Hot spot connection at Allison Carhill House has been established, so we are great full to bring you TWO blog updates in one day!
Tuesday
Just following our last post about Fox Lake, we were welcomed by the members of the Parish of Traprain to a 4th of July BBQ bash, and going in we had no idea what to expect. We followed Joe (the saint of a man who made it possible for us to do the Fox Lake course and later go Go-Karting) to a massive modern looking barn where some of the locals had gathered. There was a young guy flipping burgers and sausages out front and upon seeing our van lumbering up the hill, church members came out into the rain to greet us. We were welcomed with open arms by pastor David and other parishioners, and many introductions ensued. There were people of all ages young and old; even a group young people who were our age. We all came together over good food and drink thanks to the ladies of the church and Jamie, our meat master, who came through with some perfectly cooked burgers and even steaks.
We had some great conversations over dinner, and found that even though we came from places halfway across the world, in some ways we were more alike than different. Others of our group took it upon themselves to entertain the little kids of the church and it was truly a joy to watch. There was a great deal of football throwing and hay bale jumping, the kind of pure innocent fun that brings out the child in all of us.
It was such a joy to watch the two groups become one as the night progressed, and experience a snapshot of genuine Scottish culture. Many memories were made, and we even put together plans to get a Chippey (fish and chips) with some of the girls from the church later in the week. As we piled in the van to drive home, all were sad to go. Paula, a woman with whom some of our group especially connected with, even tried to tag along with us. We finished the night with the worship service put together by Claire, Laura, Drew, Matthew, Evie and Gus, falling asleep immediately after.
Wednesday
Today was another busy day! After our morning watch, centered around Joshua 3:1-4:7, we began our day by traveling to the Palworth Church in Edinburgh. We were welcomed with tea, cookies, and good conversation. The pastor of Palworth showed us the unique architecture and history of the church. We then joined forces with the people of their church and of the Canal Shed (a partnership between Scottish Waterways Trust, Scottish Canals in Edinburg, and the Palworth Church) to work on the church grounds by weeding and beginning to varnish their porch overlooking the canal. To find lunch, we took a stroll down the canal to downtown Edinburgh. Next on our agenda was Go-Karting in Gladsmuir. On the way there, we saw a line of police on motorcycles followed by the Queen! We had known she was in Edinburgh (along with Justin Trodeau,) but none of us had thought we were going to be able to be so close to her. Everybody had a blast Go-Karting as we zipped around the tight corners in our racing suits and helmets. Emery even set the course record for the day! On the way home to the Allison Cargill house, Kirk and Heh Say had a happy reunion with their luggage! After some much-needed rest, we enjoyed a delightful presentation on Whittinghame history given by David Affleck before a family-style dinner. Shortly we will be joining together in worship and getting ready for bed. We will need the rest for more adventures tomorrow!
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