So, we have had quite the adventure since I last updated my blog . . . we went to the Highlands of Scotland. Can you even believe it? Tanner and I, along with our friend Shelley, decided to take a wee hop over the sea and visit another friend from Bible College who was back home in Scotland for Christmas Break. He is from Aberdeen . . . so we spent an entire day flying from Belfast to Glasgow, taking a train from Glasgow to Dundee, riding a bus from Dundee to Aberdeen and then finally riding in our buddy’s car back to his house from the Aberdeen Train Station. Pretty crazy day of travelling, but we were warmly welcomed with open arms when we arrived at Andy’s house. His mother had cooked an amazing dinner meal and we sat around the table and enjoyed the tasty food as well as wonderful conversation. It was a blessing to be in a home . . . and to sit on a couch by a cozy fireplace.
On our second day in Scotland we journeyed up into the mountains as Tanner and Andy were determined to find some slopes for snowboarding. For many Europeans, Scotland isn’t usually seen as the top destination for those desiring to ski and snowboard. However, Scotland received a massive snowfall a few days before our arrival, making the slopes the best they have been in 30 years! So, what were a few twenty-somethings looking for a Scottish adventure to do? That’s right . . . head up the mountain.
So, we drove about two hours north, spent
the night at a lovely hostel, and woke up early the next morning to make the
most of our day on the mountain.
We skied at a place called Glenshee and it was a blast! And, believe it or not . . . yours
truly even put a pair of skis on and rocked out the bunny slopes! Shelley and I came quite close to
canning the whole skiing idea . . . hot chocolate in the café sounded quite
nice to me. However, Tanner and
Andy were great encouragers and thus we found ourselves on the slopes. I truly had so much fun and am thankful
I had the opportunity to make such a unique memory with Tanner and our friends
from Bible College.
At one point, while I was skiing down the mountain, I took a moment to stop and just take in the scenery around me. Snow covered mountains are breathtakingly beautiful! I really enjoy snow . . . it makes the cold worth it! Recently, I have been enamoured with God’s unbelievable creativity. Snow . . . what a neat invention! And while I know certain snowfalls can cause danger and inconveniences, the white-capped Scottish Highlands invited me into a wonderful moment of worship as I recognized God’s splendour and magnificence expressed through creation. I really can’t wait to see heaven . . . I wonder what true colours will look like realizing that the colours we now see are but a shadow of reality!
We returned home from Scotland a little less than a week ago. We were truly blessed by Andy’s family as they allowed us to stay in their house, use their warm showers, and even eat their food. One thing I have learned in a very tangible way while living in a foreign country is the beauty of the ministry of hospitality. Kerry Hasenbalg, the wife of our Executive Director at Show Hope, first introduced me to this idea. She sent me some serving platters and hostess sets for one of my bridal showers prior to my wedding. The note attached to the gift simply stated, “Emily, may you and Tanner always enjoy the ministry of hospitality.” That idea stuck with me, and as Tanner and I have been living abroad, hospitably has been lavished upon us and has taken very visible forms. Perhaps hospitality is a lost art and much-needed ministry in our American culture. We are quite individually minded, and while this isn’t always a bad thing, perhaps we tend to focus on our own need while we let the needs of those around us go unseen. There is such beauty in an open house. And while the kitchen, shower and bed are nice it is perhaps the open hearts that are the most encouraging. Last week, Tanner and I were welcomed into a home just as family would be at Christmas time. I felt entirely favoured as I laid my head to sleep, realizing I was in the middle of Scotland, having just enjoyed a culinary masterpiece of a home cooked meal and was inspired by fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. And might I add, the Scottish accent is wonderfully endearing! The ministry of hospitality . . . Tanner and I certainly endeavour to create a warm and inviting home. It is our prayer that we never become so caught up in our little sphere that we forget the souls perhaps living next door that simply need to be invited in for a cup of hot tea and a good chat.
And so, while we returned from Scotland grateful and with full hearts, we have also been devastated by the news of Haiti’s earthquake. Twelve years ago I visited Haiti on a mission trip. My Mom and I travelled together and we were both completely shocked by the immense suffering we witnessed. It was on this trip that God completely broke me and burdened me for the plight of orphans. I was eleven at the time of the trip and I was befriending many children my age who had no Mother or Father to tuck them in at night, to protect them and provide for their every need. As an eleven year old, I could not imagine having to find my own food, protect myself from criminals and perhaps even raise younger siblings. And now the country is more desperate than it has ever been. The news coverage is heartbreaking . . . Come Lord Jesus, Come! I am praying for peace, I am praying for miraculous rescues and healing to take place. I am praying for wisdom for the many humanitarian workers on the ground attempting to coordinate relief efforts. I am praying for those who still have loved ones unaccounted for. I am praying for the many Haitian orphans and for those taking care of them. The need is so great and I feel quite useless. Yet, I will never underestimate the power of prayer, the power of communicating and pleading with the One who is able to do infinitely more!
Friends . . . there will be a day when this world will fade away. May we be men and women who choose to spend our time knowing God and investing in the lives of others. When Maria passed away, the pastor from the church I attended while in college encouraged me with these words, “In light of tragedy, only two things really matter: heaven is real and relationships are the only things that matter this side of eternity.” It is my prayer that we will become so enamoured and inspired by the hope of heaven that we can’t help but be men and women who recklessly love others . . . pointing them to the source of such love.
