The land of Kilts and Bagpipes!!

Greetings!!

So… I have less than 36 hours before I leave for Italy! There is so much to do in so little time! But this weekend was totally worth it… Scotland was AMAZING!! One of the best trips I have been on so far BY FAR!!! It was a ladies trip, and me and the four other girls had an absolutely wonderful time bonding and exploring Scotland!! Let me go day by day for you:

Friday: Well, we left at 3:45 am. Good times. We caught the bus and headed to Luton airport. We got there in plenty of time for our flight, so we all sat down and ate some breakfast. There were actually about 20 of us that traveled to Scotland together, but we ended up splitting up into groups when we got there (which was soooo nice.. I totally needed a girls weekend!). Anywho, security was interesting. The lady did not like me very much, and I was yelled at several times in the security line. My favorite was when she told me to shut up and “focus now, talk later.” Ok lady, my bad for liking to talk. Ugh, that was the worst security ever!! But once we got through that, we waited for our gate to show up on the screen. We flew a super cheap airline, and they do things different than in the US. Basically you have like 10 min once they put what gate you are up on the screen to get to your gate. It is insane. Well, with some confusion (my bad guys) we thought we were going to miss our plane so we ran (and I do mean RAN) to our plane. Well, we made it fine. Then we began our flight and were on our way to Scotland! The landing was a little crazy, but we made it!! It was raining when we got there, and unfortunately it rained all day, but it was still AWESOME. Upon landing, I saw a fire truck and firemen, so my day was made immediately! We then split off from the other group and headed to our hostel. Our hostel was so cool!! It was an old church that they converted into a hostel, which was pretty legit. We then ate a wonderful lunch at an Italian place around the corner from our hostel. We spent around 2 hours eating and talking, something that never would have happened if we were with boys! After lunch, we went to the grocery store to get some food to make for breakfast and such. Then we went to the Scottish Art Museum and St. Mary’s Cathedral, where we got to go to the even-song service. It was beautiful! I love sitting and looking at the beautiful chapel while listening to music! Then we sat and had a wonderful dinner together chatting about life and our study abroad experience. What a wonderful group of girls God has blessed me with here!! I absolutely love sitting and talking with them about everything, ranging from fashion to our faith. They are so awesome. Then we headed back to our hostel and went to bed after talking for a bit! We were so tired!!!

Saturday: Happy St. Patricks Day/ Megan’s Birthday! What a wonderful day this was!!!! We woke up a little later than planned, but it was worth it! We then made ourselves a wonderful breakfast and had a great time fellowshipping over a wonderful meal. We headed out for the day, and as we were walking, found an awesome book store! We spent about an hour looking at all the books (once again, something that would have never happened if there were boys), and I bought a really cool Scottish Book of Prayer!!! We then continued to walk and we found a tea truck where they were giving us free tea… that’s right, FREE TEA!! It was very exciting!! When they found out it was Megan’s birthday, they videoed us singing happy birthday to her and are going to put it up on their facebook cite! We are going to be famous…haha! We then found a shop where we bought what we refer to as THE PANTS. Now these pants are so legit, and I love them very much (you will have to see a picture, they are hard to describe). We all got a pair, and we look so cool in them haha Anyway, let me tell you that in Scotland, people literally walk around in kilts and its normal. Its hilarious! We then stopped and watched a guy play his bagpipes (again, perfectly normal for Scotland) and then ran into other girls from the other group outside of the church! It is always so nice running into people from our trip, even when we have only been a part for a day! We also did a lot of souvenir shopping! Then we went to the Elephant Café for lunch, which is the birthplace for Harry Potter! Then people ran by us in kilts… again, completely normal haha. At the elephant café, we ran into the other people from our trip! It was awesome!! We laughed and chatted a bit, and decided we would meet at the castle in a few hours. Our lunch was awesome, although it did take forever for us to get it. And they had gluten free cake and brownies… BEST DAY EVER!! Oh, and we saw another fire truck when we were walking around. IT WAS GLORIOUS!! We then met the other group at the castle and then decided we wanted to hike up Arthur’s Seat. This mountain was LEGIT!! Us ladies hiked up to the very top ( I mean the very top) in our skirts and dresses with our purses and shopping bags.. that’s right, we are true wilderwomen!! It was a bit of hike, but totally worth it! The view from the top was BREATHTAKING! One of the best moments of the whole study abroad experience thus far for sure! We spent some time at the top reading scripture and praying as we viewed the beauty of the Lord! It was such an awesome experience that I got to share with the ladies! After a long hike down, we stopped at a pub to watch the huge Rugby game (England vs Ireland). England SMOKED them.. it was awesome! Haha We then went on a 2 hr long free Harry Potter tour. This really didn’t mean much to me because i’m not a Harry Potter fan, but my friends loved it! And I learned a lot about Edinburgh on it. We even met girls from Texas on the tour! They go to school at UNT…I felt a little bit of home and it was so nice! We then ran into the other group again at a restaurant and chatted it up for a while. Then, we made dinner at our hostel and enjoyed ice cream Sundays for Megan’s birthday! Yummy! I cannot accurately describe how amazing this day was…. It sounds so lame in my post, but it was such a wonderful day!! Ps in case you were wondering, Megan and I tripped a total of 14 times today… it was a new record.

Sunday: We woke up and visited a couple of graveyards on our way to walk up Cannon Hill. We took lots of pictures and spent some time up on the hill looking at the beautiful view (again, this would have not happened had there been boys). We decided that morning to have our own church service outside as we looked at the beautiful landscape!! This was such a good decision! We had wonderful fellowship, sang some songs, read some scripture, and simply looked at the beautiful world the Lord had created. I cannot put into words how cool it is to look out at the sea and the mountains when you are reading Psalms about them!! We then ate lunch at a baked potato bar and went to the Museum of Childhood. This is my kind of museum!! We played with cars, had a tea party, tried on little kid clothes from a long time ago, and looked at all the cool exhibits they had in the museum!! We then spent some more time looking at St. Guiles Cathedral and watching a guy play the bagpipes (its normal, I promise! Haha) Then we went to a candy store where I got a huge lollypop. This was a bad decision…I was soooooooo sugared up!! We then stopped at a little kid toy store on the way back to the hostel to get our things, and that was blast. We headed back to the airport and had some time to chill (and look at the cute UK soccer players) before our flight boarded. I didn’t get yelled at in security this time too, which was nice! We got to walk onto the tarmac to get to our plane, so I got to wave again like I was the Mavs after winning the Championship… I still felt cool!

(Sidenote: the mavs beat the Spurs this week!!! Yayayayayyayayayayayayay)

Anyway, we got back to Oxford and I had to turn in some homework and take a shower (cause I smelt BAD) before bed. But I finished these tasks quickly and was asleep really fast!!

Today has been a BUSY day!! When we landed, we had less than 48 hours before we would be leaving for Italy. In the next two days I have a massive research paper and a quiz along with classes, so its super busy! There is also a ton of stuff to pack for Italy (I only get to take a backpack for a week in a half….pray for me!!) and I have to figure out my schedule for next semester (yikes!) Anyway, it has been nice to be home and laughing with my friends! Best part was seeing my friend Cameron wear his kilt that he bought in Scotland to class… so funny.

This weekend has been so real, and one of the best trips thus far!!

“For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, 
and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” Psalm 95: 3-7

Sverige!!

Hello there!

Ok, so it is going to be difficult beyond words to describe how freaking awesome my trip to Sweden was. However, I will attempt to give it my best shot:

Thursday: So, we left the house at 4:30 am. Normally, I would be completely exhausted, but I was so excited about Sweden that I was full of a ridiculous amount of energy and couldn’t stay still, or quiet for that matter (totally not at all like me right? haha). We walked to the bus station and got on a bus that would take us to the airport. The whole 2 hr bus ride I was so hyped up on energy that I actually did homework (that’s how awake and crazy I was) and spent some quiet time with the Lord. When we arrived at the airport, we went and checked in to Norweigen Air and went right through security. Now, I have been to several airports in my life, but I have NEVER had an easier time checking in or getting through security. Seriously, I thought it was almost a joke how easy and efficient they were at the airport! Anyway, we then went and got some coffee from McDonalds and sat down to people watch and talk before we got on our plane. We had about an hour to kill, but it went by super fast. Then, we went to our gate and got ready to load the plane. The most exciting part of the plane ride was getting to walk out on the tarmack and up the stairs onto the plane instead of walking through a tunnel!! Call me weird, but I have always wanted to do that!! I felt like royalty as I stepped down the stairs. Yes, I waved and pretended like I was the Mavericks getting off of their plane after they won the championship (don’t judge me, it was awesome!). The plane ride was smooth and easy. I colored my fire truck coloring book (thanks to the Abilene Fire Dept) and listened to music as I eagerly awaited our arrival in Sweden. As we got closer and were getting ready to land, it hit me: I WAS IN SWEDEN. SWEDEN: THE PLACE OF MY ANSESTORS!! I’m not going to lie, I had a moment. I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes and started bouncing up and down in my seat like a 5 year old who was getting ready to go to Disney World for the first time. This entire trip has been filled with moments where I just look at God and start crying because he has given me so many blessings!! Our God is so cool. We got through customs easily ( I must have looked like a Swede haha) and took a 20 min train to Stockholm City. First off, the weather the entire weekend was BEAUTIFUL!! A little bit chilly at times by the sea, but I would consider 48-52 degrees to be really nice, especially during the winter in Sweden! We then walked around and found our hostel. Seriously, the best hostel ever! It was really clean and safe, and the shower pressure is actually better than my shower here in Oxford! Haha we then walked around the city and took tons of pictures!! Our hostel was seriously right across the street from the Baltic sea, and the view was INCREDIBLE! We then ate at the Taco Bar. I know, Mexican food in Sweden? My answer is YES! It was seriously the best Mexican I have had since leaving Texas! I only had to go to Sweden to get it…. I felt a little weird eating Mexican food in Sweden and having the Swedish waiter talk to us American kids sitting in a Mexican restaurant in Sweden using Spanish. Weird culture shock there haha. After this, we came back and went to bed after talking for a bit. We had been up for a while and we were all exhausted!! My friend Alex counted the number of times I mentioned “Sweden” the entire 5 days, and the total came to 454… yea, that’s right. I couldn’t stop saying that word! I was so excited!!!

Friday: I got up, and while everyone was eating breakfast, went and sat on a bench across from the hostel right by the sea and did my quiet time. Holy Cow. The view was absolutely INSANE! The sun had just come up, so it was sunny and very pretty by the water. I enjoyed sitting there and praising the Lord for everything he has done for me!! And as I was walking back across the street, I saw a fire truck! That’s right, a SWEDISH fire truck. Unfortunately I was so awe-stricken that I didn’t think to get out my phone and take a picture. I then ran back inside to tell my friends about yet another gift the Lord had just given me!!! You couldn’t wipe the stupid grin off of my face haha Anyway, we then took the underground to Stansen, where we went to the open air museum. This was a huge area that had an aquarium (soooo happy!), a zoo (with many native Nordic animals), and a bunch of old houses and buildings from Sweden hundreds of years ago. This place was awesome!! The aquarium made my day, but I also got to see moose, wolves, and seals!! And we got to see the seals being fed, which was pretty legit. The only disappointing thing was finding out that I wouldn’t be able to see the bears because they were hibernating (makes sense I suppose). After this museum, we got some Swedish candy (we prob ate enough collectively this trip to feed a third world country). We then got lunch! For lunch, I got the special hotdog. Now this consisted of mashed potatoes on top of the hot dog. AWESOME. I don’t know why we haven’t thought of doing this in the States before. I loved it!! Then, Rebecca and I went to the Junibacken Museum, which was a children’s museum. I felt like a kid in there and it was soooo fun!! They also take you on a ride that takes you through a traditional Swedish story (translated in English for us thank goodness!).  Then there was pippy longstocking’s house! I had a great time playing with everyone and having a bunch of kids and adults looking at me funny as I was doing it. I then had the best apple juice I have ever had in my life. I also bought a curious george book about firetrucks that was in Swedish!! A triple win!! Best. Book. Ever. We then roamed around and chilled for the rest of the night! Very fun and low stress day!

Saturday: We first got up and went on a boat tour all around Sweden!! One of the best decisions we made for sure! I was a tad chilly, but completely beautiful! What a view. After this, we roamed around another part of the city we had not seen yet. We initially looked for Ikea, but when we found out it was really an hour away, we decided to just roam awhile for a while. As we were roaming, we came across a Christian book store that we spent like an hour in ( I could have spent all day there haha). It had everything from Veggietales to Christian Novels, all in Swedish! I felt like I was in heaven. It was there that I found a Swedish bible!!!!!!!!!! The most amazing thing I have ever purchased in my life! It was a used bible from the 1800’s and I absolutely love it!! I also bought a children’s bible written in Swedish. I cannot put into words how excited I was to have found this bible and how much it means to me to have a Swedish bible! It’s a long story, but I had another moment when I was leaving that bookstore!! I was so full of joy!!! After a lot more laughing and window shopping, we came back to the hostel to chill for a little bit before going out again for dinner and such. We all sat around the table and chatted for several hours, and this was such a life-giving conversation!! I absolutely love my friends and I am so thankful for each of them. Then, a guy we met in our hostel came and hung out with us! Michael was from Germany, and he was pretty legit. He taught me the German word for fire truck, told me that he knew where Dirk’s family lives (he’s going to give me directions, no worries) and that he likes the backstreet boys. Instant friendship occurred. We then all went out for a while, and I ended up talking to Michael for a good hour at least. I learned so much about Germany and his studies (he is pre-med) and was presented with an opportunity to share my faith with him. I love when God works in these ways!!! Before heading back to the hostel, he showed us a German church in the area, and we decided we would go there in the morning for church. Then, we taught him how to play Go Fish and War (card games) and played cards for a while before going to bed.

Sunday: We got up and went to a German church in Sweden!! It was seriously the coolest part of the trip for me! It was the first time that I had really sat and listened to German in that context, and let me tell you it was beautiful!! And it was helpful to be sitting by someone who could help translate for us (Michael came with us). I understood basically nothing the whole service, but it was absolutely breathtaking having the Lord talk to me in a different language!! And the building was gorgeous as well!! After this, we shopped. We dedicated this whole day to shopping and getting beautiful Swedish things to take home with us. It was so much fun!!! Exhausting, but so fun! We then went out for a nicer dinner that night, and we came back to the hostel and played games. Holy cow, I pretty much peed in my pants with all the laughter that happened that night. I laughed soooo hard. Then we went to bed!

Monday: First, we woke up and I attempted to fit everything that I had bought into my backpack. The fact that it all fit and zipped should earn me an Olympic medal, just saying. Then, Alex and Chelsea went to the Harley Davidson museum while Rebecca, Melany, and I went to the photography museum. It was a pretty cool place, I’m not going to lie! And at the top, there was a breathtaking view of the entire city of Stockholm with the sea and all its glory. I had another moment there too haha Then we found a great place for lunch as we were walking back to meet our group at the train station (and we stopped for more candy…. I had no idea that Swedish candy was so freaking good! Don’t tell my dentist). We got to the airport with no problems, and we had a good 3 hours or so to kill. We played more cards and talked, and then I bought a Winnie the Pooh coloring book that was in Swedish (it is so cool). Then, as I was coloring, I noticed that a little girl was eyeing me and my coloring book, so I went over to her and asked if she wanted to color with me. I always love a coloring buddy! I ended up having a wonderful conversation with her mother, and I was invited to stay at a lodge they own in Northern Sweden if I ever come back! The plane and bus ride back to Oxford were sad, but really uneventful which was nice. I slept a little bit, which was great. Then I got home and took a shower and went to bed! However, the heat in our house was broken this entire weekend as we soon found out, so it was rather cold in our room. Seriously, our room was colder than it was in Sweden.

Tuesday (Today): Since classes don’t start till tomorrow and none of the other traveling groups are back yet, I had a wonderfully relaxing day full of homework and sleep. I volunteered tonight, which is always the highlight of my week. My German friend Theis and I spend most of the time laughing at each other, and I think I convinced him to let me help edit his dissertation for his PhD. He says his English isn’t very good so he needs help, but I think it is just because he knows I’m such an awesome editor (TOTALLY KIDDING). We will see if it really happens, but I am honored to even have been considered to do it haha.

God has blessed me with amazing friends and experiences this trip, and his blessings are overwhelming!!! I could talk for hours about this trip, and I probably will the next time I see anyone!!

My closing thought:

“If then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7: 11