Historic Agreement in Ireland!

After decades of political strife pitting the governments of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland against each other, Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams have come to terms on their respective parties governing Ireland together. Nice. When I was in Ireland in April 2006, Justyna (my high school friend) and I traveled to Northern Ireland and the Republic and we didn't really see anything that was reminscent of "the troubles". But there are reminders. Back in 1989 when I first visited Belfast, the British military presence was undeniable - soldiers, guns, tanks. Our guide was Irish - I think he was Catholic. He made it very clear to us not to engage people in discussions about politics or religion. I think he was more concerned with his safety then our own.

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Loved-Hymns/dp/B000058BGQ/ref=wl_it_dp/102-0084826-5944938?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1P35GSPN6KE9U&colid=154E9VWO82EKS

Click on the above URL and go down to #9 - Be Thou My Vision. Listen to this snippet if you can. The song is taken from an ancient Irish poem and melody, and has become the most revered of all Irish hymns. When I hear it, I think of the peace that is possible in Ireland.

I pray for the Irish people that this agreement holds up over the long-term. Those people and that country have been through a lot.