Sunday lunch around a Scottish table!

8-23-15

Lunch with Kate & Marcus.

   I was thrilled that Kate right after hearing my testimony about fiery darts, ordered a Kindle copy of my book, Fiery Darts: Satan's Weapon of Choice,  as did a few others at Larkhall. My heart's desire is that God will place this book in the hands of other's who like me have allowed negative thoughts to rule their thinking. The following verse explains my motivation:

He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 HCSB

Lunch with Kate and Marcos was the icing on the cake for me after visiting Larkhall. My family, the Wadsworths, and Ms. Dorothy, Kate's 91 year old mum gathered around this lovely table for the sweetest of fellowship and a delicious meal. 

Ham, roast beef, couscous, potato salad, lettuce salad, natural beats, lemon cream cheese, a trifle, and mixed fruit graced the table before us. I ate and enjoyed every dish.! And I wasn't the only one. Kate is a fabulous cook!

Kate's mum, Ms Dorothy, was a delightful lady. She encouraged my heart as she shared her travels with me. I was encouraged because she, like me, followed her son to another continent in some of those travels. And also like me, she was in her golden years as she trotted around the globe. Knowing she accomplished all this traveling as an older lady, gives me much cause to hope that I can do the same. 

After a brisk and lively time of fellowship, Sarah invited me to visit her mum's grave. I was deeply touched to be asked.

Sarah and Rachel's brother, Matthew, had been working on Bobby's computer and drove us over to the cemetery. On the way we stopped at the Coop (a grocery store) to pick up some flowers.

We stood there in silence for awhile, each lost in our own memories of this beautiful lady. This was not how I wanted to greet Ruth. Being here at this spot for this reason was the only part of my dream that wasn't fulfilled. Sometimes God's will is beyond our understanding. In those times we just have to accept it! This was one of those times for me. 

Sarah and I joined in prayer, thanking God for the friendship I shared with Ruth and for the wonderful wife, mother, and friend she was to so many.

We walked back to the Manse and prepared for evening services. Bobby and Maridith were to be sharing their experience on the mission field. 

Speaking at Larkhall

8-23-15

audio of my interview with Stuart at Larkhall

   There I was sitting in the church with all that was familiar to Ruth about me. I was a bit overwhelmed by the reality of it all. Ruth had described this church to me on several occasions via her email and later by her Fb posts. I was a contradiction of emotions! Happy beyond words to be there, but feeling a deep sadness because Ruth wasn't. (If you remember, Ruth had passed away from cancer in the fall of 2014. We had been e-pal friends for about 10 years)

   Bobby (who everyone there called Robert) spoke first. He directed his words to the children and afterwards showed a video of their work in S. Sudan. He did an excellent job, very engaging. 

   Then as is the custom at Larkhall, the children were dismissed to their own worship service. I felt very comfortable for they conducted their service much as Faith did back home. Contemporary choruses  were sung, being read from words placed on the big screen (you can see the screen behind me in the above photo) I can't say I was familiar with the songs but they were beautiful. 

                 

interview

       
                    

sermon

   

The order of service for that day was to conduct a brief interview with Bob and I, then Bob would speak. Bob spoke for 15 minutes! Don't remember him ever being that brief😄

   Stuart introduced me as the only friend of Ruth's that he had never met. But Ruth had told him about me and of my dream to come to Scotland. 

   I have included the audio of that interview. I was pleased to be able to share how Ruth and I became friends, and of my family, and about my book, Fiery Darts. (Please let me know if you are not able to open the audio link above)

   After the worship service, we gathered in the fellowship hall for tea and coffee with cookies. Just like the previous churches we had visited. The fellowship was warm and friendly. Because of the bond we share in Christ, we felt like lifelong friends immediately. No matter where I have gone in the world, this is the way it goes when I meet fellow brother's and sister's in Christ.

Larkhall, for a second (and last time)

Farewell Arran!

8-22-15 (Saturday)

   We left for the ferry a little earlier than planned. Reason being, Bobby was going to have to drive to Edinburgh as soon as we arrived in Larkhall in order to pick up Maridith's computer. (She was having it repaired at the Apple store there) So instead of arriving around 2:30 has originally planned, we arrived at 10:30. We didn't get to leave on the 10:30 ferry, but were able to leave on the 11:30 one. This gave us a little time to grab a bite to eat in a nearby coffee shop. 

   The trip on the ferry was as pleasant as it was before and this time somewhat warmer. I found a place to sit in the dining area with Roscoe and treated ourselves to ice cream. Bobby and Shep showed up after awhile then Maridith. Lastly, Bob joined our party. 

   I simply love riding the ferry. It reminded me of the ferry I rode crossing the English channel 20 years ago with my daughters.(Doesn't seem it was that long ago!) We had taken a European trip with a group from Munford High School for a combined senior trip for Kathy, and Rachel (who was a high school freshman at the time)! Each trip was uniquely filled with memories that I draw from time and time again.

   As it turned out, Marcus offered to drive Bobby to Edinburgh to pick up Maridith's computer. This was a godsend! So while Maridith and the boys relaxed at Kate's, Bob and I reconnected with the Wadsworth's. 

   Eventually, a taxi arrived to take us to the restaurant where we met Bobby & Marcus (who had showed up first) then Kate. We laughed and visited with each other as if we had been life long friends. The servers were as fascinated by our accents as we were theirs. All in all, we packed memories in abundance of that precious time. 

   Bob and I thank God for Kate and Marcus, for they have taken Bobby & Maridith into their hearts. This gives us the sweetest of comforts knowing they will watch out for our loved ones when they move to Edinburgh next year. 

    Upon returning to the Wadsworth's, Bob and I were able to share some special moments with this family who had become like family to us. Rachel pulled out the album she had made from the pictures and memorabilia of her mum's to show me. I know creating that album kept her mum close. It will be something she will return to again and again to receive solace. 

   I spent the rest of the evening preparing thoughts that I would share the next day in Stuart's church. Stuart had invited all of us to speak. I was deeply touched that Stuart was giving me an opportunity to share some personal thoughts about Ruth and about my book, Fiery Darts: Satan's Weapon of Choice.This was one of those times (and I had known many of them on this trip) when my cup was running over. 

   We spent a full and memorable weekend in Larkhall. I will share more next time!

Arran: Parting is such sweet sorrow!

View from front door of our cottage!

Parting shots!

   As I was reading over my journal, I came upon an entry that I should have posted at the end of my last post. So I will share it here, but connect it to November 23rd post.

   As Bobby and I were 'strolling in the gloaming' the evening prior to our departure, we agreed that Scotland, especially Arran, was more beautiful than we could have imagined. While we slowly walked the path leading away from our cottage, I recalled how earlier in the week, as I was walking this very same path, I had met a young man named Robbie who was working on his home, and engaged him in a conversation. He told me how much he loved living on Arran, and described it as a very safe place to live–especially for children. "It's sort of like a place that's not been contaminated by the current horribleness of the world," he said.

  In sharing with Bobby the young man's description of this dreamy island, we both agreed it could have been the setting for Brigadoon. Separated from the rest of the world and not contaminated by it.

Parting shot of our quaint home on Arran.

Well, as they say, "All good things must come to an end."

8/22/15

  Scotland, especially Arran, exceeded my expectations. Her cool but pleasant climate, her warm, friendly, gracious, and hospitable people, her spectacular pastoral landscapes, her gentle and peaceful pace of life made it hard to leave. But as wonderful as all that was, she was not My Home. America, Quito, TN is my home and where I belong. I was ready to go home! Nevertheless, making this trip to Scotland was the fulfillment of a dream. One that I will thank God for the rest of my days.

As we departed the ferry, we drove by ASDA. In America we  refer to  it as Wal-Mart!

   However, there was one more trip to make. We drove to the ferry, boarded and set out in the direction of Larkhall. We were eager to return there for one last visit with Kate, Marcos, the Wadsworths, and Sam & Francis before returning to the States.

The Heather is in bloom! 8/21/15

11-23-16

Two American Hunters discover a mystical village in Scotland that only materializes once every century! 1954

   In all likelihood, my passion for all things Scottish was somewhat influenced by this movie. There's a beautiful song sung by Gene Kelly & Cyd Charisse titled, Heather on the Hill (If you are interested in hearing it, just go to You Tube and type in the song's title) that came to my mind on this last day in Arran.

We left Croc Cottage by 9:30 with plans in mind to visit Brodick Castle. Which we did, as you can see from these pictures.

Brodick Castle is a castle situated outside the port of Brodick on the Isle of Arran, an island in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland. It was previously a seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, but is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

We left the castle and made one more stop at a rustic museum and while Sheperd played we enjoyed a tasty picnic at the tables provided.  

Right behind where we had
our picnic was this lovely
stream. I didn't wade
but I did capture this picture.

The mountain in the background
is Goatfell. Highest peak on Arran.

Now we piled into the van, and embarked upon our last drive around the island. And here is where I finally saw the heather on the hill! August turned out to be a good time to see the heather in bloom.

A Caileigh 8-18-15 and A Cozy Gentle Rain 8-19-15

9-27-16

Here I am in Edinburg still blogging about my trip last year. Never expected to be doing this!

                                                                                                            

Last night Bobby & I attended a caileigh. (a Scottish country dance event). It was hard to describe the exhilarating fun of it. Obviously, this was a tourist event, because most of the people in attendance were tourist like we were and it cost 7 lbs.

A guy with a head mic took us through the steps which were basic and easy to pick up. Bobby and I danced 3 dances. When you messed up (and everyone did) you just laughed and kept on dancing.

There was a kind lady who agreed to video Bob and I. If you click on the link, another link will pop up. You should be able to click on that link and watch the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoLKXXscvM0&list=UURSnA9xNLLCVjln3UiC-qkw&index=4

It was a lazy rainy day on the Isle of Arran. We were tucked into our cozy little cottage, enjoying the ambience of the comforting fireplace. But rain in Scotland is unlike the rain we experience in the States. Accompanying rain in the States is usually thundering and lighting, but here in Scotland the dark clouds just simply let go of their rain without much ado. And the rain may only last for a short while, then people spill out of their dwellings and carry on with their adventures. And some may not be deterred by the rain at all. 

The boys packed up and set off to town so Shep could play at the playground. This boy loves playgrounds. I caught up on my journaling and organized my suitcase and souvenirs and straightened up our cottage. 

As Maridith was fixing lunch we noticed the rain had begun. It started after the boys returned and it's been a slow steady drizzle. I resisted the temptation to take a walk as the air was sumptuous; not really sure why I did that! Maridith's chili and potatoes was the perfect accent to this cool rainy afternoon.

Today was my granddaughter, Macey's birthday, so I was able to video chat with her. This is why I am so grateful for the technology that keeps me connected, no matter how far away I am, to my family. 

Our LORD goes before us!

Deuteronomy 31:8

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

   There remains a week of adventures and events that I intend to describe for you of our final days in Scotland.  However, something has occurred recently that took me quite by surprise. Therefore, I feel I must take a break in my posting to this share with you!

   As you may remember from earlier post, the family of my e-pal friend, Ruth, who had passed away a year prior to our visit, opened their home for Bob and I to spend the weekend. And a couple from their church, Kate and Marcos, volunteered to house Bobby & his crew. An immediate friendship was formed and before we left, we felt like family to each other. They assured Bob and I that when Bobby and his family returned the next year they would do whatever they could to help get them settled and to be a support to them during their time there. 

   Now that time has come and at the writing of this post my son is enjoying the hospitality once again of Kate & Marcos, and has reconnected with Ruth's family.  It warmed this mother's heart to know that Kate and Marcos were there to meet him at the airport and that he will be spending a few days with them while he gets settled at the university. 

A photo from last year's visit. 

In Kate's words: He's back!

The Unexpected Event!

   It had been decided that Bobby needed to go over first to take care of details having to do with school and getting details for their residency in Edinburgh established.

  Then Maridith and the boys would follow about 2 weeks later. Originally, a friend of Maridith's was to travel with  her to help with the boys and to help her get set up in their apartment. 

   However, changes occurred in Maridith's friend's life that closed the door for her to be able to carry out those plans. But the need was still there and it was looking like they weren't going to be able to find anybody to take Maridith's friend's place. I thought about offering but I was already making my plans to go visit them in January of next year and two trips in a few months time of each other was all but impossible to make happen. Or so I thought! 

   As it turns out, I will go over with Maridith to help her with the boys during the flight. Then upon arriving in Edinburgh, I will help them get settled in their apartment. Afterwards, I will board a plane in Edinburgh and fly home on my own. (Something, I am not fond of doing but by God's grace I know I can do it. Besides, I flew back from Africa by myself and Scotland isn't nearly as far!) And the fantastic part of this tale is that I am still able to make plans to return to Scotland in January!

  As I dreamed of traveling to Scotland someday, I was motivated by the hope that somewhere on my ancestral tree there would be a branch of Scots. And upon returning from Scotland last year, I even signed my mother and I up to have our DNA tested to see where it originated. While it's a slim possibility, I was a little disappointed that it didn't prove to be as much of a possibility as I had hoped for. 

   Yet I realize now that my e-pal friendship with Ruth set the stage for the close friendship we now have with her husband, Stuart, and daughters, Sarah and Rachel, as well as with Kate and Marcos. So perhaps my enthusiasm for Scotland wasn't to lead to a much hoped for Scottish ancestry, but to put into place a much needed support group for Bobby & Maridith during their time spent at the U of E. 

If that is the case, then I certainly stand in awe of God's foresight.