Scottish Highlands

What a beautiful part of the world, the Scottish Highlands. Massive, rugged cliffs spotted with sheep, some snow on the higher peaks, beautiful green foliage, and wonderful people. We have had a wonderful time touring the Western sections of Scotland.

Friday, we left Larbert on our way to Oban and Glencoe. On the way we past Loch Lomond "our first stop." I use "first" very loosely, because I tend to "stop" quite often to take some photos. From there we traveled on to Oban. Oban is a fishing village that has a beautiful harbor. The weather was a little chilly, but bearable. Emilee, Aimee and I sat on the harbor wall and had our fish and chips. Very good. After Oban was onto Glencoe. We did a walking tour around the vistor's center with a park guide who was very informative about the area.

Friday evening we stayed at the Loch Leven Hotel, peaceful and picturesque. Loch Leven Hotel is located in the town of Ballachulish. As you would imagine, located on the banks of Lock Leven, a gorgious walking path follows the lock back into the coves. Lucious foilage is everywhere. At dinner, we had a difficult time understanding the menu and what we could order. The Hungarian staff were not very helpful either. Not that they didn't want to be helpful, but it almost appeared they didn't know anymore than we did about the menu. Lovely meal though, once it was received. Most of the students walked part of the trail that evening. Saturday, we woke to a great breakfast and then began our second leg of the journey.

Saturday we made our way through the Highlands seeing some magnificant scenery. The mountains are rugged and steep. It's as though if you hiked to the summit, you would be able to see the whole world at your feet. Quite amazing and awesome. One of our stops was to see the Inveraray Castle. Nesteled in the woods, the current home to the Prince and Dutchess of Wales appears to be a castle one might see at Disney World.

From the castle, we traveled past the Kilchurn Castle. A mighty fortress located about 400 yards from the road. We were unable to stop, but had a great viewpoint for photographs.

One of my favorite Kirks in Scotland is the St. Conan's Kirk. Hidden just off of the road sits an old stately building that beckons reverence upon entrance. Quiet, dimly lit, one can sense the presence of God. I don't know why, but the building encourages you to take a seat in one of the wooden pews and pause to worship God.

Dancing/Jumping with Masai Warriors

Monday, our first day in the Scottish schools went really well. I was able to visit three schools, the head teachers, and the supervising teachers. Everyone, with the exception of a couple of bus drivers in Edinburgh, has been so hospitable, kind, encouraging, supportive, friendly, etc. It is a real pleasure to be in Scotland.

While we were in Larbert High School, Mr. Martindale (Aimee's supervising teacher) mentioned that there was an assembly at 11:00 that we might want to attend, where a group of Masai Warriors was presenting a program.

Well, I'm all about seeing new things so Kurt, Aimee, and I were in for a real treat. I didn't know how much of a treat until the leader came back toward our area. I'm thinking the whole time, "Please don't pick me, please...I'm an American guest. Please don't embarrass me." You guessed it, out of all of the teachers and kids in the multi-purpose room, he chose me. Some other students, teachers, and I were lead to the front of the assembly to participate in a ceremonial dance. I tried to tell the leader I could lose my job at Harding if I were caught dancing, but he would not take "no" for an answer. Then I used my weight as an excuse, then my sleep apnea, then blood pressure, etc. but nothing worked. I was doomed to make a fool of myself. Ok, I didn't really say all of that stuff to the guy...but it did cross my mind.

We were paired with one of the Warriors and at the appointed time we were to go to the front, face one another, then jump as high as you could. Well, I didn't know anything about their culture, abilities, rituals, customs, etc. Then I quickly found out that they can JUMP really HIGH. That's right, basically flat footed jump a good 36+ vertical inches. I know that sounds high...and it is. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was experience I hope to never forget and I'm sure that the audience won't forget what they saw.

Settled In

We are all settled into the Carronvale House in Larbert, Scotland. Everyone is safe and sound enjoying themselves in “Bonnie” Scotland.

When the rest of us arrived on Wednesday morning, we were met at the airport by Adam Barr, minister of the Cumbernauld Church of Christ. Adam transported us to the Carronvale House to meet the rest of the group. About 20 minutes later we were headed to the bus stop and going into Falkirk. Jacqueline Dillion, Harding’s liaison, knew of a nice restaurant so we had lunch there and then went to ASDA, British version of Wal-Mart. In fact, it is one of Wal-Mart’s subsidiaries. The main purpose of our trip though was to find the busses that would transport us around this area. Once the busses were found, we made our way back to Carronvale House. That evening, we treated the supervising teachers, head teachers, and students to a lovely meal and informed them of our purpose in being in Scotland.

On Thursday, we journeyed to the Falkirk Wheel. Being the only one of its kind in the world, The Falkirk Wheel, named after the nearby town of Falkirk in central Scotland, is a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. The difference in the levels of the two canals at the wheel is 24 meters (79 ft), roughly equivalent to the height of an eight storey building. The structure is located near the Rough Castle Fort and the closest village is Tamfourhill. On May 24, 2002, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Falkirk Wheel as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations. During the afternoon, we took a short ride to the Callendar House in Falkirk. Callendar House is an imposing mansion set within the grounds of Falkirk’s Callendar Park. Built in the style of a French château, the house has a 600-year history, playing host too many prominent historical figures, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria. The current building is by far the most substantial historical building in the area, with a 300 ft frontage.

Friday was the beginning of our two trips into Edinburgh, a wonder city with such a historical past. The students began their Restoration Movement “Scavenger” Hunt on Friday morning. Dr. Alastair Ferrie, minister of the Dundee Church of Christ and instructor of our “History of the Restoration Movement” Bible course developed a guide so the students could actually see many of the sites they would be discussing during class. This activity was designed to make the class come to life. Some of the sites were to find St. Giles, Covenanters sign, Greyfriars Bobby, John Knox’s home and statue, etc. We also took a tour of Edinburgh Castle and saw the Royal Jewels (crown and jewelry).

Saturday was another day in Edinburgh. We caught a later train and went to “The Sevens” Rugby Games. It is a 7-on-7 Rugby Tournament with teams from all over the world. It was quite exciting especially when Scotland and South Africa played. Scotland won their first game, but was beat by South Africa in the next game by a last second “field goal.” At least that’s what I would have called it. The player kicked it through the uprights with time expired on the clock. We lost by one point. Sports are very important to the Scottish. In fact, I believe Rugby in one of the roughest sports I’ve ever witnessed. American football players, try playing your next game, with no pads, full speed, and full contact…we’ll see what kind of a man you are.

Sunday we worshipped with the Cumbernauld Church of Christ congregation. My longtime friend, Adam Barr is one of the ministers and he came over and picked us up. After lunch, we all came back to the Carronvale House and just relaxed. There was a slow steady rain falling all afternoon which made for a nice Sunday afternoon nap.

Delayed in Detroit

In my last post, I mentioned that I love watching people in the airports. However, I didn't mean that I wanted to spend more time in an airport. However, that is what Josh Mills, Emilee and I are getting to do.

Last nights flight from Little Rock to Detroit was delayed due to the weather, at least that's what the lady at the counter told us. No problem, just get me to Detroit so I can meet up with our group. She smiled and said, "I'm sorry, you'll probably miss your flight." I told her, "I have a group of students waiting for us in Detroit, can you get a message to them." "No, I'm sorry" was her reply. Then Margaret said, "I've bumped you up to 1st Class for your troubles." I'm thinking, this isn't so bad after all. My first time in 1st Class. I'll eat well and be able to stretch out. So I walked away a "happy customer." I called as many students as I could, and then used text. Everybody in the group was at least contacted, that is if they had their cell phones.

We get on our flight an hour late. The pilot comes over the PA and says, "We're sorry for the delay. We had a "mechanical error" and then couldn't find anyone to load the luggage on the plane in Detroit." That didn't sound good at all. He obviously didn't know who he was talking to...a guy that is afraid of heights. However, after a little turbulence we made it safely into Detroit missing our flight by a little over 30 minutes.

NWA was very kind to us in Detroit. An attendant was at the gate directing us in what to do. I meet with a lady at the service counter and tell her our situation. She calmly said, "We'll take care of you." I told this nice lady that the lady in Little Rock told us "that you would bump us up to 1st Class." She never looked up, smiled and said, "We can't do that. Who told you we would do that?" I quickly replied, "Margaret." She said, "Then you need to go find Margaret and see if she is going to pay for you to get into 1st Class." She then said, "You will be staying the night at the Hilton and here are vouchers for dinner and breakfast." I quickly said with a smile on my face, "Oh, Ok, thanks." We had a wonderful meal last night at a "Big Boy" restaurant, stayed in a nice room at the Hilton, and had a pretty good breakfast this morning. Our flight today does not leave until 4:00 p.m., so we will just hang out at the hotel until 1:00.

Over the past month, I have emailed the students instructions on what to do if they were to miss their flight. Of course, they are sitting at the Carronvale House in Scotland and Josh, Emilee and I are sitting in a hotel in Detroit. For those reading this, if you were to ever miss your flight, remain calm, talk to a representative of the airlines, and catch the next plane to your destination. There is really nothing else you can do. God is in control.

On Our Way

Rhonda, Josh, and Ross just let Emilee and I off at the Little Rock Airport. We are kinda glad they didn't stick around and come in, because it was hard enough saying goodbye in the parking lot.

I was "detained" a little through security so they could check my CPEP machine (breathing machine for sleep apnea). Security was really nice and helpful. Thank goodness that there was not very many in line with us. I learned a valuable lesson...pack the macine on top of your carryon.

Josh Mills, one of our students just came in. He'll be flying with us from LR.

I love coming to the airport where you can see all kinds of folks. Just now, we thought we recognized a former Razorback Football player walk by. Emilee wanted me to go ask for his autograph and I wouldn't do it. She did! It was and she got Darren "D-MAC" McFadden's autograph in the LR airport. How lucky she was!

No telling who you'll see. Who knows, someone may come and ask for our autographs.

Just some thoughts

I've been doing a lot of thinking today about family, home, kids, wife, church, etc. (not necessarily in that order). God has blessed me with each of these in the most wonderful way.

As our trip approaches, I reminisce about the ways God has blessed our family. For almost 20 years, Rhonda and I have been married. Our children, Joshua, Ross, and Emilee have provided us with much enjoyment, pleasure, surprise, frustration, love, and amazement.

Joshua graduated with honors on May 10th from Searcy High School. He has already been accepted to Harding University where, at this moment, he is interested in being a Vetenarian. He will enter HU with 27 hours, just 3 hours short of being a sophomore. Josh currently works at Caldwell Country Store where he works as a salesman up front and loads feed for folks.

Ross is now a Senior at Searcy High School. After four heart surgeries (over 25 hours of surgery), he is finally able to play football. Ross had to miss last season, however, has participated in spring practice without any health problems. He is mowing yards again this summer and Lord willing, will begin working for the Grounds Crew at Harding starting May 27.

Emilee will be in the 8th grade this next school year. She is going to Scotland with me. Emilee loves to sing and plays the drums in the junior high band. She recently had a solo in the Choir concert during one of the songs from "Sister Act." If you would like to watch it, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DL6lx110lY

Rhonda is enjoying retirement from teaching in the public schools for 28 years. She now teaches adjunct for HU. In fact, she is a wonderful teacher whom the graduate students really love. She makes a huge impact on many of their lives. She will be spending time with the boys this summer and enjoying staying at home.

I just think about being blessed. God is so good! I will miss Rhonda, Josh, and Ross very much this summer. But thanks to the internet and Skype, we will be able to see and hear each other. May the Lord bless and keep my family as we are away from each other. May His hand of safety cover us and give us peace.

Preparing

It's the last week before we leave and I've not packed yet. That kinda scares me! Emilee said she wasn't packing until the night before. Well, I've got news for her.

I've received messages from some of the students and they seem excited about the trip. I pray that all turns our great for us. Much preparation has gone into this program and the finishing touches are coming together.

Many thanks to Jacqueline Dillion, Lorriane Mcfarlane, Alastair Ferrie, John Fairgrieve, John Renwick, and Adam Barr for their continued support and assistance. This program would not have happened without their help.

Our group asks for your continued prayer and support. We have a wonderful opportunity to work with Scottish students and teachers. The schools, teachers, head teachers, and students have opened their arms to us and we look forward with anxious anticipation.