Today, I woke up, like I do on Tuesday mornings and got ready to go to our team Bible study at Starbucks thinking it was going to be just like any other day I've had for the past three and a half weeks I've been here. After the Bible study, Melanie and I headed to the lunch club that we go to on every Tuesday. Once that was over we walked home. Half of the walk was in the sunshine, the other part was in the rain. We came into the apartment and once Melanie shut the door, she says, "Your disclosure came in today!" This means one thing...
It's time to get busy!
I'm going to Kirktonholme, which is one of the schools, with Zach tomorrow morning to talk with the head master of the school. Now that I have my disclosure, I'll be able to start in the school next week! It's exciting to be able to start working. I'll finally have a schedule and will now have to figure out which days I'll be doing what.
Until next time...
Love you all.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
For my sister
SISTERS
So close, yet so far.
Together, yet apart.
We are sisters, body and soul,
Yet we are separate and alone.
Our bodies separated by land,
But nothing separates our hearts.
Even if our eyes cannot meet
We know each other's thoughts.
Forever sisters we shall be
Connected by something stronger than blood.
Never alone will we be
As long as we have each other.
--Sally DeFord
ALWAYS THERE
I'll always be here through thick and thin
You can come to me, I'll listen
I'm your friend, I won't push you away
When you need a hug, my arms are wide open
When you need to talk, I have an open ear
You're growing up and getting older
Know that I'm always here, I'm not going anywhere
Wherever you are, I'm there with you
You’re in my heart and my prayers
Just know I'm here, because I truly care
You’re my sister, you mean so much
Don't want to see you hurt or cry
I'll wipe the tears, I'll get rid of your fears
Want to see you grow up and achieve
Just believe, have faith
You can do anything
You’re beautiful inside and out
You’re smart and very talented
You’re many things, but most all, you’re my sister
I believe in you and know that I'll never stop loving you
--Rachel S. Lengefeld
A FRIEND FROM ABOVE....
I prayed for you before we met,
Not knowing who you'd be.
I asked the Lord to send a friend.
One chosen just for me.
I asked that they'd be Godly,
With wisdom of His ways.
A friend to help and guide me
I the troubles of these days.
So often in life, we need someone
To listen while we talk.
Someone who will not condemn or judge,
But encourage us as we walk.
The narrow road we choose to follow
May sometimes make us stumble.
But to have a friend to catch our fall,
Teaches us to be humble.
When I asked the Lord to send a friend,
Though many came and went.
He gave much more than I ever asked,
For you are the friend He sent.
--Unknown
I WILL BE THERE
If one day you feel like crying...
Call me.
I don't promise that I will make you laugh,
But I can cry with you
If one day you want to run away--
Don't be afraid to call me.
I don't promise to ask you to stop...
But I can run with you
If one day you don't want to listen
to anyone...
Call me.
I promise to be there for you.
And I promise to be very quiet.
But if one day you call...
And there is no answer...
Come fast to see me.
Perhaps I need you.
--Unknown
Although these are all written by someone else, poetry can be used to speak the mind of others as well. I saw these poems and automatically thought of my sister, Marcee.
There have been times in our lives where we have argued, but the moments I like to remember are the moments we laughed together. The best thing about having Marcee as my sister and my friend is that I know I can trust her and I know I can be as goofy as I want to be and she'll be just as goofy with me. She loves me for who I am and I love her for who she is and who she is becoming.
Right now, the hardest thing for me to do right now is to watch her grow up while I'm living across the ocean in a different country. Sometimes I want to be the big sister for her, but I do have to realize she does need to live her life and make mistakes, possibly the same mistakes I made too. But, that's the way she's going to learn. That's the way she is going to grow.
I just want her to know that I'm always here for her. I'm here for her to talk to and to be her "go to" person. I know she's who I look to when I need someone to talk to. She may not have any advice to give me, but she's a great listener and sometimes... that's all I need.
So, Marcee, I thank God that He gave me YOU as my sister. You are a blessing to me. My life wouldn't be the same without you. Thank you for being who you are to me. I love you dearly and I miss you. I can't wait to see you again!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
American girl living in a Scottish world
I've been sitting here. Thinking. Thinking about the words I heard this evening at church. Zach and Justin talked about eternity: Heaven and Hell. It was after hearing these words that I completely fell in love with Jesus all over again. It wasn't hearing the "going to Hell," it was knowing that Jesus died for me. He died for you. He died for the entire world. He loves us so much he died to save us.
My eyes were re-opened and my spirit was awakened. Something I have needed for the past 4 months. Spiritually, I had been struggling to just pick up my Bible and read it, which is crazy for me to think because I haven't had that problem since last August. I struggled with praying. I wasn't doing those things as much as I should or wanted or needed to. I'm thankful that God uses people like my teammates, Zach and Justin, to open my eyes. I think we all need to be awakened from time to time.
I've been to church for two Sundays and one Tuesday. (Yes, we meet on Tuesday nights instead of Wednesdays.) From what I've experienced, it reminds me of the church back home in Texas. It's a small church with several families. They rent a building, which is something our church does, as well. It's just little things like that... and it makes me feel like I'm really home, except with Scottish accents. :)
We meet every Tuesday as a team with the coordinator, but since he and his family are in the States for a few weeks, we are meeting with another member of the Scotland mission team that is here (teammates with Alex - coordinator). But, we meet every Tuesday morning for tea (or coffee - Starbucks) and a Bible study. It has really been a blessing for me to be a part of this. Last Tuesday was my first one to attend, but it was really neat to see how we were able to open up and discuss things. The best part was that it was easy for us to all do so. The Tuesday studies are definitely needed for all of us as far as growing spiritually as individuals and even as a team.
I was able to follow Melanie around to a couple of the places she volunteers. On Tuesdays, she goes to a retirement facility and helps with the lunch there. I was able to meet 5 elderly people and it was really neat to be with them. After lunch, Melanie and I were invited to see one of the elderly lady's homes. She wanted to show us around her house. It was the coolest home I had ever seen. Each home was basically the same (that's what the lady said) and was very spacious for her. The best part was how she opened up to us and told us stories about her husband and showed us her pictures. I absolutely love that.
Another day, we rode a bus that is a part of Shop Mobility. Shop Mobility is a place where the handicap can rent out scooters and such. There is a list of people to pick up and it varies from 9:30am to 3pm (afternoon times are drop-off times). But, we go to each home, pick up the elderly, and take them to the town center where they are able to rent out these scooters and do their shopping. They give us a time to come pick them up and then, we go with the bus driver (have great conversations with them on the way to their homes) and help them with their bags and getting to their door. I love it!
Other than those two places, I haven't really gone anywhere else. This Friday, I will be going with Melanie to one of the schools she goes to. I'm not able to volunteer at any schools (or anywhere, really) until I get my disclosure back. It's kind of like a background check. So, once I get that in, I'll be able to volunteer anywhere. It should be in within the next week or two.
I'm kind of starting to figure out my way around. I know my way to church and to the gym. Not so much to the town center. I haven't figured out the buses either, but we normally walk, so it's probably okay that I don't have it figured out yet. The town center is basically where the grocery store is and all sorts of other shopping places. I guess it's like a mall, except better...? :)
I've officially got all my bags unpacked and my pictures are up, along with cards and notes. It has really made my room "homey." I love the way it has turned out so far. It's good for me to see pictures of my family up. Everyday I see their pictures. I also have pictures that were colored by my cousin, Lily, and my brother, Landon, and a homemade card from a little girl from church. My room reminds me everyday of the people who are back in the States supporting me, believing in me, loving me, and praying for me. They're good reminders.
It's really cool to have our own washer! Our personal dryer happens to be hanging them on racks in our apartment. The radiators, which happen to be our heaters, do a great job of drying our clothes quickly!
Scotland has definitely taken my breath away and has surpassed every expectation I had. Sometimes I catch myself thinking that I'm back home and it's hard to put myself back into realizing that I'm really in Scotland. I guess the reality will hit in a few months... I've only been here a little over a week. Give it time and I'm sure I'll be able to tell a difference. :)
Until next time...
Love you all.
My eyes were re-opened and my spirit was awakened. Something I have needed for the past 4 months. Spiritually, I had been struggling to just pick up my Bible and read it, which is crazy for me to think because I haven't had that problem since last August. I struggled with praying. I wasn't doing those things as much as I should or wanted or needed to. I'm thankful that God uses people like my teammates, Zach and Justin, to open my eyes. I think we all need to be awakened from time to time.
I've been to church for two Sundays and one Tuesday. (Yes, we meet on Tuesday nights instead of Wednesdays.) From what I've experienced, it reminds me of the church back home in Texas. It's a small church with several families. They rent a building, which is something our church does, as well. It's just little things like that... and it makes me feel like I'm really home, except with Scottish accents. :)
We meet every Tuesday as a team with the coordinator, but since he and his family are in the States for a few weeks, we are meeting with another member of the Scotland mission team that is here (teammates with Alex - coordinator). But, we meet every Tuesday morning for tea (or coffee - Starbucks) and a Bible study. It has really been a blessing for me to be a part of this. Last Tuesday was my first one to attend, but it was really neat to see how we were able to open up and discuss things. The best part was that it was easy for us to all do so. The Tuesday studies are definitely needed for all of us as far as growing spiritually as individuals and even as a team.
I was able to follow Melanie around to a couple of the places she volunteers. On Tuesdays, she goes to a retirement facility and helps with the lunch there. I was able to meet 5 elderly people and it was really neat to be with them. After lunch, Melanie and I were invited to see one of the elderly lady's homes. She wanted to show us around her house. It was the coolest home I had ever seen. Each home was basically the same (that's what the lady said) and was very spacious for her. The best part was how she opened up to us and told us stories about her husband and showed us her pictures. I absolutely love that.
Another day, we rode a bus that is a part of Shop Mobility. Shop Mobility is a place where the handicap can rent out scooters and such. There is a list of people to pick up and it varies from 9:30am to 3pm (afternoon times are drop-off times). But, we go to each home, pick up the elderly, and take them to the town center where they are able to rent out these scooters and do their shopping. They give us a time to come pick them up and then, we go with the bus driver (have great conversations with them on the way to their homes) and help them with their bags and getting to their door. I love it!
Other than those two places, I haven't really gone anywhere else. This Friday, I will be going with Melanie to one of the schools she goes to. I'm not able to volunteer at any schools (or anywhere, really) until I get my disclosure back. It's kind of like a background check. So, once I get that in, I'll be able to volunteer anywhere. It should be in within the next week or two.
I'm kind of starting to figure out my way around. I know my way to church and to the gym. Not so much to the town center. I haven't figured out the buses either, but we normally walk, so it's probably okay that I don't have it figured out yet. The town center is basically where the grocery store is and all sorts of other shopping places. I guess it's like a mall, except better...? :)
I've officially got all my bags unpacked and my pictures are up, along with cards and notes. It has really made my room "homey." I love the way it has turned out so far. It's good for me to see pictures of my family up. Everyday I see their pictures. I also have pictures that were colored by my cousin, Lily, and my brother, Landon, and a homemade card from a little girl from church. My room reminds me everyday of the people who are back in the States supporting me, believing in me, loving me, and praying for me. They're good reminders.
It's really cool to have our own washer! Our personal dryer happens to be hanging them on racks in our apartment. The radiators, which happen to be our heaters, do a great job of drying our clothes quickly!
Scotland has definitely taken my breath away and has surpassed every expectation I had. Sometimes I catch myself thinking that I'm back home and it's hard to put myself back into realizing that I'm really in Scotland. I guess the reality will hit in a few months... I've only been here a little over a week. Give it time and I'm sure I'll be able to tell a difference. :)
Until next time...
Love you all.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
This is where I live
Just a brief overview... from the 36-hours I've been here...
I've officially been in Scotland since 11am on Friday. It was really cool to see a couple of my teammates standing at the window waving at me while I waited patiently for my luggage to arrive. I've been very fortunate when it comes to shipping my luggage over here with the whole plane "system." They haven't lost my luggage or anything, yet (knock on wood). All my bags arrived, safely, somewhat. One of them had ripped open, but luckily, not enough to where my things could fall out or be stolen. I mean, yeah, someone could've gotten into it, but didn't. So, I'm working on getting that "fixed," by having them send me some sort of check to pay for the damage. The things that wouldn't have gotten done had my coordinator (Alex) not been there.
It's really cool... Scotland is almost just like home, which has made it really easy to adjust to. Yes, they drive on the other side of the road, but luckily, I won't have to mess up my mind by wondering which way is the right way because we walk or bus everywhere we go... or, catch a ride with Alex, Andrew (his son), or (in the future) part of the youth, church, etc. There's Starbucks, Pizza Hut (to my surprise!), McDonald's, KFC... it's pretty crazy. Mine and Melanie's apartment is very homey and comfortable. We live in a two-bedroom and one-bathroom apartment. There's a good-sized living room and kitchen. And, it is fully furnished. So, the main expenses I'm looking at is bedding, hangers, and other necessities. We're in a pretty good part of town to where we're able to walk to get what is needed... anywhere is just about 10-15 minutes away and if not, the bus is always there to ride.
One thing I've noticed... it's pretty much, ALWAYS, cloudy or rainy here. You are very blessed to have the sunshine when it's out and when it does happen to come out, you soak up every last bit of warmth and light you can, because it's only there for a short while. :)
Tomorrow will be my first time to go to church. I'm really looking forward to it. I believe Melanie said it's about a 10-minute walk, but Alex usually picks us up for church. It's pretty exciting!
Things have been great so far... and I'm not real sure what else to write about at this moment, but if there's any questions you might have about the place or anything at all, email me at neysia.gwyn.smith@gmail.com.
Love you all.
I've officially been in Scotland since 11am on Friday. It was really cool to see a couple of my teammates standing at the window waving at me while I waited patiently for my luggage to arrive. I've been very fortunate when it comes to shipping my luggage over here with the whole plane "system." They haven't lost my luggage or anything, yet (knock on wood). All my bags arrived, safely, somewhat. One of them had ripped open, but luckily, not enough to where my things could fall out or be stolen. I mean, yeah, someone could've gotten into it, but didn't. So, I'm working on getting that "fixed," by having them send me some sort of check to pay for the damage. The things that wouldn't have gotten done had my coordinator (Alex) not been there.
It's really cool... Scotland is almost just like home, which has made it really easy to adjust to. Yes, they drive on the other side of the road, but luckily, I won't have to mess up my mind by wondering which way is the right way because we walk or bus everywhere we go... or, catch a ride with Alex, Andrew (his son), or (in the future) part of the youth, church, etc. There's Starbucks, Pizza Hut (to my surprise!), McDonald's, KFC... it's pretty crazy. Mine and Melanie's apartment is very homey and comfortable. We live in a two-bedroom and one-bathroom apartment. There's a good-sized living room and kitchen. And, it is fully furnished. So, the main expenses I'm looking at is bedding, hangers, and other necessities. We're in a pretty good part of town to where we're able to walk to get what is needed... anywhere is just about 10-15 minutes away and if not, the bus is always there to ride.
One thing I've noticed... it's pretty much, ALWAYS, cloudy or rainy here. You are very blessed to have the sunshine when it's out and when it does happen to come out, you soak up every last bit of warmth and light you can, because it's only there for a short while. :)
Tomorrow will be my first time to go to church. I'm really looking forward to it. I believe Melanie said it's about a 10-minute walk, but Alex usually picks us up for church. It's pretty exciting!
Things have been great so far... and I'm not real sure what else to write about at this moment, but if there's any questions you might have about the place or anything at all, email me at neysia.gwyn.smith@gmail.com.
Love you all.
Monday, September 22, 2008
It's here
Just a quick update... I got my visa last Thursday and booked a flight to Scotland for this Thursday, September 25. I'll be leaving Oklahoma City around 2:30pm and arriving in Glasgow, Scotland around 10:20am, Friday morning (which will be 4:20am "Texas-time"). I'm definitely excited and ready to be there... ready to jump head first into the work that's being done in Scotland.
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