Ireland

In late June 2004, we vacationed in Ireland. We flew to Dublin, then traveled by train for several days. Jim enjoys visiting zoos so spent a day at the Dublin zoo. It was a great surprise. It's a small zoo but first class, actually one of the best zoos we have seen anywhere in the world.

We especially enjoyed the Blasket Isles. They are magnificent islands with very few inhabitants and a very interesting history. We will definitely visit Ireland again.

LAKEWOOD CHURCH

Carmel started attending Lakewood Church when I was working in Iraq, which is pastored by Joel Osteen. She found renewed belief in Jesus Christ under the ministries of Pastor’s Joel, Victoria, and Marcos. After retiring in 2007 Carmel did some volunteer work in pastoral ministry, special concert events, and Osteen Ministries Depts. Carmel was heartbroken about leaving her church and newfound friends. She is still going to work ministries if we are in the areas where Pastor Joel is hosting events. Carmel lost weight during the eighteen months that Jim worked in Iraq.