I suppose I always knew this time would come: the close of my semester abroad in Scotland. This blasted essay due tomorrow could be putting me in a bit of an angsty mood anyway, but I also think that the reality of what’s ahead is becoming clear. For many years, I dreamed of escaping, of breaking away and exploring the world. I’ve done that, now what?
Maybe my question is a bit too melodramatic. I am anxious to see my family and friends again. I am truly excited about continuing my studies at college – about returning to my job – about reconnecting with my best friends. And yet, the price is that I have to say goodbye to Scotland for a season. This semester has been one of the best and brightest in my academic career. I have become used to studying here, used to living here. Studying abroad in St. Andrews has made me a better student, a better person, and a better Christian. I wonder if all these changes for the better will follow me back across the pond. I pray they will.
How strange to feel torn between two places. My allegiance must lie with America, but I’m afraid that my heart has rooted here. What are you all going to do with this romantic, sentimental mess of a woman?
Enough nonsense for the moment! I have an essay to finish and a May Dip to look forward to tomorrow. Life is good. Really, it is so good.
(Note: The brief testimony I prepared, as promised!)
During my study abroad experience this term, I’ve not only learned about the Development of the Novel and Scottish Fiction, but I’ve also taken away amazing truths about the LORD. The bulk of my lessons can be summed up in three points:
1) God's Providence (Psalm 121: 7-8 "The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your goin gout and your comin gin from this time forth and forevermore." ESV)
2) God's Pleasure (Isaiah 55: 3 "Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may life; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David." ESV)
3) God's Purpose (2 Chronicles 7: 14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." NIV)
As I prepared to study abroad in Scotland, I prayed fervently for my upcoming semester. I prayed that God would season my time with “lessons and blessings”, that he would surround me with encouraging people and experiences. Little did I know how radically and completely God would answer my prayers. My Christian walk had been enjoying a revival of sorts in college, a turning back to the Father after turbulent adolescent years. Not wanting to abandon my rejuvenated faith, I searched out churches in the St. Andrews area and, providentially, found a Baptist Church in the town.
My first Sunday at St. Andrews Baptist, I was delighted to find a bustling congregation and a pastor who quoted John Piper as well as Charles Spurgeon in one sermon. Right on! That day, I was also introduced to the Christian Union at the university, as well as a LINK Bible Study group in my hall. In no time at all, I formed solid friendships which only have gotten stronger. Friendships materialized not only within the New Hall LINK group, but also from students and JSAs who continue to challenge, encourage, and allow me to minister in really amazing ways. (You know who you are! And thank you, from the bottom of my heart.)
During those first few weeks, I came to realize what a huge leap I had taken – going so far away from home, for such a long time, in a totally new place. Looking back, I know that God demonstrated his Providence in mighty ways. The examples are countless. Of course being in Scotland, a place I’d wanted to visit for a long time, gave me a kind of happiness that I have never experienced. In addition to experiencing God’s Providence, I received such a taste of God’s Pleasure.
Feelings aren’t everything, I know, but such moments of total bliss I will forever count and treasure as gifts from God. Even now, Scotland makes me crazy! Almost every morning I wake up with a huge smile on my face and a spring in my step, ready to explore God’s creation. My travel journal entries and photographs can attest to this fact. Even now, the simplest Scottish overtone can lift my spirits. God has allowed me to bask in his glory, drunk on love and high on life. Granted, everyday life isn’t all flowers and butterflies; yet, I can honestly say I appreciate the UK even more for not being ‘perfect’. Facing reality is exactly how God demonstrated this next aspect, His Purpose, to me.
During ‘White Wash Week’, named so for an emphasis on being washed as white as snow, we all eagerly set out to pray for and minister to the town of St. Andrews. Perhaps one of the most profound experiences in my Christian walk, White Wash Week allowed me to see the vast need our world has for a Savior and, most excitingly, how God could use me to share His plan of redemption. God’s purpose for his people is to, “glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.” I finally realized that Christianity is not confined to Sunday morning pews and potlucks. It’s life. Work-a-day, everyday life and it’s beautiful. God truly demonstrated the power of prayer, the effectiveness of evangelism, the sacredness of worship, and the brilliance of His purpose.
Now, I face another journey – the journey home. My prayer has been that these wonderful changes I’ve experienced over the past few months will not be confined to Scotland. I pray that the person I’ve become will carry onward, throughout the rest of my life. Fear sometimes overtakes my bright spirits. What if I fail? What if I really haven’t changed? I ask myself. And then, in the still quiet moments where I find God, He reassures me that this transformation is for real. God has given me a new vigor for life that will sustain, I’m sure. It will sustain as long as I cling to the source, as long as I continue to hold fast to Christ.
What a lovely weekend! On Friday night I went to a play, Antigone, in which my dear friend played the lead. Such a brilliant performance!
Saturday heralded in our long-awaited trip to Anstruther. A group of us hungry St. Andrews students took a bus along some gorgeous scenery to a near-by fishing village, Anstruther. Home of the “Best Fish & Chips in Britain”, we really couldn’t resist! Apparently, the Duchess of Cornwall and Tom Hanks also enjoyed their trips to Anstruther Fish Bar. (I’m still not sure which guest I was more impressed by.) This wee shop totally deserved all the accolades, though. The deep-fried fish and oil-greased chips just sort of melted in your mouth. It was a beautiful experience. A pretty standard Scottish meal, I would recommend this dish to anyone, well, anyone who doesn’t suffer a seafood allergy! Surprisingly, no mis-adventures occurred and we tromped around Anstruther, leaving our footprints in the sand, for a couple of hours until heading back to our beloved St. Andrews.
I was cordially invited to a baby shower for a friend at church. It was such a blessing to fellowship with other women, all of whom have children, and see life at that stage. Besides, I think baby bumps are the cutest! Then, Saturday night, the Christian Union held a ball!
Far more enjoyable than my first celidh – remember way back in February, full of reluctant JSAs - this dance included dinner, worship, and dance. It was pretty intense, but wonderful. Then, of course, dancing celidh for an hour is the best fun you will ever have while getting a cardio-workout! Such wild times! I’m happy to report that I didn’t look half-bad, either! On a more serious note, I thought how amazing it was to party-it-up on Saturday night, and then see those same people in church on Sunday morning. Christians really have the best reasons to celebrate!
Of course, this crazy weekend meant that Sunday was pretty slow. I worked on some assignments, got several chores completed, and caught up with a friend. I really need to get cracking on the books this week, and hammer away at this essay (my last!) due Friday. Until next time!
As I have two essays coming up due, I’ve been writing academically rather than creatively! Still, this is my brief update to let you all know I’m alive, I’m well, and I’m safe! :0) This weekend - after my essay is blessedly submitted! – a few friends and I are going to Anstruther, a local fishing village, for their world famous ‘fish and chips’. I’m very excited. Also this weekend, the Christian Union is giving a ball and hopefully this one will be better than my first! (If you remember, I was ill and stayed for five whole minutes. Not a good experience!)
Other than that, God has continued to encourage me in very mighty ways and it is totally by His grace that I’m getting through this slosh of work with a smile on my face. Working on a testimony of my time in Scotland, and will post as soon as it all comes together!
I wanted to save 9) for a really special moment. Like, I would be out on a desolate Highland hill and from the mists a lone kilted-figure would materialize, sweeping me off my feet and into his arms. Or something like that. My actual encounter with a kilted-man was slightly different, but also in a totally fantastic setting. I, Victoria Easter, actually attended a cocktail party. With my clearance ensemble, I proudly strode into a rather swanky flat bearing a bouquet of roses and bottle of elderflower water in my bag (hey, the invitation said to bring what we’d like to drink!).
Despite being a wee bit nervous, I loosened up with my cranberry and limeade – soon mixing and mingling with St. Andrews’ finest. One of these fine people was a man in a kilt. So, there! All in all, I did have the pleasure of speaking to several old friends and meeting a few new ones. Cocktail parties aren’t as frightening as I thought! If you remember, back in the recesses of this blog, my first party was a flop. So, this time, I did everything opposite. Instead of arriving thirty-minuets early, I arrived fifteen-minutes late. Rather than wearing flats, I wore heels. As opposed to wearing a simple black dress, I wore a snazzy little black dress. Good decisions, all.
My one deep observation from the evening would be that the only thing separating drunks on the street and guests at a cocktail party would be the quality of the booze. Cheers!
