Marching right along

I'm sitting here without much feeling of creativity- not even an ounce of enthusiasm to at least flower up my long-overdue blog post. But I have intended to write something- anything- for several weeks now. So here I am. : )

I look at the calendar and it declares that March is now halfway finished and today is the 'first day of spring' (100% confirmed by the weather we had here!) Going by the calendar's declaration I have been here nearly 7 months. That's 3 months shy of 1 year. And I am amazed. I have experienced so much that it feels more like 7 years I've been here, yet my life here has gone by so quickly that it feels like a mere 7 days have passed. How is that?


I don't know what to share about my past several weeks. I suppose I will just pick something that is most recent and forefront in my mind- today. : ) I had the privilege of taking a long walk with a wonderful woman, Katie, who is so very familiar with Aberdeen and, well, life in general. She took me out to another portion of the River Dee where there's a former railway line that folks can walk, bike, or horse along (ride horses, that is...). We walked, and walked, and walked some more, taking in views of the distant hills and all the surrounding scenery including flowers, farms (ever seen a deer farm?), the river, and houses which likely cost more than I'd like to know! Location, location, location.

As we neared the end of our walk, I was gently and so lovingly reminded of one main reason I originally sensed God was calling me to Scotland- to enjoy Him. And one way I enjoy Him is in His creation- the glorious sights, sounds, and smells of nature which absolutely abound here. No, Scotland is no better than Texas (as I'm often asked) but there's just something about the beauty of this place that awakens me, draws me closer to the creator. I can't fully explain it, so I don't expect you to fully understand it, but it was neat to have that moment along the river today which has refocused me on what's most important not only in my time here but in all of life- knowing and enjoying God.

It is quite easy to be distracted from that enjoyment and tugged away by the worries of this world. I needed today. I think this first day of spring might just be symbolic of an inner shift. Oh, sweet relief.



I suppose an update on general life happenings might be desired by some. Hmm...I'll try recap but not drag on with unnecessary details. ;)


I've been on a bit of a spring break, we'll call it. Our classes finished up at the end of February, and we had a minor form of assessment- interviewing a pretend social work client- to make sure we're 'ready for practice'. This, combined with several other forms of assessment gathered over recent months, let our guides know if we are indeed prepared enough to begin our placements. These are basically like internships, minus any payment of the financial kind (I'm sure we'll be rewarded in other ways..). So I've been waiting for about 3.5 weeks to be assigned to an organization for my first placement. (The second placement is next year, after more lectures and stuff.) (Sorry if my parentheses are annoying you, too.)


During my unofficial-but-wonderfully-long-and-welcome spring break I have worked a bit at the cafe, perfecting (?) my java skills. I've just accepted that cappucinos will never be my forte. I'm okay with that; I depend on my highly skilled co-workers for such drink orders. : ) I have also had fun meeting up with lots of different friends over the weeks. I am afraid I've possibly spent a good amount of the money earned from my cafe time, but I'm learning- ever so slowly- to make compromises (i.e. tea instead of coffee, as it's cheaper, or drinking water and imagining it's iced tea). Okay, so the imagined iced tea part hasn't ever happened. But I might give it a try!


I've managed to enjoy the gym's various activities a bit more- braving the swimming pool and getting in some much needed ping pong (or table tennis, as called here). So that's been fun. I hope I can keep up with both once my placement begins. Oh, back to that...I'm due to start on Wednesday. I'm thankful it's finally to begin, yet I will miss the less scheduled days. It's been nice to sleep longer and take time to eat my meals, not rushing around as much. I am still uncertain on the details of what I'll be doing, but it looks like my work will be with adults with learning disabilities who live in a care home. It should be good experience that I don't really have yet. I will likely tell more about it as it unfolds.


I have been learning to play the guitar, too. It's lots of fun but taking longer than I expected. : ) Many good things take time, so I'm not gonna give it up. The more I learn, the more fun I have.


I am beginning to fade, so I'd better wrap up. I won't make any promises about how soon I will write again, but I hope to at LEAST update my photos, finally. Sometimes pictures are better than words, anyway, right?


My love to you all.

Walkin' (or playin') in a Winter Wonderland

As I sit here and type the snow is steadily falling, covering white with more white. It's been over a week now that we've had snow fall nearly every day, and I must say: I can now better sympathize with my family and friends in the northern states who complain of the snow! Don't get me wrong- it is absolutely beautiful and I am not entirely ungrateful for its presence. It just has brought some new challenges my way such as learning how to walk with more concentration and muscle control, so as not to go ker-platt on the icy white cement!

I have greatly benefited from the snow, more than just building up my legs- I've gotten to build a snowman, make a snow angel, and go sledding (or "sledging", as it's termed here) down multiple hills. Talk about being childlike! I have had a blast playing in the snow with my friends. I will aim to post some pictures (in addition to those below) on my Picasa site, but it might be a few days before I get 'round to it.

Last Friday I started back to work at the cafe that hired me back in December. I will work there again this week, and hopefully over the next few weeks I will continue to get some hours in. It's a very, VERY part-time job...only about 4-8 hours per week...but I see it as God's provision for this time, since I can't offer much more time than that but still need the income, however minimal it may be. The cafe folks are very flexible with me which is all part of that provision, I think. It's a neat little place, and I like the change of pace it brings- I'm not required to use my brain as extensively as in my course work (major plus!) I get to interact with a variety of people, too, which is also fun and good.

I am still really enjoying my church here. Although there is a very limited amount of folks my age with whom to interact I like spending time with the people there. And I have been blessed with a group of friends who go to other churches, so that has helped to fill that need for the time being. They are loads of fun and I love the laughs I get with them. : ) Some of us are students, some professionals, but all love Jesus in such dynamic and special ways. Most are British but there are two of us representing America. ;)

I think that's all for now. I just wanted to get another post up before a month went by again! I will write again soon, hopefully with something more exciting?

Now some photos of my recent fun...

Silvia (flatmate) and I made a handsome little snowman one night

Ellen and I used pool floats to sled down a hill..worked better than actual sleds, I think!

Using all kinds of 'sledging' devices with another gang

Vinyl works, ever so slightly...here we are trying a bobsledding technique. I'll let you guess how far we got.

Take Me Down to the River to Pray...

Well, well, well.... I am back in Aberdeen, have been since Jan. 13th. The past few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind, but I have survived. : )

I had a wonderful time at home for the Christmas/New Year's holidays. It was refreshing to have a break from school and comforting to simply be at home where I am loved and allowed to just be. There is nothing quite like family. And I certainly needed that time with them after being away for several months.

While I was home my brother proposed to his girlfriend, Maria, so that was pretty exciting. : ) It was a fun evening for all, as he had her parents, our parents, and me helping with various aspects. It was a great success (and a great laugh at certain points!) Here are a few photos from the special night...

They are already busy with the exciting task of preparing for the wedding, which will be in September. I should get to go home a month or so in advance, which I am happy about. I can't miss their special day! Plus I might need another family-fix after another few months away. :)

Let's see...I also got to see several of my friends in the Houston area and up in Belton/Temple/Austin/San Marcos area. I should have just classified that as Central Texas, but I like being specific. So yes- had lots of coffee and meals with people who warm my heart and bring me laughter...it was so good! I didn't get to see everyone I wanted to see, but hopefully will be able to see them next time around. I loved getting to meet a couple little babies who were born after I moved here. That was special!

I took up ANY opportunity to drive while I was home. : ) "Do we need milk? I'LL GO GET IT!" It was a blessing to have control of the wheel and take to the open road. I do not, however, miss the busy traffic and the crazy drivers.

It was slightly strange to be home; the 3.5 months I was away just felt like a dream, really. Back to reality, it seemed, when I arrived in Houston. Now that I'm back here in Aberdeen, my time home for Christmas seems like a dream. Funny how that works.

So I am back. Hmmm....mixed emotions galore. I experienced homesickness the first week back like I've never known before. It was tough. Thankfully I had a couple weeks to adjust back into life here before classes started up again. I needed that time but I think it also fostered more loneliness and homesickness than necessary. I don't do well with so much unstructured time on my hands, I've learned. But then again, I really love unstructured days sometimes.

I have enjoyed seeing my friends here again, so that's helped me transition back into a steady state. We started back to class this week, and on Wednesday I nearly packed my bags and said goodbye to the course. I'm much better now, after much encouragement and help from Emmanuel. I am breathing huge sighs of relief every few minutes, as the sources of stress from this week have finally disappeared. My last essay is in and that portion of the course is [hopefully] now behind me, barring any necessary resubmissions.

I should hear soon of where I'll have my placement (internship type experience). I will update you with that when I know something...I am excited to find out where I'll get to put some of this knowledge (no matter how minimal) to use!

I think that's about it for now...here are a few more photos from recent days. I continue to LOVE the river just below me. It has been a source of therapy for me, really. I now read scripture with more appreciation of any mention of 'rivers'. : )

Love to all,

jess

I'm home in ONE WEEK!

I just lost a very fun post...and I would attempt to re-cap, but I need to return to my exciting essay biz. And by exciting, I mean...

I can't wait to hug many of you soon. Until then, I must be a busy beaver (minus the noises).

Toodle-loo!

Happy Feet

In the famous words of Michelle Tanner (from Full House, one of my favorite old shows),

“Hi, people!”

My belly is full on my attempted stir-fry dinner, and I’m settled in for yet another quiet Friday evening. You’re probably questioning why I’m not out on the town, celebrating the weekend. Well, it’s rather simple…I tend to dilly-dally so much during the week that I have to stay in on the weekends! Plus it’s just down right COLD outside tonight. I’d rather stay warm with some hot chocolate and entertained with my Sociology essay, thank you very much. ;)

Don’t worry, I will still get some play time this weekend. There is a holiday market here in Aberdeen, which apparently has some amazing international foods and booths to experience. I plan to go walk around tomorrow for a few hours with a friend or two; I hope to chomp on a good turkey leg or perhaps some haggis meatballs? …or not!

The past couple weeks have been quite good. We had an onslaught of snow last weekend! It was so beautiful for the first day. Then it became a bit of an annoyance! I did manage to enjoy a good romping through it and have thus determined my need for some waterproof shoes. :D

I have managed to complete one essay and have 4 more to complete before I leave for my Christmas vacation. By the way, I am really, REALLY looking forward to being in Texas for a several weeks! (Thanks to some dear friends of mine, this has become possible. Forever grateful am I!)This does not mean I am miserable here by any means, but I surely do miss parts of home. As typically expected, I greatly miss my family and friends, my dog, and certain foods. However, I think my freedom to drive is what I miss most desperately!

Driving was such a huge source of independence for me for so many years. It was great alone time, too. I mean, where else could I sing at the top of my lungs?! Public transportation here is definitely better than in Texas, and I’m thankful for it… I’m just not so sure I could carry out my typical transportational singing with an audience of strangers.

The lack of a car has also helped me better appreciate my feet. And my hands. And my heart, for that matter. If any of those were ‘out of order’ (temporarily or permanently), I would lose even more independence- doing my own grocery shopping. Walking to and from the store does not bother me much, but the more weight in my grocery sacks the more grueling the walk. There is a dear lady who provides me a lift to and from the store from time to time, so I appreciate that. It certainly would be great to have my own vehicle someday, but for now I will continue to happily utilize the feet, hands, and heart I have taken for granted.

Oh! I might have a part-time (we’re talking VERY part-time) job lined up for when I return in January! I interviewed this week with an organization called Inspire, which works with people with varied learning disabilities. It seems to fit perfectly within my social work goals, eh? It sure does. However, the post I would fill is actually just working in their café. : ) I might occasionally have the opportunity to work with the clients, or ‘students’ as they’ve begun calling them as of late. I am glad to just have some sort of work to help keep up with living expenses. I have a trial-run at the café one day this week, and I may or may not work a little before Christmas. We shall see.

I experienced my first Thanksgiving in Scotland, which was quite a thrill! We had tons of good food and even more laughs. I was slightly embarrassed, though, when I couldn’t give a completely accurate description of why Americans celebrate such a holiday… needless to say, I didn’t manage to clear up their assumption that it’s all about food. Oops.

You can see a few photos of my Scottish Thanksgiving and other exciting moments by going here.

I have experienced lots of joy lately, and I am absolutely thankful for that. But I am feeling such sadness from the sights and sounds in the news…the happenings in the Congo, India, Thailand, the middle East, and back home- the Black Friday sad stories, as one recent example. This world is experiencing such extreme things. Does any of it surprise our Creator? No, I don’t think it surprises Him…but I imagine it grieves Him, too.

I take comfort and re-gain hope when I remember that there is a day coming when all pain and strife will be gone, all wars and lies will cease. [Blessed are those who call on the Lord Jesus.]

“Swing wide the glimmering gates…leave your pride and pain…swing wide the glimmering gates, and be innocent again…” (andrew osenga)

New-found Path(s)

I have several items to cross off my weekend to-do list and only a few short hours of the weekend remain. So, why not pull aside and blog for a few minutes? : )

I have had a very tiring couple of weeks since I last posted about the snow. (It evaporated just as quickly as it had fallen, by the way.) I have finally come to the realization, or finally accepted, that graduate school is a whole different story than my college/undergraduate years. In this story are such chapters as: Sleep Deprivation Taken Up a Notch; No Time for Toe-nails (and other pseudo-hygienic matters); What Day is It?; and Progressive Caffeine Addiction.

In all seriousness, though, I did get to meet with my personal tutor (advisor) last week, and she helped point me in the right direction for my remaining 5 weeks (?!?!) of the first-year lecture sessions. I am very, very thankful for this direction, as I have felt so incredibly incapable of this self-guided study/research stuff.

To give you an idea of what we're doing...

- We have 8 different social work-related subject areas in which we receive lectures and have seminars each week. (the seminars are to discuss what we are "learning")

- We have NO exams, which sounds great but not once you realize...

- ...we are required to submit essays for our assessments, one for each of the subject areas, between Dec. 1st and January 31st (roughly). And then there are a few weeks provided to "re-sit" the assessments if we fail the first time around. (that's the scary part.) The essays incorporate what we've been taught in each area and an application to a case study- basically a hypothetical family who has LOTS of problems we can address with all our new knowledge!

- We then do stuff after Christmas until March/April to prepare us for practice, when we go for a Placement within a certain social work agency (basically like an internship)

- Then we start over again next fall for one more round of the above, from what I understand.

So, the main thing on my academic plate is researching loads of information on the 8 subject areas: Social Work Theory and Practice, Professional Ethics, Research Methods, Sociology, Social Psychology, Development and Behavior, Law, and Social Policy. I enjoy most of these areas, but I feel like we don't have nearly enough time to really dive in to the material; we're just skimming the surface and, I suppose, we will go deeper as we get into our practice time.

I currently feel lots of support from most of my classmates and our lecturers, which is improvement from previous week- I had felt so on my own and scared of the upcoming essays! We are finding it truly helps to discuss with each other what we're learning and about our essay assignments. Amazing how helpful it can be to just open my mouth, ask questions, share ideas, etc... : D

I am still greatly enjoying the Scottish aspect of being here. In fact I went on a brief, exploratory walk this afternoon. For the 2+ months I've been here I have wanted to find a way down to the river, and I've been curious if there's a path to walk along. Sure enough there is a nice little path and it will see my nice little (ha) feet a lot more now that I know it exists! I had such a refreshing time this afternoon, walking along the River Dee and stopping every few inches for some photographic fun. Here are a few shots I like the best...

all the colors are so vibrant right now! I really wish they could remain throughout the winter, but I am told that is unlikely ;)



I know, it's pathetic to take one's own picture, but how else could I prove that I really did brave the bitter cold to find a new walking path and take some pictures?! (my hands were red and swollen after coming inside...next time I will be smart and take my gloves!)

I must end here, as my tasks have not magically disappeared as I was sooo hoping they would. I will leave you with a fun-fact: the Scottish version of our 'John Doe' is apparently 'Joe Blogs'.

Yep!

Love love love,

jess : )

"Oh! the snow, the beautiful snow, Filling the sky and earth below, Over the housetops, over the street, Over the heads of the people you meet. Dancing, Flirting, Skimming along."

J.W. Watson

Greetings from the wintry north! I just had to hop on here and share the latest with you- it snowed this morning! And I got to see it in action! I didn't manage to take a photo while it was falling, but here is a shot from outside my window just a few moments ago. The snow is already melting from the beautiful sunshine we have this morning. Ahhh, what a special day.

I wish I could sit here and update you on every little bit of my past days but that would take several hours; I only have a few minutes between classes right now to eat some yummy soup and be "productive". : )

But to catch up briefly, I have re-discovered the extreme commitment required for university success. It has been quite distressing at moments, and I have had to re-prioritize a little bit; my say-yes-to-every-opportunity tendency from back home has to die. If I am spread too thin, I don't have much to offer to people, my course, or God- with whom I desperately need time and nurturing.

My days have slowed down a bit since re-organizing and minimizing my commitments; I have gotten into a better routine, although I still struggle with time management. Maybe someday I will really get it...

I am getting very interested in the things I'm learning in our classes, but I often find myself more concerned with my course mates- the lives they are living and the eternal uncertainty they hold. Knowing when to speak and when to be silent is a big question mark for me right now. When something is so special, so central to my life, I can't help but want to offer it to them. But when someone puts up their hands saying, "No thanks, I'm fine", what more can I do but pray? Hmmm...

I know there is a number of you reading who may not really be on the same page, and that's okay. This is a big part of my days here, so I want to share. And as much as I'd like to be more focused on the 'task at hand', I can't help but see the people around me, in their need for true LIFE. Jesus, and only Jesus, is the way, the truth, and the life. His words, not mine. I have found them to be so true.

Anyway, I continue to enjoy each aspect of this experience. As I sensed in the 'dreaming years' before coming here, there are still issues within me and this world is still in sad shape; my location has not made those things go away. But I am so thankful for the blessing of being here.

Some highlights are seeing dogs almost every day, out with their owners for a walk or play...observing little children on the buses or in shops with their parents...learning all the Scottish terms and phrases that are odd but sensible...hearing the wind outside my window, seeing the leaves on the ground from the wind's effects...

Arg, I really need to go for now. I know this blog update is random and not very coherent, but I just had to share my excitement of the snow with you. : ) Maybe next time it will be enough to make a snowman. I'll keep you informed.

With my love and a big smile,

jess