Farewell Scotland

Hi everyone!

     The day we dreaded has finally come: our last day in Scotland. It probably wasn't as picturesquely bittersweet as some of us would have wanted. It was cold, with sometimes biting wind chills. Many of us would probably have preferred to stay in the bus, where it was warm (and where our new bus driver unashamedly violated the NO SMOKING plaque on the dashboard). But Jimmy, our faithful guide throughout this entire week, was quick to point out that the Scottish Covenanters of the sixteen hundreds had gathered together in far worse conditions - in chilling rain and freezing snow, with soldiers seeking their demise. And yet they gathered day after day, simply because of their love for the Lord and His Word. I figured that I, bundled in my coat, hat, and scarf, could withstand some low temperatures in order to hear the stories of such brave people.

     Nine o'clock A.M., and we were on the bus for the last time. We headed to both Lanarkshire and Ayrshire, and visited various historical monuments and locations relevant to the history of the Covenanters. Jimmy told us heartbreaking stories of men shot in front of their families, of women executed like common criminals, of young boys shot where they stood for nothing more than carrying a Bible. And he told us uplifting stories of courage in the face of adversity, of living for Christ upon penalty of death. He stressed to us the power of prayer: that Scotland wasn't turned around by acts of men, but by a revolution in prayer to God. And that is the only way to bring about true change, both on a national and personal scale. The power of prayer must never be underestimated, as it often is in both the United Kingdom and America.

     After the tours, we headed to a restaurant on the loch and enjoyed dinners of steak pie, macaroni and cheese, haddock, and chicken. For dessert: a choice of strawberry gateaux, fudge sundae, or Scottish ice cream (which is exactly the same as regular ice cream. Still delicious though 😋). Then it was back on the bus and back to the hostel. We presented Jimmy and his wife Helen with a card, big (some tearful) hugs, and many thanks for their kindness throughout the week. 

     Tomorrow, we have no adventures to look forward to - unless a nine hour plane ride from Amsterdam to Detroit is considered an adventure. However, I am so thankful for the opportunity to travel to this great country, and learn about how God worked in its history. I hope I never forget the rolling green hills peppered with herds of sheep; the fresh mountain air, sweetened by the sounds of birds and rolling water; the wind turbines which seemed to pierce the silver sky; the centuries-old ruins of castles and cathedrals, looming over little villages; the pulsing energy of a thousand footsteps in the city of Edinburgh; and the magical beauty of the Scottish Highlands, cloaked in mist. I am terrified of forgetting these things, but am comforted when I realize that they will never truly be gone. Even if they do eventually slip my mind, like pressed rose petals from the pages of an old book, they won't completely leave me. They will always be with me, adding a soft honey glow to the things I do remember, memories which I will cherish in my heart for years to come.

Farewell Scotland - you will be sorely missed.
Kana Turley