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!