Well, I just realized that it's been an entire month (almost) since I've updated this. Not a whole lot has changed since my October newsletter. I'm busy all the time, which is a blessing. I'm working with the elderly two times a week and with children two times a week as well. The children are starting to call me by my name and even run up to me and give me hugs. It's so cool to walk into a school and everyone knows your name.
I brought a book to the school today that stirred up the primary 6 age group. Twilight. I had kids coming up to me and asking me if I had seen the movie, what I thought of the book so far, and even told me stories of how their cousin thought it was sad, was crying through the book, and her mom and dad rushed up to see what was the matter and turns out she was just crying over the book and how sad it was. I haven't gotten that far into the book, but I'm enjoying it so far.
I finished reading The Shack a couple weeks ago and now my coordinator is reading it as he's in Ukraine at the orphanage we just raised money for. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it definitely opened my eyes and my heart. Lots of things in the book really made me think about my life and the way I was living. If you haven't read it, it's a must read. :)
Yesterday, the team went into Glasgow. One of the members of the church had bought tickets to see the production of West Side Story. Unfortunately, he was unable to go due to being hospitalized for reasons we're not real sure of at the moment (prayers for Drew Phillips would be appreciated!). So, we rode the train into Glasgow and enjoyed an "American" meal at T.G.I. Fridays. It's exactly the same as it is in the States, except... no iced tea. Bummer. haha. Afterwards, we made our way towards Theatre Royal. The production lasted about 3 hours, but was worth every minute. I really enjoyed being able to go and it reminded me of my freshman year in high school when the theme for the marching band was West Side Story. I've also seen the movie, but the production was, by far, the best.
Last night was also the night we held a movie night to raise funds for a South African orphanage. A group of us had a great time watching Under the Tuscan Sun and being able to fellowship with one another for a good cause. I always enjoy getting with the members of the church and being able to visit and get to know each of them. They really are my family...
The downside to this country is the lack of sunshine. It's dreadfully cold here and all I keep hearing from Scottish folks is, "Just wait. It gets colder." Colder?! Bummer. Forecast is calling for snow tonight and it's supposed to be barely over 35 degrees. Yuck. I do enjoy the days there isn't any rain, sure there are clouds, but no rain... those are the good days. :)
Today, a man through a banana out his window at me. Luckily, it didn't hit me, but I thought to myself, "what'd I do to make a man like that want to throw a half-eaten banana at me?" I had a good laugh though, and went on my way.
I've met a few people at the gym that I've got membership at. It's been a really good place to meet people. They start to figure out what days and times you come, and not to mention, my accent is a good conversation starter! There's a girl I see there every day and I'm going to try to introduce myself to her sometime soon. It's so cool that you can make connections with people anywhere, anytime, all the time!
Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas is just around the corner. The tough part about it is that I have to spend those holidays away from my family. Wow... my first Thanksgiving and first Christmas without my family. I don't think Thanksgiving will be as hard as Christmas will be. As a team, we're going to be making our very first Thanksgiving meal together. It'll be interesting, but a lot of fun, I think.
I've started listening to Christmas music. For those of you who don't know me very well, it's crazy for me to even turn on Christmas music. My mom found it funny to play Christmas music and I would tell her to turn it off... that Christmas music isn't allowed to be played unless it's Christmas eve or Christmas, haha. Let's just say, being away from home has changed all that. I started listening to it at the beginning of this month and have enjoyed it ever since. Melanie and I will be decorating our flat soon... lots of lights and decorations. Can't wait!! :) The thing I will miss the most, other than being with my family, is the traditional tent we make every year to sleep in on Christmas eve. But, Melanie and I will be making our own tent here in Scotland. Frosty and Rudolph will be making an appearance as well. :) It'll ALMOST be like home...
I'm having my first visitor next weekend! She's been in Italy for the past month or so (just to clarify, she's not an AIMer) and she has some time to visit other places in the European area. I'm excited to see her and to see a familiar face! I'm starting to miss my family and friends a lot, and it's a blessing to have her come!
I've made plans to visit the States, BUT... it's a surprise! I know, I know, I'm killin' you right now because I'm not telling you when I'm coming to visit! :D But, just know, I'm coming.
Things have been going no where but up the past few months and I'm still very thankful and blessed to be here. I really love the people I'm surrounded by and get along with them very well. I'm opening up to them as if I have known them forever. It's really amazing to have family like this an ocean away from my very own family.
I think that's all I have for now, at least that's all the randomness and thoughts running through my mind. :) Well, until next time...
Love to you all.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
October Newsletter
...Worth Fighting For...
IT’S BEEN OVER A MONTH… TIME FLIES!
I’ve been in Scotland for five weeks. I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. It is truly my home away from home, or, should I say, my America away from America. I have really been able to open myself up to the people and to the congregation. I have adjusted a lot easier than I thought I would. I think one of the reasons I’ve adjusted easier is because it’s a lot more modern here and has a lot of things in common with America. They’re small things, but things that do make a difference.
Scotland is a very beautiful place and is full of history. At the middle of this month, I was able to make a trip to Edinburgh, the capital. Melanie and I took the train and rode the tour bus around Edinburgh while listening to an automated voice teaching and discussing the city’s history. I feel a little closer to Scotland, now that I’ve learned a little history.
A LITTLE ABOUT MY TEAMMATES…
I live with Melanie Huggins. She is from Lockney, Texas and she was also my very first roommate when we started AIM. We ended up going to the same area church in Sudan, Texas. I was able to work with her and knew that things would work out great between the two of us. She is also a graduate from West Texas A&M University. (Go Buffs!)
My other two teammates, Zach Yarbrough and Justin Kellar, live in a flat as well but in the Village, which is about a fifteen-minute walk from our flat. Zach is also a Texas boy. While three out of the four of us are from Texas, Justin puts a little diversity in the team. He comes from the great state of Washington. They bring a lot to the team and have been able to connect with the boys in the youth, which has been a great blessing.
WHERE I LIVE…
Melanie and I live in a two-bedroom and one-bathroom flat (apartment) in East Mains, which is still in East Kilbride. The flat is very spacious and has heating, which is a pretty big thing because I’m cold most of the time and also, it gets pretty cold here during the winter months. It’s not the central heating like we have in America. Here, they are heating radiators and they keep the place warm!
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO…
For the first three and a half weeks I was in Scotland, I was patiently (or, as patient as I could be) waiting for my disclosure to come back in the mail. I filled out this form the minute I stepped foot into my coordinators’ home (Alex and Gillian Gear – Alex is pronounced Alec) on September 26th. After I filled it out, all that needed to be done was to mail it off and wait for it to come back. In the meantime, I’m not able to volunteer anywhere without this piece of paper. The way it was explained to me, is that it’s kind of like a background check. But, I finally
received my disclosure on the 21st of this month!
I’ve been able to go with Melanie to ShopMobility on the previous Wednesdays of this month and will now be going every Monday on the bus starting October 27th. This is a place that is located in the town center, which is basically a really big mall, but has a grocery store inside, too. ShopMobility is a place where the elderly or disabled are able to rent out scooters while they are shopping around the town center. ShopMobility also offers to pick up the elderly or disabled and take them to the town center, bring them the scooters, let them shop, and then we take them home. I’ve been given the pleasure of riding the bus to pick them up and drop them back off. I’m basically there to help take their bags and help them on and off the bus when necessary. But, it really is a great time to talk with the elderly and get to know them.
On Tuesdays, we have team Bible studies with each other and our coordinator, Alex. We normally meet in a coffee shop, such as Starbucks. He and his family have been in the States and returned on October 17th, so I haven’t had much time to be around him. On the Tuesdays Alex wasn’t here, we met up at Jonathan Ogg’s home. He’s another part of the missionary team here with Alex. We studied the first two chapters of Job. It was very eye opening and really opened my heart back up. We had a lot of discussion between us and him and even with each other.
After the team studies, Melanie and I take a bus to a sheltered home (or, assisted living center). Once we get there, we visit about four elderly folks and serve them lunch. The lunch is catered by a local place and brought to the assisted living center. The best part about doing this is, again, being able to visit with them. In most cases, they’re already living alone or have just lost their spouse. The way I look at it, they need people to talk to them too. They need Jesus in their life and that’s what I’m here for. I’m there to be a light to them. Hopefully, I’m a bright enough light to allow them to see Jesus through me.
I started to volunteer at Kirktonholme primary school on Wednesday, October 22nd. It’s a fifteen minute walk from my flat. I am there every Wednesday and Friday helping with the kindergarten classes (known as primary one here). The children remind me so much of my little brother, Landon, which is a blessing to me because I really do miss him a lot! I’m basically in the classrooms to aid the teacher in any way I possibly can, whether it’s to trace and cut, make copies, or file the children’s papers. I really love it and the faculty is very friendly.
Every Monday night is youth night. We go to a local school, which is one of the schools we are volunteers: Kirktonholme. While we hold this youth night here, it isn’t always just the youth from West Mains Church of Christ (which is the congregation I am attending), but children from Kirktonholme also come. We play all sorts of games with them: Uno, Jenga, dodgeball, and even video games, which is what the younger boys enjoy playing. I’ve been able to connect with several young children and it’s been neat to see how they really do watch every move you make and what you say. It reminds me all the time that, not only children watch, but so does the world. I’m an influence in one way or another.
WEST MAINS CHURCH OF CHRIST…
This congregation reminds me so much of the congregation back home. It’s fairly small (about 35-40 people every Sunday morning service) and they worship in a building that they are renting out every Sunday and Tuesday. Instead of having services on Wednesday night, we have service on Tuesdays. The congregation is mainly married couples who have children, just had children, or are just married and no children yet. The youth consists of about ten or so and a few are above the high school age, which is really neat. It’s about a fifteen-minute walk from our flat to the building.
Before services on Tuesday night, we have craft club, which is held at the building. We meet about an hour before evening services and have different crafts for the children to do. When I first arrived in Scotland, they were making picture frames and flags. Not just any flags, but American flags and picture frames with red, white, and blue stars around it. It was really neat. The craft we’re working on is Thanksgiving themed. We’re using the hand turkeys!
UKRAINIAN ORPHANAGE CHARITY FUNDRAISER…
On October 25th, the West Mains Church of Christ helped raise a little over £1,800, which is approximately $3,600, for an orphanage in Ukraine. Here, the living conditions seem to be barely livable and the children come from homes where they were beaten or set on fire with a little help from kerosene. We’re hoping that this amount will help the orphanage and allow Jesus to shine. The night was filled with laughter, children in Halloween costumes, and memories that will last us a lifetime.
WEATHER CONDITIONS…
If it’s not raining, then it’s cloudy and windy. There have been a few times where the sun would shine all day long, but I don’t remember a day where there were no clouds in the sky. The wind has broken two of my umbrellas. I’m counting to see how many umbrellas I buy in the year that I live here (haha)! Seeing clouds is a very common thing around here. It’s starting to get pretty cold in the mornings and sometimes during the daytime. Winter is officially coming!
On our walk back to the flat from morning services with the church, I had stopped on the sidewalk and was looking both ways before crossing the street. There was a fairly large puddle on the road and there just so happened to be a car driving by. And, once the car hit the puddle, water came splashing towards me and I was soaking wet. Honestly, I had never seen this happen except for those times you see it happen to people in the movies or maybe on a television show, but for the record, it happens. I have a feeling that it won’t be the last time! I definitely had a good laugh out of it!
MANY THANKS…
I just want to say thanks again to every one of you for making this happen. With your help, I’m able to make a difference here in East Kilbride, Scotland. If you could, please continue to pray for the team here in Scotland as well as the people we are around on a daily basis and for those we walk past on the sidewalks and streets. Pray that we all have an attitude like Christ and continue to make a difference.
Daily Schedule
Sunday: Morning and evening church services
Monday: ShopMobility (morning-afternoon); Youth night (evening)
Tuesday: Team Bible study (morning); Lunch club with the elderly (afternoon); Craft club (evening); Evening church service
Wednesday: Help at Kirktonholme Primary School (morning-afternoon); Team dinner, games, and movie night (evening)
Thursday: “Off” day
Friday: Help at Kirktonholme Primary School (morning-afternoon)
Saturday: “Off” day (but, rarely “off”!)
**“Spare time” is spent with the youth and/or members of the congregation so we are able to get to know them better!**
IT’S BEEN OVER A MONTH… TIME FLIES!
I’ve been in Scotland for five weeks. I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. It is truly my home away from home, or, should I say, my America away from America. I have really been able to open myself up to the people and to the congregation. I have adjusted a lot easier than I thought I would. I think one of the reasons I’ve adjusted easier is because it’s a lot more modern here and has a lot of things in common with America. They’re small things, but things that do make a difference.
Scotland is a very beautiful place and is full of history. At the middle of this month, I was able to make a trip to Edinburgh, the capital. Melanie and I took the train and rode the tour bus around Edinburgh while listening to an automated voice teaching and discussing the city’s history. I feel a little closer to Scotland, now that I’ve learned a little history.
A LITTLE ABOUT MY TEAMMATES…
I live with Melanie Huggins. She is from Lockney, Texas and she was also my very first roommate when we started AIM. We ended up going to the same area church in Sudan, Texas. I was able to work with her and knew that things would work out great between the two of us. She is also a graduate from West Texas A&M University. (Go Buffs!)
My other two teammates, Zach Yarbrough and Justin Kellar, live in a flat as well but in the Village, which is about a fifteen-minute walk from our flat. Zach is also a Texas boy. While three out of the four of us are from Texas, Justin puts a little diversity in the team. He comes from the great state of Washington. They bring a lot to the team and have been able to connect with the boys in the youth, which has been a great blessing.
WHERE I LIVE…
Melanie and I live in a two-bedroom and one-bathroom flat (apartment) in East Mains, which is still in East Kilbride. The flat is very spacious and has heating, which is a pretty big thing because I’m cold most of the time and also, it gets pretty cold here during the winter months. It’s not the central heating like we have in America. Here, they are heating radiators and they keep the place warm!
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO…
For the first three and a half weeks I was in Scotland, I was patiently (or, as patient as I could be) waiting for my disclosure to come back in the mail. I filled out this form the minute I stepped foot into my coordinators’ home (Alex and Gillian Gear – Alex is pronounced Alec) on September 26th. After I filled it out, all that needed to be done was to mail it off and wait for it to come back. In the meantime, I’m not able to volunteer anywhere without this piece of paper. The way it was explained to me, is that it’s kind of like a background check. But, I finally
received my disclosure on the 21st of this month!
I’ve been able to go with Melanie to ShopMobility on the previous Wednesdays of this month and will now be going every Monday on the bus starting October 27th. This is a place that is located in the town center, which is basically a really big mall, but has a grocery store inside, too. ShopMobility is a place where the elderly or disabled are able to rent out scooters while they are shopping around the town center. ShopMobility also offers to pick up the elderly or disabled and take them to the town center, bring them the scooters, let them shop, and then we take them home. I’ve been given the pleasure of riding the bus to pick them up and drop them back off. I’m basically there to help take their bags and help them on and off the bus when necessary. But, it really is a great time to talk with the elderly and get to know them.
On Tuesdays, we have team Bible studies with each other and our coordinator, Alex. We normally meet in a coffee shop, such as Starbucks. He and his family have been in the States and returned on October 17th, so I haven’t had much time to be around him. On the Tuesdays Alex wasn’t here, we met up at Jonathan Ogg’s home. He’s another part of the missionary team here with Alex. We studied the first two chapters of Job. It was very eye opening and really opened my heart back up. We had a lot of discussion between us and him and even with each other.
After the team studies, Melanie and I take a bus to a sheltered home (or, assisted living center). Once we get there, we visit about four elderly folks and serve them lunch. The lunch is catered by a local place and brought to the assisted living center. The best part about doing this is, again, being able to visit with them. In most cases, they’re already living alone or have just lost their spouse. The way I look at it, they need people to talk to them too. They need Jesus in their life and that’s what I’m here for. I’m there to be a light to them. Hopefully, I’m a bright enough light to allow them to see Jesus through me.
I started to volunteer at Kirktonholme primary school on Wednesday, October 22nd. It’s a fifteen minute walk from my flat. I am there every Wednesday and Friday helping with the kindergarten classes (known as primary one here). The children remind me so much of my little brother, Landon, which is a blessing to me because I really do miss him a lot! I’m basically in the classrooms to aid the teacher in any way I possibly can, whether it’s to trace and cut, make copies, or file the children’s papers. I really love it and the faculty is very friendly.
Every Monday night is youth night. We go to a local school, which is one of the schools we are volunteers: Kirktonholme. While we hold this youth night here, it isn’t always just the youth from West Mains Church of Christ (which is the congregation I am attending), but children from Kirktonholme also come. We play all sorts of games with them: Uno, Jenga, dodgeball, and even video games, which is what the younger boys enjoy playing. I’ve been able to connect with several young children and it’s been neat to see how they really do watch every move you make and what you say. It reminds me all the time that, not only children watch, but so does the world. I’m an influence in one way or another.
WEST MAINS CHURCH OF CHRIST…
This congregation reminds me so much of the congregation back home. It’s fairly small (about 35-40 people every Sunday morning service) and they worship in a building that they are renting out every Sunday and Tuesday. Instead of having services on Wednesday night, we have service on Tuesdays. The congregation is mainly married couples who have children, just had children, or are just married and no children yet. The youth consists of about ten or so and a few are above the high school age, which is really neat. It’s about a fifteen-minute walk from our flat to the building.
Before services on Tuesday night, we have craft club, which is held at the building. We meet about an hour before evening services and have different crafts for the children to do. When I first arrived in Scotland, they were making picture frames and flags. Not just any flags, but American flags and picture frames with red, white, and blue stars around it. It was really neat. The craft we’re working on is Thanksgiving themed. We’re using the hand turkeys!
UKRAINIAN ORPHANAGE CHARITY FUNDRAISER…
On October 25th, the West Mains Church of Christ helped raise a little over £1,800, which is approximately $3,600, for an orphanage in Ukraine. Here, the living conditions seem to be barely livable and the children come from homes where they were beaten or set on fire with a little help from kerosene. We’re hoping that this amount will help the orphanage and allow Jesus to shine. The night was filled with laughter, children in Halloween costumes, and memories that will last us a lifetime.
WEATHER CONDITIONS…
If it’s not raining, then it’s cloudy and windy. There have been a few times where the sun would shine all day long, but I don’t remember a day where there were no clouds in the sky. The wind has broken two of my umbrellas. I’m counting to see how many umbrellas I buy in the year that I live here (haha)! Seeing clouds is a very common thing around here. It’s starting to get pretty cold in the mornings and sometimes during the daytime. Winter is officially coming!
On our walk back to the flat from morning services with the church, I had stopped on the sidewalk and was looking both ways before crossing the street. There was a fairly large puddle on the road and there just so happened to be a car driving by. And, once the car hit the puddle, water came splashing towards me and I was soaking wet. Honestly, I had never seen this happen except for those times you see it happen to people in the movies or maybe on a television show, but for the record, it happens. I have a feeling that it won’t be the last time! I definitely had a good laugh out of it!
MANY THANKS…
I just want to say thanks again to every one of you for making this happen. With your help, I’m able to make a difference here in East Kilbride, Scotland. If you could, please continue to pray for the team here in Scotland as well as the people we are around on a daily basis and for those we walk past on the sidewalks and streets. Pray that we all have an attitude like Christ and continue to make a difference.
Daily Schedule
Sunday: Morning and evening church services
Monday: ShopMobility (morning-afternoon); Youth night (evening)
Tuesday: Team Bible study (morning); Lunch club with the elderly (afternoon); Craft club (evening); Evening church service
Wednesday: Help at Kirktonholme Primary School (morning-afternoon); Team dinner, games, and movie night (evening)
Thursday: “Off” day
Friday: Help at Kirktonholme Primary School (morning-afternoon)
Saturday: “Off” day (but, rarely “off”!)
**“Spare time” is spent with the youth and/or members of the congregation so we are able to get to know them better!**
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
An update: it's work time!
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.
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.
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.
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