December newsletter (sorry I'm so late posting on here!)

NEW SCOTLAND TEAM ANNOUNCED.
For those of you who haven’t heard, Scotland will be receiving another AIM team. The team consists of four young ladies: Cassey Clayton from Lovington, New Mexico and she is nineteen years old; Ashley Bolm from Idaho Falls, Idaho and she is nineteen years old; Sommer Centeno from Clovis, California and she is eighteen years old; and, Jessica Rusher from Mustang, Oklahoma and she is twenty-one years old. We will be adding on a great group of girls and we can’t wait to have them here with us!

CASSEY CLAYTON


JESSICA RUSHER


ASHLEY BOLM


SOMMER CENTENO



KIRKTONHOLME PRIMARY PRESENTS: “SPARKLE” & “WHOOPSY DAISY ANGEL”
On December 16-17, the school I volunteer at performed two plays with the same basic story line: the birth of Jesus. I was surprised when I found out that the school would be performing something that has to do with Jesus and IN the school. You would NEVER see that happen in America and for them to have done something like that over here was mind-boggling to me. The nursery (age 4) performed, “Whoopsy Daisy Angel.” It was about the angel who went to tell the shepherds that Jesus had been born, but this angel was the type of angel who was never on time and something wrong always happened when she was around. Her one shot was to complete this task and she did.

The primary 1 – 7 performed “Sparkle,” which was about the Star of Bethlehem leading the way to where Jesus was. There was one particular star that was young and didn’t out-shine all the rest. The stars were arguing over which star the Maker was going to choose. “I’m brighter so the Maker will choose me.” But, the make chose “Sparkle” and her name was changed to “Star of Bethlehem.” She showed the shepherds and wise men the way to Jesus.

I wasn’t able to watch them perform “Sparkle,” because I was working somewhere else that day, but was able to watch them rehearse several weeks before the actual performance. I did, however, get to watch the nursery perform “Whoopsy Daisy Angel” and they did a fantastic job. I still find it fascinating that they performed stories that were based on Jesus. I guess I shouldn’t be so fascinated, but something like this wouldn’t be allowed in America especially in the schools.

WORK UPDATES.
This month was a pretty slow month. The schools were released for holiday for about two weeks, lunch club was off for those two weeks because the lunch comes from the schools and with the schools being closed, there were no lunches, and ShopMobility went on as usual, for me at least. Those who work on the days that the holidays fell on didn’t have to work.

The ShopMobility bus wasn’t all that busy because most of the elderly had already finished their shopping and didn’t want to face the holiday rush and crowds in the town center. I don’t blame them. It was hard enough for me to walk through the center and I can’t imagine what it was like on a scooter or power chair.
I’m really looking forward to getting back to work, especially with the primary school. I’ve really become attached to the children there and have really missed them!

We still meet as a team every Tuesday at Starbucks to have a Bible study. The neat thing about having it in a more public place is that people really start to wonder what you’re doing there every Tuesday morning and those who sit around you stare, listen, and look down to see what book you’re reading and studying out of. I think there will come a time when someone will come up to us, sit down, and start asking questions. I’m patiently waiting for that day. :)



CHRISTMAS GATHERINGS.
We had a Christmas youth club and church party on December 16th, which was a lot of fun. Santa Clause came and gave the children boxes of chocolate; we played lots of games, listened to Christmas music, and enjoyed each others’ company.

ShopMobility hosted a Christmas party on December 18 at a hotel called, The Bruce, which is right beside the town center. We had dinner and a night filled with music. There were several other groups there, other than ShopMobility; people from schools and other organizations.

There was a girls’ night out on December 20th for the women in the church. We went to The Wishing Well to have dinner, play games, and play Secret Santa. I had a blast with all the women and got to know them a little better.



A SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WITH THE PHILLIPS’.
I wasn’t real sure how this Christmas was going to turn out because it was my very first Christmas to miss and I wasn’t even in the same country. I was surprised when I woke up Christmas day and found myself happy and not the slightest bit homesick. It was truly a blessing because I would rather be cheerful than upset and tearful all day.

Melanie and I made a tent in our living room on Christmas Eve with our couch and two chairs and sheets. We placed our top mattresses from our beds underneath the tent and placed our television on the floor so we could watch Christmas movies all day and through the night, at least until midnight. The tent is a tradition me and my brothers and sister do every Christmas Eve, so I wasn’t about to go this Christmas without sleeping in the traditional tent.



We sprinkled magical reindeer food out our window onto the grass outside our apartment that night and to our surprise, it worked! Santa came and filled our stockings with lots of goodies! Melanie and I opened all our gifts we had received from home and from our friends here in Scotland. I think it took me about two to three hours to finally straighten the living room and organize all the gifts I had received!



That afternoon, we went to Drew and Sheena Phillips’ home to have a Christmas dinner and watch a few movies together. Our team was invited to spend the Christmas day with them, which made it really nice. We had a wonderful dinner and had a great time together watching movies and chit-chatting.

I was able to talk with my entire family on Skype, again, which made it really nice. They ate pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, Christmas cookies, and drank tea for me. Wasn’t that thoughtful? I did miss my family on Christmas day, but there was something about this holiday season that didn’t feel like Christmas. Maybe it was the fact that I’m overseas and it just seemed like any other day because I wasn’t around my family or maybe it was just because it really didn’t feel like Christmas had come. Despite the fact that it didn’t feel like Christmas, I still counted my blessings and thanked God for Jesus and my family.

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR *2009*
We spent New Years Eve at our coordinators’ home, Alex and Gillian Gear. Several members of the church were there and most of the youth group. We played Taboo and Pictionary, had a table full of finger foods, and watched the fireworks go off on the television at Edinburgh as we rang in the New Year. Once the clock struck midnight, everyone went around hugging everyone and telling them, “Happy New Year!” Even after the New Year was over (a few days later), people still hug you and kiss you on the cheek and tell you “Happy New Year.”



TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
I am constantly grateful for your support and prayers for the work my team and I are doing here in Scotland. Thanks to those who sent Christmas cards and gifts. It truly made Christmas in Scotland feel more like Christmas at home. You all are such a blessing to me. Again, thank you for helping me make a difference in the lives of the Scottish people.

Don't go through each day thinking you'll get another one.
>> Live in the moment <<

Bad days better

Because with God, things are better...



You have made my day
Even in stormy weather
I’m dancing in all the rain
Cause you make bad days…

Great is the way
When you come to mind
I am smiling ear to ear
Sweet thoughts of you
I’m always in the mood
To twirl around with you
While it’s raining
Even if it’s a dream

Great is the way
That I am unafraid
When I see you
All my fear goes away

Bad days are coming
Rainy days are always around
But if I can see you
One glance upon you
The sun comes out

I’m dancing in all the rain
Cause you make bad days better

By: Shane & Shane

Just some pictures

Christmas Eve... already?!

So, today is Christmas eve. I was, of course, woken up by the neighbors who live right above us with their loud stomping and constant yelling, but I looked past that with ease and began to work away in the flat. The floors needed to be swept and mopped before we could start anything. I was in the middle of mopping and there was a knock at the door. Melanie signed for the package and yells, "It's for you!" I immediately ask, "Who's it from?" And, she replies, "Bobby Cooper." Hooray! My package that I didn't think I'd receive until after Christmas came on Christmas eve! It was from my Aunt Carol and Uncle Bobby who live in Canyon, Texas!

On with opening the package to find several wrapped gifts that I immediately placed underneath the tree, smiled, and continued mopping until I finally finished. I moved the sofa and the two chairs around to where we could place the top mattresses of our beds beneath a tent we would be building for tonight. Every Christmas, the tradition is to build a huge tent for Hadley, Marcee, Landon, and I to sleep under. And, because I can't be home for the holidays, Melanie and I decided to build one in our living room! We won't be sleeping on the floor, which is a good thing since it's a wood floor. Pretty uncomfortable! Well, it's finally up and taped up pretty well. (Don't worry, pictures will be coming soon!)

To conclude our day, we'll be enjoying veggies with ranch dip and a pizza! We're excited about Christmas and honestly can't believe it's here. It hasn't really hit us yet that it's actually Christmas. It really seems like it's going to be another day except a day with gifts, haha. It could be a really big blessing for the two of us that we don't really realize that we're missing out on family time back home. Otherwise, we'd be two crying girls.

It's been a really huge blessing being here in Scotland. I still can't believe I'm here and I fall in love with it more and more everyday. Melanie and I have received gifts from the elderly off of the ShopMobility bus, some ShopMobility staff, and members of the church as well. We've been really blessed to have a Christmas home away from home and to be so welcomed by everyone. We'll be having Christmas tomorrow with the Phillips' family. They go to church with us and have a son, Robert. He's 16 and in my previous newsletter, I mentioned him and how he was baptized sometime in August. Anyways, they are a fantastic family and have opened their home up to our team, which is another 4 mouths to feed. I'm looking forward to that time with them.

I will also be Skyping my family tomorrow night (afternoon, Texas time). All the family will be there and I'm really looking forward to that! I can't wait to see them again! I was able to chat with them over Thanksgiving and it was really neat to be able to see everyone. Not everyone was there, but they will be this time and I'm overly excited about it!

That's all I have for now... until next time,

Love to you all!

P.S. -- thanks to everyone who have mailed us Christmas cards, Christmas gifts, and for your endless prayers, love, and care. Just know that I love you all very much and you will all be missed during Christmas and New Years!

November Newsletter

THANKSGIVING.AWAY FROM HOME?
Everyone, who knows me well enough, knows that I’m really big on being with the family for the holidays. The thought of spending Thanksgiving away from my family boggled my mind and I was unable to grasp it. But, Thanksgiving came and went and I didn’t find it as hard to be away as I thought it would be. My true test will be when Christmas comes.

As a team, we thought it’d be really neat to get together and cook our own Thanksgiving feast. There wasn’t a “real” turkey involved. Melanie and I didn’t think we’d be too good at carving around the bones and… cleaning out the guts that came along with it (eww). We found a boneless turkey breast and decided that it would be perfect for us. I cooked the usual, mashed potatoes and corn. Because, what’s Thanksgiving without those two things? :)

I was able to Skype with my entire family on Thanksgiving Day. It was so neat being able to see my entire family in one room! Technology is an amazing thing. That day, I counted my blessings and thanked God for each and every one of them. I am so blessed!

The best part about Thanksgiving is really being with family. I was blessed to be a part of a Thanksgiving tradition that a few Scottish-American couples have. Brittney Cameron, a young lady who attends our church every Tuesday evening, invited the team to spend time with her family, as well as several other couples and families. I met a man named, Mitch. He’s from Texas and knew Dean English. And, by having that connection, I already felt somewhat at “home.” Unlike the Thanksgiving we had as a team on Thursday, the Thanksgiving celebration on the Saturday following included pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread, my two favorite things to have over the holidays. Lots of laughter filled the rooms of the house and it will be a memory that will last a lifetime.



WORK, WORK, AND MORE WORK.
I am still busy working with the primary school two days a week, working with ShopMobility, helping with youth nights, going to craft club, going to WRVS (lunch club every Tuesday at an assisted living place), and being with the youth of the church whenever they have free time!

At the primary school, I am still working with the primary ones (5-6 year olds). They all know me by name and have definitely warmed up to me, which is such a blessing. I absolutely love hearing my name being shouted at the end of the hall and having a wee (little) one run up to me and give me a hug. My basic “duties” while being at the school include: helping the children during structured play (learning activities), cutting, gluing, or painting anything the teachers need help with, assisting the children with their class work, and being a monitor during play time. I thoroughly enjoy what I am doing there at the school and can really begin to see that I can and I do make a difference there.



On the ShopMobility bus, I have been on my own for the past three weeks. I rode with Melanie for the first month, while I waited for my disclosure to come in, and was actually taught by a lady named, Ann, on how to make things work on the bus. I took over on Mondays, while she went to Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ann was able to show me and tell me the different disabilities the elderly had that rode the bus on Mondays and also how to “lock-in” a wheelchair in the bus. The elderly have learned my name, which can be hard to remember after only a few weeks and me only being on the bus once a week. I am also blessed to be riding the bus with Alex. He is such a patient and kind man. I really have gotten to know him and he has a great heart.

Tuesday lunch with the elderly is still going really well. One of the elderly ladies had been hospitalized and stuck at home due to a serious injury to her leg. She’s finally back to having lunch with us and it really is a joy to have her back. The people there are wonderful to be around and have a great sense of humor. The best part about the Scottish folks is that when they pick on you, you can pick on them back. :)

Youth club and craft club are going along smoothly as well. It seems like we may be increasing in numbers for youth club, only every once in a while, and we’ll have a few that show up that I haven’t ever seen there before. In the craft club, we’re making Christmas themed decorations. The children are doing wonderfully and sometimes I think their artistic abilities put mine to shame!



GOD IS GOOD.ALL THE TIME
There have been three baptisms in the West Mains Church of Christ since August. Robert Phillips was baptized in the month of August. He is part of the youth. He is a wonderful asset to the Kingdom. Isabel was baptized in the month of September, right before I arrived in East Kilbride. She is such a joy to be around. Merana was baptized in the middle of this month. She has a young and youthful spirit, has the heart of a servant, and an attitude like Christ.




MY FIRST VISITOR
This month was definitely a month full of “firsts.” About one year ago, I met Ashley Fletcher in California. She is currently enrolled at Harding University in Arkansas. She has been in the European area for the past three months and is returning to America on December 6th. She had some time to where she could visit for her last week to two weeks while she is overseas. She decided to come and visit Scotland! I met up with her at the end of this month. It was truly a blessing to see a familiar face at this time of the year when I am missing everyone during the holidays. She’s currently in England. Please pray for her safe journey home.




WEATHER CHANGES.BRR.
We had our first freeze/frosted night on November 29th. It was so cold and honestly, I don’t think it got over thirty degrees. I remember waking up and looking at my computer weather-bug and it said it was twenty-one degrees and this was at 8:30 in the morning. The sun was out that day, but that never phased the frost. It stayed on the sidewalks, trees, grass, and shrubs all day long. It makes walking a challenge! With the icy sidewalks, I have to leave a little earlier and be prepared for about thirty to forty-five minutes worth of walking! Luckily, it hasn’t been too bad so far. :)



THANK YOU.
Thanks again for making this possible for me to be here in East Kilbride, Scotland. I have really found my place here and really starting to get to know new people outside of the church. I’ve been meeting young high school and college students that work and volunteer some of their time at the primary school and I have also met a few people at the gym I go to. I am really enjoying it here and thanks to you, you’re helping me make a difference. I appreciate all you’re doing and all you continue to do. Please continue praying for us while Christmas is approaching and we’re starting to feel a little homesick.


Prayer requests:
* Our families

* Our team and the work being done in East Kilbride

* Michael Todd will be having surgery on December 5

* West Mains Church of Christ

* 2007-2010 AIMers on the field:
-Albania
-New Zealand
-Mexico (3 teams)
-Honduras
-South Africa
-Grass Valley, California

Staying strong

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.

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!**