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 Amusem
ent 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.
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 Amusem
ent 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.
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