would have been no way an Englishman would have taken that route a few years ago. That progress allowing a hurting city to have hope for the future is down to people who championed peace such as John Hume. For his tireless work for the people of Derry and the whole of Northern Ireland he was given a number of awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize. We actually saw the award at the city Guild Hall.

The city has ramparts that you can walk around, courtesy of the English! Perhaps the countless visitors who walk their paths is a sign of a city that is transitioning from conflict, suffering and pain into a city of hospitality. Let us hope.

Blessings to you all as we each break down barriers and allow peace to prevail in all that we do.