A Northern World

Life in the northern parts of the world certainly brings many advantages and disadvantages. First, the bad. Step outside and only by 8:30am will you begin to see the sun rise. This is also if you are lucky. The Scottish weather has a tendency to go from a very gray day into the night, hiding the sunlight for hours on end if not entirely. Then night fall comes at about 3:30, capping such a short day. It feels as if there is no time to get anything done and the day should be over with the falling sun. So it certainly is a readjustment to the whole lifestyle.

But it is one that comes with the most definite of advantages as well. To begin, being so far north, the sun barely caps the horizon, which makes for some of the greatest sunrises and sunsets you will ever see. And in such a picturesque country already, this just makes the incredible that much more amazing. Settled among the green rolling hills the sun shines a bright orange and red bursting arrays of color which are reflected off of the water that is the lifeblood of Scotland. It is as if this was where heaven touched earth. It also shows how the sunlight is such a vital and integral part of life. It makes a deeper and greater appreciation of how the sun is such a powerful force giving energy and life to the world.

This is life in the Northern world, a challenge that makes you earn the uniqueness and amazing days that dawn, but worth every minute of it.

Spirit of the Season

As the holidays are just around the corner, this is the time where every emotion is abundant for university students, regardless of what level. First are the late nights cramming for exams and papers, the rush to the finish. It's the finality of the semester that suddenly sinks in, there's not a next week anymore. It's also the time where students have the sudden realization of the progression of their academic careers. It is a monumental half way point of the year... and how quickly time passes. Then there is the "what am I doing with my life question" that you have to answer, or at least start thinking about... tis the season.

But it also the time of the year where everyone gets an extra little bounce in their step, there is a sense of excitement and optimism in the air. It is the feeling of Christmas. It's the holiday spirit that is a little contagious. Even through the midst of cramming and rushing from class to class, there is a little time to catch that spirit.

Being in Aberdeen has certainly been a new perspective, or at least one I've long forgotten. There are distinct seasons here, as it just snowed. This is a way to watch the progression of time, seeing sun turn to snow, and the snow uncover the months of hidden ground. This helps to capture the spirit of Christmas somehow. The gentle snow against the lit Christmas tree in the town square, standing as it has for hundreds of years, is a reminder that no matter how quickly time seems to pass, it stands still at the same time. That is what we too must do. Move through life looking to our tomorrows, but keeping a still picture of where we have been and done. That is the spirit of the season.

Sound and Silence

Any ordinary day begins with the familiar sounds of daily life. To continue fulfilling the Scottish experience, it becomes necessary to delve into the depths of the culture and experience the world that this Scottish land offers. What better way than to try a ceilidh. If you love Celtic music and Scottish dancing this is the event to try. What can be better than a live band and dance lessons taking you back centuries, becoming a part not only of Scottish culture but of its long and rich history. There were about five or six different dances we tried from the slow to racing around the room, it was hard to find any energy at the end of the night!

But this was an experience unlike any other. It truly is one of the great cultural gifts that Scotland has given. As one of my Scottish friends said, "We may not dominate much, but this is one place that Scotland thrives." It truly is! And where to have such a rich cultural experience than settled in the halls of a University founded in 1495. Being in Scotland and Great Britain truly demonstrates the importance of history, the preservation of society, and the interconnectedness of the past, present, and future. This, I must say, is a culture I have enjoyed becoming immersed into.

This history is not all about the glamor of architecture and the grandeur of culture. It carries a burden, a history of struggle and challenge. Today, Sunday 9 November, marked a pivotal day in Britain, the National Day of Remembrance. The interconnectedness of the country and its links to the past truly struck when there was a national two minutes of silence as the bells of Big Ben tolled to mark the 11 o'clock beginning of a nation's reflection on its history and the costs of freedom.

So the link between the past and the future becomes a vital link to the progression of society. And without it, we are bound to repeat the mistakes of history, lengthening that struggle and history. It doesn't have to be glamorous or glorious it just has to be remembered and celebrated. Then a new day can dawn, and that is what a day of remembrance is truly about.

A President and a Precedent

No matter what side of the political spectrum you sit, it is undeniable that the 2008 Presidential election was an historical and pivotal step in America's history. Barack Obama has achieved a milestone that will mark a significant moment not only in my lifetime but in the course of American history. And regardless of who you may support, it is a great feeling to live through such a milestone bridging America's past and future in one single day. At last, this is the fullness of democracy at work.

But I don't write this as a political statement but as an observation. Living in Scotland during the course of the election, it gives a greater perspective on America's relation to the world. Following the election, I couldn't help but notice the number of people who wrote or said "This is the day for America-the day we can at last be proud of our neighbor." This election was a reaffirmation of the hope and beacon that America can be seen as in the world.

It is on the domestic front that this has become the new tide of history, writing a new chapter in the everchanging American saga, but it is a new and more promising day holding a hope for the tides of a true and genuine change within the global community. So I must say, being an American abroad, democracy has fulfilled its potential and the world has come to see a new day.

Identity Crisis

OK, so I've known for a while that I've been living abroad. But sometimes it never really hits home until you have that one realization, or shall we call it epiphany? Anyway you cut it, today was that day for me.

So as I was in a hurry to class today, I threw on my Eckerd fleece and sandals as has been my daily routine. I made it to class on time with no thought to any changes to my basic days. But after class I proceeded to the library (don't worry I'm finding time for fun) I made it without any hitches and began my reading.

But as I looked out the window, I began to realize a great change, not only in myself but in my surroundings. As I glanced outside, I noticed a light snowfall begin to fall against the granite of the buildings in the background.

I then looked down and realized that I was still wearing my sandals, with holes in both soles. It was then that I had the sudden realization that I was not in Florida anymore. It finally hit me that this has been a significant alteration in my life and hopefully now in my attire. But it was a welcome thought to begin seeing the surroundings with a new appreciation and view of being authentically Scottish, not holding any American tinge towards my new home.

And I call it home, because that is what it is becoming. They say you have to walk a mile in a man's shoes before you begin to understand his life and story, and I feel this is the beginning of my transformation of becoming a global citizen. Walking that mile, it teaches you that home can be where the heart is and it's more important to make the most of where you are when you are there rather than to look back to the days past wishing for a return. Your past is always a part and hopefully a great and instrumental part of who you are; and it's important to carry that memory into a new day but it is also vital to live the new day for the day and the days to come. Only when you blend the past, present, and future can you discover the true meaning of what the day holds in its treasures. So I must say that I welcome my newfound 'identity crisis' because you have to leave a part of who you were to find out who you are.

In trying to figure out the course of life, there are many twists and turns in the process of self-discovery and direction. But one of the greatest questions I've been asked is "What's your passion?" What is it that makes you excited to get up in the mornings and tackle the day ahead? in answering that, you can find the most meaningful direction in your life.

So I've taken that question and advice with me everywhere I've gone. And I am still trying to answer the question: what is my passion? But what I've found over the past three weeks has taught me a lot about my 'passion' and about life.

I've come to realize that people are an integral part of your life, and as one door closes, it never truly slams shut. There is always the ability to look back and reminisce about the good old days. And I must say that memory is a vital and integral part of every life. It is the human capacity to reason and remember, and without that, we have very little. So the past is a part of the dictation of where we are going, but not the final call of life.

It is when you restart and begin anew that you begin to realize the important things in life like memory and friends. So I guess you could say that that's a part of my 'passion.' But life is far too complicated and complex to narrow it down to A passion. It is an evolving and ever-changing quest of discovery.

But in an attempt to find it you cannot be afraid to step outside the confines of comfort and give life a little challenge. It's not always an easy task but in the end makes you a far better person for it.

So this year has taught me to try new things and I have embraced that challenge this semester. I decided to take up curling... I figured when the days are dark and dreary what better way to spend an afternoon? It is truly a complicated yet thrilling sport that I have come to really enjoy! Off to read legal briefs on International Law and onto my quest of finding my 'passion' in life!

A Bridge to Nowhere Always Leads Somewhere

So a keen sense of direction is not always imperative in arriving at a particular destination. It is the chance and opportunity to see what could be considered unexpected, unknown. But life never has a compass, only intuition. And so wondering where we are to end up is a part of the battle of self discovery. Why we are where we are can be seen as a great mystery, but in any case-- even what may seem like going nowhere-- you are always going somewhere, so it's important to enjoy the journey.

As I have arrived in Aberdeen, it has slowly begun to sink in that this is truly a new beginning. It has been so long since I had to 'start over.' Eckerd was one of the greatest experiences of my life thus far, and I remember the anticipation and challenges of that first week. A continent and four years away, little has changed. New beginnings always have a great sense of excitement and anticipation.

This is the first true experience I feel that I have had abroad. London was a great experience for me, and certainly exactly what I needed, and I would not change that experience. But this one, Aberdeen, is more of an 'authentic' experience standing here by myself, brushing shoulders with locals and world citizens. The excitement of this opportunity is the ability to learn and try new things that I've never experienced. The Societies and Sports Fayres were held this week and I had the chance to join several different groups ranging from the Christian Union and The Gaudie--the campus newspaper, to the sailing and curling teams. So hopefully a busy schedule will fill the time with wonderful memories and friends to last a lifetime, as I am sure this whole experience will.

So I suppose that not having any idea of where you may be going can be as beneficial as having the roadmap to life. There's something about that path less taken that once it has been traveled seems to have made the true and greatest difference and impacts and shapes life far better that living life in the comfort zone. So here's to new beginnings and challenging to see who we are as individuals reinventing ourselves to a new world. And to the excitement and hope that newness instills.

Faith, Fellowship, and the Future

So today was an interestingly great first Sunday in Aberdeen. I woke up this morning to attend a small Episcopal church. Not expecting much more than worship, my eyes were opened to a whole new concept of fellowship. It's the kind that has become known worldwide pinning the Scottish as the warm and friendly country. I can't help but be reminded of the saying "beautiful places, smiling faces." And so on this Sunday morning I was welcomed into St. Ninians Church with open arms and that ever famous Scottish hospitality. Following the service I attended coffee/tea with the members of the church, meeting most all of them and then the Pastor a graduate of the University of Aberdeen began speaking to me about the student ministry of the church, opening new doors for me to meet fellow Aberdeenian students who can share in the faith. This was such a great beginning to the semester in a place that is already beginning to feel like home. But following my meeting the pastor, I met a couple who had lived in Aberdeen for years and wanted me to see Lidl's, a cheap- college-friendly- grocery store. And as they showed me around inside, insisted I try several of the Scottish favorites- giving me 'official' Scottish crisps and the drink of the Scots, well non-alcoholic drink that is, Irn Barr Bru. They proceeded to take me to a lovely little cafe on the beach for brunch. We talked about living in Aberdeen and Scotland, things to see and do, then went into the Amusement Park to see all of the mini-golf courses and rollercoasters and movie theatre-- the happening part of Aberdeen and literally right at my doorstep. Then I made the discovery I'd been looking for the past four days-- ASDA or in American terms, WalMart. So it does exist-- globalisation at its finest! So tomorrow's ventures consist of finishing unpacking and finally being able to set up my room.

So what does faith have to do with any of this? Well, to begin, you've got to have a little faith that when you journey into the unknown things will work themselves out. It's truly a faith in the unseen, though you'll be able to see it in the end, there's still the unknown that can be daunting and shape all your fears and desires for the coming year. And it's a faith in people, the true goodness of human nature- or the Scots nature. Without relating to others you can't get very far, and the example I found today is all the more true, there are life friends with helping hands around every corner ready and willing to help you up if you'll let them in. And it shapes the future, it truly makes and breaks the hopes and fears of the uncertian. It's a faith and fellowship that opens your eyes to the world and helps to dictate your future. What other people do can show the character you are made of. So it is with a little faith, a little fellowship, and a little luck that life plays the grand chorus of a new hope in a new life and a new day.

A World Away, I Am Still Me

At long last,

I have arrived in the Granite city-- Aberdeen. After a seven hour train ride across the United Kingdom, I made it! Following an uneventful flight into London, I was able to make it to the Eckerd Study Centre for a quick visit with my fellow Eckerdites and Professor Melchor. It was great to see familiar faces a continent away! I opted for travel by train to Aberdeen because, even with the length of the trip, I knew it would give me a great oppoirtunity to see the country that I will be living in for the coming year. By flying, I felt I would miss all the hidden treasures and scenic views that the British countryside has to offer, and I must say it was a journey well worth the time.

After I arrived, I had the chance to begin exploring the city, and I couldn't help but think back on my experiences during my semester in London. Just walking around among the towering, ancient buildings, I felt a sense of home again, an excitment of "being British" again. I thought back to what one of my Eckerd mentors said to me, that the experience I had in London gave them the ability to see me grow and blossom into an adult and global citizen and was a transformation that was an experience to watch. And I must agree, that was an experience that opened my eyes to the world and I return to in many conversations and fond memories. So I hope that this year can serve in the same capacity. And I can't help but think it will. Since I stand in the face of a new city, truly by myself, this is the opportunity to "invent" myself to a new community not knowing me, but more, in inventing myself to others, I should be able to find out who I am and where I am going for the future. As graduation can be a daunting task to face, so can beginning again, but taking me outside of my comfort zone, they are experiences that will last a lifetime and shape who I am and will become.

So here's to hoping not only to a great year academically but in personal growth as well. Once I get a new battery for my camera I'll post new pictures of my new life. Here's to the journey not the destination!

Welcome

Hey,

I have created this blog to (hopefully) keep everybody updated on my adventures in Scotland. I hope you enjoy. I will leave Wednesday afternoon for my flight to London landing in the early morning then taking the train to Aberdeen. So the next post should be from the far off lands of Europe!