Okay, so it's been like a month since I've been home and amidst all the craziness of my summer, I'm finally having some down time to tie up the ends of this blog. I'll miss it, but be sure to come back to my regular blog to continue following me!
Finishing up Scotland, I'm just going to offer some big picture things, maybe some stories, but mainly things I learned and such.
Firstly, I'm listening to my new favorite British musical artist who has graced the US with his presence now, but won't be releasing his CD until September. So much love for Olly Murs and the fact that I discovered him the one [I actually went twice but..ha] time I went clubbing. Classic.
So here's my picture looking at what I learned about God, Scotland, life...
I learned God is the same regardless of where you are; He always answers prayers, but not always how you'd expect or how you want, but it's all for good. Others may have differing opinions on things in the Bible, but we all love the same God. His character does not change. Scotland may not be a huge country, but the Scots are big on their country. Bagpipes are commonplace on the streets. It felt weird to not hear them when out for a walk. Tea time is real and necessary. Scottish accents sometimes sound like a different language. Paying to use the bathroom is a hassle, but I guess it makes some sense because the bathrooms are usually nicer...so that's debatable. It didn't rain nearly as much as I thought it would. Scottish people are more relaxed than Brits, althought the Brits I met were actually quite hilarious. Maybe just older British people are so proper? Still, they're all a little more proper/polite than Americans. Everything's better in a UK accent. Public transportation is fabulous, even when it's confusing, it's still fun to figure it out and feel accomplished when you do! Warm weather is above 50s. 60s is hot. When it gets that warm and sunny, everyone is outside lounging on any space that is covered in grass and having cook outs with £5 grills. Walkable cities are such a huge blessing. Europe does it right with all its public transport and walkability. I learned how to get things done efficiently..or at least done. I learned it takes work to reach a goal but the success at the end is sweet. I can write an 8-10 page paper like a boss. Library books are often more helpful and than internet sources. I like routine, but also change too. I learned to eat a lot of things I wouldn't necessarily at home. Like fried eggs or classic Scottish dessert: sponge cake in varying flavors or with varying added ingredients like sultana or peaches with custard. Salad everyday: normal.
Since being back in the states, I've gotten used to this life quickly, yet at the same time, I am overcome with waves of Scotland withdrawal. Some days I long for the days of walking the city and hearing accents or of the cool winds and rain even though when I was there in that weather, it wasn't very pleasant, but now it would be so perfect. Sometimes I even miss my crappy dorm room and its flat pillow and its only redeeming factor of the view of the Crags out the window. I miss climbing Arthur's Seat [which I did like 7 times in the last 2 weeks I was there.] I miss getting excited when they had naan in the dining hall. In all that, I remember how last semester was so surreal, yet it really happened. I really got to live across the ocean in a beautiful country and fulfill multiple life dreams like riding a double decker bus and learning to play bagpipes [sort of]. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to travel so many places and make new friends and become so much more independent. I can't wait until someday I can visit again, but until then, I will do my best to keep exploring where I am and loving where I am.
