Hey everyone! So it's been a REALLY long time since I've been on here. Sorry for that! I haven't had internet since the moment I arrived in the States so this is my first time I have been able to give any sort of update. I'll tell you this... I've had a hard time living without internet for the past three months! hehe! :)
I've been working at Alexander's and as a substitute teacher for Canadian Elementary, Baker Elementary, Canadian Middle School, and Canadian High. On the days I don't substitute, I put in about nine hours at Alexander's. On the days I do substitute, I work from 8 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. and head to Alexander's after school is let out and I work at Alexander's until 8:00 P.M. That's about twelve hours worth of work and I had two and a half weeks worth of twelve hour days! It was tiring, but I was loving every minute of it and I still am.
I was accepted into an alternative certification program through Region 4. My certification area is EC-6 Generalist/ESL. My online classes start on October 7th and will end January 31st. So, I'll be pretty busy for the next five months! :)
I just recently moved into a rent house! It had a LOT of work to be done on it and I've finally finished the painting, cleaning, and more intense cleaning because it was horrific! It's starting to look like home. :)
That's about all I have for now and actually all the time I have for now, too! But, until next time... love to you all...
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Gone to TEXAS
I'm sitting here on two mattresses in the living room between my best friend, Kayla, and my roommate/teammate, Melanie watching 13 Going on 30. During the movie, we finished off our pints of ice cream, which consisted of Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough and Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Tonight is the night that we will be staying up all night long to prepare and pack our bags for home -- TEXAS.
So far, I have 3 big suitcases filled with clothes, shoes, jackets, and hoodies, a smaller bag filled with tea bags, haggis, chocolate, and biscuits, and 3 carry-on bags. Luckily, Kayla is here to take on a couple of my bags! It's ridiculous the amount of stuff I have accumulated over the year I've been here.
We leave the flat in the morning around 5:45. Melanie's flight leaves at 9am and we have to be there 3 hours before her flight takes off. Mine and Kayla's flight leaves at 10:40am and heads towards London to Dallas to Amarillo. I'm looking forward to FINALLY seeing my family after 49 long weeks!! I look forward to seeing the rest of you as well whenever that time may be! I'll still be blogging from time to time about my life "after AIM" and as a missionary. I hope to hear from you all still.
Until next time, love to you all...
So far, I have 3 big suitcases filled with clothes, shoes, jackets, and hoodies, a smaller bag filled with tea bags, haggis, chocolate, and biscuits, and 3 carry-on bags. Luckily, Kayla is here to take on a couple of my bags! It's ridiculous the amount of stuff I have accumulated over the year I've been here.
We leave the flat in the morning around 5:45. Melanie's flight leaves at 9am and we have to be there 3 hours before her flight takes off. Mine and Kayla's flight leaves at 10:40am and heads towards London to Dallas to Amarillo. I'm looking forward to FINALLY seeing my family after 49 long weeks!! I look forward to seeing the rest of you as well whenever that time may be! I'll still be blogging from time to time about my life "after AIM" and as a missionary. I hope to hear from you all still.
Until next time, love to you all...
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Random story for you. Really random.
Yesterday, Melanie and I went to eat at an Indian cuisine place called Spice. It was my first time to eat there and I ordered a spicy dish, of course. If anyone knows me, they already know that I love spicy food. A LOT! Anyways, so this dish comes out with the green chilis and "special" sauce (that's what it said on the menu) and it was absolutely delicious. However, it was about to kill my esophagus, stomach, and intestines. I thought they were going to catch on fire and I had the worst indigestion ever! Anyways, long story short... you know you're getting older when you have to take heartburn/indigestion pills right after eating your meal... hehe. :) That's my story.
Until next time, love to you all...
Until next time, love to you all...
Friday, June 19, 2009
..::..Melanie..::..
I'm going on the last few days that I will have with my roommate, teammate, and one of the best friends I have ever had: Miss Melanie.
The journey began when we became roommates for the first two terms at AIM. I remember emailing her about what she was bringing and what I was bringing; we found out we had both graduated from WTAMU; and, she was from a small town and so was I! We already had more in common than I thought I would have with any of the roommates I have ever had in my lifetime! And, I had 4 in college! hehe...
I remember the first time I met her. I had just moved in all my things into the apartment. My parents, brothers, and sister were sitting in the living room and in walks Melanie. I introduce myself, she introduces herself, and if any of you know her, she's got this "eye thing" that she does and it looked like she had rolled her eyes at me once we met and I was thinking, "oh my goodness, she HATES me!" But, it turns out, it's just some abnormality that happens from time to time and became something I'd entertain myself and give her a hard time for!
We were both in the same group to go to Sudan, TX for our area church, which I was thankful for just because she was one person I actually knew and got along with very well. Little did I know, the Sudan area church group would become the best of friends I have ever had! I'm so thankful for all of them and very thankful for the memories we have together.
The time came to pick top 5 teammates (5 boys; 5 girls) and then top 5 field places and 5 nightmare field places. Melanie was my number one girl on my list and she has told me I was as well. So, I just assumed we'd be on a team together because we actually lived together, got along, we're about the same age, and we were the best of friends! She had Scotland on her list, but Scotland was on my nightmare list. It was actually the first on my nightmare list. (Funny how God works, eh?) Anyways, the time came for team announcements and we weren't on the same team. I was devastated. I fell completely apart and thought I was happy with the field choice I had been given: South Africa, which was my number one top field choice.
We each went our separate ways. I left for South Africa on June 2 and she left for Scotland mid-July. After a couple months went by in South Africa, I started to feel like it wasn't working out (safety, work, connecting, etc). That's when I really started to think about just going home and finishing my field time in the States, but the phone rings the next week after I had been seriously thinking about leaving South Africa and doing something different. It was Melanie calling me from Scotland!! I was overjoyed to hear from her! That's when I found out that Ashley and Jessi (the two girls who were supposed to come to Scotland) weren't going to be going to Scotland to join her and she wasn't sure if she was going to be able to stay in Scotland or even afford to stay. We talked seriously about me coming to join her and I started talking to Kris. Things started rolling and I had a plane ticket back to the States and paperwork waiting on me to fill out for my visa to join Melanie in East Kilbride, Scotland.
After 3 weeks of staying in the States preparing to go to Scotland, I was on a plane in Oklahoma City headed to Chicago... then to Dublin... and, finally, into Glasgow where I would meet up with Alex, Melanie, and Justin. I was excited, scared, nervous, and just not knowing what to think about the whole thing. Melanie greeted me with a huge smile and hug and we headed straight to the Starbucks in the airport where Justin bought our drinks. :) What a fabulous teammate. hehe...
Melanie and I have been together for 13-14 months and now it's time to say goodbye which is something I am definitely NOT ready for. I'm going on my last few days that I will have alone with her because I have a friend coming in on Wednesday afternoon and after that, we'll be on our own separate ways. I'll be on one plane, she'll be on another. Unfortunately, we were unable to book her the same flight because I booked my flight quite a bit earlier than she had. Things are coming to an end and I haven't really been able to cope with having to leave her. I've been trying my best to be the best roommate, teammate, and friend to her. We've had our fair share of fights, bickerings, good times cooking together, having tea and lots of tea cakes together... we've been through thick and thin together. It's been quite the journey and it makes me super sad that it's coming to an end.
I am VERY grateful that she lives in the same state as I do and will be within driving distance... Amarillo, TX! Hooray for closeness! I plan to see her as often as I can and hopefully plan several movie and dinner dates, Starbucks dates, etc. It will be so weird to not live in a flat with her, but in a home with my family and she won't be there. There are things that annoy me about her: whistling, humming, singing, smacking... and I told her last night that there's probably going to be a day when I really miss that, but it's not today. :) And, I'm sure there are lots of things that annoy her about me, but that's just how it goes with roommates and with people in general. You're not going to find someone who is exactly how you want them to be, but I am incredibly thankful that I have had her as my roommate. She's been wonderful. I'm thankful for the ups and downs that we had, because they made us grow as individuals and as friends.
Melanie, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being there for me in my times of need. Thank you for EVERYTHING! I could seriously never thank you enough for being who you are and for everything you have done. You have been a great roommate, teammate, and friend. I couldn't have asked for a better one! God really blessed me when he allowed me to come to Scotland to join this team. You're wonderful! And, you will be missed so much! I love you and care about you tons! I'm here for you always.
Preparing for Texas: 11 days left in Scotland!
I'm sitting here enjoying a hot cup of tea and realized, time has really flown by! I know I say this a lot, but it really has! I had my last work days at ShopMobility and Kirktonholme Primary School this week. It was a very emotional time and I was okay until I had to give a farewell speech on Tuesday for those at ShopMobility and that's when I absolutely lost it.
It hit me hard and I realized that this is for real. I really am going back to Texas and won't be around the friends and family I've made while being here in Scotland. I'm still VERY excited about going home, but it's kind of a bittersweet type of thing. I'm sad to leave everyone, but happy at the same time. Who would've thought that those two emotions were possible to have at the exact same time?!
For the past two days, I have been packing my bags and cleaning up my room. The room is bare. The wardrobe is almost empty. All my drawers in my dresser are empty except for two of the five drawers. Pictures are gone. Books are gone. Bags are covering one side of the room. The cabinets in the kitchen are starting to become empty. The living room is missing the pictures and "homey feel" to it now that everything is gone. But, it's all a good thing. It's a new step in my life and I am very excited about it and can't wait to take on this part of the journey. I have had a wonderful experience while being here in Scotland and I feel like I have really found myself. I know what I want out of life. I know where I want to be. I know exactly who I want to be.
It has made me realize that I really want to be near my family. I love them so much and can't bear to be so far away from them. You go through life saying, "I just want to go and do my own thing. Get out of this town and never come back." But, this made me realize that I want to be back in my hometown: Canadian, TX and right there with my family. They are so precious to me.
I had the opportunity to volunteer as a teacher's aide at a primary school for children around the ages 5-6. I was scared to death at first, but knew that this would be a great opportunity to overcome my fear of teaching and helping with Kindergarten aged children. I learned that I want to be around children. I want to possibly teach ages Pre-K to 2nd or 3rd grade. I absolutely adore the little children and thanks to being here in Scotland, stepping out of my comfort zone, and doing what I have been doing with the class I worked with has really opened up a lot of doors for me and I am really looking forward to working in the school system in some way or another... even if I'm just a substitute teacher! :)
I want everyone to see Jesus in my life every single day. I want to be the example I need to be and doing this has made me realize that there are eyes on me at all times and I do make an impact and make a difference on those around me. I never really realized it until I came over here and received cards and compliments from staff members or the friends I've made over here about the difference I had made by being here and how much I will be missed because of my personality and willingness to do anything and everything they asked me to do without complaints and even better than what they had expected. I'm not bragging at all, just stating what I was told and to prove to you that there are eyes always upon you... always watching what you are doing and saying... even what you don't do or say. You do make a difference. So, my goal in life is to be just like Jesus. I want to be a servant.
I wish everyone could have the opportunity that I have had. The opportunity to spread your wings, live in another country, experience a completely different culture, stepping out of your comfort zone and being a servant to those around you knowing that you aren't getting anything in return and being completely okay with that.
I came into this knowing that I don't need to expect a "thank you" and knowing I'm not getting paid for this. Yes, I'm supported by local church congregations, family, and friends, but it's not a "full-time paying job," which is what most people my age already have, or they're still in college getting their Masters or Doctorate. I have loved and hated my time here in Scotland, but I will mostly remember the good times. The hard times grew me and made me stronger. The good times just enhanced my time here and made me fall in love with the place even more.
Being a volunteer has really opened my eyes to a lot of things and I will take so much back home with me than I would had I stayed home and gave up after my time in South Africa. I remember having my doubts while in the Oklahoma City airport. I remember thinking twice about going once I reached security and almost turned away, ran to the car, and gave up. Thankfully, God was there with me the entire time and there was something inside of me saying, "Go!" So, I kept walking. I cried so much and kept thinking, "what if this turns out to be another dead end? What it I hate it?" God turned those "what if's" into something so much more. I could reach out to the people here. I connected with them. I fell in love with the place, the people, the culture, the church family, the people I worked with, and yes, I think I may even miss the weather even though I was incredibly cold and miserable 75-80% of the time, hehe. But, there were moments when God really opened my eyes and I became thankful for everything around me. I mean, REALLY thankful.
I couldn't have done this without God and the help, encouragement, and support from everyone back home in the States. There's absolutely no way! I have needed God and each and every one of you every single minute of the day... through the good and the bad, you all were always there and I appreciate you very much for all that you have done and continue to do for me. I am really looking forward to seeing you all again! Thank you again! Many, many thanks!
Until next time, love to you all...
It hit me hard and I realized that this is for real. I really am going back to Texas and won't be around the friends and family I've made while being here in Scotland. I'm still VERY excited about going home, but it's kind of a bittersweet type of thing. I'm sad to leave everyone, but happy at the same time. Who would've thought that those two emotions were possible to have at the exact same time?!
For the past two days, I have been packing my bags and cleaning up my room. The room is bare. The wardrobe is almost empty. All my drawers in my dresser are empty except for two of the five drawers. Pictures are gone. Books are gone. Bags are covering one side of the room. The cabinets in the kitchen are starting to become empty. The living room is missing the pictures and "homey feel" to it now that everything is gone. But, it's all a good thing. It's a new step in my life and I am very excited about it and can't wait to take on this part of the journey. I have had a wonderful experience while being here in Scotland and I feel like I have really found myself. I know what I want out of life. I know where I want to be. I know exactly who I want to be.
It has made me realize that I really want to be near my family. I love them so much and can't bear to be so far away from them. You go through life saying, "I just want to go and do my own thing. Get out of this town and never come back." But, this made me realize that I want to be back in my hometown: Canadian, TX and right there with my family. They are so precious to me.
I had the opportunity to volunteer as a teacher's aide at a primary school for children around the ages 5-6. I was scared to death at first, but knew that this would be a great opportunity to overcome my fear of teaching and helping with Kindergarten aged children. I learned that I want to be around children. I want to possibly teach ages Pre-K to 2nd or 3rd grade. I absolutely adore the little children and thanks to being here in Scotland, stepping out of my comfort zone, and doing what I have been doing with the class I worked with has really opened up a lot of doors for me and I am really looking forward to working in the school system in some way or another... even if I'm just a substitute teacher! :)
I want everyone to see Jesus in my life every single day. I want to be the example I need to be and doing this has made me realize that there are eyes on me at all times and I do make an impact and make a difference on those around me. I never really realized it until I came over here and received cards and compliments from staff members or the friends I've made over here about the difference I had made by being here and how much I will be missed because of my personality and willingness to do anything and everything they asked me to do without complaints and even better than what they had expected. I'm not bragging at all, just stating what I was told and to prove to you that there are eyes always upon you... always watching what you are doing and saying... even what you don't do or say. You do make a difference. So, my goal in life is to be just like Jesus. I want to be a servant.
I wish everyone could have the opportunity that I have had. The opportunity to spread your wings, live in another country, experience a completely different culture, stepping out of your comfort zone and being a servant to those around you knowing that you aren't getting anything in return and being completely okay with that.
I came into this knowing that I don't need to expect a "thank you" and knowing I'm not getting paid for this. Yes, I'm supported by local church congregations, family, and friends, but it's not a "full-time paying job," which is what most people my age already have, or they're still in college getting their Masters or Doctorate. I have loved and hated my time here in Scotland, but I will mostly remember the good times. The hard times grew me and made me stronger. The good times just enhanced my time here and made me fall in love with the place even more.
Being a volunteer has really opened my eyes to a lot of things and I will take so much back home with me than I would had I stayed home and gave up after my time in South Africa. I remember having my doubts while in the Oklahoma City airport. I remember thinking twice about going once I reached security and almost turned away, ran to the car, and gave up. Thankfully, God was there with me the entire time and there was something inside of me saying, "Go!" So, I kept walking. I cried so much and kept thinking, "what if this turns out to be another dead end? What it I hate it?" God turned those "what if's" into something so much more. I could reach out to the people here. I connected with them. I fell in love with the place, the people, the culture, the church family, the people I worked with, and yes, I think I may even miss the weather even though I was incredibly cold and miserable 75-80% of the time, hehe. But, there were moments when God really opened my eyes and I became thankful for everything around me. I mean, REALLY thankful.
I couldn't have done this without God and the help, encouragement, and support from everyone back home in the States. There's absolutely no way! I have needed God and each and every one of you every single minute of the day... through the good and the bad, you all were always there and I appreciate you very much for all that you have done and continue to do for me. I am really looking forward to seeing you all again! Thank you again! Many, many thanks!
Until next time, love to you all...
Saturday, June 6, 2009
25 days
I was sitting in my apartment today watching You've Got Mail and realized that today marks 25 days until I move back to the great state of Texas. Surprisingly, I'm not filled with all sorts of emotions like I thought I would be, but I AM filled with excitement and LOTS of it! I've had a great time being here in Scotland, but I really am ready to be back in Canadian with my family.
I talked to my family last night as they were sitting in Austin, TX in their hotel room overlooking Austin and the State Capitol building. My sister is running in the State track meet today as a member of the 4x200 meter relay (800 meter relay). It took all I had to not buy a $2000 plane ticket to Austin just for a couple days and fly back to Scotland. But, I suppose it's a bit ridiculous to do that and at the same time could be a once-in-a-lifetime thing for my sister and I'm missing out on it, which means it'd be okay to spend that two-grand, right? hehe... Flying in to watch her run was definitely out of the question, but I'm hoping she will be able to head to State again next year. :) I'll be calling them tonight to see how her team did. I'm really anxious!! It's hard being an ocean away.
That's really all I have for right now... only a little update about my excitement for coming home in 25 days and the anxiousness I have for my sister as she runs today in the State track meet! :)
Until next time, love to you all...
I talked to my family last night as they were sitting in Austin, TX in their hotel room overlooking Austin and the State Capitol building. My sister is running in the State track meet today as a member of the 4x200 meter relay (800 meter relay). It took all I had to not buy a $2000 plane ticket to Austin just for a couple days and fly back to Scotland. But, I suppose it's a bit ridiculous to do that and at the same time could be a once-in-a-lifetime thing for my sister and I'm missing out on it, which means it'd be okay to spend that two-grand, right? hehe... Flying in to watch her run was definitely out of the question, but I'm hoping she will be able to head to State again next year. :) I'll be calling them tonight to see how her team did. I'm really anxious!! It's hard being an ocean away.
That's really all I have for right now... only a little update about my excitement for coming home in 25 days and the anxiousness I have for my sister as she runs today in the State track meet! :)
Until next time, love to you all...
Monday, May 25, 2009
Finishing Strong
2 Timothy 4:7
Last Newsletter
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: THOUGHTS
I can hardly believe that I have been in Scotland for eight months now! And, it is even harder for me to imagine that I will be home in a month! I look back and wonder how time has flown by so quickly. There were times when I thought this day would never get here and there are times when I realize that it is right around the corner. It was one year ago on June 2nd that I left for Port Elizabeth, South Africa and I spent three months there. I came back to the States and worked on getting my visa for Scotland. Three weeks later, I moved to East Kilbride, Scotland to be on a team with Melanie Huggins, Justin Kellar, and Zach Yarbrough. Eight months have past and by the time I get home, I will have been here for nine months and five days.
I was trying to put things into perspective about my time away from Canadian, Texas and I will have been away from the States for a total of forty-nine weeks. That’s forty-nine weeks without seeing my family. And, that is forty-nine weeks I would never take back due to all the wonderful experiences, the horrible experiences that made me stronger, the Christian family I came to know and love in South Africa and Scotland, the new friends I have made, and seeing the difference God has made in the lives of those around me.
I have really enjoyed my time here in Scotland (well, excluding my least favorite part: the weather!!). I loved the people I worked with at ShopMobility, Meals-on-Wheels, Kirktonholme Primary School, and West Mains Church of Christ.
THEY WILL BE MISSED
Unfortunately, we had to stop going to Meals-on-Wheels last month due to the lack of people attending the lunch club. There were four elderly we had lunch club with, but it dwindled down to one person due to hospitalizations, sicknesses, and one death. I miss going every Tuesday, but everything happens for a reason. And, I will definitely miss those who attended lunch club.
I absolutely adore the elderly who ride the ShopMobility bus. One of the men (Mr. Graham) is on the bus every Monday morning and calls me “Miss America,” which is actually correct because I am a “miss” and I am from “America.” So, I guess it fits! I will really miss hearing that every Monday. I will miss seeing the “regulars” and chatting with them about their weeks, their families, or even what they bought while at the center. I will really miss being with all the volunteers at ShopMobility as well. I have become really close to all of them and it will make it really hard to leave them behind. They have bright personalities and made me really feel at home here.
The children and staff at Kirktonholme Primary School were wonderful and very friendly. I worked with Lindsay Gregory and Fiona Robertson (both primary one – or, what we know as, kindergarten – teachers) as a teacher’s aide and did anything from playing reading and math games with the children, assisting with grading papers, painting or making clay structures with the children, and other things like that. The children have really opened up to me and every time I walk into the doors I hear my name being yelled, “NEYSIA!!!” and they all run up to me and give me huge hugs. That is something I will definitely miss every Wednesday and Friday when I move back to Texas. The children are adorable and I have gotten incredibly attached to each and every one of them.
Being a part of the West Mains Church of Christ has really changed my life. I have met people who have influenced me in ways I didn’t think possible. God worked through them in ways that really encouraged me in the low points of my time here and they also encouraged me to live the Christian life and not just say things, but actually live it. The people at West Mains really live in a way that influence and encourage people around them at all times. I was able to get really close to the church family here.
I am so thankful to God for sending me here to Scotland to get to know all the people I have met while living here. It has been nothing but one huge adventure from the minute I started AIM. I guess that’s where the “A” in AIM came from: Adventures in Missions. I will be spending the last four weeks saying goodbye to everyone, trying to finish strong, having to go through all sorts of emotions as I approach my last days of work with ShopMobility, Kirktonholme Primary School, and West Mains Church of Christ, and doing lots and lots of packing.
COMING HOME SOON
Melanie and I will both be leaving Scotland on Wednesday, July 1st, but on different flights. Luckily, Kayla Graham will be flying back with me on the same exact flight. Melanie booked her flight quite a bit later than I did, so we weren’t able to find the same flight I had. I will be leaving from the Glasgow airport at 6:50 am (12:50 am Texas time) flying into Manchester, England then to Chicago, Illinois and on into Dallas, Texas which will then take me to Amarillo, Texas. I will be landing in Amarillo sometime around 10:00 pm. Lots of flight time, but the layovers aren’t long at all (two hours at the most). Pray for safe travels for Melanie, Kayla, and I on July 1st!
MANY, MANY THANKS TO YOU!
None of this would have been possible without God and your support, encouragement, and prayers. God really blessed me by putting each and every one of you in my life. I am so very thankful for you! I am so glad I was able to share this part of my life with you and even more grateful that you wanted to be a part of it. God has been able to use you and me to make a huge difference in the lives of the Scottish people in East Kilbride. I can never thank you enough.
Upcoming Events:
* May 31-June 8: Melanie’s mom and brother visit
* Mid-two weeks of June: Jarad Johnson and church group from Florida visit for a mission trip
* June 13: Millport trip with West Mains church group
* June 15: My last day at ShopMobility
* June 19: My last day at Kirktonholme Primary School
* June 24-July 1: Kayla Graham visits
* July 1: My flight back home to Texas!
Prayer Requests:
* Our families
* Scotland team and the work being done in East Kilbride
* Zach and Justin (teammates Melanie and I will be leaving behind in Scotland)
* 2007 AIMers preparing to leave the field
* West Mains Church of Christ
* 2007 AIMers on the field:
New Zealand
Mexico (3 teams)
Honduras
South Africa
Grass Valley, California
Childress, Texas
Shawnee, Oklahoma
* The 2008 AIMers who have started their field time and are being sent out all over the world
* The upcoming AIM class who will be starting in August
Last Newsletter
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: THOUGHTS
I can hardly believe that I have been in Scotland for eight months now! And, it is even harder for me to imagine that I will be home in a month! I look back and wonder how time has flown by so quickly. There were times when I thought this day would never get here and there are times when I realize that it is right around the corner. It was one year ago on June 2nd that I left for Port Elizabeth, South Africa and I spent three months there. I came back to the States and worked on getting my visa for Scotland. Three weeks later, I moved to East Kilbride, Scotland to be on a team with Melanie Huggins, Justin Kellar, and Zach Yarbrough. Eight months have past and by the time I get home, I will have been here for nine months and five days.
I was trying to put things into perspective about my time away from Canadian, Texas and I will have been away from the States for a total of forty-nine weeks. That’s forty-nine weeks without seeing my family. And, that is forty-nine weeks I would never take back due to all the wonderful experiences, the horrible experiences that made me stronger, the Christian family I came to know and love in South Africa and Scotland, the new friends I have made, and seeing the difference God has made in the lives of those around me.
I have really enjoyed my time here in Scotland (well, excluding my least favorite part: the weather!!). I loved the people I worked with at ShopMobility, Meals-on-Wheels, Kirktonholme Primary School, and West Mains Church of Christ.
THEY WILL BE MISSED
Unfortunately, we had to stop going to Meals-on-Wheels last month due to the lack of people attending the lunch club. There were four elderly we had lunch club with, but it dwindled down to one person due to hospitalizations, sicknesses, and one death. I miss going every Tuesday, but everything happens for a reason. And, I will definitely miss those who attended lunch club.
I absolutely adore the elderly who ride the ShopMobility bus. One of the men (Mr. Graham) is on the bus every Monday morning and calls me “Miss America,” which is actually correct because I am a “miss” and I am from “America.” So, I guess it fits! I will really miss hearing that every Monday. I will miss seeing the “regulars” and chatting with them about their weeks, their families, or even what they bought while at the center. I will really miss being with all the volunteers at ShopMobility as well. I have become really close to all of them and it will make it really hard to leave them behind. They have bright personalities and made me really feel at home here.
The children and staff at Kirktonholme Primary School were wonderful and very friendly. I worked with Lindsay Gregory and Fiona Robertson (both primary one – or, what we know as, kindergarten – teachers) as a teacher’s aide and did anything from playing reading and math games with the children, assisting with grading papers, painting or making clay structures with the children, and other things like that. The children have really opened up to me and every time I walk into the doors I hear my name being yelled, “NEYSIA!!!” and they all run up to me and give me huge hugs. That is something I will definitely miss every Wednesday and Friday when I move back to Texas. The children are adorable and I have gotten incredibly attached to each and every one of them.
Being a part of the West Mains Church of Christ has really changed my life. I have met people who have influenced me in ways I didn’t think possible. God worked through them in ways that really encouraged me in the low points of my time here and they also encouraged me to live the Christian life and not just say things, but actually live it. The people at West Mains really live in a way that influence and encourage people around them at all times. I was able to get really close to the church family here.
I am so thankful to God for sending me here to Scotland to get to know all the people I have met while living here. It has been nothing but one huge adventure from the minute I started AIM. I guess that’s where the “A” in AIM came from: Adventures in Missions. I will be spending the last four weeks saying goodbye to everyone, trying to finish strong, having to go through all sorts of emotions as I approach my last days of work with ShopMobility, Kirktonholme Primary School, and West Mains Church of Christ, and doing lots and lots of packing.
COMING HOME SOON
Melanie and I will both be leaving Scotland on Wednesday, July 1st, but on different flights. Luckily, Kayla Graham will be flying back with me on the same exact flight. Melanie booked her flight quite a bit later than I did, so we weren’t able to find the same flight I had. I will be leaving from the Glasgow airport at 6:50 am (12:50 am Texas time) flying into Manchester, England then to Chicago, Illinois and on into Dallas, Texas which will then take me to Amarillo, Texas. I will be landing in Amarillo sometime around 10:00 pm. Lots of flight time, but the layovers aren’t long at all (two hours at the most). Pray for safe travels for Melanie, Kayla, and I on July 1st!
MANY, MANY THANKS TO YOU!
None of this would have been possible without God and your support, encouragement, and prayers. God really blessed me by putting each and every one of you in my life. I am so very thankful for you! I am so glad I was able to share this part of my life with you and even more grateful that you wanted to be a part of it. God has been able to use you and me to make a huge difference in the lives of the Scottish people in East Kilbride. I can never thank you enough.
Upcoming Events:
* May 31-June 8: Melanie’s mom and brother visit
* Mid-two weeks of June: Jarad Johnson and church group from Florida visit for a mission trip
* June 13: Millport trip with West Mains church group
* June 15: My last day at ShopMobility
* June 19: My last day at Kirktonholme Primary School
* June 24-July 1: Kayla Graham visits
* July 1: My flight back home to Texas!
Prayer Requests:
* Our families
* Scotland team and the work being done in East Kilbride
* Zach and Justin (teammates Melanie and I will be leaving behind in Scotland)
* 2007 AIMers preparing to leave the field
* West Mains Church of Christ
* 2007 AIMers on the field:
New Zealand
Mexico (3 teams)
Honduras
South Africa
Grass Valley, California
Childress, Texas
Shawnee, Oklahoma
* The 2008 AIMers who have started their field time and are being sent out all over the world
* The upcoming AIM class who will be starting in August
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