Monday, December 1, 2014

A true Scottish experience:

The week started off with me saying goodbye to Maryke and then immediately going to the climbing center where I met up with Jacob, Michael and Jasmyn. This blog is going to involve a lot of people being mentioned because let's face it, my time abroad in Scotland is running up a lot quicker than expected. 
First off I would like to mention Jacob Malaluan: To sum up Jacob I would probably refer to one of his quotes this week: "I don't understand how people live here?" This was referring to how cold it is here and something to note about him is that he is from California and this is his first time out of the country and into a place where the sun is almost never out. One of my best friends I have come to find here in Scotland, he is always such a wise person who is willing to talk about everything. He has been there for me when I needed someone to just vent to and his endearing faith truly is an inspiration to me.  If it isn't his smile that cheers you up it is probably his one liner comments about the cold that gets you. So thankful to have met him. 
Tuesday came along and because it is approaching finals week I have been working my butt off in the library and that is what I have been doing almost everyday. 
On Wednesday the gang dragged me along to go and see Mockingjay with them.
Thursday night came along and about 8 of us decided to go to the Celtic football game. Now when I say 8 of us decided to go...the 7 of them so graciously invited me along. Here are some pictures of the stadium: 
In order from left to right: Gregor, Laurence, Raddi, Ethan (the 14 year old in front wearing blue), Ciara, Dan, Johanna and myself. 

Note to self: When yelling out a chant or anything for that matter, make sure you know the right words...

So now that we've already covered Dan and Raddi, Gregor and Laurence are going to be my next two victims. Gregor for some reason has such a simple name but whenever his name comes up I think of Gordon, who is another guy on the tennis team. Sorry mate. Gregor is such a nice guy who I haven't really hung out with a whole lot but always has a firm greeting of enthusiasm to see you which is a great quality to have. Next we have Laurence, who is quiet with his words, but he seems so knowledgable with his words and his one liners that he seems to slip in whenever seems fitting. Also side note, he doesn't really look much like a tennis player, but he has consistency on the courts! Seeing him mess up is normally just a sigh from him and then back to the end of the line which just adds to his awesome character. I'll save Ciara and Jo for later down the blog because they appear again. Oh boy...where do I even start with Ethan? Perhaps with Banter, banter and more banter. Have you ever thought of a stereotypical UK guy? For some reason he is exactly what I think of when I think UK. Pale, short hair, some freckles, skinny, short, he doesn't seem to have bad teeth so he escaped the stereotype there. The only other thing about him is that he doesn't have a London accent, but a thick Glaswegian accent. Rarely, infact never have I seen him in a dull state of mind. He always has a good laugh and some smart comment that he brings to the plate. His tennis technique would probably be a representation of his personality. Squak - a squirrel on crack. Constantly he is moving at such a quick pace, sometimes it's hard to keep up with his body movements. His laugh never fails to amuse me and others. A genuine guy who is always great to have around, especially when you need someone to pick on. I would easily say that his boy like features makes him an easy target for everyone, but he is a great sport about everything. 

Friday came along with a sunny day and some cornbread thanks to the McNellys, along with Bible study and some great talks during our time together in Sydney and Harper's room:  

Saturday was spent in the library after some breakfast with Katie Williams, a California/Colorado girl stuck in a London girl's body. Most of our conversation was talking about hammocking and slack linning among traveling and other languages. Great way to start my Saturday. At night I had my first Ceilidh, which for those who don't know, is a Scottish version of line dancing. The entire GUT team hosted it and it was such a blast just trying to figure out the dances, watching so many guys wear kilts and just great chats: 


In the middle we have Johanna: A german girl who I can't give enough justice to in this blog. Since day one she has picked up on every joke I have said and played along with every comment we have made up. Smart, witty, german what more can a guy ask for? Honestly she has become such a great friend of mine here and she has truly just embraced me into the team here making things so worth it. If we aren't joking about getting married we are probably talking about Dan and what a riot he is. Sorry dan, not really. Jo and I's "date" will presume once I return from madrid, we decided to get fancy for it and...well I won't spoil to much and save it for the next blog. On the end we have Momma Evans, Mum, or I guess Leila Evans. She probably takes the most beating from me, because well it's easy. I first started calling her mum after a post on facebook and ever since then if there was any situation where I could turn it against her , I did. She gives me as much grief back so it evens out kinda. Oh and no one talks to themselves more on the courts than this one. She is so much fun and easy to get along with because of her spunky attitude. Love ya momma. 


In the middle we have Ciara. She reminds me of a Teletubby in such a great way! Up until this past Celtic game I had no idea how animated she is. I think at one point she went on for a good 5 minutes doing the same tune and not even worrying about speaking words. She's also one of the only people I know that can rock a carpet as a scarf and still look good. I know that I've said this about a lot of people but she always has a smile on her face, and a great one at that. To some up she is the sweetheart of the team. 

Okay where are we now? Sunday - Church library and a lovely chat with Jacob! Here are some pictures on the way to church and inside the church itself: (It's always sunny on sundays here)  


Now before you ask why I have a half eaten donut in this blog let me explain the backstory: 

I think for the past six weekends now I have been going to this amazing church called Re:Hope, and before service they have some donuts, croissants and other things. For the past 6 weeks I have gone up multiple times and gotten a CUSTARD filled donut, hoping I would finally get jelly filled one. For the first time in 6 weeks I can finally say that after defeat and the loss of hope the dire times are in the past because not only did I get my first JELLY filled donut, but I got 3. Don't judge. 


Christmas time at our church.


Now I have truly started to follow my feet and walk on the path that God has set for me and I am running to His open arms. I truly am so thankful that He has turned my life around again and blessed me with such an amazing community here in Scotland, a loving family back home and such great experiences abroad. This week I am going to Madrid to visit my amiga Naomi.

God Bless