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.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
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.
Monday, November 27, 2006
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.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
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.
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.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
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!
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!
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