Happy New Year

Well, the new year is upon us, and here in Scotland the old one is leaving with mighty winds and driving rain. What a year it has been. Last year at this time, Erin and I were fairly certain that we would be heading to Scotland for me to start my PhD. I had been unoffically accepted to one of my schools, so everything was looking good. In January I was accepted to both schools, and had a choice to make. In May Erin left Everman ISD. She taught there for four years, and it was her first teaching position. In July we moved from Texas, leaving behind many good friends. After spending some time with family, we finally left for Aberdeen in September. Now four months later, we have settled in well. Erin has found a new job, which brings with it new challenges. My studies are going better than any could have predicted. And now a new year is here.
God has blessed and cared for us throughout this past year, and I can only imagine what this next year will hold. As this new year begins, don't forget to reflect on what God has done in the past year. The grace of God brought each of us through different challenges and joys. I am certain that he will do the same for us all this coming year.

Christmas Traditions

We have noticed several differences here in Christmas traditions. People here say "Happy Christmas" instead of "Merry Christmas." Many of the Christmas songs are the same: however some have slight word differences. "Away in a Manger" is sung to a different tune and has several wording changes. "Silent Night" starts with a completely different verse. The first verse of the American version is not even included. A popular item over here are Christmas Crackers. Let me explain. One day we were at Asda (Walmart) and we saw people buying boxes of Christmas Crackers. They were these little packages wrapped in Christmas paper. I thought they were edible crackers that people give as gifts or something. Then we went to the Christmas party at my work and were given crackers. You pull a tab on each end of the package and they make a loud popping noise. When you open them there is a paper hat and plastic toy inside. They use them at parties or you might be given one when you go out to eat at a restaurant. People really wear the hats! Here is a picture of a cracker and the lovely hat.



On Christmas Day we will be attending a service at our church. Afterwards, we have been invited for Christmas dinner with some American friends from our church who also attend the University. We are very greatful to be included in their Christmas celebration.

Finally, our church

Picking a church can be a difficult issue, especially with many good ones. After visiting 6 churches, and 2 twice, we decided on Hebron Evangelical. It was the third church we visited in Aberdeen. The people are friendly and the pastor is good. The church has a strong student group, most of them are undergrads, and many foreigners. At lunch on Sunday, we sat with 2 Germans, a Chinese lady, and an Iranian lady. We added the church website to our links page if you want to learn more about the church.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has a different feel here since I had no break from studies and Erin was at work. This is the first time that we have not had a week to enjoy the break. Oh well, we still had some turkey. We spent Thursday night with another American student and his family. We ate all the traditional food. On Saturday we went to one of Erin's student's house. They are American and invited us over for a Thanksgiving meal with some of their Scottish friends. It was a nice, relaxing evening. So, although we did not get our days off, Thanksgiving was still nice.

The Christmas season has also arrived here in Aberdeen. We had an international market this past weekend and next weekend there will be a German market. The Christmas lights are up over Union St. in City Centre. Most of the scenes have lights that go on and off to show motion. The pictures aren't the best, but they will give you an idea of what it is like.

Rest of the pictures

Here are the rest of the pictures from Torry Battery.

Life is normal

Well, it is hard to update a blog when little happens aside from the normal everyday events. So, now that we have done some new pictures, we have something to say. Everyday is basically the same. Erin gets up and goes to work. I get up and either study at the house or go to the school. I try to do most of my work at the house since it as a two mile walk to the univ. My studies are going well. In fact, better than I thought. I am already writing my first chapter.
Aside from the everyday events, we went to Torry Battery today. It sits at the opening to the harbor and was used in the 1800s and maybe even 1900s. It is almost completely fallen down now, but the view is great. We took some pictures of the North Sea and a golf course right by the sea. We were hoping to see some dolphins, but they did not come by. Unfortunately, blogger is not working right, so you 0nly get one picture for now.
Well, that is how life is here. We hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving break. Just another day here.

Finding a Church

Well, we have now been here for a month. Time has moved quickly. In that time, we have seen much of Aberdeen--at least the south side of town, and Erin has been to Edinburgh for a day. My studies are going well and progressing much quicker than I thought they would. Erin starts her job at the Hamilton school this coming Monday. She is excited and nervous. We have learned most of the bus route, which is helpful since that is how we get to the grocery store. We do most of our shopping at ASDA, which is the British Walmart. Walmart actually owns them, so it was nice seeing the smiling yellow ball.

In our time here, we have visited four different churches. It is different having the opportunity to see how others--in different parts of the world and from different demoninations--practice the Christian faith. The first week we attended a Methodist church. Several students from the univ attend the church as well as a former professor. The music choice of that day was hymns from the 1800, all written by the Wesley brothers. Each Sunday the music portion of the service is led by a different member of the congregation. This region of Scotland only has a few Methodist churches, so the pastor was speaking at another church that day. In his place was a professor. The service lasted just over an hour and was followed by tea, coffee and bisquits (that is, cookies, in US English).

The next week we went to Gilcomston South, which is a Chruch of Scotland. The church is very large, both in building size and in people. It is located on Union St., which is the main street through City Centre. The music was a mix between traditional and contemporary. Again, we heard a guest speaker. This time it was a member of the church who is leaving for full-time mission work shortly.

The third week we visited Hebron Evanglical Church. It is located about 10 min from our flat. We picked the church because it has a communion service each week. We arrived just before 10 and were immediately greeted by several people. The communion service was very different than anything we have ever experienced. A member began the service by sharing a personal testimony about what God was doing in his life over the past couple of months. Rather than a structured program, anyone could stand up and speak. People would share a Scripture, pray or ask for a hymn to be song. Because of the tradition of this church, only men spoke during this service. The focus was on the death and resurrection of Christ in each person's statements or the songs picked. About 45 minutes into the service, a minister broke the bread and then passed it down the rows. Each person tore a small piece off. After several more minutes of people speaking, the wine--yes real wine--was passed. Four cups were sent down the aisles and after the cup went through one row, an usher would wipe off the cup lip. The wine was very bitter. A family service followed the communion service. This service is much like a service in the States.

After the service we went to someone's house for dinner. One of the professors attends the church, and he invited us to lunch with his family. It is a common practice in churches for visitors or students to eat lunch at the home of someone in the church. We spent about 4 1/2 hours with them. Sunday lunch is an event over here. After lunch we sat in the living room and drank coffee. Since we have no car, Dr. Williams had to take us home. Rather than taking the direct route, he took us along the coast. During the drive, we stopped to watch dolphins playing in the water at the harbor. It was very cool.

This last week we attended Gerrard Street Baptist Church. From the outside, this church appeared the most modern. The inside, though, was not. The pews were hard wood that sat straight up. They were not very comfortable, which keeps people from falling asleep. The worship was the most modern of all. All the songs were contemporary, and we knew all but one. It was nice to know the songs rather than trying to learn them. The service lasted just over an hour. We met a couple from the school and talked with them afterwards for about an hour.

It is also interesting that each church has a children's sermon at some point during the service. This practice has disappeared from many US churches, but it is still very common here. This time has been enjoyable, and we have learned alot about practicing the Christian faith. Many things are similar as the States, but the differences could be beneficial in helping the US church present the gospel. I am sure that when we final settle down, we will discover things we don't like. For now, though, the differences are enjoyable and encouraging.

A Few Lessons Learned

With almost three weeks under our belts, we thought we would share somethings we have learned. Mostly, we have learned new words, but a few culture things have surprised us. So, here are some new words:
US vs Scotland
Bandaids = fabric plasters
cookies = biscuits
chips = crisps
fries = chips
hot chocolate = drinking chocolate
chocolate chips = chocolate drops
datebook = diary
pants = trousers
underwear = pants
divan is a couch = divan is drawers under the bed
elevator = lift
parking lot = car park
exit the bus = alight
vacation = holiday
line = queue
cash register = till
rent a car = hire a car
operating room = theatre
doctor's office = surgery
doctor = consultant

Over here, if you invite someone for tea, that means you are providing them dinner. If someone invites you over for lunch after church, that means you stay all afternoon and return to church with them that night. So that is your culture lesson for the week.

With these things learned, we should survive better. This will be important since Erin now has a job. Yes, the Lord is truly good. She will be working at the Hamiliton School, which is a private school. She will be floating between different classes, being a sub, covering maturity leaves, working in the office. Basically, she will do anything needed. We are very exicted. Life is beginning to settle into a normal return, at least for me. I keep busy at the library, and reading at the flat. Erin is trying to get everything together for her job.

Well, one last note on culture here: Remember, when crossing the road, always look right first!

Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and a Friday night

Well, almost two weeks have passed and things are still going well. My parents, who arrived the day after us, enjoyed their stay and have now returned home. They came to bring more clothes for us. With only two bags apiece, we could not bring much. So my parents agreed to help us out by coming on vacation (or holiday as they say here) for a week. The time was good, and we were able to see much of the south part of the city with them. Erin and my parents visited the beach, which of course was to cold to enter. The waves, though, made a visit to the beach worth it. We also had lunch at Duthie Park and visited the Winter Gardens. The Winter Gardens is famous for producing award winning flowers. It was quite neat since flowers, trees, etc. from all over the world are found there. On Monday we visited Cathedral Church at St. Machar, which is located just north of the University. The present building was built between 1300 and 1500, and there has possibly been a church on this site since 580. The inside was beautiful and, from a theological perspective, one could tell many differences between the traditions practiced there and those of the Southern Baptists.


Erin and my parents also traveled to Edinburgh, where they walked the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile has a large castle at one end and the queen's palace at the other end. They enjoyed the climb up Scott Monument with its 287 steps. It is a tower built in honour (British spelling) of Sir Walter Scott. The view is incredible, as one can see the entire city, the harbor, and the castle.


On a final note, Erin and I decided to enjoy our first Friday night alone in Aberdeen. We set out looking for someplace quiet and relaxing, particulary with some coffee. Well, that proved to be a difficult task. Everything in Aberdeen shuts down about 700 except the pubs, whose patrons poured out into the streets with their beers and cigarettes. Fortunately, we found one place open--the very cafe we have been using for internet access. The funny thing is they just got their alcohol license. The place was moderately quiet, though, and we were able to enjoy some coffee. For now, though, we are left wondering what people who do not want to get drunk do on a Friday night for fun. Perhaps next time we will have an answer.

Hi from Aberdeen

We have arrived! Our flight landed on Tues at 1210, so most of you were still asleep probably. We have toured the city, some of it anyways. The university is amazing, very old. Here are some pictures of King's college, the building which houses the divinity dept. The building was built around 1495. Talk about history!













About our flat. . . you think seminary housing is small. This place could fit into a seminary house twice. Erin can't even stretch her arms out all the way across the kitchen. The bed takes up most of the room, and that is with it pressed against the wall. However, we are in a very good part of town, the Rosemount area. We are also close to the main city street, Union St. The campus is about 2 miles from us.












We have been busy finding grocery stores and trying to get a phone. We walk about 2 miles each day. The people are very nice and helpful. We found the England version of Walmart, called Asda; of course, Erin was excited. Erin had a job interview yesterday, which went very well. Hopefully we will know next week if she has a job. My schooling is starting very quick. My superviser has already given me several tasks to complete by next Friday.

The time has come

We now stand 3 days from our move to Scotland. We leave on Monday morning from KC at 11:30. After 18 hours of flying and layovers, we will arrive in Aberdeen at noon on Tues (remember that Aberdeen is 6 hours ahead of the central time zone during daylight savings).
Our time in KC has been good. We have seen all of my family and many of our friends. Erin's parents came back with us, and we all went to Bella Vista, Arkansas to see where her parents hope to move shortly. We spent a weekend with some of our friends from college, which was good since we had not seen some of them for several years. It is amazing how quickly time has flown.

Visiting Flagstaff, AZ

A couple of days ago we went to Flagstaff to enjoy the view from the San Francisco Peaks. The scenery was amazing as we looked down from 11000 feet on the valley below (at 7000). The temps were cool at 48 degrees. It was a good preparation for Aberdeen; when we arrive in less than a month, the temp will be about 52. Quite cool and only getting colder.
Take a close look at the Elk. Erin has good timing or bad depending on one's perspective. We purchased our plane tickets today. We leave on the 18th to begin our three years there. Everything is coming together nicely. Also, we have created a portfolio at the Kodak website. If anyone is interested in receiving more pictures than what we post here, please let us know.

Trials always come

Our preparation for Aberdeen had gone quite smooth until recently. In the last week, though, we have sat in limbo since our visas were mailed to the wrong address. We listed my parents' address as our corrospondence address, but the British consulate overlooked the address. We found out Wed that all this happened. On Thurs the consulate contacted us to correct the problem. Well, on Friday after several days of concern, we received our visas in KC. The only item left is to buy plane tickets. It is amazing how few problems have arisen in this process. The Lord is truly good and does meet all of our needs. His hand has guided this move, which brings comfort even when struggles do arise.
Our time in AZ is nearly over. It has been fun and relaxing. Erin has enjoyed seeing all her family and friends (as I have also). The realitively free schedule has allowed me much time to study, which was certianly needed. Next Wed we return to KC where we will spend the last few days before moving to Aberdeen.

What's that? SNAKE!!

Our day was typical: go to the pool and play with the dogs. When we arrived, though, a 4 foot blacktailed rattle snake had a different idea. As Ken (Erin's dad) got out of the vehicle, he heard it rattle. No problem for us humans and Bailey; we can just walk around it. But Jake, since he is not too bright, likes to attack snakes or anything that looks like one. So, we called a snake remover who came out, caught the snake, and took it about 1/4 mile away to release it. The snake had just eatten, and we could see the bulge in its skin. It was quite an adventure.
On a different note, we were approved for our visas, which means that we can stay in Scotland for 3 years. It won't be long before we arrive in Scotland. Also, here are a couple pictures of Sedona.

Now in Sedona, AZ

We have now made it to Sedona, AZ where we will spend 3 weeks. Everything we own is in boxes in my parents' basement. Neither of us are employed now, which reminds me of our first days of marraige. For 6 weeks we will live out of suitcases. It is an odd feeling being homeless. Companies do not know what to do when we call to tell them our address has changed to Aberdeen, Scotland. So far, they pause and say they will have to check procedure for how to list our address.
Since we have no pets, it is quite enjoyable to play with our parents' dogs and cats. Erin's parents have two Golden Retrievers, who run the house. Jake is full of energy, always has a ball in his mouth, and expects one to play with him at all times. Bailey is the exact opposite. He lays around, rarely chases the ball, and never gets very far from people. The cat does her own thing.
We have gone to the pool several times to play with the dogs. Jake loves jumping into the pool after the ball, and Bailey chases Jake around the pool. Bailey doesn't swim well, and he is afraid to jump into the pool.














We have spent some time visiting family and friends. This usually involves eating! We also have had plenty of time to relax.

Moving from Texas

Our move from Texas is now upon us. I only have one day left at work, and Erin and my mom have nearly completed packing the house. After leaving Texas on Sat., we will make a short trip to KC where everything we still own, which is not much, will be placed in my parents' basement. We will then head to AZ to stay with the in-laws for three weeks. The second leg of our final days in the states will be three weeks in KC. If our visa applications are approved, we will be heading to Scotland in the middle of Sept. Life seems crazy now as we move from our first place together and leave many great friends.