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.