Saturday Update

Yesterday was a busy day as we took on the role of tourists in Edinburgh! We all started out exploring the Edinburgh castle together. It was amazing to be in the place where so much history had taken place. We then split into groups to see the rest of the city. One group took the trek up Arthur's seat. At the top we could look over the whole city and it was absolutely breathtaking. It truly felt like we were on top of the world. Other groups enjoyed a choir concert in the St Giles Cathedral. Everybody had an opportunity to get souvenirs and gifts for friends and family. Edinburgh is a beautiful, vibrant city and we all enjoyed the opportunity to explore it. One mission for the day was to find wellies for those who didn't bring them. We went to many shops, but after a few dead ends and one closed shoe store, we ended up at Asda (a Scottish Meijer.) We then drove to Dunbar for fish and chips with some local girls we had met at the Fourth of July barbecue. We walked down to the harbor and picnicked together there, looking out over the ocean, and again discussing the similarities and differences of our countries. We even picked up a little Scottish slang as well! 

After dinner we said goodbye to the girls and drove home to prepare for one of the most amazing worship experiences imaginable. We all donned layers and rain boots and made the trek up Traprain Law where we would share in communion together immersed in God's creation. A cairn, or rock like used as a burial ground, stands proudly in the top of the Law. After looking out on the sunset and reflecting on God's majesty, we cuddled together in the cairn as it got colder. As Kirk broke the bread and poured the juice, the full moon peeked out behind behind the clouds bathing us all with light. Sadly, three of our group members were unable to make the climb up the mountain. When it came time to break the bread however, we signaled down to them with flashlights so they were able to participate in communion with us at the same time. The whole experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and everyone came down that mountain a new person. 

Today we were awoken blissfully late (11:30) by the hearty aromas of pancakes, hash browns, bacon, sausage, eggs and freshly mixed orange drink from concentrate. Today will be a much needed day of reprieve from the busyness and exhaustion of this past week. We will be doing a little bit of service in the afternoon, and a lot of laundry before then heading off to the ceilidh to cut loose and have a little fun! It will be a festive way to wrap our time here in East Linton before heading to Iona! Until tomorrow, peace and love,

Group 1-- Heh Say, John, Annika, Ben, Emery, and Laura