from handshakes to hugs

Well I have been home for one month now, so if I don't finish off the Scotland blog, I might still be writing about this trip while I am on the next trip (Lord willing there will be a "next" trip).

There is so much I learned from being a part of this trip. If you read the rest of this blog, you obviously saw that message coming through loud and clear. Although I couldn't pick one thing that was my favorite part of this trip, if you forced me into a corner and threatened to deprive me of sushi for the remainder of my days on earth if I didn't choose one, I would choose...

The people of Carrubbers Christian Centre.

I met so many kind, caring, generous, warm, loving people. By the end of my ten days there, my heart began to ache, knowing that I would have to leave these people that had become so dear to me. They welcomed us, served us, fed us, introduced us to various parts of their city and culture. Everything I could have dreamed these hosts would have done (in a best case scenario)... they exceeded all of it.

It is one month later, and though I am very much back into the swing of things, there are still times when I look back on those days with extreme fondness, desiring that the Lord will allow me to go back and see them again.

Carrubbers... I love you all. Thanks for helping make this such a memorable and life-changing experience for me.

The Dyers (Mark, Shannon, and I stayed with them)

The Renwicks (Joe stayed with them)

The Burgesses (the Wades stayed with them)

Jackie had to psyche herself up to try the haggis

Some people from the church showed us a traditional dance during our traditional meal

Fridays are apparently "theme day" at the café. The café provided "jimmy" hats for us to wear that day.

What a blast. Lord willing, see you soon.

On that note, this will conclude this chapter of the Scotland blog. I say "this chapter" in the hopes that there will be another... perhaps many others.

If you would like to keep up with me personally, you can find my blog here.

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

open air

The afternoon of our concert in Edinburgh, we decided to do a little "advertising" and play and sing outside the church. Totally unplugged. It was awesome!

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

culinary scot delights

Certain things defined Scot eating (and drinking) for me...

The infamous "Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties." A very traditional Scottish meal.

Beloved Fish 'n' Chips

When I was first offered "Iron Brew" I thought, "wow that's weird... they are offering me beer? I don't really like beer but I don't want to offend our gracious hosts." Thankfully, it's a soft drink (the closest thing I can think to compare it to is Cactus Cooler, only not as "heavy" tasting). It's very good, and I drank one every chance I got.

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

reformation tour

On Tuesday, August 12, the GCC missionary at Carrubbers, Mikey Luehrmann, took us on a brief tour of various significant sites of the Reformation. I was a wee bit tired that morning so I didn't pay very close attention (sorry Mikey!), plus this was my first real opportunity to see different parts of the city so I was kind of soaking it all in.


Here are some images from our tour:

The Magdalen Chapel, where we each took turns "preaching"...

Jill

Joe

Shannon

Caitie

Rick

Stained glass at the Magdalen Chapel (the only remaining intact stained glass from Medieval times)

Some tombstone for a dog (though I cannot remember the significance of the dog)

All that was left to mark the grave of John Knox was this tiny yellow square... in the middle of a parking lot (space 23, to be exact)

What began to strike me later, however, was the reality that people were actually getting killed for proclaiming their faith in Jesus Christ. To be sure, martyrdom still occurs today (if fact, it's said that more Christians were martyred in the 20th century than all of prior history combined). But to actually be at a place where you know people were killed for their faith. Wow.

Probably the most impactful place on the tour for me was a place called Grass Market. It was here that Christians were actually burned at the stake. Killed by fire. What a terrible way to die. And looking around, I just envisioned all the townspeople coming into this town square, possibly mocking and yelling at the Christians as they were ushered into the awaiting arms of Jesus. Brave and courageous individuals who made the ultimate commitment.



My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

some comforts of home

I miss everyone in Edinburgh, but these items sure made the transition easier...




My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

couple more random uk observations

- I knew that they didn't use ice. Surprisingly, I was not very bothered by this.

- Napkins don't seem to be all that important. I think I saw them at maybe 1/3 of all the meals? Even more surprising than the ice, I was not bothered by this at all (when I am home it's not rare to see a plate full of used napkins after I am done with my meal).

- The Scots really enjoy signing their names with varying amounts of "X's" afterwards. Those people sure love to love! :)

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

back to the grind

I am back at work... after 2 1/2 weeks. Rough times. Will Scotland take me back? Please?