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.